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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)

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Neutral 58 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:58Neutral
Price Target:
$132.00
▲(4.01% Upside)
Albemarle's overall stock score reflects a mix of strong technical momentum and significant financial challenges. The company's financial performance is hindered by declining profitability and cash flow issues, while its valuation is pressured by a negative P/E ratio. Despite these challenges, the stock's technical indicators show bullish momentum, which is a positive factor for short-term investors. The optimistic earnings call guidance and strong demand in energy storage and EV markets provide some long-term potential, but caution is advised due to current financial and valuation concerns.
Positive Factors
Cost and Productivity Improvements
Significant cost and productivity improvements enhance operational efficiency, supporting long-term profitability and competitive positioning.
Strong Demand in Energy Storage and EV Markets
Robust demand in energy storage and EV markets drives growth in Albemarle's lithium segment, ensuring sustained revenue opportunities.
Strategic Portfolio Actions
Strategic divestitures provide Albemarle with capital for debt reduction and reinvestment, enhancing financial flexibility and focus on core operations.
Negative Factors
Decline in Net Sales
A decline in net sales due to lower lithium prices poses a challenge to revenue stability, affecting long-term financial performance.
Net Loss Reported
Reporting a net loss indicates financial strain, potentially impacting investor confidence and limiting resources for growth initiatives.
Weaker Demand in Specialties
Weaker demand in the Specialties segment could hinder revenue diversification and growth, affecting overall business resilience.

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

Albemarle Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAlbemarle Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets engineered specialty chemicals worldwide. It operates through three segments: Lithium, Bromine, and Catalysts. The Lithium segment offers lithium compounds, including lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, lithium chloride, and lithium specialties; and reagents, such as butyllithium and lithium aluminum hydride for use in lithium batteries for consumer electronics and electric vehicles, high performance greases, thermoplastic elastomers for car tires, rubber soles, plastic bottles, catalysts for chemical reactions, organic synthesis processes in the areas of steroid chemistry and vitamins, life sciences, pharmaceutical industry, and other markets. It also provides cesium products for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries; zirconium, barium, and titanium products for pyrotechnical applications that include airbag initiators; technical services for the handling and use of reactive lithium products; and lithium-containing by-products recycling services. The Bromine segment offers bromine and bromine-based fire safety solutions; specialty chemicals, including elemental bromine, alkyl and inorganic bromides, brominated powdered activated carbon, and other bromine fine chemicals for use in chemical synthesis, oil and gas well drilling and completion fluids, mercury control, water purification, beef and poultry processing, and other industrial applications; and other specialty chemicals, such as tertiary amines for surfactants, biocides, and disinfectants and sanitizers. The Catalysts segment provides hydroprocessing, isomerization, and akylation catalysts; fluidized catalytic cracking catalysts and additives; and organometallics and curatives. The company serves the energy storage, petroleum refining, consumer electronics, construction, automotive, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, and crop protection markets. Albemarle Corporation was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
How the Company Makes MoneyAlbemarle generates revenue through the sale of its specialty chemical products across its three business segments. The Lithium segment, which has seen significant growth due to the increasing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, is a major revenue driver for the company. The company has established long-term supply agreements with key players in the electric vehicle market, further enhancing its revenue potential. The Bromine Specialties segment earns income from the production of bromine and related compounds used in diverse industries, while the Catalysts segment benefits from sales of catalyst solutions that improve the efficiency of refining operations. Albemarle's strategic partnerships and investments in lithium production facilities, as well as its focus on innovation in specialty chemicals, also contribute to its overall earnings and market position.

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:The Fly

Albemarle Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 05, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 18, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflected a mixed performance with significant achievements in cost management and operational efficiency, leading to a strong cash flow and enhanced outlook. However, the company faced challenges with a decline in net sales and a reported net loss. The demand in energy storage and EV markets remained robust, but the lower lithium pricing affected overall sales performance.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Production and Cash Flow Growth
Net sales reached $1.3 billion with a record production period from the lithium conversion network. Cash from operations increased 57% year-over-year to $356 million.
Enhanced 2025 Outlook
Full year 2025 corporate results are anticipated to be at the upper end of the previously published $9 per kilogram scenario ranges due to strong energy storage sales.
Cost and Productivity Improvements
Albemarle achieved $450 million in cost and productivity improvements, exceeding initial targets, and reduced capital expenditures to $600 million, a 65% year-over-year reduction.
Successful Portfolio Actions
Announced transactions to sell stakes in Ketjen's refining catalysts business expected to generate $660 million in pretax cash proceeds.
Strong Demand in Energy Storage and EV Markets
Lithium demand surged over 30% year-to-date, supported by a 30% increase in global EV sales and a 105% rise in grid storage growth.
Negative Updates
Decline in Net Sales
Net sales decreased from the prior year due to lower lithium market prices, offset partially by higher volumes in both Ketjen and energy storage.
Net Loss Reported
A net loss of $1.72 per diluted share was reported, attributed to noncash goodwill impairment related to Ketjen.
Weaker Demand in Specialties
Q4 EBITDA for Specialties is expected to be lower due to weaker demand in oil and gas applications.
Company Guidance
In the Q3 2025 earnings call, Albemarle Corporation provided optimistic guidance for the remainder of the fiscal year, anticipating corporate results to approach the upper end of their previously published $9 per kilogram scenario ranges. The company reported net sales of $1.3 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of $226 million, marking a 7% increase due to cost and efficiency improvements, despite lower lithium pricing. Cash from operations was $356 million, a 57% year-over-year increase. For the full year, Albemarle projects positive free cash flow between $300 million and $400 million, supported by a reduction in capital expenditures to approximately $600 million and achieving cost and productivity improvements of around $450 million. The lithium demand remains robust, up over 30% year-to-date, driven by global EV sales and grid storage growth, which climbed 105%. Additionally, Albemarle highlighted strategic portfolio actions, including selling stakes in the Ketjen business, expected to generate $660 million in pretax cash proceeds.

Albemarle Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Albemarle faces significant challenges in maintaining profitability and growth, with declining margins and revenue. The balance sheet shows moderate stability, but negative return on equity and cash flow issues highlight areas for improvement. The company must focus on enhancing operational efficiency and cash generation to strengthen its financial position.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Albemarle's income statement shows significant volatility. The TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) data reveals a negative net profit margin and a substantial revenue decline, indicating challenges in maintaining profitability and growth. Historical data shows fluctuating revenue growth rates and margins, with a notable decline in gross profit margin from 2022 to 2025. The company needs to address these issues to stabilize its financial performance.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The balance sheet reflects moderate financial stability. The debt-to-equity ratio is relatively stable, indicating manageable leverage. However, the return on equity has turned negative in the TTM period, suggesting inefficiencies in generating returns for shareholders. The equity ratio remains healthy, but the company should focus on improving profitability to enhance shareholder value.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash flow analysis shows mixed results. The TTM period indicates a negative free cash flow growth rate, highlighting cash management challenges. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is positive but lower than previous years, suggesting reduced efficiency in converting income to cash. Improving free cash flow generation is crucial for financial flexibility.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.95B5.38B9.62B7.32B3.33B3.13B
Gross Profit609.00M84.24M1.20B3.08B1.01B996.85M
EBITDA722.94M-9.11M897.06M2.87B875.13M742.46M
Net Income-21.16M-1.18B1.57B2.69B123.67M375.76M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets17.15B16.61B18.27B15.46B10.97B10.45B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.93B1.19B889.90M1.50B439.27M746.72M
Total Debt3.76B3.62B4.28B3.32B2.52B3.69B
Total Liabilities6.88B6.41B8.61B7.27B5.17B5.98B
Stockholders Equity10.00B9.96B9.41B7.98B5.63B4.27B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow104.31M-983.72M-823.96M646.20M-609.41M-51.56M
Operating Cash Flow894.46M702.07M1.33B1.91B344.26M798.91M
Investing Cash Flow-297.18M-1.57B-2.78B-1.42B-666.59M-863.57M
Financing Cash Flow-394.05M1.24B623.91M611.89M50.21M177.26M

Albemarle Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price126.91
Price Trends
50DMA
97.86
Positive
100DMA
87.31
Positive
200DMA
75.96
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
7.89
Negative
RSI
69.51
Neutral
STOCH
78.73
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 126.91 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 108.75, above the 50-day MA of 97.86, and above the 200-day MA of 75.96, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 7.89 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 69.51 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 78.73 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
$16.97B34.659.87%-10.07%
67
Neutral
$6.99B10.2112.24%5.42%-3.33%-19.59%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
58
Neutral
$14.94B-0.21%1.68%-23.92%90.47%
57
Neutral
$15.59B-10.44%12.10%-19.65%-157.13%
53
Neutral
$8.00B-1.48%-3.59%-126.16%
46
Neutral
$8.30B-9.48%3.26%-5.32%-1108.29%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ALB
Albemarle
126.91
21.50
20.40%
EMN
Eastman Chemical
61.25
-39.29
-39.08%
LYB
LyondellBasell
48.42
-28.38
-36.95%
SQM
Sociedad Quimica Y Minera SA
63.20
24.74
64.33%
WLK
Westlake Corporation
64.72
-60.31
-48.24%
AVTR
Avantor
11.74
-9.32
-44.25%

Albemarle Corporate Events

Albemarle Corporation Reports Q3 2025 Financial Results
Nov 7, 2025

Albemarle Corporation is a global leader in the production of essential elements for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health, specializing in lithium and bromine solutions. In its latest earnings report for the third quarter of 2025, Albemarle Corporation reported net sales of $1.3 billion, with notable volume growth in its Energy Storage and Ketjen segments. Despite a net loss of $161 million, the company achieved an adjusted EBITDA of $226 million, reflecting a 7% increase due to cost savings and improved fixed cost absorption.

Albemarle’s Mixed Earnings Call: Strong Cash Flow Amid Challenges
Nov 7, 2025

Albemarle Corporation’s recent earnings call revealed a mixed sentiment, showcasing significant achievements in cost management and operational efficiency, which led to a robust cash flow and an optimistic outlook. However, the company faced challenges with a decline in net sales and a reported net loss. Despite these hurdles, the demand in energy storage and EV markets remained strong, although lower lithium pricing impacted overall sales performance.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Albemarle Sells Ketjen Stock to ChemCat for $536M
Neutral
Oct 27, 2025

On October 25, 2025, Albemarle Corporation entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement to sell part of Ketjen’s common stock to ChemCat AcquisitionCo, LLC, and contribute the remaining shares to ChemCat Holdings, LP, affiliated with KPS Capital Partners. This transaction, expected to yield $536 million in cash for Albemarle, will also involve a goodwill impairment charge of $181.5 million for the Refining Solutions unit. Additionally, Ketjen has agreed to sell its stake in Eurecat S.A. to Axens SA for €105 million, with the transaction expected to close in the first half of 2026. Albemarle anticipates receiving approximately $660 million in total proceeds from these transactions, which will be used for debt reduction and other corporate purposes.

The most recent analyst rating on (ALB) stock is a Buy with a $135.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Albemarle stock, see the ALB Stock Forecast page.

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: Nov 28, 2025