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About Albemarle Corporation
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a premier global specialty chemicals company renowned for its expertise in lithium production, bromine derivatives, and catalysts. With a robust presence in over 100 countries, Albemarle plays a pivotal role in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions across diverse industries, including energy storage, consumer electronics, construction, pharmaceuticals, and automotive.
Core Business Segments
Albemarle operates through three primary business segments:
- Energy Storage: As one of the world's largest lithium producers, Albemarle is integral to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Its vertically integrated operations span lithium extraction from brine and hard rock deposits to advanced refining processes. The company supplies high-quality lithium compounds essential for batteries in EVs, renewable energy systems, and consumer electronics.
- Specialties: This segment focuses on bromine and its derivatives, widely used in flame retardants, water treatment, and oilfield applications. Albemarle's bromine products are critical for ensuring safety and performance in modern industrial and consumer applications.
- Ketjen (Catalysts): Albemarle provides advanced catalyst solutions for the refining and petrochemical industries, enabling cleaner fuel production and efficient resource utilization.
Global Reach and Sustainability
Albemarle's operations are strategically located across North and South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The company’s lithium resources include brine deposits in Chile and the U.S., as well as hard rock mines in Australia. Albemarle is committed to sustainability, aligning its practices with ESG principles to minimize environmental impact and support local communities. Initiatives like the redevelopment of the Kings Mountain Mine in North Carolina and partnerships for resource repurposing underscore its dedication to responsible resource management.
Competitive Edge
Albemarle's competitive advantage lies in its vertically integrated lithium supply chain, technological innovation, and strong customer relationships. By leveraging proprietary technologies and a high-quality global supply of lithium and bromine, Albemarle delivers differentiated, performance-based solutions that meet the evolving demands of its end markets.
Industry Challenges and Outlook
Operating in dynamic markets, Albemarle faces challenges such as lithium price fluctuations, geopolitical risks, and increasing competition. However, its strategic investments in capacity expansion, cost optimization, and innovation position the company to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities, particularly in the EV and renewable energy sectors.
Why Albemarle Matters
Albemarle is not just a supplier of specialty chemicals; it is a key enabler of global megatrends like electrification, sustainability, and digital connectivity. Its high-value products and solutions drive advancements in mobility, energy storage, and consumer technologies, making Albemarle a cornerstone of modern industrial progress.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) announced cash tender offers totaling $100 million and €100 million for its securities through its subsidiaries. The Dollar Tender Offer targets up to $100 million of senior notes, while the Euro Tender Offer aims for €100 million. The offers expire on March 26, 2021, with early participants receiving additional consideration. The settlement date for early tendered securities is expected on March 16, 2021. The offers are not subject to minimum amounts being tendered and will accept securities based on priority levels.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) will participate in the Goldman Sachs Chemical Intensity Days on March 9, 2021, at 9:45 a.m. ET. Eric Norris, President of Lithium, will present during the event. Interested parties can access the webcast and presentation materials through Albemarle's Events and Presentations page on their website. Albemarle, based in Charlotte, N.C., specializes in lithium, bromine, and refining catalysts, focusing on sustainable solutions across critical industries.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) announced two cash tender offers totaling up to $100 million in senior notes. The first, a Dollar Tender Offer, is for up to $100 million in senior notes, while the second, a Euro Tender Offer, seeks up to €100 million in notes. The offers will expire on March 26, 2021, with an early participation date of March 12, 2021. Additionally, the company plans to redeem outstanding 1.875% Senior Notes due 2021 and Floating Rate Notes due 2022. Redemption for the 2021 Notes is set for March 30, 2021, and for the Floating Rate Notes on March 16, 2021.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share, marking an annualized rate of $1.56. This dividend is payable on April 1, 2021, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 12, 2021. Notably, this is the 27th consecutive year that Albemarle has increased its dividend, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) announced a definitive agreement to sell its Fine Chemistry Services business to W.R. Grace & Co. for approximately $570 million. The deal comprises $300 million in cash and $270 million in preferred equity from a W.R. Grace subsidiary. This strategic move aims to focus Albemarle on its core business segments. The transaction is pending regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. BofA Securities and Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP are advising Albemarle on this transaction.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) reported Q4 2020 net income of $84.6 million ($0.79 per diluted share), with adjusted diluted EPS at $1.17. Net sales reached $879 million, an 11% decline year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA fell 25% to $221 million. Sustainable cost savings of approximately $80 million were achieved in 2020. The company maintained a quarterly dividend of $0.385, up 5% from 2019, and completed a $1.5 billion equity offering to support growth initiatives. For FY 2021, Albemarle projects net sales of $3.2 - $3.3 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $810 - $860 million.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) has priced a public offering of 8,496,733 shares of common stock at $153.00 per share, targeting gross proceeds of approximately $1.3 billion. The offering is set to close on February 8, 2021, pending standard conditions. Proceeds will primarily fund growth in lithium operations across Australia, Chile, and Nevada, while also addressing short-term debt and corporate needs. The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase an additional 1,274,509 shares.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) announced preliminary fourth-quarter results for 2020, reporting net sales between $870 million and $880 million, a decline of 11% to 12% year-over-year. Net income is projected to range from $77 million to $87 million, down 3% to 15%. Adjusted EBITDA is estimated at $213 million to $223 million, down 24% to 28%. Despite these declines, the company expects improved performance in 2021, particularly in Lithium and Bromine sectors, driven by volume increases and ongoing cost-saving measures.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) has initiated an underwritten public offering of $1.3 billion in common stock, with an option for underwriters to purchase an additional $195 million. The net proceeds will primarily fund growth capital expenditures for lithium operations in Australia, Chile, and Nevada, as well as short-term debt repayment. The offering is subject to market conditions and is based on a previously filed registration statement with the SEC.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) will release its fourth-quarter 2020 earnings on Feb. 17, 2021, after market close. A conference call to discuss the results will be held on Feb. 18 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Participants can access the call via the webcast on the company's website or by phone. The company highlights its commitment to the global specialty chemicals industry, focusing on sustainable practices and innovation.