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    ALBEMARLE (ALB)

    Q1 2024 Earnings Summary

    Reported on Jan 10, 2025 (After Market Close)
    Pre-Earnings Price$125.30Last close (May 2, 2024)
    Post-Earnings Price$128.10Open (May 3, 2024)
    Price Change
    $2.80(+2.23%)
    • Albemarle operates world-class, low-cost lithium resources that remain profitable even at current lower prices, supporting long-term growth.
    • The company anticipates higher volumes in upcoming quarters due to ramping of new projects and facilities, with peak demand expected in the third quarter.
    • Strong EV demand growth in China and low inventory levels signal positive market conditions, which could improve lithium prices and benefit Albemarle's earnings.
    • Albemarle's lithium prices are testing price floors, indicating significant price declines which could negatively impact revenues. The company admitted that "some of those floors... are being tested" and are coming into play for their business.
    • Expansion plans in North America have been paused due to price and geopolitical issues. The CEO stated that they have "paused on that a little bit, just on some of the issues that you've described, price being a big one, how geopolitics plays into it." This suggests delays in growth strategies.
    • Deferral of expansion projects due to market conditions may slow down production growth. The company has made adjustments such as deferring the third train at Wodgina, and may need to make further corrective actions if prices remain low.
    1. CapEx Plans Amid Low Prices
      Q: If prices stay low, will CapEx be sustained in 2025?
      A: If prices remain at current levels, Albemarle would ramp down CapEx towards a minimum maintenance level of about $1 billion per year by the end of 2025, which could impact long-term growth.

    2. Impact on Long-term Growth
      Q: How would reduced CapEx affect capacity growth?
      A: Reducing CapEx to maintenance levels by 2025 would materially impact Albemarle's long-term growth beyond 2027, limiting the ability to expand capacity and achieve the projected 20% growth rate through 2027.

    3. Need for Higher Lithium Prices
      Q: What price does lithium need to support industry growth?
      A: Prices need to increase to develop new projects crucial for supporting the EV transition; while Albemarle can operate at around 30% margin at current prices, higher prices are necessary for acceptable returns on new investments.

    4. Energy Storage Margin Outlook
      Q: How will new facilities affect EBITDA margins?
      A: The ramp-up of new plants is causing about a 500 basis point drag on margins this year; as facilities reach full rates over the next couple of years, margins should expand.

    5. Cash Flow Conversion Improvement
      Q: Will operating cash conversion improve going forward?
      A: Albemarle expects cash conversion to improve in 2025 due to lower cash taxes and contributions from ramping facilities; current high cash taxes are based on prior-year income.

    6. Lithium Market Fundamentals
      Q: What are your thoughts on lithium market fundamentals?
      A: Production cuts in China and elsewhere have marginally reduced supply, causing about a 15% price increase; strong demand growth in China and low inventory levels indicate positive signals for prices.

    7. China Restocking and Demand
      Q: Are you seeing restocking in China ahead of peak season?
      A: Yes, inventories are at low levels, and part of current demand is to restock in anticipation of higher EV sales during the peak season.

    8. Spodumene Auctions and Transparency
      Q: Why is Albemarle running spodumene auctions now?
      A: To increase market transparency and price discovery; it's not a change in strategy, and most products are still sold through long-term agreements.

    9. Tolling Volume Outlook
      Q: Will tolling volumes decrease over time?
      A: Yes, as company-owned plants ramp up, tolling volumes will decrease; the intention is to be fully integrated and convert all resources with company-built assets.

    10. Productivity Savings Progress
      Q: Is faster progress on productivity savings apparent in results?
      A: Albemarle is slightly ahead of schedule on the $280 million productivity benefits goal for 2024, with some savings reflected in reduced SG&A costs.

    11. Ketjen Divestment Plans
      Q: Have your thoughts on divesting Ketjen changed?
      A: No, Albemarle still views Ketjen as a non-core business and anticipates a transaction when the timing and value are right.

    12. Inventory Cost of Spodumene
      Q: What's the cost of spodumene inventory vs. market index?
      A: Higher-priced spodumene from prior periods is still being worked off; costs should align with market prices by mid-year.

    13. Second Quarter Margin Expectations
      Q: How will factors affect Q2 Energy Storage margins?
      A: Expect about a 10 percentage point increase in Energy Storage EBITDA margin in Q2 due to increased partner offtake and additional volumes; margins will normalize in subsequent quarters but remain healthy.

    14. Importance of North American Refining
      Q: How important is refining capacity in North America?
      A: Given geopolitical factors, Albemarle aims to have larger-scale conversion in North America but has paused some investments to assess market conditions and strategy.

    15. Evolution of Cathode Chemistries
      Q: How are you adjusting to evolving cathode chemistries?
      A: Balancing production of hydroxide and carbonate to meet changing demand, with an eye on long-term shifts towards solid-state batteries and lithium metal.

    16. Marginal Cost of Lithium Production
      Q: Do you still see marginal cost around $20/kg?
      A: Yes, while it changes over time, Albemarle believes the marginal cost is approximately $20/kg, with new projects expected to push this up.

    17. Price Floors Impact
      Q: Did price floors impact pricing during low price periods?
      A: Yes, some price floors were tested and have held, coming into play for some of Albemarle's business at current prices.

    18. Greenbushes Resource Growth
      Q: Where will Greenbushes' next phase of growth come from?
      A: Despite technical adjustments in reported grades, Greenbushes remains a world-class resource; expansion plans like CGP3 are underway, with potential for further expansion.

    19. Effect of New Plants on Cash Conversion
      Q: Will ongoing project ramps affect cash conversion?
      A: While project ramps currently impact cash conversion, as they become a smaller part of the portfolio, this effect will diminish, improving cash conversion over time.

    20. Customer Response to Auctions
      Q: How has customer participation in auctions been?
      A: Participation has been strong, with good interest and bids; auctions provide better market intelligence and have been well received.

    21. Spodumene Inventory Costs
      Q: Did Q1 spodumene costs align with projections?
      A: Adjustments made in Q4 reduced cost discrepancies; while some higher-cost inventory remained, costs are aligning with market prices as the year progresses.

    22. Operating Spodumene Facilities
      Q: Will you make further adjustments to JV spodumene facilities?
      A: No further significant adjustments are anticipated; Albemarle's resources are world-class and low-cost, and they're committed to exploiting them long-term.

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