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Albemarle Corp. (NYSE:ALB)

This company has been moved to the archive! The financial data has not been updated since May 3, 2023.

Analysis of Reportable Segments

Microsoft Excel

Segment Profit Margin

Albemarle Corp., profit margin by reportable segment

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Lithium 61.94% 35.18% 34.34% 38.65% 43.22%
Bromine 32.37% 31.97% 33.54% 32.71% 31.39%
Catalysts 3.19% 14.05% 16.31% 25.49% 25.81%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).


The analysis of segment profit margins between 2018 and 2022 reveals divergent performance trajectories across the three reporting segments. While one segment experienced a significant surge in profitability and another remained stable, the third showed a severe and consistent erosion of margins.

Lithium Segment
Profitability in the Lithium segment exhibited a U-shaped trend followed by a sharp acceleration. Margins declined from 43.22% in 2018 to a trough of 34.34% in 2020. Following a period of stabilization in 2021, the margin expanded aggressively to 61.94% by December 31, 2022, marking it as the primary driver of profitability growth.
Bromine Segment
The Bromine segment demonstrated a high degree of stability throughout the period analyzed. Profit margins remained tightly clustered, ranging from a low of 31.39% in 2018 to a peak of 33.54% in 2020, before settling at 32.37% in 2022. This indicates a resilient and predictable margin profile with minimal volatility.
Catalysts Segment
A systemic decline in profitability is evident in the Catalysts segment. After maintaining margins of approximately 25% in 2018 and 2019, a significant downturn began in 2020, with margins falling to 16.31%. This downward trend accelerated through 2021 and culminated in a sharp drop to 3.19% by the end of 2022, representing a near-total erosion of the segment's profit margin over the five-year horizon.

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Segment Profit Margin: Lithium

Albemarle Corp.; Lithium; segment profit margin calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA 3,102,662 479,538 393,093 524,934 530,773
Net sales 5,008,850 1,363,284 1,144,778 1,358,170 1,228,171
Segment Profitability Ratio
Segment profit margin1 61.94% 35.18% 34.34% 38.65% 43.22%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment profit margin = 100 × Adjusted EBITDA ÷ Net sales
= 100 × 3,102,662 ÷ 5,008,850 = 61.94%


The financial performance of the Lithium segment from 2018 to 2022 is characterized by a period of moderate volatility followed by an exponential increase in both scale and profitability. Between 2018 and 2021, the segment experienced fluctuations in revenue and earnings, while 2022 marked a significant pivot in financial trajectory.

Revenue and EBITDA Trends
Net sales exhibited a fluctuating pattern in the early period, rising in 2019, contracting in 2020 to 1,144,778 thousand US$, and recovering in 2021. However, a substantial surge occurred in 2022, with net sales reaching 5,008,850 thousand US$, representing a growth of approximately 267% over the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA followed a similar trajectory, declining from 530,773 thousand US$ in 2018 to a low of 393,093 thousand US$ in 2020, before escalating sharply to 3,102,662 thousand US$ in 2022.
Segment Profit Margin Analysis
The segment profit margin underwent a gradual compression from 2018 to 2020, descending from 43.22% to a trough of 34.34%. A period of stabilization was observed in 2021 at 35.18%. This trend reversed aggressively in 2022, where the margin expanded to 61.94%. This expansion indicates that the growth in Adjusted EBITDA significantly outpaced the growth in net sales during the final year of the period.
Operating Leverage and Scale
The disproportionate increase in Adjusted EBITDA relative to net sales in 2022 suggests strong operating leverage or a significant increase in the average selling price of lithium products. While sales increased by a factor of approximately 3.7 from 2021 to 2022, Adjusted EBITDA increased by a factor of approximately 6.5, leading to the observed peak in the segment profit margin.

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Segment Profit Margin: Bromine

Albemarle Corp.; Bromine; segment profit margin calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA 456,916 360,682 323,605 328,457 288,116
Net sales 1,411,682 1,128,343 964,962 1,004,216 917,880
Segment Profitability Ratio
Segment profit margin1 32.37% 31.97% 33.54% 32.71% 31.39%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment profit margin = 100 × Adjusted EBITDA ÷ Net sales
= 100 × 456,916 ÷ 1,411,682 = 32.37%


The Bromine segment demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory in both top-line revenue and absolute profitability between 2018 and 2022, characterized by a high degree of stability in operating margins.

Revenue and EBITDA Trends
Net sales grew from 917.9 million in 2018 to 1.41 billion in 2022. While a marginal decline was noted in 2020, the segment experienced accelerated growth in the subsequent two years. Adjusted EBITDA followed a corresponding path, increasing from 288.1 million to 456.9 million over the period, indicating a strong expansion in the segment's capacity to generate cash flow from operations.
Margin Analysis
The segment profit margin remained remarkably stable, fluctuating within a tight range of 31.39% to 33.54%. Notably, the margin peaked at 33.54% in 2020, the same year net sales experienced a temporary dip. This divergence suggests a period of enhanced operational efficiency or a shift toward higher-margin product offerings during that fiscal year.
Operational Scaling
The ability to maintain a consistent profit margin while increasing net sales by approximately 53.7% over five years indicates disciplined cost management and effective pricing power. The growth in Adjusted EBITDA slightly outpaced the growth in net sales, confirming that the segment successfully scaled its operations without incurring disproportionate costs.

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Segment Profit Margin: Catalysts

Albemarle Corp.; Catalysts; segment profit margin calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA 28,732 106,941 130,134 270,624 284,307
Net sales 899,572 761,235 797,914 1,061,817 1,101,554
Segment Profitability Ratio
Segment profit margin1 3.19% 14.05% 16.31% 25.49% 25.81%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment profit margin = 100 × Adjusted EBITDA ÷ Net sales
= 100 × 28,732 ÷ 899,572 = 3.19%


The financial performance of the Catalysts segment from 2018 to 2022 is characterized by a systemic decline in profitability despite a partial recovery in revenue toward the end of the period.

Net Sales Trends
Revenue experienced a period of contraction between 2018 and 2021, falling from US$ 1,101.6 million to US$ 761.2 million. However, a reversal occurred in 2022, with net sales increasing to US$ 899.6 million, marking the first year-over-year growth since 2018.
Adjusted EBITDA Performance
Adjusted EBITDA exhibited a consistent and precipitous decline throughout the five-year window. From a peak of US$ 284.3 million in 2018, earnings fell to US$ 28.7 million by 2022, representing a total reduction of approximately 90% over the analyzed timeframe.
Segment Profit Margin Erosion
The segment profit margin demonstrates a severe downward trajectory. After remaining relatively stable around 25% in 2018 and 2019, the margin compressed to 16.31% in 2020 and 14.05% in 2021, ultimately collapsing to 3.19% in 2022.
Operational Divergence
A critical divergence is observed in 2022, where net sales grew by approximately 18% compared to the previous year, yet Adjusted EBITDA decreased by nearly 73%. This inverse relationship indicates that the growth in top-line revenue was heavily offset by rising operational costs or pricing pressures, resulting in a significant erosion of the segment's margin.

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Segment Return on Assets (Segment ROA)

Albemarle Corp., ROA by reportable segment

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Lithium 28.74% 6.25% 5.51% 7.99% 11.53%
Bromine 42.60% 38.38% 37.30% 41.09% 38.25%
Catalysts 2.37% 9.30% 12.21% 23.26% 25.05%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).


The segment return on assets (ROA) across the five-year period from 2018 to 2022 reveals divergent performance trajectories among the three reportable segments. While the Bromine segment demonstrated consistent stability and the Lithium segment experienced a dramatic surge in the final year, the Catalysts segment underwent a sustained decline in asset productivity.

Lithium Segment
The Lithium segment exhibited significant volatility with a distinct U-shaped recovery. ROA declined from 11.53% in 2018 to a period low of 5.51% in 2020. Following a marginal improvement to 6.25% in 2021, a substantial increase occurred in 2022, with the ROA reaching 28.74%. This final year represents the highest return for the segment within the analyzed timeframe, reflecting a sharp increase in the efficiency of asset utilization.
Bromine Segment
The Bromine segment maintained the most stable and consistently high returns of the three units. ROA fluctuated within a narrow and elevated range, beginning at 38.25% in 2018 and ending at 42.60% in 2022. The segment showed resilience during 2020, with only a minor dip to 37.30%, before continuing a gradual upward trend through 2022.
Catalysts Segment
A continuous and severe downward trend is observed in the Catalysts segment. Starting from a strong ROA of 25.05% in 2018, the segment experienced a steady erosion of returns. A significant drop occurred between 2019 and 2020, falling from 23.26% to 12.21%. This decline accelerated in the subsequent years, culminating in a return of 2.37% by December 31, 2022, indicating a substantial decrease in the segment's ability to generate earnings from its asset base.

In summary, the Bromine segment served as the primary driver of stable returns, while the Lithium segment transitioned from low efficiency to high profitability by 2022. Conversely, the Catalysts segment transitioned from a high-performing unit to one with minimal asset returns over the same period.

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Segment ROA: Lithium

Albemarle Corp.; Lithium; segment ROA calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA 3,102,662 479,538 393,093 524,934 530,773
Identifiable assets 10,795,997 7,676,259 7,134,229 6,570,791 4,605,070
Segment Profitability Ratio
Segment ROA1 28.74% 6.25% 5.51% 7.99% 11.53%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment ROA = 100 × Adjusted EBITDA ÷ Identifiable assets
= 100 × 3,102,662 ÷ 10,795,997 = 28.74%


The Lithium segment experienced a significant transformation in operational profitability and asset utilization between 2018 and 2022. After a period of declining returns from 2018 to 2020, the segment achieved an exponential increase in financial performance by the end of the observation period.

Adjusted EBITDA Performance
Adjusted EBITDA remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2019 before experiencing a decline in 2020 to 393,093 thousand USD. While a moderate recovery occurred in 2021, the 2022 fiscal year marked a profound shift, with EBITDA surging to 3,102,662 thousand USD. This represents a substantial increase, indicating a sharp rise in operational earnings during the final year.
Asset Base Expansion
Identifiable assets demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory, growing from 4,605,070 thousand USD in 2018 to 10,795,997 thousand USD in 2022. This steady growth indicates a continuous investment in the segment's capital base over the five-year period.
Segment Return on Assets (ROA) Analysis
The Segment ROA exhibited a U-shaped trend, falling from 11.53% in 2018 to a low of 5.51% in 2020, which suggests that asset growth initially outpaced earnings growth. However, the metric rebounded sharply in 2022 to 28.74%. This dramatic increase indicates that the surge in Adjusted EBITDA far exceeded the growth in the asset base, resulting in a significant improvement in the efficiency of asset utilization.

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Segment ROA: Bromine

Albemarle Corp.; Bromine; segment ROA calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA 456,916 360,682 323,605 328,457 288,116
Identifiable assets 1,072,535 939,808 867,648 799,456 753,157
Segment Profitability Ratio
Segment ROA1 42.60% 38.38% 37.30% 41.09% 38.25%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment ROA = 100 × Adjusted EBITDA ÷ Identifiable assets
= 100 × 456,916 ÷ 1,072,535 = 42.60%


The Bromine segment demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory in both earnings capacity and asset scale between 2018 and 2022. While the investment in identifiable assets grew steadily throughout the period, the growth in Adjusted EBITDA outpaced this expansion, resulting in an overall improvement in capital efficiency.

Adjusted EBITDA Growth
A sustained increase in Adjusted EBITDA is observed, rising from 288.1 million US dollars in 2018 to 456.9 million US dollars by the end of 2022. The growth was characterized by steady gains through 2021, followed by a significant acceleration in 2022, where EBITDA grew by approximately 26.7% compared to the previous year.
Identifiable Assets Expansion
The asset base experienced uninterrupted annual growth, increasing from 753.2 million US dollars in 2018 to 1.07 billion US dollars in 2022. This represents a total expansion of approximately 42.3% over the five-year period, indicating a consistent commitment to capital investment within the segment.
Segment ROA Stability and Efficiency
The Segment ROA remained strong and relatively stable, fluctuating between a low of 37.30% in 2020 and a peak of 42.60% in 2022. The dip observed in 2020 coincided with a period where asset growth outpaced EBITDA growth. However, the recovery and subsequent peak in 2022 indicate that the segment successfully leveraged its expanded asset base to generate higher proportional returns, ending the period with its highest efficiency level.

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Segment ROA: Catalysts

Albemarle Corp.; Catalysts; segment ROA calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA 28,732 106,941 130,134 270,624 284,307
Identifiable assets 1,214,482 1,149,592 1,066,089 1,163,590 1,134,975
Segment Profitability Ratio
Segment ROA1 2.37% 9.30% 12.21% 23.26% 25.05%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment ROA = 100 × Adjusted EBITDA ÷ Identifiable assets
= 100 × 28,732 ÷ 1,214,482 = 2.37%


The Catalysts segment experienced a severe and consistent deterioration in financial performance between 2018 and 2022. This period is characterized by a collapse in earnings relative to a stable asset base, resulting in a precipitous decline in the segment's return on assets (ROA).

Adjusted EBITDA Trends
A significant downward trajectory is evident in Adjusted EBITDA, which decreased from US$ 284.3 million in 2018 to US$ 28.7 million in 2022. The most substantial contraction occurred between 2019 and 2020, where earnings fell by approximately 52%, followed by continued erosion through 2022.
Asset Base Stability
Identifiable assets remained relatively stagnant throughout the analyzed timeframe. Assets fluctuated minimally, starting at US$ 1.13 billion in 2018 and ending at US$ 1.21 billion in 2022. The absence of asset reductions or divestments during the earnings decline exacerbated the decline in profitability ratios.
Segment ROA Trajectory
The Segment ROA reflects the combined impact of falling earnings and a static asset base, falling from 25.05% in 2018 to 2.37% in 2022. The decline was moderate between 2018 and 2019 but accelerated sharply in 2020, signaling a substantial loss in the segment's ability to generate returns from its invested capital.

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Segment Asset Turnover

Albemarle Corp., asset turnover by reportable segment

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Lithium 0.46 0.18 0.16 0.21 0.27
Bromine 1.32 1.20 1.11 1.26 1.22
Catalysts 0.74 0.66 0.75 0.91 0.97

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).


The asset turnover ratios across the three reportable segments demonstrate divergent trends in operational efficiency between 2018 and 2022. While the Bromine segment consistently exhibits the highest efficiency in asset utilization, the Lithium segment shows significant volatility characterized by a late-period surge, and the Catalysts segment reflects a general decline in efficiency over the five-year window.

Lithium Segment
A downward trajectory was observed from 2018 to 2020, with the ratio falling from 0.27 to 0.16. This period of decline was followed by a moderate increase in 2021 and a substantial jump to 0.46 in 2022, marking the highest efficiency level for the segment within the analyzed period.
Bromine Segment
Asset turnover remained robust and relatively stable, fluctuating between a low of 1.11 in 2020 and a high of 1.32 in 2022. This segment consistently outperforms the other reportable segments in terms of revenue generation per unit of asset.
Catalysts Segment
A general contraction in asset efficiency was noted from 2018 through 2021, with the ratio decreasing from 0.97 to 0.66. A partial recovery occurred in 2022, where the ratio increased to 0.74, although it remained below initial 2018 levels.

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Segment Asset Turnover: Lithium

Albemarle Corp.; Lithium; segment asset turnover calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Net sales 5,008,850 1,363,284 1,144,778 1,358,170 1,228,171
Identifiable assets 10,795,997 7,676,259 7,134,229 6,570,791 4,605,070
Segment Activity Ratio
Segment asset turnover1 0.46 0.18 0.16 0.21 0.27

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment asset turnover = Net sales ÷ Identifiable assets
= 5,008,850 ÷ 10,795,997 = 0.46


The analysis of the Lithium segment reveals a period of declining asset efficiency followed by a significant acceleration in revenue generation relative to the asset base between 2018 and 2022.

Net Sales Trends
Revenue remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2021, with minor fluctuations ranging from approximately 1.14 billion to 1.36 billion US dollars. However, a substantial increase occurred in 2022, where net sales surged to approximately 5.01 billion US dollars, representing a nearly 267% increase over the previous year.
Identifiable Assets Growth
The asset base exhibited consistent growth throughout the five-year period. Identifiable assets rose steadily from 4.61 billion US dollars in 2018 to 10.80 billion US dollars in 2022. This continuous upward trajectory indicates sustained capital investment in the segment's infrastructure and resources.
Segment Asset Turnover Performance
The asset turnover ratio experienced a downward trend from 2018 to 2020, falling from 0.27 to a low of 0.16. This decline suggests that the growth in the asset base outpaced revenue growth during this interval, leading to decreased efficiency in asset utilization. A slight recovery began in 2021 (0.18), culminating in a sharp increase to 0.46 in 2022.
Efficiency Correlation
The dramatic spike in the turnover ratio in 2022 is directly attributable to the disproportionate increase in net sales compared to the growth in identifiable assets. While assets grew by approximately 40% between 2021 and 2022, sales grew by approximately 267%, resulting in the highest asset utilization rate observed in the analyzed period.

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Segment Asset Turnover: Bromine

Albemarle Corp.; Bromine; segment asset turnover calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Net sales 1,411,682 1,128,343 964,962 1,004,216 917,880
Identifiable assets 1,072,535 939,808 867,648 799,456 753,157
Segment Activity Ratio
Segment asset turnover1 1.32 1.20 1.11 1.26 1.22

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment asset turnover = Net sales ÷ Identifiable assets
= 1,411,682 ÷ 1,072,535 = 1.32


The Bromine segment demonstrated a general upward trend in revenue generation and asset utilization between 2018 and 2022, despite a period of volatility during the 2020 fiscal year.

Net Sales Trends
Net sales grew from 917.88 million USD in 2018 to 1.41 billion USD by December 31, 2022. While a contraction was observed in 2020, where sales declined to 964.96 million USD, the segment experienced significant acceleration in the following two years, with a particularly sharp increase between 2021 and 2022.
Identifiable Asset Expansion
Identifiable assets increased steadily and without interruption over the five-year period, rising from 753.16 million USD in 2018 to 1.07 billion USD in 2022. This consistent growth indicates a continuous expansion of the segment's resource base.
Asset Turnover Efficiency
The segment asset turnover ratio fluctuated, reaching a five-year low of 1.11 in 2020 before rebounding to a peak of 1.32 in 2022. The decline in 2020 was driven by a decrease in net sales occurring simultaneously with an increase in the asset base. However, the subsequent recovery and the 2022 peak indicate that revenue growth significantly outpaced asset growth in the latter part of the period, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and improved productivity of the utilized assets.

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Segment Asset Turnover: Catalysts

Albemarle Corp.; Catalysts; segment asset turnover calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Net sales 899,572 761,235 797,914 1,061,817 1,101,554
Identifiable assets 1,214,482 1,149,592 1,066,089 1,163,590 1,134,975
Segment Activity Ratio
Segment asset turnover1 0.74 0.66 0.75 0.91 0.97

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment asset turnover = Net sales ÷ Identifiable assets
= 899,572 ÷ 1,214,482 = 0.74


The Catalysts segment demonstrated significant volatility in asset efficiency between 2018 and 2022. A sustained decline in the asset turnover ratio was observed through 2021, indicating a diminished capacity to generate revenue from the segment's asset base, followed by a partial recovery in 2022.

Net Sales Performance
Revenue exhibited a consistent downward trend from 2018 to 2021, falling from 1,101,554 thousand US$ to 761,235 thousand US$. This contraction served as the primary driver for the eroding asset turnover ratio. A recovery was noted in 2022, with sales increasing to 899,572 thousand US$.
Identifiable Asset Trends
The asset base experienced fluctuations, with a notable decrease in 2020 to 1,066,089 thousand US$, followed by steady growth through 2022, reaching 1,214,482 thousand US$. The increase in assets during the period of declining sales between 2020 and 2021 further compressed the efficiency ratio.
Segment Asset Turnover Analysis
The asset turnover ratio declined from 0.97 in 2018 to a minimum of 0.66 in 2021, reflecting a period of decreased operational efficiency. The subsequent rise to 0.74 in 2022 suggests a positive shift in asset utilization, as the growth in net sales exceeded the rate of asset expansion for that year.

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Segment Capital Expenditures to Depreciation

Albemarle Corp., capital expenditures to depreciation by reportable segment

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Lithium 5.34 5.86 6.38 6.69 5.26
Bromine 2.84 1.38 1.14 1.73 1.91
Catalysts 1.29 0.96 0.89 1.16 1.06

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).


The analysis of capital expenditures relative to depreciation reveals divergent investment strategies across the three reportable segments from 2018 to 2022. While the Lithium segment consistently maintains the highest reinvestment rate, the Bromine and Catalysts segments exhibit more moderate and volatile ratios, reflecting different operational priorities and asset lifecycles.

Lithium Segment
This segment demonstrates a high capital intensity, with ratios significantly exceeding 1.0 throughout the period. A peak was reached in 2019 at 6.69, indicating aggressive capacity expansion. Following this peak, a gradual downward trend occurred, with the ratio declining to 5.34 by the end of 2022. Despite this decline, the ratio remains substantially higher than those of the other segments, suggesting a sustained focus on growth and infrastructure development.
Bromine Segment
The reinvestment trend for Bromine was characterized by initial contraction followed by a sharp increase. The ratio decreased from 1.91 in 2018 to a period low of 1.14 in 2020. However, a strong recovery followed, culminating in a five-year high of 2.84 in 2022, which indicates a significant acceleration in capital deployment toward the end of the observed period.
Catalysts Segment
The Catalysts segment exhibits the lowest and most stable ratios, generally fluctuating around the 1.0 threshold. A dip to 0.89 occurred in 2020, suggesting that capital expenditures were temporarily insufficient to cover depreciation. This was followed by a steady recovery, reaching a peak of 1.29 in 2022, indicating a shift from maintenance-level spending toward modest expansion.

Comparing the three segments, a synchronized dip in reinvestment ratios is observable in 2020 across Bromine and Catalysts, whereas Lithium experienced a more gradual decline starting after 2019. By 2022, both the Bromine and Catalysts segments reached their five-year peaks, while the Lithium segment continued its downward trajectory from its 2019 high, although it remains the primary driver of capital allocation within the organization.

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Segment Capital Expenditures to Depreciation: Lithium

Albemarle Corp.; Lithium; segment capital expenditures to depreciation calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Capital expenditures 1,010,661 813,128 720,563 665,585 500,849
Depreciation and amortization 189,347 138,772 112,854 99,424 95,193
Segment Financial Ratio
Segment capital expenditures to depreciation1 5.34 5.86 6.38 6.69 5.26

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment capital expenditures to depreciation = Capital expenditures ÷ Depreciation and amortization
= 1,010,661 ÷ 189,347 = 5.34


The Lithium segment demonstrates a sustained period of aggressive investment between 2018 and 2022. Capital expenditures grew consistently year-over-year, doubling over the five-year period to exceed 1 billion US dollars by the end of 2022.

Capital Expenditure Trends
Investment in capital assets rose from 500,849 thousand US dollars in 2018 to 1,010,661 thousand US dollars in 2022. This uninterrupted growth indicates a strategic prioritization of capacity expansion and infrastructure development within the segment.
Depreciation and Amortization Trends
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased from 95,193 thousand US dollars in 2018 to 189,347 thousand US dollars in 2022. The acceleration of these expenses in 2021 and 2022 suggests that previous large-scale investments have been placed into service and are now contributing to the periodic depreciation charge.
Analysis of the Capital Expenditure to Depreciation Ratio
The ratio of capital expenditures to depreciation remained significantly above 1.0 throughout the observed period, indicating that the segment invested far more in new assets than was consumed through depreciation. The ratio peaked at 6.69 in 2019 and trended downward to 5.34 by 2022. This decline occurred despite rising capital expenditures, as the growth rate of depreciation and amortization began to outpace the growth rate of new investments toward the end of the period.

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Segment Capital Expenditures to Depreciation: Bromine

Albemarle Corp.; Bromine; segment capital expenditures to depreciation calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Capital expenditures 153,407 70,711 57,486 82,208 79,357
Depreciation and amortization 54,096 51,181 50,310 47,611 41,607
Segment Financial Ratio
Segment capital expenditures to depreciation1 2.84 1.38 1.14 1.73 1.91

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment capital expenditures to depreciation = Capital expenditures ÷ Depreciation and amortization
= 153,407 ÷ 54,096 = 2.84


The Bromine segment experienced significant volatility in capital investment relative to asset depreciation between 2018 and 2022. While the costs associated with the wear and tear of assets grew at a steady, linear pace, capital expenditures fluctuated, ending the period with a sharp increase in investment intensity.

Capital Expenditure Volatility
Investment spending remained relatively stable from 2018 to 2019 before declining to a period low of 57.5 million US dollars in 2020. Following this dip, expenditures rose to 70.7 million US dollars in 2021 and surged to 153.4 million US dollars in 2022, marking a substantial increase in capital deployment during the final year of the analyzed period.
Depreciation and Amortization Consistency
Expenses for depreciation and amortization exhibited a consistent upward trend, increasing every year from 41.6 million US dollars in 2018 to 54.1 million US dollars in 2022. This steady rise indicates a consistent growth in the depreciable asset base or the systematic expiration of existing assets.
Capital Expenditures to Depreciation Ratio Analysis
The ratio of capital expenditures to depreciation serves as an indicator of whether the segment is maintaining, contracting, or expanding its asset base. A declining trend was observed from 2018 to 2020, with the ratio falling from 1.91 to 1.14, suggesting a period of moderated investment. This trend reversed sharply in the following two years, culminating in a ratio of 2.84 in 2022. This peak indicates that capital spending far exceeded the amount required to replace depreciating assets, signaling a transition toward aggressive capacity expansion or significant infrastructure modernization.

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Segment Capital Expenditures to Depreciation: Catalysts

Albemarle Corp.; Catalysts; segment capital expenditures to depreciation calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Capital expenditures 66,319 49,312 44,448 57,939 52,019
Depreciation and amortization 51,417 51,588 49,985 50,144 49,131
Segment Financial Ratio
Segment capital expenditures to depreciation1 1.29 0.96 0.89 1.16 1.06

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 2022 Calculation
Segment capital expenditures to depreciation = Capital expenditures ÷ Depreciation and amortization
= 66,319 ÷ 51,417 = 1.29


The investment profile of the Catalysts segment over the five-year period from 2018 to 2022 is characterized by fluctuating capital expenditures against a highly stable depreciation and amortization base. The segment transitioned from a growth phase into a brief period of capital conservation, concluding with a significant acceleration in investment by the end of the period.

Capital Expenditure Trends
Expenditures exhibited volatility, starting at 52,019 thousand USD in 2018 and reaching a peak of 66,319 thousand USD in 2022. A notable contraction occurred in 2020, where spending dropped to 44,448 thousand USD, representing the lowest investment level in the analyzed timeframe. This was followed by a consistent upward trajectory through 2021 and 2022.
Depreciation and Amortization Stability
Depreciation and amortization remained remarkably consistent, fluctuating within a narrow range between 49,131 thousand USD and 51,588 thousand USD. This stability suggests a steady rate of asset consumption and a consistent baseline of existing infrastructure throughout the period.
Segment Capital Expenditures to Depreciation Ratio
The ratio fluctuated between 0.89 and 1.29. In 2018 and 2019, ratios of 1.06 and 1.16 indicated that capital spending exceeded depreciation, pointing toward capacity expansion or asset modernization. A dip below the 1.0 threshold in 2020 (0.89) and 2021 (0.96) indicates a period where investment was lower than the depreciation of existing assets, suggesting a focus on maintenance over growth. The period concluded with a significant increase to 1.29 in 2022, marking the highest level of relative investment and signaling an aggressive shift toward expansion or significant asset replacement.

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Net sales

Albemarle Corp., net sales by reportable segment

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Lithium 5,008,850 1,363,284 1,144,778 1,358,170 1,228,171
Bromine 1,411,682 1,128,343 964,962 1,004,216 917,880
Catalysts 899,572 761,235 797,914 1,061,817 1,101,554
All Other — 75,095 221,255 165,224 127,186
Corporate — — — — 159
Total 7,320,104 3,327,957 3,128,909 3,589,427 3,374,950

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).


Total net sales exhibited relative stability from 2018 through 2021, followed by a substantial increase in 2022. Aggregate revenue rose from approximately 3.37 billion USD in 2018 to 7.32 billion USD by the end of 2022, representing a total growth of approximately 117% over the five-year period. This expansion is primarily attributed to the performance of the Lithium segment.

Lithium Segment Trends
The Lithium segment transitioned from moderate volatility to exponential growth. Between 2018 and 2021, net sales fluctuated between 1.14 billion USD and 1.36 billion USD. However, in 2022, the segment experienced a surge to 5.01 billion USD, an increase of approximately 267% over the prior year. By 2022, this segment became the dominant contributor to the company's total revenue.
Bromine Segment Trends
A consistent upward trajectory is observed within the Bromine segment. Net sales grew steadily from 917.9 million USD in 2018 to 1.41 billion USD in 2022. This represents a stable growth pattern, contrasting with the volatility seen in other business lines.
Catalysts Segment Trends
The Catalysts segment demonstrated a general downward trend for the majority of the period. Revenue decreased from a peak of 1.10 billion USD in 2018 to a low of 761.2 million USD in 2021. While a recovery to 899.6 million USD was recorded in 2022, the segment's proportional contribution to total net sales declined significantly over the five years.
Other and Corporate Revenue
The "All Other" category exhibited inconsistent results, increasing from 127.2 million USD in 2018 to a peak of 221.3 million USD in 2020, followed by a sharp decline to 75.1 million USD in 2021. Corporate revenue was minimal and reported only for the 2018 fiscal year.

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Adjusted EBITDA

Albemarle Corp., adjusted ebitda by reportable segment

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Lithium 3,102,662 479,538 393,093 524,934 530,773
Bromine 456,916 360,682 323,605 328,457 288,116
Catalysts 28,732 106,941 130,134 270,624 284,307
All Other — 29,858 84,821 49,628 14,091
Corporate (112,453) (106,045) (112,915) (136,862) (110,623)
Total 3,475,857 870,974 818,738 1,036,781 1,006,664

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).


Total Adjusted EBITDA exhibited a period of relative stability from 2018 to 2021, followed by an exponential expansion in 2022. The total value rose from 1.006 billion in 2018 to 3.475 billion by the end of 2022, representing a significant shift in the company's earnings profile driven primarily by a single business segment.

Lithium Segment
This segment serves as the primary driver of overall growth. After fluctuating between 393 million and 530 million from 2018 to 2021, Adjusted EBITDA surged to 3.102 billion in 2022. This increase marks a dramatic pivot in the segment's contribution to total corporate earnings.
Bromine Segment
A consistent upward trajectory is observed in the Bromine segment. Adjusted EBITDA grew steadily from 288 million in 2018 to 456 million in 2022, indicating a stable and progressive increase in profitability over the five-year period.
Catalysts Segment
A severe downward trend is evident in the Catalysts segment. Performance declined from 284 million in 2018 to 28.7 million in 2022, reflecting a substantial contraction in the segment's ability to generate adjusted earnings.
Corporate and Other Items
Corporate costs remained consistently negative, ranging between -106 million and -136 million annually, showing little variance over the period. The "All Other" category exhibited volatility, peaking at 84.8 million in 2020 before decreasing and becoming unavailable in the 2022 reporting period.

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Identifiable assets

Albemarle Corp., identifiable assets by reportable segment

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Lithium 10,795,997 7,676,259 7,134,229 6,570,791 4,605,070
Bromine 1,072,535 939,808 867,648 799,456 753,157
Catalysts 1,214,482 1,149,592 1,066,089 1,163,590 1,134,975
All Other — — 136,659 146,211 128,185
Corporate 2,373,508 1,208,459 1,246,321 1,180,815 960,287
Total 15,456,522 10,974,118 10,450,946 9,860,863 7,581,674

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).


Total identifiable assets experienced substantial growth over the five-year period from 2018 to 2022, increasing from approximately 7.58 billion USD to 15.46 billion USD. The growth trajectory was relatively steady between 2018 and 2021, followed by a significant acceleration in the 2022 fiscal year, where total assets increased by approximately 40% in a single period.

Lithium Segment Expansion
The Lithium segment serves as the primary driver of asset growth, expanding from 4.61 billion USD in 2018 to 10.80 billion USD in 2022. This represents a more than twofold increase in the asset base, indicating aggressive capital investment or acquisition activity within this specific reportable segment. By 2022, Lithium assets constituted the vast majority of the total asset portfolio.
Bromine and Catalysts Stability
The Bromine segment exhibited consistent, incremental growth, rising from 753 million USD in 2018 to 1.07 billion USD in 2022. In contrast, the Catalysts segment remained relatively stagnant, fluctuating slightly between 1.07 billion USD and 1.21 billion USD over the period. While these segments maintained steady contributions, their relative weight within the total asset structure declined as the Lithium segment expanded.
Corporate Asset Trends
Corporate assets showed a gradual increase from 960 million USD in 2018 to 1.21 billion USD in 2021, followed by a sharp spike to 2.37 billion USD in 2022. This abrupt increase in corporate-level assets coincides with the overall surge in total assets observed during the final year of the analysis.
Minor Segments and Overall Distribution
Assets categorized as All Other remained marginal, peaking at 146 million USD in 2019 before data became unavailable in later periods. The overall distribution of assets has shifted heavily toward the Lithium segment, reflecting a strategic concentration of resources in that specific area of operation.

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Depreciation and amortization

Albemarle Corp., depreciation and amortization by reportable segment

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Lithium 189,347 138,772 112,854 99,424 95,193
Bromine 54,096 51,181 50,310 47,611 41,607
Catalysts 51,417 51,588 49,985 50,144 49,131
All Other — 1,870 8,498 8,440 8,073
Corporate 5,981 10,589 10,337 7,865 6,694
Total 300,841 254,000 231,984 213,484 200,698

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).


Total depreciation and amortization expenses exhibit a consistent upward trajectory from 2018 to 2022, rising from US$ 200.7 million to US$ 300.8 million. The growth rate accelerated significantly in the final year of the period, with the most substantial annual increase occurring between 2021 and 2022.

Lithium Segment
This segment is the primary driver of the overall increase in depreciation and amortization. Expenses grew from US$ 95.2 million in 2018 to US$ 189.3 million in 2022. The growth was particularly aggressive after 2020, nearly doubling over the five-year period, which suggests significant capital expenditures and the commissioning of new assets within this segment.
Bromine Segment
A steady and moderate increase is observed in this segment, with expenses rising from US$ 41.6 million in 2018 to US$ 54.1 million in 2022. The growth pattern is linear and stable compared to the volatility seen in other segments.
Catalysts Segment
Depreciation and amortization for the Catalysts segment remained nearly stagnant throughout the period. Values fluctuated minimally around the US$ 50 million mark, starting at US$ 49.1 million in 2018 and ending at US$ 51.4 million in 2022, indicating a period of minimal capital expansion or a balanced replacement of aging assets.
Corporate and Other Categories
The "All Other" category saw a sharp decline, dropping from US$ 8.5 million in 2020 to US$ 1.9 million in 2021, before disappearing in 2022. Corporate expenses peaked in 2021 at US$ 10.6 million before declining to US$ 6.0 million in 2022, reflecting a reduction in corporate-level asset amortization toward the end of the period.

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Capital expenditures

Albemarle Corp., capital expenditures by reportable segment

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Lithium 1,010,661 813,128 720,563 665,585 500,849
Bromine 153,407 70,711 57,486 82,208 79,357
Catalysts 66,319 49,312 44,448 57,939 52,019
All Other — 2,339 6,792 7,309 5,232
Corporate 31,259 18,177 21,188 38,755 62,534
Total 1,261,646 953,667 850,477 851,796 699,991

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).


Total capital expenditures exhibited a consistent upward trajectory between 2018 and 2022, increasing from $699.9 million to $1.26 billion. This growth was primarily driven by aggressive investment in the Lithium segment, which consistently represented the largest portion of the total capital allocation.

Lithium Segment Investment
A sustained and steady increase in capital spending is observed within the Lithium segment. Expenditures grew from $500.8 million in 2018 to $1.01 billion in 2022. This represents a doubling of annual investment over the five-year period, indicating a strategic prioritization of capacity expansion or technological upgrades within this business line.
Bromine Segment Volatility
Capital expenditures for the Bromine segment remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2021, fluctuating between $57.5 million and $82.2 million. However, a significant spike occurred in 2022, with expenditures rising to $153.4 million, marking the highest investment level for this segment in the reported period.
Catalysts and Other Segments
The Catalysts segment maintained a relatively stable investment profile, with spending ranging from a low of $44.4 million in 2020 to a high of $66.3 million in 2022. Expenditures categorized as "All Other" remained minimal and showed a general decline, falling from $5.2 million in 2018 to $2.3 million in 2021, with no reported value for 2022.
Corporate Expenditures
Corporate-level capital spending followed a downward trend for the majority of the period, decreasing from $62.5 million in 2018 to a low of $18.2 million in 2021. This trend reversed in 2022, as corporate expenditures increased to $31.3 million.

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