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Albemarle (ALB)
NYSE:ALB
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Albemarle (ALB) AI Stock Analysis

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ALB

Albemarle

(NYSE:ALB)

Rating:61Neutral
Price Target:
$89.00
▲(4.80% Upside)
Albemarle's overall stock score reflects significant financial challenges, particularly in profitability and revenue growth, which weigh heavily on the score. However, positive technical indicators and a balanced earnings call with strong operational performance and cost management provide some optimism. Valuation concerns due to negative earnings further impact the score.
Positive Factors
Cost Management
Analysts are increasingly confident that Albemarle will achieve free cash flow positivity with disciplined capital expenditure management.
Financial Position
A further CapEx cut has been realized, which is expected to positively impact Albemarle's financial position.
Negative Factors
Lithium Market Conditions
The lithium market remains oversupplied, which could pose continued price risks for Albemarle.
Market Dynamics
Temporary market dynamics have led to a shift towards spot volumes, which could imply a weaker performance in the second half of the year.
Pricing Environment
The recent increases in lithium pricing may be speculator-driven, with concerns that the lower-for-longer pricing environment may persist longer than previously believed.

Albemarle (ALB) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Albemarle Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAlbemarle Corporation is a global specialty chemicals company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It operates primarily in three segments: Lithium, Bromine Specialties, and Catalysts. Albemarle is a leading provider of lithium for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage, producing a range of lithium compounds and derivatives. The company also manufactures bromine and bromine-based products for various applications, including flame retardants and oil and gas production. Additionally, its Catalysts segment develops advanced catalysts for refining and petrochemical industries, contributing to cleaner fuels and sustainable processes.
How the Company Makes MoneyAlbemarle generates revenue through several key streams primarily focused on its three business segments. The Lithium segment is a significant revenue driver, capitalizing on the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. The company sells lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, and other lithium compounds, often under long-term contracts with major battery and automotive manufacturers. The Bromine Specialties segment contributes through the production and sale of bromine derivatives used in various industries, including electronics and agriculture. The Catalysts segment earns revenue by providing innovative catalysts to refineries and petrochemical companies, helping them improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Additionally, Albemarle has established strategic partnerships and joint ventures, particularly in lithium production, which enhance its market position and provide stable revenue streams. Market dynamics, including the shift towards sustainable energy sources and electric vehicles, continue to bolster the company's earnings potential.

Albemarle Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Analyzes revenue from different business segments, highlighting which areas drive growth and profitability, and indicating potential shifts in strategic focus or market demand.
Chart InsightsAlbemarle's revenue trajectory reveals a significant shift in its Energy Storage segment, which has seen robust growth but is now facing margin pressures due to lower lithium prices and high operating costs. Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic about the strong demand for lithium, driven by the EV and stationary storage markets. The earnings call underscores Albemarle's strategic focus on cost improvements and financial flexibility, which are crucial as they navigate uncertainties in the North American EV market and potential tariff impacts.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Albemarle Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 30, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 29, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a balanced view with strong operational performance and cost management highlighted against the backdrop of declining lithium prices and market uncertainties. The company's ability to achieve positive free cash flow and improve financial flexibility amidst these challenges is a positive takeaway.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Volume Growth in Energy Storage and Specialties
The company reported net sales of $1.3 billion, driven by strong volume growth in energy storage and specialties, despite a decline in lithium pricing.
Cost and Productivity Improvement Achievements
Achieved a 100% run rate of the $400 million cost and productivity improvement target, reaching the high end of the initial range. SG&A costs were down more than 20% year-over-year.
Enhanced Financial Flexibility
Redeemed preferred shares for an aggregate value of $307 million and improved leverage ratios, ending the quarter with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.3x.
Positive Free Cash Flow Expectation
The company now expects to achieve positive free cash flow for the full year 2025, aided by reduced capital expenditure forecasts and strong operating cash flow generation.
Record Production in JV Operations in Jordan
Achieved record production in Jordan, thanks to the NEBO project, which enhances financial and sustainability benefits.
Negative Updates
Decline in Lithium Market Pricing
Net sales and second quarter adjusted EBITDA declined year-over-year, mainly due to lower lithium market pricing.
Potential Margin Pressure in Second Half
Energy Storage EBITDA margin expected to be lower in the second half due to a smaller proportion of lithium salt sales under long-term agreements.
Lower Full Year 2025 Capital Expenditure Forecast
The company reduced its full-year 2025 expected capital expenditures by about 60% versus last year, potentially indicating slower growth investments.
China Supply Uncertainty
Uncertainty around supply and government policies in China, with speculative market behavior affecting lithium pricing.
Company Guidance
During Albemarle Corporation's Q2 2025 earnings call, the company provided detailed guidance on several key metrics. The company reported net sales of $1.3 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $336 million, reflecting improvements in cost and productivity, particularly in energy storage product mix. Albemarle is maintaining its 2025 outlook, projecting positive free cash flow for the year, assuming the current lithium market pricing of approximately $9 per kilogram continues. The company achieved a 100% run rate of its $400 million cost and productivity improvement target and reduced full-year 2025 expected capital expenditures to $650 million to $700 million, representing a 60% reduction compared to the previous year. Albemarle ended the quarter with $3.4 billion in available liquidity, including $1.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents, and reported a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.3x. The company continues to see strong lithium demand, with global lithium consumption up about 35% year-to-date, and remains confident in the long-term growth potential of the lithium industry despite current market conditions.

Albemarle Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Albemarle faces significant financial challenges, particularly in maintaining profitability and revenue growth. The income statement shows volatility with a negative net profit margin and declining revenue growth. The balance sheet reflects moderate stability with manageable leverage, but negative return on equity suggests inefficiencies. Cash flow analysis indicates some ability to generate cash from operations, but free cash flow remains negative.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Albemarle's income statement shows significant volatility. The TTM data reveals a negative net profit margin of -18.61% and a declining revenue growth rate of -197.1%. This indicates substantial challenges in maintaining profitability and revenue stability. Historical data shows a sharp decline from 2022, where the company had a net profit margin of 27.91% and a strong revenue growth rate of 119.96%. The current negative EBIT and EBITDA margins further highlight operational inefficiencies.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The balance sheet reflects moderate financial stability with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35 in the TTM period, indicating manageable leverage. However, the return on equity is negative at -9.19%, suggesting inefficiencies in generating returns for shareholders. The equity ratio remains stable, indicating a solid asset base relative to equity.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash flow analysis shows mixed results. The TTM period indicates a positive operating cash flow to net income ratio of 0.40, suggesting some ability to generate cash from operations despite net losses. However, free cash flow remains negative, and the free cash flow to net income ratio is -0.07, highlighting challenges in sustaining free cash flow.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.99B5.38B9.62B7.32B3.33B3.13B
Gross Profit387.35M62.54M1.19B3.07B997.97M994.85M
EBITDA-281.58M-1.01B792.75M2.86B449.09M678.62M
Net Income-929.45M-1.18B1.57B2.69B123.67M375.76M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets17.29B16.61B18.27B15.46B10.97B10.45B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.81B1.19B889.90M1.50B439.27M746.72M
Total Debt3.72B3.62B4.28B3.32B2.52B3.69B
Total Liabilities6.79B6.41B8.61B7.27B5.17B5.98B
Stockholders Equity10.24B9.96B9.41B7.98B5.63B4.27B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-178.35M-983.72M-823.96M646.20M-609.41M-51.56M
Operating Cash Flow775.10M702.07M1.33B1.91B344.26M798.91M
Investing Cash Flow-451.65M-1.57B-2.78B-1.42B-666.59M-863.57M
Financing Cash Flow-413.49M1.24B623.91M611.89M50.21M177.26M

Albemarle Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price84.92
Price Trends
50DMA
73.97
Positive
100DMA
66.00
Positive
200DMA
75.92
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.85
Positive
RSI
51.60
Neutral
STOCH
59.94
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ALB, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 84.92 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 79.35, above the 50-day MA of 73.97, and above the 200-day MA of 75.92, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.85 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 51.60 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 59.94 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for ALB.

Albemarle Risk Analysis

Albemarle disclosed 53 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Albemarle reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Albemarle Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
69
Neutral
$8.08B9.8814.52%4.75%1.60%-3.97%
65
Neutral
$12.76B27.209.29%0.47%-23.20%1226.72%
64
Neutral
$9.18B13.3811.73%-2.34%89.86%
61
Neutral
$10.24B6.180.71%2.90%3.45%-36.02%
61
Neutral
$18.12B73.921.08%9.71%-14.12%-89.22%
61
Neutral
$9.99B-8.66%1.91%-33.05%-97.63%
54
Neutral
$11.26B25.36-0.64%2.40%-3.00%-124.79%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ALB
Albemarle
79.54
-3.48
-4.19%
EMN
Eastman Chemical
69.42
-26.30
-27.48%
LYB
LyondellBasell
55.84
-31.58
-36.12%
SQM
Sociedad Quimica Y Minera SA
43.39
6.94
19.04%
WLK
Westlake Corporation
87.82
-46.77
-34.75%
AVTR
Avantor
13.29
-11.77
-46.97%

Albemarle Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Albemarle Appoints New Chief Operations Officer
Neutral
Aug 12, 2025

On August 11, 2025, Albemarle Corporation announced a change in its organizational structure with the departure of Chief Operations Officer Netha N. Johnson, effective August 10, 2025. Mark M. Mummert, who has been with the company since 2019 and has extensive experience in supply chain and global operations, will succeed Johnson. Mummert’s new role includes an annual base salary of $550,000, participation in the company’s annual incentive plan, and a long-term incentive grant for 2026, reflecting Albemarle’s commitment to strategic leadership and operational excellence.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Albemarle Extends CEO J. Kent Masters’ Contract
Positive
Aug 4, 2025

On July 30, 2025, Albemarle Corporation announced an extension of the employment agreement with its CEO, J. Kent Masters, through March 30, 2027. This decision reflects the company’s confidence in Masters’ leadership during a period of restructuring and industry dynamism. The agreement includes provisions for salary, bonuses, and long-term incentives, with specific conditions for termination and vesting. The move is seen as a strategic effort to maintain stability and continuity in Albemarle’s executive leadership as it navigates changes in the specialty chemicals industry.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 29, 2025