Albemarle Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Results

 
 

ALBemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) today announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020.

 
 

  Albemarle Corp. Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Albemarle Corporation) 

 
 

  Fourth Quarter 2020 and Recent Highlights
  (Unless otherwise stated, all percent changes represent year-over-year comparisons)  

 
  • Net income of $84.6 million , or $0.79 per diluted share; Adjusted diluted EPS of $1.17  
  •  
  • Net sales of $879 million , which was at the high-end of previous outlook, a year-over-year decrease of 11%
  •  
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $221 million , which exceeded the high-end of previous outlook, a year-over-year decrease of 25%
  •  
  • Our plants continue to operate without material impact from the COVID-19 pandemic
  •  
  • Approximately $80 million of sustainable cost savings achieved in 2020
  •  
  • Maintained our quarterly dividend of $0.385 per share, an increase of approximately 5% over 2019
  •  
  • Completed $1.5 billion underwritten public equity offering to accelerate profitable growth
  •  

"  Albemarle  reported another solid quarter with Q4 2020 adjusted EBITDA exceeding outlook. This performance is due to the hard work and diligence of our operating teams who ran our businesses safely and efficiently throughout this challenging year," said Albemarle CEO Kent Masters . "As we continue to rebound from last year's pandemic-related lows, we are accelerating high-return growth in our Lithium and Bromine businesses and maintaining our focus on operational discipline to drive cost and efficiency improvements."

 

  Outlook  

 

  Albemarle anticipates that its full year 2021 operating performance will improve modestly relative to full year 2020 assuming continued recovery following reduced global economic activity due to the global pandemic.

 
 
              
 
 

   FY 2021 Outlook   

 
 

  Net sales  

 
 

  $3.2 - $3.3 billion  

 
 

  Adjusted EBITDA  

 
 

  $810 - $860 million  

 
 

  Adjusted EBITDA Margin  

 
 

  25% - 26%  

 
 

  Adj. Diluted EPS  

 
 

  $3.25 - $3.65  

 
 

  Net Cash from Operations  

 
 

  $475 - $575 million  

 
 

  Capital Expenditures  

 
 

  $850 - $950 million  

 
 
 

 

 

  COVID-19 Response  

 

  Albemarle's cross-functional Global Response Team continues to meet biweekly to assess the situation and take necessary actions to address employee health and safety and operational challenges. Our first priority is always the health and well-being of our employees, customers, and communities. Beyond that, our focus has shifted from managing an immediate crisis to building in the flexibility needed to adjust for regional differences and changing conditions. Protocols including restricted travel, shift adjustments, increased hygiene, and social distancing for the essential workers at our plants remain in place at all locations.

 

  Fourth Quarter Results  

 
 
                                                                                                       
 

   In millions, except per share amounts   

 
 

   Q4 2020   

 
 
 

   Q4 2019   

 
 
 

   $ Change   

 
 
 

   % Change   

 
 

  Net sales  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  879.1  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  992.6  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (113.5)  

 
 
 
 

  (11.4)  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  84.6  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  90.4  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (5.8)  

 
 
 
 

  (6.4)  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Adjusted EBITDA (a)  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  221.1  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  294.7  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (73.6)  

 
 
 
 

  (25.0)  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Diluted earnings per share  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.79  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.85  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (0.06)  

 
 
 
 

  (7.1)  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-operating pension and OPEB items (a)  

 
 

  0.35  

 
 
 
 

  0.19  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Non-recurring and other unusual items (a)  

 
 

  0.03  

 
 
 
 

  0.69  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Adjusted diluted earnings per share (b)  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  1.17  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  1.73  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (0.56)  

 
 
 
 

  (32.4)  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 

  (a)  

 
 

  See Non-GAAP Reconciliations for further details.  

 
 

  (b)  

 
 

  Totals may not add due to rounding.  

 
 
 

Net sales of $879.1 million decreased by $113.5 million compared to the prior year quarter, driven by lower results in the Catalysts and Lithium business segments partially offset by improvement in Bromine and other business segments as discussed below.

 

Adjusted EBITDA of $221.1 million decreased by $73.6 million from the prior year quarter due to lower net sales, which was offset by productivity and cost improvements. Similarly, net income attributable to Albemarle of $84.6 million decreased by $5.8 million from the prior year. Corporate costs including SG&A were down compared to the prior year period as a result of sustainable cost savings initiatives and short-term austerity measures.

 

We have increased our sustainable cost savings and achieved approximately $80 million of sustainable savings in 2020. We expect these savings to reach a run-rate of more than $120 million by year-end 2021. We also took short-term cash management measures and delayed capital expenditures. Short-term savings averaged approximately $25 to $40 million per quarter in 2020. Some of the expenses related to these short-term savings are expected to come back later in 2021, for example assuming increased travel expenses later in the year. Full-year 2020 capital spending was $850 million , in-line with the low-end of previous outlook.

 

The effective income tax rate for Q4 2020 was (20.9)% compared to (6.5)% in the same period in 2019. The difference is largely due to a change in the geographic mix of earnings. Q4 2020 includes discrete tax benefits for uncertain tax positions for statute of limitation expirations, excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements, and return to accrual adjustments. Q4 2019 includes a $19 million tax benefit for uncertain tax positions primarily related to seeking treaty relief from the competent authority to prevent double taxation. On an adjusted basis, the effective income tax rates were 12.8% and 18.4% for the fourth quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

  Cash Flow and Capital Deployment  

 

Cash from operations for the year ended December 31, 2020, of $798.9 million , increased $79.5 million versus the prior year as reduced working capital outflows, deferred tax payments as allowed by various jurisdictions during the pandemic and cost savings more than offset lower revenues. Capital expenditures of $850.5 million were in-line with the prior year as progress continued on our Lithium expansion projects.

 

Our primary capital allocation priorities are to grow profitably, fund our dividend, and maintain financial flexibility and our investment grade credit rating.

 

In February 2021 , we raised $1.5 billion in an equity offering to fund growth capital projects, focused on accelerating high return growth projects in Lithium and Bromine. In the short-term, the use of proceeds include funding growth capital expenditures, debt repayment and other general corporate purposes.

 

Our share repurchase authorization remains in place; however, there are no near-term plans to execute share buybacks. Divestiture activity is proceeding despite on-going travel restrictions.

 

  Balance Sheet and Liquidity  

 

As of December 31, 2020, Albemarle had estimated liquidity of over $2.1 billion , including $747 million of cash and equivalents, $675 million remaining under our $1 billion revolver, $500 million remaining under our delayed draw term loan and $196 million on other available credit lines. Total debt was $3.6 billion , representing net debt to adjusted EBITDA of approximately 3.4 times.

 

  Business Segment Results  

 

  Lithium  

 
 
                                      
 

   In millions   

 
 

   Q4 2020   

 
 
 

   Q4 2019   

 
 
 

   $ Change   

 
 
 

   % Change   

 
 

  Net Sales  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  358.6  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  411.1  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (52.5)  

 
 
 
 

  (12.8)  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Adjusted EBITDA  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  122.1  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  140.1  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (17.9)  

 
 
 
 

  (12.8)  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

 

 

Lithium net sales of $358.6 million declined $52.5 million primarily due to lower contract and market pricing. Lower contract pricing reflects 2020 battery-grade price adjustments that were agreed to in late 2019. Adjusted EBITDA of $122.1 million declined by $17.9 million primarily due to reduced net sales. Stronger volumes, as customers held to contractual commitments, partially offset price declines.

 

   Current Trends:   We anticipate FY 2021 volumes to be higher due to North American restarts and efficiency improvements. We expect mechanical completion of our La Negra and Kemerton expansion projects in 2021 and expect to see increased sales volumes from these projects beginning in 2022. We expect FY 2021 pricing to be down slightly, primarily due to anticipated lower average realized pricing for carbonate and technical grade products. Longer-term, we expect lithium demand to grow in line with greater EV adoption. We are accelerating our lithium growth projects to capitalize on this trend and generate strong investment returns.

 

  Bromine Specialties  

 
 
                                      
 

   In millions   

 
 

   Q4 2020   

 
 
 

   Q4 2019   

 
 
 

   $ Change   

 
 
 

   % Change   

 
 

  Net Sales  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  263.4  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  243.5  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  19.9  

 
 
 
 

  8.2  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Adjusted EBITDA  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  87.9  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  79.7  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  8.1  

 
 
 
 

  10.2  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

 

 

Bromine net sales of $263.4 million increased $19.9 million primarily due to a rebound in demand following the recent economic downturn related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusted EBITDA of $87.9 million increased $8.1 million due to higher net sales volume and pricing, partially offset by higher input costs related to the higher sales volume.

 

   Current Trends:   We expect FY 2021 results to improve modestly year-over-year assuming continued economic recovery following the pandemic. Further recovery and positive long-term trends in electronics and automotive end markets are expected to continue to drive demand across our product portfolio.

 

  Catalysts  

 
 
                                      
 

   In millions   

 
 

   Q4 2020   

 
 
 

   Q4 2019   

 
 
 

   $ Change   

 
 
 

   % Change   

 
 

  Net Sales  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  195.7  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  282.5  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (86.8)  

 
 
 
 

  (30.7)  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Adjusted EBITDA  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  22.1  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  76.7  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (54.7)  

 
 
 
 

  (71.3)  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

 

 

Catalysts net sales of $195.7 million declined $86.8 million due primarily to lower volumes. Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) volume improved sequentially, but remains below prior year due to lower transportation fuel consumption as a result of travel restrictions. Lower Hydroprocessing Catalysts (HPC) volume reflects normal lumpiness of shipments and reduced fuel demand. Adjusted EBITDA of $22.1 million declined $54.7 million as a result of lower net sales offset by cost savings initiatives and efficiency improvements.

 

   Current Trends:   We expect total Catalysts to be flat year-over-year, with PCS improving from 2020 levels. We expect lower year-over-year refining catalysts volumes resulting from a recent change in customer order patterns in North America , with Q1 expected to be the strongest quarter of the year. Strategically, we continue to position the Catalysts business to take advantage of growth in emerging markets, renewable fuels, and crude-to-chemicals.

 

  All Other  

 
 
                                      
 

   In millions   

 
 

   Q4 2020   

 
 
 

   Q4 2019   

 
 
 

   $ Change   

 
 
 

   % Change   

 
 

  Net Sales  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  61.4  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  55.4  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  6.0  

 
 
 
 

  10.8  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Adjusted EBITDA  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  18.4  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  20.7  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (2.3)  

 
 
 
 

  (11.0)  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

 

 

Other operations represent our Fine Chemistry Services (FCS) business. FCS net sales of $61.4 million increased $6.0 million and adjusted EBITDA of $18.4 million decreased $2.3 million . The FCS business tends to be contract driven. Recent contracts include life sciences products, which are typically anti-cyclical.

 

  Earnings Call  

 
 
          
 

  Date:  

 
 

  Thursday, Feb. 18, 2020  

 
 

  Time:  

 
 

  9:00 AM Eastern time  

 
 

  Dial-in (U.S.):  

 
 

  844-347-1034  

 
 

  Dial-in (International):  

 
 

  209-905-5910  

 
 

  Passcode:  

 
 

  6989169  

 
 
 

 

 

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

 

  About Albemarle   

 

 ALBemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. , is a global specialty chemicals company with leading positions in lithium, bromine and refining catalysts. We think beyond business-as-usual to power the potential of companies in many of the world's largest and most critical industries, such as energy, electronics, and transportation. We actively pursue a sustainable approach to managing our diverse global footprint of world-class resources. In conjunction with our highly experienced and talented global teams, our deep-seated values, and our collaborative customer relationships, we create value-added and performance-based solutions that enable a safer and more sustainable future.

 

We regularly post information to www.albemarle.com , including notification of events, news, financial performance, investor presentations and webcasts, non-GAAP reconciliations, SEC filings and other information regarding our company, its businesses and the markets it serves.

 

  Forward-Looking Statements  

 

Some of the information presented in this press release, the conference call and discussions that follow, including, without limitation, information related to product development, production capacity, committed volumes, market trends, pricing, expected growth, earnings and demand for our products, input costs, surcharges, tax rates, stock repurchases, dividends, cash flow generation, costs and cost synergies, capital projects, economic trends, outlook and all other information relating to matters that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from the views expressed. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the outlook expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include, without limitation: changes in economic and business conditions; changes in financial and operating performance of our major customers and industries and markets served by us; the timing of orders received from customers; the gain or loss of significant customers; competition from other manufacturers; changes in the demand for our products or the end-user markets in which our products are sold; limitations or prohibitions on the manufacture and sale of our products; availability of raw materials; increases in the cost of raw materials and energy, and our ability to pass through such increases to our customers; changes in our markets in general; fluctuations in foreign currencies; changes in laws and government regulation impacting our operations or our products; the occurrence of regulatory actions, proceedings, claims or litigation; the occurrence of cyber-security breaches, terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, natural disasters or climate change; the inability to maintain current levels of product or premises liability insurance or the denial of such coverage; political unrest affecting the global economy, including adverse effects from terrorism or hostilities; political instability affecting our manufacturing operations or joint ventures; changes in accounting standards; the inability to achieve results from our global manufacturing cost reduction initiatives as well as our ongoing continuous improvement and rationalization programs; changes in the jurisdictional mix of our earnings and changes in tax laws and rates; changes in monetary policies, inflation or interest rates that may impact our ability to raise capital or increase our cost of funds, impact the performance of our pension fund investments and increase our pension expense and funding obligations; volatility and uncertainties in the debt and equity markets; technology or intellectual property infringement, including cyber-security breaches, and other innovation risks; decisions we may make in the future; the ability to successfully execute, operate and integrate acquisitions and divestitures; uncertainties as to the duration and impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; and the other factors detailed from time to time in the reports we file with the SEC, including those described under "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. We assume 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 Income
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

 

 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
 
 

   Three Months Ended   

 
 
 

   Year Ended   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 

   Net sales   

 
 

  $  

 
 

  879,147  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  992,564  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  3,128,909  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  3,589,427  

 
 
 

  Cost of goods sold  

 
 

  613,727  

 
 
 
 

  654,053  

 
 
 
 

  2,134,056  

 
 
 
 

  2,331,649  

 
 
 

   Gross profit   

 
 

  265,420  

 
 
 
 

  338,511  

 
 
 
 

  994,853  

 
 
 
 

  1,257,778  

 
 
 

  Selling, general and administrative expenses  

 
 

  124,909  

 
 
 
 

  185,163  

 
 
 
 

  429,827  

 
 
 
 

  533,368  

 
 
 

  Research and development expenses  

 
 

  15,375  

 
 
 
 

  14,263  

 
 
 
 

  59,214  

 
 
 
 

  58,287  

 
 
 

   Operating profit   

 
 

  125,136  

 
 
 
 

  139,085  

 
 
 
 

  505,812  

 
 
 
 

  666,123  

 
 
 

  Interest and financing expenses  

 
 

  (19,152)  

 
 
 
 

  (22,400)  

 
 
 
 

  (73,116)  

 
 
 
 

  (57,695)  

 
 
 

  Other expenses, net  

 
 

  (57,557)  

 
 
 
 

  (38,388)  

 
 
 
 

  (59,177)  

 
 
 
 

  (45,478)  

 
 
 

  Income before income taxes and equity in net income of
unconsolidated investments
 

 
 

  48,427  

 
 
 
 

  78,297  

 
 
 
 

  373,519  

 
 
 
 

  562,950  

 
 
 

  Income tax (benefit) expense  

 
 

  (10,101)  

 
 
 
 

  (5,105)  

 
 
 
 

  54,425  

 
 
 
 

  88,161  

 
 
 

  Income before equity in net income of unconsolidated
investments
 

 
 

  58,528  

 
 
 
 

  83,402  

 
 
 
 

  319,094  

 
 
 
 

  474,789  

 
 
 

  Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of
tax)
 

 
 

  43,649  

 
 
 
 

  22,841  

 
 
 
 

  127,521  

 
 
 
 

  129,568  

 
 
 

  Net income  

 
 

  102,177  

 
 
 
 

  106,243  

 
 
 
 

  446,615  

 
 
 
 

  604,357  

 
 
 

  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  

 
 

  (17,542)  

 
 
 
 

  (15,852)  

 
 
 
 

  (70,851)  

 
 
 
 

  (71,129)  

 
 
 

  Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  84,635  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  90,391  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  375,764  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  533,228  

 
 
 

  Basic earnings per share:  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.79  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.85  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  3.53  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  5.03  

 
 
 

  Diluted earnings per share:  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.79  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.85  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  3.52  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  5.02  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic  

 
 

  106,665  

 
 
 
 

  106,037  

 
 
 
 

  106,402  

 
 
 
 

  105,949  

 
 
 

  Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted  

 
 

  107,312  

 
 
 
 

  106,314  

 
 
 
 

  106,808  

 
 
 
 

  106,321  

 
 
 
 

 

 

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Thousands) (Unaudited)

 

 

 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 

   ASSETS   

 
 
 
 
 

  Current assets:  

 
 
 
 
 

  Cash and cash equivalents  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  746,724  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  613,110  

 
 
 

  Trade accounts receivable  

 
 

  530,838  

 
 
 
 

  612,651  

 
 
 

  Other accounts receivable  

 
 

  61,958  

 
 
 
 

  67,551  

 
 
 

  Inventories  

 
 

  750,237  

 
 
 
 

  768,984  

 
 
 

  Other current assets  

 
 

  116,427  

 
 
 
 

  162,813  

 
 
 

  Total current assets  

 
 

  2,206,184  

 
 
 
 

  2,225,109  

 
 
 

  Property, plant and equipment  

 
 

  7,427,641  

 
 
 
 

  6,817,843  

 
 
 

  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  

 
 

  2,073,016  

 
 
 
 

  1,908,370  

 
 
 

  Net property, plant and equipment  

 
 

  5,354,625  

 
 
 
 

  4,909,473  

 
 
 

  Investments  

 
 

  656,244  

 
 
 
 

  579,813  

 
 
 

  Other assets  

 
 

  219,268  

 
 
 
 

  213,061  

 
 
 

  Goodwill  

 
 

  1,665,520  

 
 
 
 

  1,578,785  

 
 
 

  Other intangibles, net of amortization  

 
 

  349,105  

 
 
 
 

  354,622  

 
 
 

  Total assets  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  10,450,946  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  9,860,863  

 
 
 

   LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   

 
 
 
 
 

  Current liabilities:  

 
 
 
 
 

  Accounts payable  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  483,221  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  574,138  

 
 
 

  Accrued expenses  

 
 

  440,763  

 
 
 
 

  576,297  

 
 
 

  Current portion of long-term debt  

 
 

  804,677  

 
 
 
 

  187,336  

 
 
 

  Dividends payable  

 
 

  40,937  

 
 
 
 

  38,764  

 
 
 

  Income taxes payable  

 
 

  32,251  

 
 
 
 

  32,461  

 
 
 

  Total current liabilities  

 
 

  1,801,849  

 
 
 
 

  1,408,996  

 
 
 

  Long-term debt  

 
 

  2,767,381  

 
 
 
 

  2,862,921  

 
 
 

  Postretirement benefits  

 
 

  48,075  

 
 
 
 

  50,899  

 
 
 

  Pension benefits  

 
 

  340,818  

 
 
 
 

  292,073  

 
 
 

  Other noncurrent liabilities  

 
 

  629,377  

 
 
 
 

  754,536  

 
 
 

  Deferred income taxes  

 
 

  394,852  

 
 
 
 

  397,858  

 
 
 

  Commitments and contingencies  

 
 
 
 
 

  Equity:  

 
 
 
 
 

  Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity:  

 
 
 
 
 

  Common stock  

 
 

  1,069  

 
 
 
 

  1,061  

 
 
 

  Additional paid-in-capital  

 
 

  1,438,038  

 
 
 
 

  1,383,446  

 
 
 

  Accumulated other comprehensive loss  

 
 

  (326,132)  

 
 
 
 

  (395,735)  

 
 
 

  Retained earnings  

 
 

  3,155,252  

 
 
 
 

  2,943,478  

 
 
 

  Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders' equity  

 
 

  4,268,227  

 
 
 
 

  3,932,250  

 
 
 

  Noncontrolling interests  

 
 

  200,367  

 
 
 
 

  161,330  

 
 
 

  Total equity  

 
 

  4,468,594  

 
 
 
 

  4,093,580  

 
 
 

  Total liabilities and equity  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  10,450,946  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  9,860,863  

 
 
 
 

 

 

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries
Selected Consolidated Cash Flow Data
(In Thousands) (Unaudited)

 

 

 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
 
 

   Year Ended   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 

  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  613,110  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  555,320  

 
 
 

  Cash flows from operating activities:  

 
 
 
 
 

  Net income  

 
 

  446,615  

 
 
 
 

  604,357  

 
 
 

  Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:  

 
 
 
 
 

  Depreciation and amortization  

 
 

  231,984  

 
 
 
 

  213,484  

 
 
 

  Gain on sale of joint venture  

 
 

  (7,168)  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 

  Gain on sale of property  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  (14,411)  

 
 
 

  Stock-based compensation and other  

 
 

  22,837  

 
 
 
 

  19,680  

 
 
 

  Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)  

 
 

  (127,521)  

 
 
 
 

  (129,568)  

 
 
 

  Dividends received from unconsolidated investments and nonmarketable
securities
 

 
 

  88,161  

 
 
 
 

  71,746  

 
 
 

  Pension and postretirement expense  

 
 

  45,658  

 
 
 
 

  31,515  

 
 
 

  Pension and postretirement contributions  

 
 

  (16,434)  

 
 
 
 

  (16,478)  

 
 
 

  Unrealized gain on investments in marketable securities  

 
 

  (4,635)  

 
 
 
 

  (2,809)  

 
 
 

  Loss on early extinguishment of debt  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  4,829  

 
 
 

  Deferred income taxes  

 
 

  (1,976)  

 
 
 
 

  14,394  

 
 
 

  Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and
divestitures:
 

 
 
 
 
 

  Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable  

 
 

  100,118  

 
 
 
 

  (18,220)  

 
 
 

  Decrease (increase) in inventories  

 
 

  51,978  

 
 
 
 

  (46,304)  

 
 
 

  Decrease (increase) in other current assets  

 
 

  7,902  

 
 
 
 

  (32,941)  

 
 
 

  (Decrease) in accounts payable  

 
 

  (31,519)  

 
 
 
 

  (12,234)  

 
 
 

  (Decrease) in accrued expenses and income taxes payable  

 
 

  (215,011)  

 
 
 
 

  (4,640)  

 
 
 

  Other, net  

 
 

  207,925  

 
 
 
 

  36,974  

 
 
 

  Net cash provided by operating activities  

 
 

  798,914  

 
 
 
 

  719,374  

 
 
 

  Cash flows from investing activities:  

 
 
 
 
 

  Acquisitions, net of cash acquired  

 
 

  (22,572)  

 
 
 
 

  (820,000)  

 
 
 

  Capital expenditures  

 
 

  (850,477)  

 
 
 
 

  (851,796)  

 
 
 

  Proceeds from sale of joint venture  

 
 

  11,000  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 

  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  10,356  

 
 
 

  Sales of marketable securities, net  

 
 

  903  

 
 
 
 

  384  

 
 
 

  Investments in equity and other corporate investments  

 
 

  (2,427)  

 
 
 
 

  (2,569)  

 
 
 

  Net cash used in investing activities  

 
 

  (863,573)  

 
 
 
 

  (1,663,625)  

 
 
 

  Cash flows from financing activities:  

 
 
 
 
 

  Proceeds from borrowings of other long-term debt  

 
 

  452,163  

 
 
 
 

  1,597,807  

 
 
 

  Repayments of long-term debt  

 
 

  (250,000)  

 
 
 
 

  (175,215)  

 
 
 

  Other borrowings (repayments), net  

 
 

  137,635  

 
 
 
 

  (126,364)  

 
 
 

  Fees related to early extinguishment of debt  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  (4,419)  

 
 
 

  Dividends paid to shareholders  

 
 

  (161,818)  

 
 
 
 

  (152,204)  

 
 
 

  Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests  

 
 

  (32,061)  

 
 
 
 

  (83,187)  

 
 
 

  Proceeds from exercise of stock options  

 
 

  40,437  

 
 
 
 

  4,814  

 
 
 

  Withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation award distributions  

 
 

  (5,143)  

 
 
 
 

  (11,031)  

 
 
 

  Debt financing costs  

 
 

  (3,952)  

 
 
 
 

  (7,514)  

 
 
 

  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  

 
 

  177,261  

 
 
 
 

  1,042,687  

 
 
 

  Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents  

 
 

  21,012  

 
 
 
 

  (40,646)  

 
 
 

  Increase in cash and cash equivalents  

 
 

  133,614  

 
 
 
 

  57,790  

 
 
 

  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  746,724  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  613,110  

 
 
 
 

 

 

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Summary of Segment Results
(In Thousands) (Unaudited)

 

 

 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                            
 
 

   Three Months Ended   

 
 
 

   Year Ended   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 

   Net sales:   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Lithium  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  358,592  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  411,140  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  1,144,778  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  1,358,170  

 
 
 

  Bromine Specialties  

 
 

  263,398  

 
 
 
 

  243,464  

 
 
 
 

  964,962  

 
 
 
 

  1,004,216  

 
 
 

  Catalysts  

 
 

  195,735  

 
 
 
 

  282,522  

 
 
 
 

  797,914  

 
 
 
 

  1,061,817  

 
 
 

  All Other  

 
 

  61,422  

 
 
 
 

  55,438  

 
 
 
 

  221,255  

 
 
 
 

  165,224  

 
 
 

  Total net sales  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  879,147  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  992,564  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  3,128,909  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  3,589,427  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   Adjusted EBITDA:   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Lithium  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  122,131  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  140,080  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  393,093  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  524,934  

 
 
 

  Bromine Specialties  

 
 

  87,854  

 
 
 
 

  79,714  

 
 
 
 

  323,605  

 
 
 
 

  328,457  

 
 
 

  Catalysts  

 
 

  22,053  

 
 
 
 

  76,734  

 
 
 
 

  130,134  

 
 
 
 

  270,624  

 
 
 

  All Other  

 
 

  18,414  

 
 
 
 

  20,697  

 
 
 
 

  84,821  

 
 
 
 

  49,628  

 
 
 

  Corporate  

 
 

  (29,327)  

 
 
 
 

  (22,562)  

 
 
 
 

  (112,915)  

 
 
 
 

  (136,862)  

 
 
 

  Total adjusted EBITDA  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  221,125  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  294,663  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  818,738  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  1,036,781  

 
 
 
 

 

 

See accompanying non-GAAP reconciliations below.

 

  Additional Information  

 

It should be noted that adjusted net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, adjusted diluted earnings per share, non-operating pension and OPEB items per diluted share, non-recurring and other unusual items per diluted share, adjusted effective income tax rates, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, 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 income attributable to Albemarle Corporation ("earnings"). These measures are presented here to provide additional useful measurements to review our 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 we use to evaluate our 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, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, the non-GAAP financial measures, to Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation ("earnings"), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted earnings is defined as earnings before the non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and OPEB items as listed below. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest and financing expenses, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA and the non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and OPEB items as listed below.

 

 

 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
 
 

   Three Months Ended   

 
 
 

   Year Ended   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 

   In thousands, except percentages and per share amounts   

 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 

  Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  84,635  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  90,391  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  375,764  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  533,228  

 
 
 

  Add back:  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Non-operating pension and OPEB items (net of tax)  

 
 

  37,572  

 
 
 
 

  20,453  

 
 
 
 

  30,668  

 
 
 
 

  18,648  

 
 
 

  Non-recurring and other unusual items (net of tax)  

 
 

  3,409  

 
 
 
 

  73,430  

 
 
 
 

  33,087  

 
 
 
 

  90,669  

 
 
 

  Adjusted net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  125,616  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  184,274  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  439,519  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  642,545  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Adjusted diluted earnings per share  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  1.17  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  1.73  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  4.12  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  6.04  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted  

 
 

  107,312  

 
 
 
 

  106,314  

 
 
 
 

  106,808  

 
 
 
 

  106,321  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  84,635  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  90,391  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  375,764  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  533,228  

 
 
 

  Add back:  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Interest and financing expenses  

 
 

  19,152  

 
 
 
 

  22,400  

 
 
 
 

  73,116  

 
 
 
 

  57,695  

 
 
 

  Income tax (benefit) expense  

 
 

  (10,101)  

 
 
 
 

  (5,105)  

 
 
 
 

  54,425  

 
 
 
 

  88,161  

 
 
 

  Depreciation and amortization  

 
 

  61,770  

 
 
 
 

  56,766  

 
 
 
 

  231,984  

 
 
 
 

  213,484  

 
 
 

   EBITDA   

 
 

  155,456  

 
 
 
 

  164,452  

 
 
 
 

  735,289  

 
 
 
 

  892,568  

 
 
 

  Non-operating pension and OPEB items  

 
 

  49,372  

 
 
 
 

  28,780  

 
 
 
 

  40,668  

 
 
 
 

  26,970  

 
 
 

  Non-recurring and other unusual items (excluding items
associated with interest expense)
 

 
 

  16,297  

 
 
 
 

  101,431  

 
 
 
 

  42,781  

 
 
 
 

  117,243  

 
 
 

   Adjusted EBITDA   

 
 

  $  

 
 

  221,125  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  294,663  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  818,738  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  1,036,781  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Net sales  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  879,147  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  992,564  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  3,128,909  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  3,589,427  

 
 
 

  EBITDA margin  

 
 

  17.7  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

  16.6  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

  23.5  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

  24.9  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Adjusted EBITDA margin  

 
 

  25.2  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

  29.7  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

  26.2  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

  28.9  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

 

 

See below for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA on a segment basis, the non-GAAP financial measure, to Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reporting in accordance with GAAP (in thousands, except percentages).

 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
 
 

   Lithium   

 
 
 

   Bromine
Specialties
 
 

 
 
 

   Catalysts   

 
 
 

   Reportable
Segments
Total
 
 

 
 
 

   All
Other
 
 

 
 
 

   Corporate   

 
 
 

   Consolidated
Total
 
 

 
 
 

   % of
Net
Sales
 
 

 
 

   Three months ended December 31, 2020:   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Net income (loss) attributable to
Albemarle Corporation
 

 
 

  $  

 
 

  89,331  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  75,590  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  9,379  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  174,300  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  16,254  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (105,919)  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  84,635  

 
 
 
 

  9.6  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Depreciation and amortization  

 
 

  30,272  

 
 
 
 

  13,464  

 
 
 
 

  12,674  

 
 
 
 

  56,410  

 
 
 
 

  2,160  

 
 
 
 

  3,200  

 
 
 
 

  61,770  

 
 
 
 

  7.0  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-recurring and other unusual
items
 

 
 

  2,528  

 
 
 
 

  (1,200)  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  1,328  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  14,969  

 
 
 
 

  16,297  

 
 
 
 

  1.9  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Interest and financing expenses  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  19,152  

 
 
 
 

  19,152  

 
 
 
 

  2.2  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Income tax benefit  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  (10,101)  

 
 
 
 

  (10,101)  

 
 
 
 

  (1.1)  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-operating pension and
OPEB items
 

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  49,372  

 
 
 
 

  49,372  

 
 
 
 

  5.6  

 
 

  %  

 
 

   Adjusted EBITDA   

 
 

  $  

 
 

  122,131  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  87,854  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  22,053  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  232,038  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  18,414  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (29,327)  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  221,125  

 
 
 
 

  25.2  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   Three months ended December 31, 2019:   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Net income (loss) attributable to
Albemarle Corporation
 

 
 

  $  

 
 

  29,158  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  67,625  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  63,358  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  160,141  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  18,559  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (88,309)  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  90,391  

 
 
 
 

  9.1  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Depreciation and amortization  

 
 

  27,755  

 
 
 
 

  12,330  

 
 
 
 

  12,582  

 
 
 
 

  52,667  

 
 
 
 

  2,138  

 
 
 
 

  1,961  

 
 
 
 

  56,766  

 
 
 
 

  5.7  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-recurring and other unusual
items (excluding items
associated with interest expense)
 

 
 

  83,167  

 
 
 
 

  (241)  

 
 
 
 

  794  

 
 
 
 

  83,720  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  17,711  

 
 
 
 

  101,431  

 
 
 
 

  10.2  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Interest and financing expenses  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  22,400  

 
 
 
 

  22,400  

 
 
 
 

  2.3  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Income tax benefit  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  (5,105)  

 
 
 
 

  (5,105)  

 
 
 
 

  (0.5)  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-operating pension and OPEB items  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  28,780  

 
 
 
 

  28,780  

 
 
 
 

  2.9  

 
 

  %  

 
 

   Adjusted EBITDA   

 
 

  $  

 
 

  140,080  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  79,714  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  76,734  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  296,528  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  20,697  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (22,562)  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  294,663  

 
 
 
 

  29.7  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   Year ended December 31, 2020:   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  277,711  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  274,495  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  80,149  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  632,355  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  76,323  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (332,914)  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  375,764  

 
 
 
 

  12.0  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Depreciation and amortization  

 
 

  112,854  

 
 
 
 

  50,310  

 
 
 
 

  49,985  

 
 
 
 

  213,149  

 
 
 
 

  8,498  

 
 
 
 

  10,337  

 
 
 
 

  231,984  

 
 
 
 

  7.4  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-recurring and other unusual items  

 
 

  2,528  

 
 
 
 

  (1,200)  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  1,328  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  41,453  

 
 
 
 

  42,781  

 
 
 
 

  1.4  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Interest and financing expenses  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  73,116  

 
 
 
 

  73,116  

 
 
 
 

  2.3  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Income tax expense  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  54,425  

 
 
 
 

  54,425  

 
 
 
 

  1.7  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-operating pension and
OPEB items
 

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  40,668  

 
 
 
 

  40,668  

 
 
 
 

  1.3  

 
 

  %  

 
 

   Adjusted EBITDA   

 
 

  $  

 
 

  393,093  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  323,605  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  130,134  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  846,832  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  84,821  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (112,915)  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  818,738  

 
 
 
 

  26.2  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   Year ended December 31, 2019:   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Net income (loss) attributable to
Albemarle Corporation
 

 
 

  $  

 
 

  341,767  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  279,945  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  219,686  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  841,398  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  41,188  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (349,358)  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  533,228  

 
 
 
 

  14.9  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Depreciation and amortization  

 
 

  99,424  

 
 
 
 

  47,611  

 
 
 
 

  50,144  

 
 
 
 

  197,179  

 
 
 
 

  8,440  

 
 
 
 

  7,865  

 
 
 
 

  213,484  

 
 
 
 

  5.9  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-recurring and other unusual
items (excluding items associated with
interest expense)
 

 
 

  83,743  

 
 
 
 

  901  

 
 
 
 

  794  

 
 
 
 

  85,438  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  31,805  

 
 
 
 

  117,243  

 
 
 
 

  3.3  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Interest and financing expenses  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  57,695  

 
 
 
 

  57,695  

 
 
 
 

  1.6  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Income tax expense  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  88,161  

 
 
 
 

  88,161  

 
 
 
 

  2.5  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-operating pension and OPEB items  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  26,970  

 
 
 
 

  26,970  

 
 
 
 

  0.8  

 
 

  %  

 
 

   Adjusted EBITDA   

 
 

  $  

 
 

  524,934  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  328,457  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  270,624  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  1,124,015  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  49,628  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (136,862)  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  1,036,781  

 
 
 
 

  28.9  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

 

 

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 our operating segments and are included in the Corporate category. In addition, we believe that these components of pension cost are mainly driven by market performance, and we manage these separately from the operational performance of our businesses. In accordance with GAAP, these non-operating pension and OPEB items are included in Other (expenses) income, net. Non-operating pension and OPEB items were as follows (in thousands):

 
 
                                                                        
 
 

   Three Months Ended   

 
 
 

   Year Ended   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 

  MTM actuarial loss  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  52,269  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  29,339  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  52,269  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  29,339  

 
 
 

  Interest cost  

 
 

  7,178  

 
 
 
 

  8,893  

 
 
 
 

  28,630  

 
 
 
 

  35,394  

 
 
 

  Expected return on assets  

 
 

  (10,075)  

 
 
 
 

  (9,452)  

 
 
 
 

  (40,231)  

 
 
 
 

  (37,763)  

 
 
 

  Total  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  49,372  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  28,780  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  40,668  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  26,970  

 
 
 
 

 

 

In addition to the non-operating pension and OPEB items disclosed above, we have identified certain other items and excluded them from our 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   

 
 
 

   Year Ended   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 

  Restructuring and other (1)  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.08  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.15  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.05  

 
 
 

  Acquisition and integration related costs (2)  

 
 

  0.02  

 
 
 
 

  0.05  

 
 
 
 

  0.13  

 
 
 
 

  0.15  

 
 
 

  Gain on sale of property (3)  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  (0.02)  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  (0.10)  

 
 
 

  Stamp duty (4)  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  0.61  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  0.61  

 
 
 

  Windfield tax settlement (5)  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  0.16  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  0.16  

 
 
 

  Loss on extinguishment of debt (6)  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  0.04  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  0.04  

 
 
 

  Other (7)  

 
 

  0.06  

 
 
 
 

  0.13  

 
 
 
 

  0.07  

 
 
 
 

  0.20  

 
 
 

  Discrete tax items (8)  

 
 

  (0.13)  

 
 
 
 

  (0.28)  

 
 
 
 

  (0.04)  

 
 
 
 

  (0.26)  

 
 
 

  Total non-recurring and other unusual items  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.03  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.69  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.31  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.85  

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
  
 

  (1)  

 
 

  In 2020, we recorded severance expenses as part of business reorganization plans, impacting each of our businesses and Corporate, primarily in the U.S., Belgium, Germany and with our Jordanian joint venture partner. The balance of unpaid severance is recorded in Accrued expenses and is primarily expected to be paid through 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2019, severance expenses were recorded as part of a business reorganization plan primarily in Catalysts, Lithium and Corporate. Restructuring and other expenses are included in the consolidated statements of income as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):  

 
 
 

 

 
 
                                                                                                                
 
 

   Three Months Ended   

 
 
 

   Year Ended   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   December 31,   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 
 

   2020   

 
 
 

   2019   

 
 

   Restructuring and other:   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Cost of goods sold  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.7  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  

 
 
 

  Selling, general and administrative expenses  

 
 

  8.6  

 
 
 
 

  0.6  

 
 
 
 

  19.2  

 
 
 
 

  5.9  

 
 
 

  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  (0.3)  

 
 
 
 

  

 
 
 

  Total  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  8.6  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.6  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  19.6  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  5.9  

 
 
 

  Total restructuring and other, after income taxes  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  8.4  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.4  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  16.3  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  5.4  

 
 
 

  Total restructuring and other, per diluted share  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.08  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.15  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  0.05  

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
                                                                    
 

  (2)  

 
 

  Costs related to the acquisition, integration and potential divestitures for various significant projects, recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 of $2.9 million and $17.3 million ($2.3 million and $13.4 million after income taxes, or $0.02 and $0.13 per share), respectively, and for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 of $6.3 million and $20.7 million ($5.1 million and $16.1 million after income taxes, or $0.05 and $0.15 per share), respectively.  

 
 
 
 

  (3)  

 
 

  Included in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 is a gain of $3.3 million ($2.4 million after income taxes, or $0.02 per share) related to the release of liabilities as part of the sale of a property. In addition, included in Other expenses, net, for the year ended December 31, 2019 is a gain of $11.1 million ($8.5 million after income taxes, or $0.08 per share) related to the sale of land in Pasadena, Texas not used as part of our operations.  

 
 
 
 

  (4)  

 
 

  Included in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 is $64.8 million (or $0.61 per share as there was no income tax impact) resulting from stamp duties levied on assets purchased related to the Wodgina Project, with the unpaid balance recorded in Accrued expenses as of December 31, 2019.  

 
 
 
 

  (5)  

 
 

  Included in Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 is $17.3 million (or $0.16 per share) representing our 49% share of a tax settlement between our Windfield joint venture and an Australian taxing authority. This adjustment is offset by a discrete tax benefit from a competent tax authority agreement. See below for a discussion of discrete tax items.  

 
 
 
 

  (6)  

 
 

  Included in Interest and financing expenses for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 is a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $4.8 million ($3.7 million after income taxes, or $0.04 per share) related to tender premiums, fees, unamortized discounts and unamortized deferred financing costs from the redemption of the 4.50% senior notes due in 2020.  

 
 
 
 

  (7)  

 
 

  Other adjustments for the three months ended December 31, 2020 included amounts recorded in:  

 
 
 
  • Cost of goods sold - $1.3 million of expense related to a legal matter as part of a prior acquisition in our Lithium business.
  •  
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses - $3.1 million of shortfall contributions for our multiemployer plan financial improvement plan.
  •  
  • Other expenses, net - $8.8 million of losses resulting from the adjustment of indemnifications related to previously disposed businesses and $1.2 million of expenses related to other costs outside of our regular operations, offset by a $7.2 million gain related to the sale of our ownership percentage in the Saudi Organometallic Chemicals Company LLC ("SOCC") joint venture and $2.8 million of gains primarily relating to the sale of intangible assets in our Bromine business and property in Germany not used as part of our operations.
  •  

  After income taxes, these charges totaled $6.4 million, or $0.06 per share.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  Other adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2020 included amounts recorded in:  

 
 
 
  • Cost of goods sold - $1.3 million of expense related to a legal matter as part of a prior acquisition in our Lithium business.
  •  
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses - $3.1 million of shortfall contributions for our multiemployer plan financial improvement plan and $3.8 million of a net expense primarily relating to the increase of environmental reserves at non-operating businesses we have previously divested.
  •  
  • Other expenses, net - $7.2 million gain related to the sale of our ownership percentage in the SOCC joint venture, $3.6 million of a net gain primarily relating to the sale of intangible assets in our Bromine business and property in Germany not used as part of our operations and a $2.5 million net gain resulting from the settlement of legal matters related to a business sold or a site in the process of being sold, partially offset by $9.6 million of losses resulting from the adjustment of indemnifications related to previously disposed businesses and $1.2 million of expenses related to other costs outside of our regular operations.
  •  
 
 
 
 

  After income taxes, these charges totaled $7.5 million, or $0.07 per share.  

 
 
 
 
 

  Other adjustments for the three months ended December 31, 2019 included amounts recorded in:  

 
 
 
  • Cost of goods sold - $0.1 million related to non-routine labor and compensation related costs in Chile that are outside normal compensation arrangements.
  •  
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses - $0.8 million of shortfall contributions for our multiemployer pension plan financial improvement plan, $0.8 million related to the settlement of terminated agreements, primarily in the Catalysts segment, and $0.8 million related to the settlement of an ongoing audit in the Lithium segment.
  •  
  • Other expenses, net - $8.5 million of a net loss resulting from the adjustment of indemnifications and other liabilities related to previously disposed businesses, $3.6 million of asset retirement obligation charges related to the update of an estimate at a site formerly owned by Albemarle, and $1.2 million of non-operating pension costs from our 50% interest in JBC.
  •  
 
 
 
 

  After income taxes, these charges totaled $14.3 million, or $0.13 per share.  

 
 
 
 
 

  Other adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2019 included amounts recorded in:  

 
 
 
  • Cost of goods sold - $0.7 million related to non-routine labor and compensation related costs in Chile that are outside normal compensation arrangements.
  •  
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses - $1.8 million of shortfall contributions for our multiemployer pension plan financial improvement plan, $0.9 million of a write-off of uncollectable accounts receivable from a terminated distributor in the Bromine Specialties segment, $1.0 million related to the settlement of terminated agreements, primarily in the Catalysts segment, and $0.8 million related to the settlement of an ongoing audit in the Lithium segment.
  •  
  • Other expenses, net - $3.1 million of unrecoverable vendor costs outside the operations of the business related to the construction of the future Kemerton production facility, $9.8 million of a net loss primarily resulting from the adjustment of indemnifications and other liabilities related to previously disposed businesses or purchase accounting, $3.6 million of asset retirement obligation charges related to the update of an estimate at a site formerly owned by Albemarle, and $1.2 million of non-operating pension costs from our 50% interest in JBC.
  •  
 
 
 
 

  After income taxes, these charges totaled $21.7 million, or $0.20 per share.  

 
 
 
 

  (8)  

 
 

  Included in Income tax (benefit) expense for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 are discrete net tax benefits of $13.9 million, or $0.13 per share, and $4.3 million, or $0.04 per share, respectively. The net benefit for the three months is primarily related to benefits for uncertain tax positions for statute of limitation expirations, excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements, and return to accrual adjustments. The net benefit for the full year 2020 is primarily related to changes to uncertain tax positions, excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements, and return to accrual adjustments.  

 
 
 
 
 

  Included in Income tax (benefit) expense for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 are discrete net tax benefits of $29.8 million, or $0.28 per share, and $27.4 million, or $0.26 per share, respectively. This net benefit is primarily related to benefits for uncertain tax positions primarily related to seeking treaty relief from the competent authority to prevent double taxation, and state rate changes.  

 
 
 
 

 

 

  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 reporting in accordance with GAAP (in thousands, except percentages).  

 
 
 

 

 
 
                                                                                                                                                                        
 
 

   Income before
income taxes and
equity in net income
of unconsolidated
investments
 
 

 
 
 

   Income tax (benefit)
expense
 
 

 
 
 

   Effective income tax
rate
 
 

 
 

   Three months ended December 31, 2020:   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  As reported  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  48,427  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (10,101)  

 
 
 
 

  (20.9)  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and OPEB
items
 

 
 

  65,669  

 
 
 
 

  24,688  

 
 
 
 
 

  As adjusted  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  114,096  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  14,587  

 
 
 
 

  12.8  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   Three months ended December 31, 2019:   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  As reported  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  78,297  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  (5,105)  

 
 
 
 

  (6.5)  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and OPEB
items
 

 
 

  117,748  

 
 
 
 

  41,157  

 
 
 
 
 

  As adjusted  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  196,045  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  36,052  

 
 
 
 

  18.4  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   Year ended December 31, 2020:   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  As reported  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  373,519  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  54,425  

 
 
 
 

  14.6  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and OPEB
items
 

 
 

  83,770  

 
 
 
 

  19,694  

 
 
 
 
 

  As adjusted  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  457,289  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  74,119  

 
 
 
 

  16.2  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   Year ended December 31, 2019:   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  As reported  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  562,950  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  88,161  

 
 
 
 

  15.7  

 
 

  %  

 
 

  Non-recurring, other unusual and non-operating pension and OPEB
items
 

 
 

  131,750  

 
 
 
 

  39,725  

 
 
 
 
 

  As adjusted  

 
 

  $  

 
 

  694,700  

 
 
 
 

  $  

 
 

  127,886  

 
 
 
 

  18.4  

 
 

  %  

 
 
 

 

 

 

 
 
 

 Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/albemarle-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2020-results-301230329.html  

 

SOURCE Albemarle Corporation

 
 

News Provided by PR Newswire via QuoteMedia

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