Albemarle Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Albemarle (NYSE: ALB) reported its Q2 2024 results, with net sales of $1.4 billion and a net loss of $188 million. The company saw a 37% increase in Energy Storage volume growth, but lower pricing year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA was $386 million, up sequentially. Cash from operations increased by $289 million to $363 million.

Albemarle delivered over $150 million in productivity benefits and is on track to exceed its full-year restructuring target by 50%. The company is maintaining its full-year outlook considerations, with the $15/kg scenario expected to apply even with lower July market pricing. Albemarle announced asset and cost actions, including placing Kemerton Train 2 in care and maintenance and stopping construction on Kemerton Train 3, resulting in an expected charge of $0.9-$1.1 billion in Q3 2024.

Positive

• 37% increase in Energy Storage volume growth
• Adjusted EBITDA of $386 million, up sequentially
• Cash from operations increased by $289 million to $363 million
• Delivered over $150 million in productivity benefits
• On track to exceed full-year restructuring and productivity target by 50%

Negative

• Net loss of $188 million, or ($1.96) per diluted share
• Lower pricing year-over-year impacting net sales
• $215 million after-tax charge related to capital project asset write-offs
• Expected charge of $0.9-$1.1 billion in Q3 2024 due to asset and cost actions
• Reduced Specialties outlook

Insights

Financial Analyst

Albemarle's Q2 2024 results paint a complex picture of a company navigating challenging market conditions. The net loss of $188 million ($1.96 per diluted share) is concerning, especially considering the $215 million after-tax charge related to asset write-offs and contract cancellations. This highlights the company's struggle to adapt to rapidly changing market dynamics in the lithium sector.

However, there are some positive indicators. The 37% volume growth in Energy Storage and cash from operations of $363 million (up $289 million year-over-year) demonstrate operational improvements and increased demand. The company's ability to deliver over $150 million in productivity benefits is commendable, exceeding their full-year target by 50%.

The announcement of a comprehensive review of cost and operating structure, including the decision to place Kemerton Train 2 in care and maintenance and stop construction on Train 3, indicates a strategic pivot. While this will result in a significant charge of $0.9-$1.1 billion in Q3 2024, it may be necessary for long-term competitiveness.

Albemarle's maintenance of its full-year outlook, even with lower lithium prices, suggests confidence in their ability to offset pricing pressures through cost improvements and volume growth. However, investors should closely monitor how these strategic changes impact future performance and market position.

Market Research Analyst

Albemarle's Q2 results reflect the volatile nature of the lithium market. The company's net sales of $1.4 billion were impacted by lower year-over-year pricing, a trend that's been observed across the industry. This highlights the cyclical nature of commodity markets and the challenges faced by producers in maintaining profitability during downturns.

The 37% volume growth in Energy Storage is a bright spot, indicating strong demand for lithium products despite price pressures. This aligns with the global trend towards electrification and energy storage solutions. However, the market will be watching closely to see if this volume growth can be sustained in the face of potential overcapacity issues in the lithium industry.

Albemarle's decision to review its cost and operating structure, including significant changes at the Kemerton site, signals a shift in strategy. This move is likely in response to the current market realities, where lithium prices have fallen from their 2022 peaks. The company's ability to adapt quickly to these changes could be important for maintaining its competitive position in the long term.

The maintained full-year outlook, even assuming lower lithium prices, is intriguing. It suggests that Albemarle believes it can offset price declines through operational efficiencies and volume growth. However, this optimism should be tempered with caution, as the lithium market remains unpredictable and subject to rapid changes in supply-demand dynamics.

Tech Expert

Albemarle's Q2 2024 results highlight the intricate relationship between technological advancements and market dynamics in the lithium industry. The 37% volume growth in Energy Storage underscores the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. This growth aligns with global trends towards electrification and decarbonization.

The company's focus on operational efficiency, evidenced by the over $150 million in productivity benefits, demonstrates a commitment to leveraging technology and process improvements to maintain competitiveness. This is important in an industry where technological advancements can quickly shift the cost curve.

The decision to optimize operations at the Kemerton site, including placing Train 2 in care and maintenance and halting construction on Train 3, reflects the challenges of balancing production capacity with market demand. It's a reminder that even in high-tech industries, timing and scalability of production facilities are critical factors.

Albemarle's ability to maintain its full-year outlook despite lower lithium prices suggests confidence in its technological capabilities and operational flexibility. However, the company must continue to innovate and optimize its processes to stay ahead in an industry where technological disruptions, such as new battery chemistries or extraction methods, could rapidly alter the competitive landscape.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), a global leader in providing essential elements for mobility, energy, connectivity and health, today announced its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Second-Quarter 2024 and Recent Highlights
(Unless otherwise stated, all percentage changes represent year-over-year comparisons)

• Net sales of $1.4 billion, as lower pricing year-over-year was partly offset by Energy Storage volume growth of 37% as new capacity additions ramp
• Net loss of ($188) million, or ($1.96) per diluted share attributable to common shareholders, which included an after-tax charge of $215 million related to capital project asset write-offs and associated contract cancellation costs
• Adjusted diluted EPS attributable to common shareholders of $0.04
• Adjusted EBITDA of $386 million, up sequentially, driven by higher equity income from increased Talison JV sales volumes
• Cash from operations of $363 million, an increase of $289 million year-over-year, driven by higher Talison JV dividends and working capital improvements
• Delivered more than $150 million in productivity benefits; on track to exceed the company's full-year restructuring and productivity target by 50%
• Maintaining full-year outlook considerations; notably, the previously published $15/kg scenario is expected to apply even assuming lower July market pricing persists for the remainder of the year
• Initiating comprehensive review of cost and operating structure to maintain competitive position, while addressing current end-market realities, including immediate footprint changes at the Kemerton, Australia site

"Our operational mindset continued to serve us well in the second quarter as Albemarle progressed important organic growth initiatives while taking actions to maintain our long-term competitive position," said Kent Masters, Albemarle's chairman and CEO. "We achieved the first commercial sales of product from our Meishan conversion plant and delivered more than $150 million in productivity benefits. We are also maintaining our full-year 2024 corporate outlook considerations."

Masters continued, "Building on the progress already underway, we are announcing a comprehensive review of our cost and operating structure, beginning with immediate footprint actions at our Kemerton site in Australia. The review and steps underway will maintain Albemarle's competitive position and ensure we execute with agility today and in the future."

Announcement of Asset and Cost Actions and Initiation of Review to Optimize Cost and Operating Structure

Albemarle announced today asset and cost actions designed to enhance its long-term competitiveness as part of a comprehensive review of its cost and operating structure. The review will help ensure that Albemarle maintains its competitive position throughout the cycle and is positioned for long-term value creation as it navigates end-market challenges, primarily in the lithium value chain. The asset and cost actions announced today include placing Kemerton Train 2 in care and maintenance, stopping construction on Kemerton Train 3, and focusing on optimizing and ramping Kemerton Train 1. As a result, Albemarle expects to recognize a charge in the range of $0.9-$1.1 billion as an exceptional item in the company's third-quarter 2024 results.

Today's announcement builds on the proactive measures announced by Albemarle in January 2024 to re-phase its organic growth investments and optimize its cost structure. Regarding those measures, in the second quarter, Albemarle delivered more than $150 million in productivity and restructuring cost improvements and is on track to exceed the company's initial target by approximately 50%. During the second quarter of 2024, the company recorded an after-tax charge of $215 million primarily related to stopping construction on Kemerton Train 4 and other capital project asset write-offs and associated contract cancellation costs.

Total Corporate Outlook Considerations

The company is maintaining its prior full-year outlook considerations, which are based on observed lithium market price scenarios. Notably, the previously published $15/kg range is expected to apply even when assuming that lower July market pricing persists for the remainder of the year, due to enterprise-wide cost improvements, strong volume growth, higher shipments from the Talison JV, and Energy Storage contract performance. These factors are expected to more than offset lower pricing and a reduced Specialties outlook.

	Total Corporate FY 2024E Including Energy Storage Scenarios
Observed market price case(a)	Recent pricing	Q4 2023 average	H2 2023 average
Average lithium market price ($/kg LCE)(a)	$12-15	~$20	~$25
Net sales	$5.5 - $6.2 billion	$6.1 - $6.8 billion	$6.9 - $7.6 billion
Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c)	$0.9 - $1.2 billion	$1.6 - $1.8 billion	$2.3 - $2.6 billion
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (diluted)(d)	~118 million	~118 million	135 - 139 million

(a)	Price represents blend of relevant Asia and China market indices for the periods referenced.
(b)	The company does not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP, as the company is unable to estimate significant non-recurring or unusual items without unreasonable effort. See "Additional Information regarding Non-GAAP Measures" for more information.
(c)	Presented under updated adjusted EBITDA definition as of 2024. FY23 adjusted EBITDA under updated definition would be $3.5B. See Non-GAAP Reconciliations for further details.
(d)	Each quarter, Albemarle will report the more dilutive of either: 1) adding the underlying shares in the mandatory to the share count or 2) reducing Albemarle's net income to common shareholders by the mandatory dividend. The 20-day volume-weighted average common share price will be used in determining the underlying shares to be added to the share count.

2024 Other Corporate Outlook Considerations

The company is reducing its Specialties adjusted EBITDA outlook due to a slower than expected market rebound and higher logistics costs related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Capital expenditures are now expected to be at the high-end of $1.7 to $1.8 billion related to timing of capital spending. Depreciation and amortization reflects a tighter range in light of year-to-date expense. Lower expected corporate costs reflect favorable interest income and on-going cost and productivity improvements. Lower interest and financing expenses reflect the repayment of short-term debt. Below are outlook considerations updated from our first quarter earnings release issued on May 1, 2024. All other corporate outlook considerations are unchanged.

	Other FY 2024E Considerations
Specialties adj. EBITDA	$210 - $260 million
Capital expenditures	$1.7 - $1.8 billion
Depreciation and amortization	$580 - $630 million
Corporate costs (excluding FX)	$60 - $90 million
Interest and financing expenses	$140 - $170 million

Second Quarter 2024 Results

In millions, except per share amounts	Q2 2024		Q2 2023		$ Change		% Change
Net sales	$    1,430.4		$    2,370.2		$      (939.8)		(39.7) %
Net (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$      (188.2)		$       650.0		$      (838.2)		(129.0) %
Adjusted EBITDA(a)(b)	$       386.4		$    1,266.2		$      (879.9)		(69.5) %
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to common shareholders	$        (1.96)		$         5.52		$        (7.48)		(135.5) %
Non-recurring and other unusual items(a)	1.99		1.81
Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders(a)(c)	$         0.04		$         7.33		$        (7.29)		(99.5) %

(a)	See Non-GAAP Reconciliations for further details.
(b)	For comparability, 2023 figures presented under adjusted EBITDA definition that the company adopted beginning in 2024.
(c)	Totals may not add due to rounding.

Net sales for the second quarter of 2024 were $1.4 billion compared to $2.4 billion for the prior-year quarter, a year-over-year decline of 40% driven primarily by lower pricing in Energy Storage. Net loss attributable to Albemarle of ($188) million decreased by $838 million. During the second quarter of 2024, we recorded a charge of $215 million after income taxes related to capital project asset write-offs and associated contract cancellation costs. Adjusted EBITDA of $386 million declined by $880 million from the prior-year quarter primarily due to margin compression and reduced equity earnings as a result of lower lithium market pricing, which more than offset favorable volume growth. Sequentially, adjusted EBITDA rose, driven by higher equity income from increased sales volumes at the Talison JV.

The effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2024 was 6.2% compared to 25.5% in the same period of 2023. On an adjusted basis, the effective income tax rates were (25.9)% and 12.9% for the second quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively, with the decrease primarily due to changes in the geographic income mix and the impact of a valuation allowance for losses in certain entities in China. 

Energy Storage Results

In millions	Q2 2024		Q2 2023		$ Change		% Change
Net Sales	$           830.1		$        1,763.1		$          (933.0)		(52.9) %
Adjusted EBITDA	$           283.0		$        1,165.1		$          (882.1)		(75.7) %

Energy Storage net sales for the second quarter of 2024 were $830 million, a decrease of $933 million, or 53%, due to lower pricing (-89%), which more than offset higher volumes (+37%) related to the ramp of lithium projects, including the La Negra expansion in Chile and the processing plant in Qinzhou, China, and sales of chemical-grade spodumene. Adjusted EBITDA of $283 million decreased $882 million, driven by margin compression from lower lithium market pricing and reduced equity earnings as a result of lower pricing, which more than offset favorable volume growth. Sequentially, adjusted EBITDA rose $85 million, driven by higher equity income from increased Talison JV sales volumes and further volume ramp of new facilities.

Specialties Results

In millions	Q2 2024		Q2 2023		$ Change		% Change
Net Sales	$           334.6		$           371.3		$           (36.7)		(9.9) %
Adjusted EBITDA	$             54.2		$             60.2		$             (6.0)		(10.0) %

Specialties net sales for the second quarter of 2024 were $335 million, a decrease of $37 million, or 10%, primarily due to lower prices (-18%), which more than offset higher volumes (+9%). Adjusted EBITDA of $54 million decreased $6 million versus the year-ago quarter. Net sales and adjusted EBITDA were sequentially higher, driven by improved end-market demand and the absence of planned and unplanned maintenance outages that impacted results in the prior quarter.

Ketjen Results

In millions	Q2 2024		Q2 2023		$ Change		% Change
Net Sales	$           265.7		$           235.8		$             29.9		12.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA	$             37.8		$             42.9		$             (5.0)		(11.8) %

Ketjen net sales of $266 million for the second quarter of 2024 were up 13% compared to the prior-year quarter due to higher volumes (+14%), partially offset by lower prices (-1%), primarily from clean fuel technologies. Adjusted EBITDA of $38 million decreased $5 million as the prior-year adjusted EBITDA included a one-time insurance claim receipt.

Cash Flow and Capital Deployment
Second-quarter cash from operations of $363 million increased by $289 million versus the prior year, driven by higher Talison JV dividends and working capital improvements. Year-to-date cash from operations of $461 million decreased $334 million versus the prior-year period, driven by lower adjusted EBITDA and reduced dividends received from equity investments, partially offset by inflows from working capital. Year-to-date capital expenditures of $1.0 billion increased by $108 million versus the prior-year period due to the timing of project spend. Capital expenditures for the full-year 2024 are now expected to be at the high-end of $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion related to timing of capital spending.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity
As of June 30, 2024, Albemarle had estimated liquidity of approximately $3.5 billion, including $1.8 billion of cash and cash equivalents, $1.5 billion available under its revolver and $144 million available under other credit lines. Total debt was $3.5 billion, representing a debt covenant net debt to adjusted EBITDA of approximately 2.1 times.

Earnings Call

Date:	Thursday, August 1, 2024
Time:	8:00 AM Eastern time
Dial-in (U.S.):	1-800-590-8290
Dial-in (International):	1-240-690-8800
Conference ID:	ALBQ2

The company's earnings presentation and supporting material are available on Albemarle's website at https://investors.albemarle.com.

About Albemarle
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) is a global leader in transforming essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health. We partner to pioneer new ways to move, power, connect and protect with people and planet in mind. A reliable and high-quality global supply of lithium and bromine allow us to deliver advanced solutions for our customers. Learn more about how the people of Albemarle are enabling a more resilient world at albemarle.com and on X (formerly Twitter) @AlbemarleCorp.

Albemarle regularly posts information to www.albemarle.com, including notification of events, news, financial performance, investor presentations and webcasts, non-GAAP reconciliations, Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings and other information regarding the company, its businesses and the markets it serves.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements concerning our expectations, anticipations and beliefs regarding the future, which constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, which are based on assumptions that we have made as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, often contain words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "guidance," "intend," "may," "outlook," "scenario," "should," "would," and "will". Forward-looking statements may include statements regarding: our 2024 company and segment outlooks, including expected market pricing of lithium and spodumene and other underlying assumptions and outlook considerations; expected capital expenditure amounts and the corresponding impact on cash flow; market pricing of lithium carbonate equivalent and spodumene; plans and expectations regarding other projects and activities, cost reductions and accounting charges, and all other information relating to matters that are not historical facts. Factors that could cause Albemarle's actual results to differ materially from the outlook expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include: changes in economic and business conditions; financial and operating performance of customers; timing and magnitude of customer orders; fluctuations in lithium market prices; production volume shortfalls; increased competition; changes in product demand; availability and cost of raw materials and energy; technological change and development; fluctuations in foreign currencies; changes in laws and government regulation; regulatory actions, proceedings, claims or litigation; cyber-security breaches, terrorist attacks, industrial accidents or natural disasters; political unrest; changes in inflation or interest rates; volatility in the debt and equity markets; acquisition and divestiture transactions; timing and success of projects; performance of Albemarle's partners in joint ventures and other projects; changes in credit ratings; and the other factors detailed from time to time in the reports Albemarle files with the SEC, including those described under "Risk Factors" in Albemarle's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are filed with the SEC and available on the investor section of Albemarle's website (investors.albemarle.com) and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Albemarle assumes no obligation to provide any revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

 

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Net sales	$ 1,430,385		$ 2,370,190		$ 2,791,121		$ 4,950,442
Cost of goods sold	1,440,963		1,811,703		2,762,761		3,115,415
Gross (loss) profit	(10,578)		558,487		28,360		1,835,027
Selling, general and administrative expenses	168,948		397,070		346,660		551,376
Capital project asset write-off	292,315		—		309,515		—
Research and development expenses	20,770		21,419		44,302		41,890
Operating (loss) profit	(492,611)		139,998		(672,117)		1,241,761
Interest and financing expenses	(35,187)		(25,577)		(73,156)		(52,354)
Other income, net	33,666		53,954		83,567		136,446
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	(494,132)		168,375		(661,706)		1,325,853
Income tax (benefit) expense	(30,660)		42,987		(34,381)		319,950
(Loss) income before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	(463,472)		125,388		(627,325)		1,005,903
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)	286,878		551,051		467,378		947,239
Net (loss) income	(176,594)		676,439		(159,947)		1,953,142
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(11,604)		(26,396)		(25,803)		(64,519)
Net (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	(188,198)		650,043		(185,750)		1,888,623
Mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends	(41,688)		—		(53,272)		—
Net (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation common shareholders	$  (229,886)		$   650,043		$  (239,022)		$ 1,888,623
Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to common shareholders	$       (1.96)		$         5.54		$       (2.03)		$       16.10
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to common shareholders	$       (1.96)		$         5.52		$       (2.03)		$       16.03
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic	117,528		117,332		117,489		117,282
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted	117,528		117,769		117,489		117,805

 

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Thousands) (Unaudited)
	June 30,		December 31,
	2024		2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$        1,830,227		$           889,900
Trade accounts receivable	785,553		1,213,160
Other accounts receivable	412,181		509,097
Inventories	1,800,114		2,161,287
Other current assets	397,630		443,475
Total current assets	5,225,705		5,216,919
Property, plant and equipment	12,788,646		12,233,757
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,951,614		2,738,553
Net property, plant and equipment	9,837,032		9,495,204
Investments	1,160,674		1,369,855
Other assets	320,598		297,087
Goodwill	1,600,938		1,629,729
Other intangibles, net of amortization	243,335		261,858
Total assets	$      18,388,282		$      18,270,652
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable to third parties	$        1,138,975		$        1,537,859
Accounts payable to related parties	184,198		550,186
Accrued expenses	508,334		544,835
Current portion of long-term debt	3,213		625,761
Dividends payable	60,668		46,666
Income taxes payable	63,070		255,155
Total current liabilities	1,958,458		3,560,462
Long-term debt	3,519,504		3,541,002
Postretirement benefits	25,925		26,247
Pension benefits	141,627		150,312
Other noncurrent liabilities	758,283		769,100
Deferred income taxes	501,330		558,430
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity:
Common stock	1,175		1,174
Mandatory convertible preferred stock	2,235,105		—
Additional paid-in capital	2,969,851		2,952,517
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(637,551)		(528,526)
Retained earnings	6,653,979		6,987,015
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity	11,222,559		9,412,180
Noncontrolling interests	260,596		252,919
Total equity	11,483,155		9,665,099
Total liabilities and equity	$      18,388,282		$      18,270,652

 

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries
Selected Consolidated Cash Flow Data
(In Thousands) (Unaudited)
	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2024		2023
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	$     889,900		$   1,499,142
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	(159,947)		1,953,142
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	262,030		180,356
Non-cash capital project assets write-off	276,013		—
Stock-based compensation and other	15,439		20,017
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)	(467,378)		(947,239)
Dividends received from unconsolidated investments and nonmarketable securities	270,926		1,079,439
Pension and postretirement expense	2,529		3,933
Pension and postretirement contributions	(9,428)		(8,632)
Realized loss on investments in marketable securities	33,746		—
Unrealized loss (gain) on investments in marketable securities	23,777		(61,434)
Deferred income taxes	(129,087)		(144,720)
Working capital changes	460,937		(1,155,408)
Other, net	(118,711)		(124,767)
Net cash provided by operating activities	460,846		794,687
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—		(8,240)
Capital expenditures	(1,026,936)		(919,295)
Sales (purchases) of marketable securities, net	82,578		(123,979)
Investments in equity investments and nonmarketable securities	(148)		(1,192)
Net cash used in investing activities	(944,506)		(1,052,706)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of mandatory convertible preferred stock	2,236,750		—
Repayments of long-term debt and credit agreements	(56,453)		—
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt and credit agreements	56,453		300,000
Other debt repayments, net	(627,390)		(1,500)
Dividends paid to common shareholders	(93,916)		(93,317)
Dividends paid to mandatory convertible preferred shareholders	(39,376)		—
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(18,137)		(53,145)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	86		81
Withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation award distributions	(10,677)		(24,910)
Other	(2,758)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,444,582		127,209
Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents	(20,595)		231,406
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	940,327		100,596
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$   1,830,227		$   1,599,738

 

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Summary of Segment Results
(In Thousands) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Net sales:
Energy Storage	$   830,110		$ 1,763,065		$ 1,631,008		$ 3,706,747
Specialties	334,600		371,302		650,665		790,080
Ketjen	265,675		235,823		509,448		453,615
Total net sales	$ 1,430,385		$ 2,370,190		$ 2,791,121		$ 4,950,442
Adjusted EBITDA:
Energy Storage	$   282,979		$ 1,165,080		$   480,975		$ 2,732,772
Specialties	54,175		60,200		99,356		222,358
Ketjen	37,836		42,882		59,815		57,425
Total segment adjusted EBITDA	374,990		1,268,162		640,146		3,012,555
Corporate	11,370		(1,920)		37,450		15,391
Total adjusted EBITDA	$   386,360		$ 1,266,242		$   677,596		$ 3,027,946

See accompanying non-GAAP reconciliations below.

Additional Information regarding Non-GAAP Measures

It should be noted that adjusted net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, adjusted net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation common shareholders, adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders, non-operating pension and other post-employment benefit ("OPEB") items per diluted share, non-recurring and other unusual items per diluted share, adjusted effective income tax rates, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA (on a consolidated basis), EBITDA margin and adjusted EBITDA margin are financial measures that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered as alternatives to Net (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation ("earnings") or other comparable measures calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP. These measures are presented here to provide additional useful measurements to review the company's operations, provide transparency to investors and enable period-to-period comparability of financial performance. The company's chief operating decision maker uses these measures to assess the ongoing performance of the company and its segments, as well as for business and enterprise planning purposes.

A description of other non-GAAP financial measures that Albemarle uses to evaluate its operations and financial performance, and reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP can be found on the following pages of this press release, which is also is available on Albemarle's website at https://investors.albemarle.com. The company does not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP, as the company is unable to estimate significant non-recurring or unusual items without unreasonable effort. The amounts and timing of these items are uncertain and could be material to the company's results calculated in accordance with GAAP.

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
(Unaudited)

See below for a reconciliation of adjusted net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, adjusted net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation common shareholders, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA (on a consolidated basis), which are non-GAAP financial measures, to Net (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation ("earnings"), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation common shareholders is defined as net (loss) income after mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends, but before the non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and other post-employment benefit (OPEB) items as listed below. The non-recurring and unusual items may include acquisition and integration related costs, gains or losses on sales of businesses, restructuring charges, facility divestiture charges, certain litigation and arbitration costs and charges, and other significant non-recurring items. EBITDA is defined as net (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation before interest and financing expenses, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus or minus the proportionate share of Windfield Holdings income tax expense, non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and OPEB items as listed below.

	Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	June 30,								June 30,
	2024				2023				2024				2023
In thousands, except percentages and per share amounts	$		% of net sales		$		% of net sales		$		% of net sales		$		% of net sales
Net (loss) income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	($188,198)				$ 650,043				($185,750)				$  1,888,623
Add back:
Non-operating pension and OPEB items (net of tax)	(336)				381				(687)				755
Non-recurring and other unusual items (net of tax)	234,498				213,194				274,542				190,420
Adjusted net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	45,964				863,618				88,105				2,079,798
Mandatory convertible preferred stock dividends	(41,688)				—				(53,272)				—
Adjusted net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation common shareholders	$4,276				$ 863,618				$34,833				$  2,079,798
Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders	$      0.04				$      7.33				$      0.30				$    17.65
Adjusted weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted	117,703				117,769				117,685				117,805
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	($188,198)		(13.2) %		$ 650,043		27.4 %		($185,750)		(6.7) %		$  1,888,623		38.2 %
Add back:
Interest and financing expenses	35,187		2.5 %		25,577		1.1 %		73,156		2.6 %		52,354		1.1 %
Income tax (benefit) expense	(30,660)		(2.1) %		42,987		1.8 %		(34,381)		(1.2) %		319,950		6.5 %
Depreciation and amortization	138,279		9.7 %		93,085		3.9 %		262,030		9.4 %		180,356		3.6 %
EBITDA	(45,392)		(3.2) %		811,692		34.2 %		115,055		4.1 %		2,441,283		49.3 %
Proportionate share of Windfield income tax expense	119,780		8.4 %		233,976		9.9 %		193,469		6.9 %		399,961		8.1 %
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	(337)		— %		612		— %		(662)		— %		1,213		— %
Non-recurring and other unusual items	312,309		21.8 %		219,962		9.3 %		369,734		13.2 %		185,489		3.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA	$386,360		27.0 %		$  1,266,242		53.4 %		$ 677,596		24.3 %		$  3,027,946		61.2 %
Net sales	$                    1,430,385				$  2,370,190				$                    2,791,121				$  4,950,442

Non-operating pension and OPEB items, consisting of mark-to-market actuarial gains/losses, settlements/curtailments, interest cost and expected return on assets, are not allocated to Albemarle's operating segments and are included in the Corporate category. In addition, the company believes that these components of pension cost are mainly driven by market performance, and the company manages these separately from the operational performance of the company's businesses. In accordance with GAAP, these non-operating pension and OPEB items are included in Other income, net. Non-operating pension and OPEB items were as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Interest cost	$       8,501		$       9,027		$     17,006		$     18,037
Expected return on assets	(8,838)		(8,415)		(17,668)		(16,824)
Total	$        (337)		$          612		$        (662)		$       1,213

In addition to the non-operating pension and OPEB items disclosed above, the company has identified certain other items and excluded them from Albemarle's adjusted net income calculation for the periods presented. A listing of these items, as well as a detailed description of each follows below (per diluted share):

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
Restructuring and other charges(1)	$         0.02		$         0.05		$         0.13		$         0.05
Acquisition and integration related costs(2)	0.01		0.04		0.02		0.08
Capital project assets write-off(3)	1.82		—		1.94		—
Loss (gain) in fair value of public equity securities(4)	0.12		(0.10)		0.47		(0.39)
Legal accrual(5)	—		1.82		—		1.82
Other(6)	(0.03)		0.02		(0.18)		0.07
Tax related items(7)	0.05		(0.02)		(0.05)		(0.01)
Total non-recurring and other unusual items	$         1.99		$         1.81		$         2.33		$         1.62

(1)	In January 2024, the Company announced it was taking measures to unlock near term cash flow and generate long-term financial flexibility by re-phasing organic growth investments and optimizing its cost structure. As a result, the Company recorded severance costs for employees in Corporate and each of the businesses. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, $2.5 million and $18.9 million were recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses ($2.0 million and $15.1 million after income taxes, or $0.02 and $0.13 per share), respectively. The severance has primarily been paid, with the remainder to be paid in 2024. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, $7.4 million of severance costs in the Ketjen business were recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses ($5.7 million after income taxes, or $0.05 per share).
(2)	Costs related to the acquisition, integration and divestitures for various significant projects, recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 were $1.6 million and $3.5 million ($1.2 million and $2.7 million after income taxes, or $0.01 and $0.02 per share), respectively, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 were $6.5 million and $11.6 million ($5.0 million and $9.0 million after income taxes, or $0.04 and $0.08 per share), respectively.
(3)	As part of the organic growth investment re-phasing, during 2024 the Company wrote-off the value of assets related to certain capital projects no longer part of the Company's modified capital plan. The Company determined that these assets will not provide future value or will require significant re-engineering if the related projects are restarted. Losses of $275.9 million and $293.1 million recorded in Operating (loss) profit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and losses of $2.6 million and $5.4 million recorded in Other income, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively ($214.5 million and $228.5 million after income taxes, or $1.82 and $1.94 per share), related to these capital project asset write-offs and associated contract cancellation costs.
(4)	Losses of $17.8 million and $27.2 million recorded in Other income, net resulting from the net change in fair value of investments in public equity securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, and a loss of $33.7 million recorded in Other income, net for the six months ended June 30, 2024 resulting from the sale of investments in public equity securities ($13.9 million and $55.0 million after income taxes, or $0.12 and $0.47 per share). Gain of $15.0 million and $60.8 million ($11.2 million and $45.6 million after income taxes, or $0.10 and $0.39 per share) recorded in Other income, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, resulting from the net increase in fair value of investments in public equity securities.
(5)	Accrual of $218.5 million ($214.9 million after income taxes, or $1.82 per share) recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses resulting from agreements in principle to resolve a previously disclosed legal matter with the DOJ and SEC related to conduct in our Ketjen business prior to 2018.
(6)	Other adjustments for the three months ended June 30, 2024 included amounts recorded in:
	Selling, general and administrative expenses - $5.1 million of expenses related to certain historical legal and environmental matters. Other income, net - $8.9 million gain from PIK dividends of preferred equity in a Grace subsidiary and a $0.6 million gain from an updated cost estimate of an environmental reserve at a site not part of our operations.
	After income taxes, these net gains totaled $3.7 million, or $0.03 per share.
	Other adjustments for the three months ended June 30, 2023 included amounts recorded in:
	Selling, general and administrative expenses - $0.7 million of facility closure expenses related to offices in Germany and $0.6 million primarily related to shortfall contributions for a multiemployer plan financial improvement plan. Other income, net - $3.9 million of a loss resulting from the adjustment of indemnification related to previously disposed businesses, partially offset by a $2.7 million gain in the fair value of preferred equity of a Grace subsidiary.
	After income taxes, these charges totaled $2.7 million, or $0.02 per share.
	Other adjustments for the six months ended June 30, 2024 included amounts recorded in:
	Cost of goods sold - $1.4 million of expenses related to non-routine labor and compensation related costs that are outside normal compensation arrangements. Selling, general and administrative expenses - $5.2 million of expenses related to certain historical legal and environmental matters. Other income, net - $17.6 million gain from PIK dividends of preferred equity in a Grace subsidiary, a $17.3 million gain primarily from the sale of assets at a site not part of our operations, a $2.4 million gain primarily resulting from the adjustment of indemnification related to a previously disposed business and a $0.6 million gain from an updated cost estimate of an environmental reserve at a site not part of our operations, partially offset by $2.9 million of charges for asset retirement obligations at a site not part of our operations.
	After income taxes, these net gains totaled $21.0 million, or $0.18 per share.
	Other adjustments for the six months ended June 30, 2023 included amounts recorded in:
	Selling, general and administrative expenses - $1.9 million of charges primarily for environmental reserves at sites not part of our operations, $1.4 million of facility closure expenses related to offices in Germany and $0.6 million primarily related to shortfall contributions for a multiemployer plan financial improvement plan. Other income, net - $3.9 million of a loss resulting from the adjustment of indemnification related to previously disposed businesses and $3.6 million of asset retirement obligation charges primarily for a site not part of our operations, partially offset by a $2.7 million gain in the fair value of preferred equity of a Grace subsidiary.
	After income taxes, these charges totaled $7.5 million, or $0.07 per share.
(7)	Included in Income tax benefit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 are discrete net tax expenses of $6.5 million, or $0.05 per share, and benefits of $5.7 million, or $0.05 per share, respectively, primarily related to the reduction in a foreign tax reserve and excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements.
	Included in Income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 are discrete net tax benefits of $3.9 million, or $0.02 per share and $1.0 million, or $0.01 per share, respectively. The net benefit primarily related to foreign return to provisions offset by excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements.

See below for a reconciliation of the adjusted effective income tax rate, the non-GAAP financial measure, to the effective income tax rate, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP (in thousands, except percentages).

	(Loss) Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments		Income tax (benefit) expense		Effective income tax rate
Three months ended June 30, 2024
As reported	$                   (494,132)		$                     (30,660)		6.2 %
Non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and OPEB items	311,972		77,810
As adjusted	$                   (182,160)		$                      47,150		(25.9) %
Three months ended June 30, 2023
As reported	$                    168,375		$                      42,987		25.5 %
Non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and OPEB items	220,574		6,999
As adjusted	$                    388,949		$                      49,986		12.9 %
Six months ended June 30, 2024
As reported	$                   (661,706)		$                     (34,381)		5.2 %
Non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and OPEB items	369,072		95,217
As adjusted	$                   (292,634)		$                      60,836		(20.8) %
Six months ended June 30, 2023
As reported	$                 1,325,853		$                    319,950		24.1 %
Non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and OPEB items	186,702		(4,473)
As adjusted	$                 1,512,555		$                    315,477		20.9 %

As noted above, beginning in 2024, the company changed its definition of adjusted EBITDA for financial accounting purposes. The updated definition includes Albemarle's share of the pre-tax earnings of the Talison joint venture, whereas the prior definition included Albemarle's share of Talison earnings net of tax. See below for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA (on a consolidated basis), the non-GAAP financial measure, to Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation ("earnings"), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP, as if it were presented under the new definition for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$               1,573,476
Depreciation and amortization	429,944
Interest and financing expenses	116,072
Income tax expense	430,277
Proportionate share of Windfield income tax expense	779,703
Gain on sale of business/interest in properties, net	(71,190)
Acquisition and integration related costs	26,767
Goodwill impairment	6,765
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	(7,971)
Mark-to-market gain on public equity securities	44,732
Legal accrual	218,510
Other	(1,097)
Total adjusted EBITDA	$               3,545,988

Contact:    
Meredith Bandy  1.980.999.5168

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SOURCE Albemarle Corporation

FAQ

What were Albemarle's (ALB) Q2 2024 financial results?

Albemarle reported net sales of $1.4 billion, a net loss of $188 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $386 million for Q2 2024.

How much did Albemarle's (ALB) Energy Storage volume grow in Q2 2024?

Albemarle's Energy Storage volume grew by 37% in Q2 2024 compared to the previous year.

What cost-saving measures is Albemarle (ALB) implementing in 2024?

Albemarle is implementing asset and cost actions, including placing Kemerton Train 2 in care and maintenance and stopping construction on Kemerton Train 3. The company delivered over $150 million in productivity benefits in Q2.

What is Albemarle's (ALB) outlook for full-year 2024?

Albemarle is maintaining its full-year outlook considerations, with the $15/kg scenario expected to apply even with lower July market pricing. The company projects net sales between $5.5-$7.6 billion and adjusted EBITDA between $0.9-$2.6 billion, depending on lithium market prices.