By Brian Nelson, CFA
On November 5, Albemarle (ALB) reported better than feared third quarter results with both revenue and non-GAAP earnings per share exceeding the consensus forecasts. Net sales came of $1.3 billion declined modestly, while the company reported an adjusted loss of $0.19 per diluted share, up from an adjusted loss of $1.55 in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $226 million, up 7% due to improved fixed cost absorption and ongoing cost savings. Albemarle is on track to achieve full-year run-rate cost and productivity improvements of roughly $450 million, better than its initial target of $300-$400 million.
Management had the following to say about the results:
Our team delivered strong third quarter results, with adjusted EBITDA up year-over-year despite lower lithium prices, demonstrating the strength of our business and disciplined execution. Our successful implementation of cost and productivity improvements and reduced capital expenditures coupled with our recent portfolio management actions underscore our commitment to long-term value and enhanced financial flexibility. We remain confident in our full-year outlook and ability to navigate dynamic markets.
Albemarle’s third quarter cash from operations of $356 million increased 57% relative to last year’s mark, while on a year-to-date basis, the metric was up 29%, to $894 million, due in part to cost and productivity improvements, cash management actions, and a customer prepayment received in January. Full-year 2025 capital expenditures are targeted at about $600 million, and the firm reiterated it view that it expects to achieve positive free cash flow of $300-$400 million for the full year 2025. Management expects full-year results to be towards the higher end of the previously published $9/kg scenario ranges, or net sales of $5.2 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $1 billion. We think Albemarle is getting back on track, and the company remains an idea in the ESG Newsletter portfolio.
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Brian Nelson owns shares in SPY, SCHG, QQQ, QQQM, DIA, VOT, RSP, and IWM. Valuentum owns SPY, SCHG, QQQ, QQQM, VOO, and DIA. Brian Nelson’s household owns shares in HON, DIS, HAS, NKE, DIA, RSP, SCHG, QQQ, QQQM, and VOO. Some of the other securities written about in this article may be included in Valuentum’s simulated newsletter portfolios. Contact Valuentum for more information about its editorial policies.
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