Albemarle CorpAlbemarle reported a 148% EBITDA jump, slashed capex, and paid down debt, with strong earnings and financial discipline.

Albemarle, the world's largest lithium producer, reported first-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $664 million, up 148% year over year, driven by a rebound in lithium prices and higher energy-storage volumes. Sales rose 33% to $1.4 billion, while the company slashed capital expenditures by 46% and paid down $1.3 billion in debt, bringing its debt-to-EBITDA ratio to 1.0x. Chinese spot lithium prices have recovered to around $23 per kilogram from a low of $10 in late 2024, supported by battery restocking and surging demand from utility-scale battery energy storage systems, which are projected to grow 35% this year. Analysts forecast a 4% global lithium supply deficit in 2026, and Albemarle remains on track for a 15% volumetric compound annual growth rate in energy storage through 2027. Despite the strong results, the stock trades near $140, well below the average analyst price target of $214.65, and at less than 12 times forward earnings.
Albemarle CorpAlbemarle reported a 148% EBITDA jump, slashed capex, and paid down debt, with strong earnings and financial discipline.
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