Albemarle Corporation (ALB)

Albemarle's stock price has been significantly impacted by the volatility in lithium prices, leading to underperformance compared to the US Chemicals industry and the broader market. The stock saw a recent surge following a spike in global lithium prices due to the suspension of operations by Chinese producer Zangge Mining. Albemarle has reduced capital expenditures and implemented cost improvements. The company reported its Q1 2025 earnings, beating EPS estimates but missing revenue expectations, and is scheduled to release its Q2 2025 earnings on July 30, 2025.

Demand seasonality for Albemarle's products varies by segment. Lithium sales volumes are typically weighted towards the second half of the year, influenced by demand seasonality and project ramp-ups. Demand for bromine products is driven by various factors, including automotive electronics, construction, and global energy demand. Global demand for hydroprocessing catalysts continues to increase rapidly, driven by refiners meeting clean fuels regulations.

Albemarle Corporation is a global specialty chemicals manufacturing company with three main segments: Energy Storage, Specialties, and Ketjen. The Energy Storage segment focuses on lithium compounds crucial for lithium batteries. The Specialties segment provides bromine and highly specialized lithium solutions used in various applications. The Ketjen segment offers clean fuels technologies and performance catalyst solutions.

Albemarle has a significant global presence with offices and operations in 34 locations across six continents. Its lithium resources include salt brine deposits in Chile and the US, and hard rock mines in Australia. Bromine production facilities are located in the United States, China, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria, and the United Kingdom. Catalyst production locations include Bayport, Texas, and Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Albemarle has received recognition for its performance and commitment to sustainability, including being named one of the World's Best Companies by TIME magazine. The company was also recognized as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2024 by Newsweek and one of America's Most JUST Companies in 2024 by JUST Capital and CNBC. Albemarle joined the Fortune 500 rankings in 2023 and regularly publishes sustainability reports.

Albemarle Corporation has a diverse ownership structure, with a mix of institutional, retail, and individual investors. Major Institutional Owners include Vanguard Group Inc., Capital World Investors, BlackRock, Inc., State Street Corp, Franklin Resources Inc, Capital Research Global Investors, and Invesco Ltd. William M. Gottwald is the largest individual Albemarle shareholder.