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Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
_________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
_________________________________________________

☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2021
OR

☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 1-12658
_________________________________________________
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_________________________________________________

Virginia |  | 54-1692118
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |  | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

4250 Congress Street, Suite 900
Charlotte, North Carolina 28209
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code - (980) 299-5700
_________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer |  | ☒ |  | Accelerated filer |  | ☐
Non-accelerated filer |  | ☐ |  | Smaller reporting company |  | ☐
|  |  |  | Emerging growth company |  | ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class |  | Trading Symbol |  | Name of each exchange on which registered
COMMON STOCK, $.01 Par Value |  | ALB |  | New York Stock Exchange

Number of shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of April 30, 2021: 116,721,826

Table of Contents
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
INDEX – FORM 10-Q

|  | Page Number(s)
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Financial Statements (Unaudited) |
| Consolidated Statements of Income - Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 | 3
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 | 4
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | 5
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 | 6
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 | 7
| Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 8
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 24
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 41
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 41
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 41
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 42
Item 6. | Exhibits | 42
SIGNATURES |  | 43
EXHIBITS |  |

2

Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. | Financial Statements (Unaudited).

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

|  |  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  |  |  |  | 2021 |  | 2020
Net sales |  |  |  |  | $ | 829,291 |  |  | $ | 738,845 |
Cost of goods sold |  |  |  |  | 565,604 |  |  | 496,827 |
Gross profit |  |  |  |  | 263,687 |  |  | 242,018 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |  |  |  |  | 93,187 |  |  | 101,877 |
Research and development expenses |  |  |  |  | 14,636 |  |  | 16,097 |
Operating profit |  |  |  |  | 155,864 |  |  | 124,044 |
Interest and financing expenses |  |  |  |  | (43,882) |  |  | (16,885) |
Other income, net |  |  |  |  | 11,312 |  |  | 8,314 |
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments |  |  |  |  | 123,294 |  |  | 115,473 |
Income tax expense |  |  |  |  | 22,107 |  |  | 18,442 |
Income before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments |  |  |  |  | 101,187 |  |  | 97,031 |
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax) |  |  |  |  | 16,511 |  |  | 26,604 |
Net income |  |  |  |  | 117,698 |  |  | 123,635 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  | (22,021) |  |  | (16,431) |
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation |  |  |  |  | $ | 95,677 |  |  | $ | 107,204 |
Basic earnings per share |  |  |  |  | $ | 0.85 |  |  | $ | 1.01 |
Diluted earnings per share |  |  |  |  | $ | 0.84 |  |  | $ | 1.01 |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic |  |  |  |  | 112,592 |  |  | 106,227 |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted |  |  |  |  | 113,330 |  |  | 106,512 |

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3

Table of Contents
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)

|  |  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  |  |  |  | 2021 |  | 2020
Net income |  |  |  |  | $ | 117,698 |  |  | $ | 123,635 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency translation and other |  |  |  |  | (28,142) |  |  | (81,977) |
Net investment hedge |  |  |  |  | 5,110 |  |  | 2,081 |
Cash flow hedge |  |  |  |  | (1,600) |  |  | (51,460) |
Interest rate swap |  |  |  |  | 650 |  |  | 648 |
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax |  |  |  |  | (23,982) |  |  | (130,708) |
Comprehensive income (loss) |  |  |  |  | 93,716 |  |  | (7,073) |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  | (22,021) |  |  | (16,477) |
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation |  |  |  |  | $ | 71,695 |  |  | $ | (23,550) |

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4

Table of Contents
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)

| March 31, |  | December 31,
| 2021 |  | 2020
Assets |  |  |
Current assets: |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 569,859 |  |  | $ | 746,724 |
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2021 – $2,084; 2020 – $2,083) | 532,964 |  |  | 530,838 |
Other accounts receivable | 60,558 |  |  | 61,958 |
Inventories | 685,779 |  |  | 750,237 |
Other current assets | 93,844 |  |  | 116,427 |
Assets held for sale | 66,390 |  |  | — |
Total current assets | 2,009,394 |  |  | 2,206,184 |
Property, plant and equipment, at cost | 7,433,593 |  |  | 7,427,641 |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | 2,043,264 |  |  | 2,073,016 |
Net property, plant and equipment | 5,390,329 |  |  | 5,354,625 |
Investments | 663,448 |  |  | 656,244 |
Noncurrent assets held for sale | 50,683 |  |  | — |
Other assets | 212,258 |  |  | 219,268 |
Goodwill | 1,629,169 |  |  | 1,665,520 |
Other intangibles, net of amortization | 335,021 |  |  | 349,105 |
Total assets | $ | 10,290,302 |  |  | $ | 10,450,946 |
Liabilities And Equity |  |  |
Current liabilities: |  |  |
Accounts payable | $ | 492,532 |  |  | $ | 483,221 |
Accrued expenses | 378,973 |  |  | 440,763 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 616 |  |  | 804,677 |
Dividends payable | 45,327 |  |  | 40,937 |
Liabilities held for sale | 4,068 |  |  | — |
Income taxes payable | 31,740 |  |  | 32,251 |
Total current liabilities | 953,256 |  |  | 1,801,849 |
Long-term debt | 2,030,032 |  |  | 2,767,381 |
Postretirement benefits | 47,817 |  |  | 48,075 |
Pension benefits | 316,652 |  |  | 340,818 |
Other noncurrent liabilities | 619,309 |  |  | 629,377 |
Deferred income taxes | 380,683 |  |  | 394,852 |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) |  |  |
Equity: |  |  |
Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity: |  |  |
Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding – 116,718 in 2021 and 106,842 in 2020 | 1,167 |  |  | 1,069 |
Additional paid-in capital | 2,889,923 |  |  | 1,438,038 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (350,114) |  |  | (326,132) |
Retained earnings | 3,205,408 |  |  | 3,155,252 |
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity | 5,746,384 |  |  | 4,268,227 |
Noncontrolling interests | 196,169 |  |  | 200,367 |
Total equity | 5,942,553 |  |  | 4,468,594 |
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 10,290,302 |  |  | $ | 10,450,946 |

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Share Data) |  |  |  |  | Additional Paid-in Capital |  | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |  | Retained Earnings |  | Total Albemarle Shareholders’ Equity |  | Noncontrolling Interests |  | Total Equity
Common Stock |
Shares |  | Amounts |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at January 1, 2021 | 106,842,369 |  |  | $ | 1,069 |  |  | $ | 1,438,038 |  |  | $ | (326,132) |  |  | $ | 3,155,252 |  |  | $ | 4,268,227 |  |  | $ | 200,367 |  |  | $ | 4,468,594 |
Net income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 95,677 |  |  | 95,677 |  |  | 22,021 |  |  | 117,698 |
Other comprehensive (loss) income |  |  |  |  |  |  | (23,982) |  |  |  |  | (23,982) |  |  | — |  |  | (23,982) |
Cash dividends declared, $0.39 per common share |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (45,521) |  |  | (45,521) |  |  | (26,219) |  |  | (71,740) |
Stock-based compensation |  |  |  |  | 4,674 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,674 |  |  |  |  | 4,674 |
Fees related to public issuance of common stock |  |  |  |  | (902) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (902) |  |  |  |  | (902) |
Exercise of stock options | 17,964 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,183 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,183 |  |  |  |  | 1,183 |
Issuance of common stock, net | 9,902,307 |  |  | 99 |  |  | 1,453,789 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,453,888 |  |  |  |  | 1,453,888 |
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances | (44,465) |  |  | (1) |  |  | (6,859) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6,860) |  |  |  |  | (6,860) |
Balance at March 31, 2021 | 116,718,175 |  |  | $ | 1,167 |  |  | $ | 2,889,923 |  |  | $ | (350,114) |  |  | $ | 3,205,408 |  |  | $ | 5,746,384 |  |  | $ | 196,169 |  |  | $ | 5,942,553 |
Balance at January 1, 2020 | 106,040,215 |  |  | $ | 1,061 |  |  | $ | 1,383,446 |  |  | $ | (395,735) |  |  | $ | 2,943,478 |  |  | $ | 3,932,250 |  |  | $ | 161,330 |  |  | $ | 4,093,580 |
Net income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 107,204 |  |  | 107,204 |  |  | 16,431 |  |  | 123,635 |
Other comprehensive loss |  |  |  |  |  |  | (130,754) |  |  |  |  | (130,754) |  |  | 46 |  |  | (130,708) |
Cash dividends declared, $0.385 per common share |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (40,933) |  |  | (40,933) |  |  | (14,286) |  |  | (55,219) |
Stock-based compensation |  |  |  |  | 3,867 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,867 |  |  |  |  | 3,867 |
Exercise of stock options | 193,537 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 10,193 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10,195 |  |  |  |  | 10,195 |
Issuance of common stock, net | 132,320 |  |  | 1 |  |  | (1) |  |  |  |  |  |  | — |  |  |  |  | — |
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances | (47,458) |  |  | (1) |  |  | (3,824) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (3,825) |  |  |  |  | (3,825) |
Balance at March 31, 2020 | 106,318,614 |  |  | $ | 1,063 |  |  | $ | 1,393,681 |  |  | $ | (526,489) |  |  | $ | 3,009,749 |  |  | $ | 3,878,004 |  |  | $ | 163,521 |  |  | $ | 4,041,525 |

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)

| Three Months Ended March 31,
| 2021 |  | 2020
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | $ | 746,724 |  |  | $ | 613,110 |
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Net income | 117,698 |  |  | 123,635 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 62,260 |  |  | 53,694 |
Stock-based compensation and other | 2,560 |  |  | 2,501 |
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax) | (16,511) |  |  | (26,604) |
Dividends received from unconsolidated investments and nonmarketable securities | 4,950 |  |  | — |
Pension and postretirement benefit | (4,226) |  |  | (1,719) |
Pension and postretirement contributions | (15,329) |  |  | (6,113) |
Unrealized gain on investments in marketable securities | (1,762) |  |  | (627) |
Loss on early extinguishment of debt | 27,798 |  |  | — |
Deferred income taxes | (19,384) |  |  | 4,790 |
Working capital changes | (49,185) |  |  | 17,730 |
Non-cash transfer of 40% value of construction in progress of Kemerton plant to MRL | 43,223 |  |  | 36,723 |
Other, net | 5,857 |  |  | (48,956) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 157,949 |  |  | 155,054 |
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | — |  |  | (22,572) |
Capital expenditures | (179,683) |  |  | (214,529) |
Sales of marketable securities, net | 5,245 |  |  | 2,589 |
Investments in equity and other corporate investments | (286) |  |  | (356) |
Net cash used in investing activities | (174,724) |  |  | (234,868) |
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 1,453,888 |  |  | — |
Repayments of long-term debt and credit agreements | (1,174,980) |  |  | — |
Proceeds from borrowings of credit agreements | — |  |  | 250,000 |
Other debt repayments, net | (325,159) |  |  | (151,872) |
Fees related to early extinguishment of debt | (23,719) |  |  | — |
Dividends paid to shareholders | (41,130) |  |  | (38,982) |
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests | (26,219) |  |  | (14,286) |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 1,183 |  |  | 10,195 |
Withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation award distributions | (6,860) |  |  | (3,825) |
Other | (253) |  |  | (214) |
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (143,249) |  |  | 51,016 |
Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents | (16,841) |  |  | (31,084) |
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (176,865) |  |  | (59,882) |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 569,859 |  |  | $ | 553,228 |

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Albemarle Corporation and our wholly-owned, majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries (collectively, “Albemarle,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “the Company”) contain all adjustments necessary for a fair statement, in all material respects, of our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of changes in equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 and our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Income tax expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 includes expense of $7.9 million due to the correction of an out-of-period error regarding an overstated deferred tax liability for the three-month period ended December 31, 2017. The Company does not believe this adjustment is material to the consolidated financial statements for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, or the three-month period or year ended December 31, 2017. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 19, 2021. The December 31, 2020 condensed consolidated balance sheet data herein was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States (“U.S.”). The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Certain reclassifications have been made to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto to conform to the current presentation.
The current novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic is having an impact on overall global economic conditions. While we have not seen a material impact to our operations to date, the ultimate impact on our business will depend on the length and severity of the outbreak throughout the world. The Company has taken, and plans to continue to take, certain measures to maintain financial flexibility while still protecting our employees and customers.
NOTE 2—Divestitures:
On February 25, 2021, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its fine chemistry services (“FCS”) business to W. R. Grace & Co. (“Grace”) for proceeds of approximately $570 million, consisting of $300 million in cash and the issuance to Albemarle of preferred equity of a Grace subsidiary having an aggregate stated value of $270 million. The preferred equity can be redeemed at Grace’s option under certain conditions and will accrue payment-in-kind (“PIK”) dividends at an annual rate of 12% beginning two years after issuance.
As part of the transaction, Grace will acquire our manufacturing facilities located in South Haven, Michigan and Tyrone, Pennsylvania. The sale of the FCS business reflects the Company’s commitment to investing in its core, growth-oriented business segments. The sale is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approvals from regulatory authorities. We currently expect to record a gain in the second quarter of 2021 related to the sale of this business.
We determined that this business met the assets held for sale criteria in accordance with ASC 360, Property,Plant and Equipment during the first quarter of 2021. As such, the assets and liabilities of this business were included in Assets held for sale and Liabilities held for sale, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2021.
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale at March 31, 2021 are as follows (in thousands):

| March 31, 2021
Assets |
Inventories | $ | 45,225 |
Other current assets | 21,165 |
Net property, plant and equipment | 44,080 |
Goodwill and other noncurrent assets | 6,603 |
Assets held for sale | $ | 117,073 |
Liabilities |
Current liabilities | $ | 4,068 |
Liabilities held for sale | $ | 4,068 |

The results of operations of the business classified as held for sale is included in the consolidated statements of income. This business did not qualify for discontinued operations treatment because the Company’s management does not consider the sale as representing a strategic shift that had or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results.
NOTE 3—Goodwill and Other Intangibles:
The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2021 (in thousands):

| Lithium |  | Bromine Specialties |  | Catalysts |  | All Other |  | Total
Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 1,441,781 |  |  | $ | 20,319 |  |  | $ | 196,834 |  |  | $ | 6,586 |  |  | $ | 1,665,520 |
Reclass to assets held for sale(a) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (6,586) |  |  | (6,586) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (23,110) |  |  | — |  |  | (6,655) |  |  | — |  |  | (29,765) |
Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | 1,418,671 |  |  | $ | 20,319 |  |  | $ | 190,179 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,629,169 |

(a) Represents goodwill of the FCS business. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information.
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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The following table summarizes the changes in other intangibles and related accumulated amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2021 (in thousands):

| Customer Lists and Relationships |  | Trade Names and Trademarks(a) |  | Patents and Technology |  | Other |  | Total
Gross Asset Value |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 448,748 |  |  | $ | 18,710 |  |  | $ | 58,096 |  |  | $ | 39,864 |  |  | $ | 565,418 |
Reclass to assets held for sale(b) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1,473) |  |  | (1,473) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (10,530) |  |  | (321) |  |  | (633) |  |  | (452) |  |  | (11,936) |
Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | 438,218 |  |  | $ | 18,389 |  |  | $ | 57,463 |  |  | $ | 37,939 |  |  | $ | 552,009 |
Accumulated Amortization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | (147,286) |  |  | $ | (8,176) |  |  | $ | (39,500) |  |  | $ | (21,351) |  |  | $ | (216,313) |
Amortization | (5,837) |  |  | — |  |  | (365) |  |  | (227) |  |  | (6,429) |
Reclass to assets held for sale(b) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,456 |  |  | 1,456 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | 3,390 |  |  | 90 |  |  | 604 |  |  | 214 |  |  | 4,298 |
Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | (149,733) |  |  | $ | (8,086) |  |  | $ | (39,261) |  |  | $ | (19,908) |  |  | $ | (216,988) |
Net Book Value at December 31, 2020 | $ | 301,462 |  |  | $ | 10,534 |  |  | $ | 18,596 |  |  | $ | 18,513 |  |  | $ | 349,105 |
Net Book Value at March 31, 2021 | $ | 288,485 |  |  | $ | 10,303 |  |  | $ | 18,202 |  |  | $ | 18,031 |  |  | $ | 335,021 |

(a) Net Book Value includes only indefinite-lived intangible assets.
(b) Represents other intangibles of the FCS business. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information.
NOTE 4—Income Taxes:
The effective income tax rate for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 was 17.9% compared to 16.0% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020. The three-month period ended March 31, 2021 included discrete tax expense recorded for an out-of-period adjustment for an overstated deferred tax liability for the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, offset by a benefit due to the release of a foreign valuation allowance. The Company’s effective income tax rate fluctuates based on, among other factors, its level and location of income. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective income tax rate for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 was impacted by a variety of factors, primarily stemming from the location in which income was earned. This was mainly attributable to our share of the income of our Jordan Bromine Company Limited (“JBC”) joint venture, a Free Zones company under the laws of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for both periods.
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
NOTE 5—Earnings Per Share:
Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

|  |  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  |  |  |  | 2021 |  | 2020
Basic earnings per share |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Numerator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation |  |  |  |  | $ | 95,677 |  |  | $ | 107,204 |
Denominator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share |  |  |  |  | 112,592 |  |  | 106,227 |
Basic earnings per share |  |  |  |  | $ | 0.85 |  |  | $ | 1.01 |
Diluted earnings per share |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Numerator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation |  |  |  |  | $ | 95,677 |  |  | $ | 107,204 |
Denominator: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share |  |  |  |  | 112,592 |  |  | 106,227 |
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans |  |  |  |  | 738 |  |  | 285 |
Weighted-average common shares for diluted earnings per share |  |  |  |  | 113,330 |  |  | 106,512 |
Diluted earnings per share |  |  |  |  | $ | 0.84 |  |  | $ | 1.01 |

At March 31, 2021, there were 62,479 common stock equivalents not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
On February 8, 2021, we completed an underwritten public offering of 8,496,773 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a price to the public of $153.00 per share. The Company also granted to the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 1,274,509 shares, which was exercised. The total gross proceeds from this offering were approximately $1.5 billion, before deducting expenses, underwriting discounts and commissions. The net proceeds were used for debt repayments and general corporate purposes. See Note 8, “Long-Term Debt,” for further details.
On February 25, 2021, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.39, an increase from the prior year regular quarterly dividend. This dividend was paid on April 1, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of March 12, 2021. On May 4, 2021, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.39 per share, which is payable on July 1, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of June 11, 2021.
NOTE 6—Inventories:
The following table provides a breakdown of inventories at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

| March 31, |  | December 31,
| 2021 |  | 2020
Finished goods | $ | 394,401 |  |  | $ | 454,162 |
Raw materials and work in process(a) | 216,150 |  |  | 219,896 |
Stores, supplies and other | 75,228 |  |  | 76,179 |
Total | $ | 685,779 |  |  | $ | 750,237 |

(a)Included $136.4 million and $129.6 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, of work in process in our Lithium segment.
NOTE 7—Investments:
The Company holds a 49% equity interest in Windfield Holdings Pty. Ltd. (“Windfield”), where the ownership parties share risks and benefits disproportionate to their voting interests. As a result, the Company considers Windfield to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”), however this investment is not consolidated as the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
carrying amount of our 49% equity interest in Windfield, which is our most significant VIE, was $496.2 million and $479.6 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company’s aggregate net investment in all other entities which it considers to be VIEs for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary was $8.3 million and $8.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Our unconsolidated VIEs are reported in Investments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not guarantee debt for, or have other financial support obligations to, these entities, and its maximum exposure to loss in connection with its continuing involvement with these entities is limited to the carrying value of the investments.
NOTE 8—Long-Term Debt:
Long-term debt at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following (in thousands):

| March 31, |  | December 31,
| 2021 |  | 2020
1.125% notes | $ | 443,657 |  |  | $ | 610,800 |
1.625% notes | 589,700 |  |  | 610,800 |
1.875% Senior notes | — |  |  | 480,007 |
3.45% Senior notes | 171,612 |  |  | 300,000 |
4.15% Senior notes | 425,000 |  |  | 425,000 |
5.45% Senior notes | 350,000 |  |  | 350,000 |
Floating rate notes | — |  |  | 200,000 |
Credit facilities | — |  |  | 223,900 |
Commercial paper notes | — |  |  | 325,000 |
Variable-rate foreign bank loans | 7,296 |  |  | 7,702 |
Finance lease obligations | 58,910 |  |  | 59,181 |
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs | (15,527) |  |  | (20,332) |
Total long-term debt | 2,030,648 |  |  | 3,572,058 |
Less amounts due within one year | 616 |  |  | 804,677 |
Long-term debt, less current portion | $ | 2,030,032 |  |  | $ | 2,767,381 |

In the first quarter of 2021, the Company made the following debt principal payments using proceeds from the February 2021 underwritten public offering of common stock:
•€123.8 million of the 1.125% notes due in November 2025
•€393.0 million, the remaining balance, of the 1.875% Senior notes originally due in December 2021
•$128.4 million of the 3.45% Senior notes due in November 2029
•$200.0 million, the remaining balance, of the floating rate notes originally due in November 2022
•€183.3 million, the outstanding balance, of the unsecured credit facility originally entered into on August 14, 2019, as amended and restated on December 15, 2020
•$325.0 million, the outstanding balance, of the commercial paper notes
As a result, included in Interest and financing expenses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 is a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $27.8 million, representing the tender premiums, fees, unamortized discounts and unamortized deferred financing costs from the redemption of this debt.
Prior to repayment in the first quarter of 2021, the carrying value of our 1.875% Euro-denominated senior notes was designated as an effective hedge of our net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries where the Euro serves as the functional currency, and gains or losses on the revaluation of these senior notes to our reporting currency were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Upon repayment of these notes, this net investment hedge was discontinued. The balance of foreign exchange revaluation gains and losses associated with this discontinued net investment hedge will remain within accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged net investment is sold or liquidated. Prior to the net investment hedge being
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
discontinued, during the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, gains of $5.1 million and $2.1 million (net of income taxes), respectively, were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in connection with the revaluation of these senior notes to our reporting currency.
NOTE 9—Commitments and Contingencies:
Environmental
We had the following activity in our recorded environmental liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 (in thousands):

Beginning balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | 45,771 |
Expenditures | (394) |
Accretion of discount | 242 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | (605) |
Ending balance at March 31, 2021 | 45,014 |
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses | 9,209 |
Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities | $ | 35,805 |

Environmental remediation liabilities included discounted liabilities of $38.7 million and $39.2 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, discounted at rates with a weighted-average of 3.5%, and with the undiscounted amount totaling $72.3 million and $73.6 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. For certain locations where the Company is operating groundwater monitoring and/or remediation systems, prior owners or insurers have assumed all or most of the responsibility.
The amounts recorded represent our future remediation and other anticipated environmental liabilities. These liabilities typically arise during the normal course of our operational and environmental management activities or at the time of acquisition of the site, and are based on internal analysis as well as input from outside consultants. As evaluations proceed at each relevant site, changes in risk assessment practices, remediation techniques and regulatory requirements can occur, therefore such liability estimates may be adjusted accordingly. The timing and duration of remediation activities at these sites will be determined when evaluations are completed. Although it is difficult to quantify the potential financial impact of these remediation liabilities, management estimates (based on the latest available information) that there is a reasonable possibility that future environmental remediation costs associated with our past operations, could be an additional $10 million to $35 million before income taxes, in excess of amounts already recorded. The variability of this range is primarily driven by possible environmental remediation activity at a formerly owned site where we indemnify the buyer through a set cutoff date in 2024.
We believe that any sum we may be required to pay in connection with environmental remediation matters in excess of the amounts recorded would likely occur over a period of time and would likely not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows on a consolidated annual basis although any such sum could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows in a particular quarterly reporting period.
Litigation
We are involved from time to time in legal proceedings of types regarded as common in our business, including administrative or judicial proceedings seeking remediation under environmental laws, such as the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as CERCLA or Superfund, products liability, breach of contract liability and premises liability litigation. Where appropriate, we may establish financial reserves for such proceedings. We also maintain insurance to mitigate certain of such risks. Costs for legal services are generally expensed as incurred.
As previously reported in 2018, following receipt of information regarding potential improper payments being made by third party sales representatives of our Refining Solutions business, within our Catalysts segment, we promptly retained outside counsel and forensic accountants to investigate potential violations of the Company’s Code of Conduct, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other potentially applicable laws. Based on this internal investigation, we have voluntarily self-reported potential issues relating to the use of third party sales representatives in our Refining Solutions business, within our Catalysts segment, to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”), SEC, and the Dutch Public Prosecutor (“DPP”), and are cooperating with the DOJ, SEC, and DPP in their review of these matters. In connection with our internal investigation, we have implemented, and are continuing to implement, appropriate remedial measures.
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
At this time, we are unable to predict the duration, scope, result or related costs associated with any investigations by the DOJ, SEC, or DPP. We are unable to predict what, if any, action may be taken by the DOJ, SEC, or DPP, or what penalties or remedial actions they may seek to impose. Any determination that our operations or activities are not in compliance with existing laws or regulations could result in the imposition of fines, penalties, disgorgement, equitable relief, or other losses. We do not believe, however, that any fines, penalties, disgorgement, equitable relief or other losses would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or liquidity.
Indemnities
We are indemnified by third parties in connection with certain matters related to acquired and divested businesses. Although we believe that the financial condition of those parties who may have indemnification obligations to the Company is generally sound, in the event the Company seeks indemnity under any of these agreements or through other means, there can be no assurance that any party who may have obligations to indemnify us will adhere to their obligations and we may have to resort to legal action to enforce our rights under the indemnities.
The Company may be subject to indemnity claims relating to properties or businesses it divested, including properties or businesses of acquired businesses that were divested prior to the completion of the acquisition. In the opinion of management, and based upon information currently available, the ultimate resolution of any indemnification obligations owed to the Company or by the Company is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company had approximately $29.5 million and $30.5 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities, primarily related to the indemnification of certain income and non-income tax liabilities associated with the Chemetall Surface Treatment entities sold.
Other
We have contracts with certain of our customers, which serve as guarantees on product delivery and performance according to customer specifications that can cover both shipments on an individual basis as well as blanket coverage of multiple shipments under certain customer supply contracts. The financial coverage provided by these guarantees is typically based on a percentage of net sales value.
NOTE 10—Leases:
We lease certain office space, buildings, transportation and equipment in various countries. The initial lease terms generally range from 1 to 30 years for real estate leases, and from 2 to 15 years for non-real estate leases. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet, and we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Many leases include options to terminate or renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from 1 to 50 years or more. The exercise of lease renewal options is at our sole discretion. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The following table provides details of our lease contracts for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

|  |  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  |  |  |  | 2021 |  | 2020
Operating lease cost |  |  |  |  | $ | 9,412 |  |  | $ | 8,740 |
Finance lease cost: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amortization of right of use assets |  |  |  |  | 157 |  |  | 154 |
Interest on lease liabilities |  |  |  |  | 755 |  |  | 650 |
Total finance lease cost |  |  |  |  | 912 |  |  | 804 |
Short-term lease cost |  |  |  |  | 2,604 |  |  | 2,883 |
Variable lease cost |  |  |  |  | 2,365 |  |  | 1,948 |
Total lease cost |  |  |  |  | $ | 15,293 |  |  | $ | 14,375 |

Supplemental cash flow information related to our lease contracts for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows (in thousands):

| Three Months Ended March 31,
| 2021 |  | 2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: |  |  |
Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | 8,381 |  |  | $ | 11,177 |
Operating cash flows from finance leases | 439 |  |  | 380 |
Financing cash flows from finance leases | 159 |  |  | 172 |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: |  |  |
Operating leases | 707 |  |  | 16,021 |

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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Supplemental balance sheet information related to our lease contracts, including the location on balance sheet, at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands, except as noted):

| March 31, 2021 |  | December 31, 2020
Operating leases: |  |  |
Other assets | $ | 128,211 |  |  | $ | 136,292 |
Accrued expenses | 19,784 |  |  | 22,297 |
Other noncurrent liabilities | 111,719 |  |  | 116,765 |
Total operating lease liabilities | 131,503 |  |  | 139,062 |
Finance leases: |  |  |
Net property, plant and equipment | 58,701 |  |  | 58,963 |
Current portion of long-term debt(a) | 2,046 |  |  | 1,752 |
Long-term debt | 58,294 |  |  | 58,543 |
Total finance lease liabilities | 60,340 |  |  | 60,295 |
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): |  |  |
Operating leases | 15.7 |  | 15.3
Finance leases | 27.4 |  | 27.5
Weighted average discount rate (%): |  |  |
Operating leases | 3.96 | % |  | 3.94 | %
Finance leases | 4.56 | % |  | 4.56 | %

(a) Balance includes accrued interest of finance lease recorded in Accrued liabilities.
Maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):

| Operating Leases |  | Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021 | $ | 17,556 |  |  | $ | 1,631 |
2022 | 20,458 |  |  | 4,454 |
2023 | 21,684 |  |  | 4,454 |
2024 | 10,680 |  |  | 4,454 |
2025 | 9,563 |  |  | 4,454 |
Thereafter | 131,824 |  |  | 89,916 |
Total lease payments | 211,765 |  |  | 109,363 |
Less imputed interest | 80,262 |  |  | 49,023 |
Total | $ | 131,503 |  |  | $ | 60,340 |

NOTE 11—Segment Information:
Our three reportable segments include: (1) Lithium; (2) Bromine Specialties; and (3) Catalysts. Each segment has a dedicated team of sales, research and development, process engineering, manufacturing and sourcing, and business strategy personnel and has full accountability for improving execution through greater asset and market focus, agility and responsiveness. This business structure aligns with the markets and customers we serve through each of the segments. This structure also facilitates the continued standardization of business processes across the organization, and is consistent with the manner in which information is presently used internally by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to evaluate performance and make resource allocation decisions.
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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following tables. The “All Other” category includes only the FCS business that does not fit into any of our core businesses. In February 2021, we announced that we signed a definitive agreement to sell the FCS business. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information.
The Corporate category is not considered to be a segment and includes corporate-related items not allocated to the operating segments. Pension and other post-employment benefit (“OPEB”) service cost (which represents the benefits earned by active employees during the period) and amortization of prior service cost or benefit are allocated to the reportable segments, All Other, and Corporate, whereas the remaining components of pension and OPEB benefits cost or credit (“Non-operating pension and OPEB items”) are included in Corporate. Segment data includes inter-segment transfers of raw materials at cost and allocations for certain corporate costs.
The Company’s chief operating decision maker uses adjusted EBITDA (as defined below) to assess the ongoing performance of the Company’s business segments and to allocate resources. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted on a consistent basis for certain non-recurring or unusual items in a balanced manner and on a segment basis. These non-recurring or unusual items may include acquisition and integration related costs, gains or losses on sales of businesses, restructuring charges, facility divestiture charges, non-operating pension and OPEB items and other significant non-recurring items. In addition, management uses adjusted EBITDA for business planning purposes and as a significant component in the calculation of performance-based compensation for management and other employees. The Company has reported adjusted EBITDA because management believes it provides transparency to investors and enables period-to-period comparability of financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or any other financial measure reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

|  |  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  |  |  |  | 2021 |  | 2020
|  |  | (In thousands)
Net sales: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lithium |  |  |  |  | $ | 278,976 |  |  | $ | 236,818 |
Bromine Specialties |  |  |  |  | 280,447 |  |  | 231,592 |
Catalysts |  |  |  |  | 220,243 |  |  | 207,207 |
All Other |  |  |  |  | 49,625 |  |  | 63,228 |
Total net sales |  |  |  |  | $ | 829,291 |  |  | $ | 738,845 |
Adjusted EBITDA: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lithium |  |  |  |  | $ | 106,436 |  |  | $ | 78,637 |
Bromine Specialties |  |  |  |  | 94,640 |  |  | 83,262 |
Catalysts |  |  |  |  | 25,427 |  |  | 47,470 |
All Other |  |  |  |  | 21,479 |  |  | 22,824 |
Corporate |  |  |  |  | (17,928) |  |  | (35,828) |
Total adjusted EBITDA |  |  |  |  | $ | 230,054 |  |  | $ | 196,365 |

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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
See below for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, the non-GAAP financial measure, from Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP (in thousands):

| Lithium |  | Bromine Specialties |  | Catalysts |  | Reportable Segments Total |  | All Other |  | Corporate |  | Consolidated Total
Three months ended March 31, 2021 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation | $ | 74,630 |  |  | $ | 82,113 |  |  | $ | 12,916 |  |  | $ | 169,659 |  |  | $ | 20,016 |  |  | $ | (93,998) |  |  | $ | 95,677 |
Depreciation and amortization | 31,806 |  |  | 12,527 |  |  | 12,511 |  |  | 56,844 |  |  | 1,463 |  |  | 3,953 |  |  | 62,260 |
Acquisition and integration related costs(a) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,162 |  |  | 2,162 |
Interest and financing expenses(b) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 43,882 |  |  | 43,882 |
Income tax expense | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 22,107 |  |  | 22,107 |
Non-operating pension and OPEB items | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5,465) |  |  | (5,465) |
Other(c) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 9,431 |  |  | 9,431 |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 106,436 |  |  | $ | 94,640 |  |  | $ | 25,427 |  |  | $ | 226,503 |  |  | $ | 21,479 |  |  | $ | (17,928) |  |  | $ | 230,054 |
Three months ended March 31, 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation | $ | 53,240 |  |  | $ | 71,665 |  |  | $ | 34,892 |  |  | $ | 159,797 |  |  | $ | 20,846 |  |  | $ | (73,439) |  |  | $ | 107,204 |
Depreciation and amortization | 25,397 |  |  | 11,597 |  |  | 12,578 |  |  | 49,572 |  |  | 1,978 |  |  | 2,144 |  |  | 53,694 |
Restructuring and other(d) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,847 |  |  | 1,847 |
Acquisition and integration related costs(b) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,951 |  |  | 2,951 |
Interest and financing expenses | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 16,885 |  |  | 16,885 |
Income tax expense | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 18,442 |  |  | 18,442 |
Non-operating pension and OPEB items | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (2,908) |  |  | (2,908) |
Other(e) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1,750) |  |  | (1,750) |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 78,637 |  |  | $ | 83,262 |  |  | $ | 47,470 |  |  | $ | 209,369 |  |  | $ | 22,824 |  |  | $ | (35,828) |  |  | $ | 196,365 |

(a)Costs related to the acquisition, integration and potential divestitures for various significant projects, recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”).
(b)Included in Interest and financing expenses is a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $27.8 million. See Note 8, “Long-Term Debt,” for additional information.
(c)Included amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2021 recorded in:
•SG&A - $5.5 million of expenses primarily related to non-routine labor and compensation related costs that are outside normal compensation arrangements.
•Other income, net - $3.9 million of expenses primarily related to asset retirement obligation charges to update of an estimate at a site formerly owned by Albemarle.
(d)In 2020, we recorded severance expenses as part of business reorganization plans, impacting each of our businesses and Corporate, primarily in the U.S., Germany and with our Jordanian joint venture partner. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recorded expenses of $0.7 million in Cost of goods sold, $1.5 million in SG&A and a $0.3 million gain in Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the portion of severance expense allocated to our Jordanian joint venture partner. The balance of unpaid severance is recorded in Accrued expenses and is expected to primarily be paid through 2021.
(e)Included amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2020 recorded in:
▪Other income, net - $2.6 million net gain resulting from the settlement of legal matters related to a business sold, partially offset by a $0.8 million loss resulting from the adjustment of indemnifications related to previously disposed businesses.
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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
NOTE 12—Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits:
The components of pension and postretirement benefits cost (credit) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in thousands):

|  |  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  |  |  |  | 2021 |  | 2020
Pension Benefits Cost (Credit): |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service cost |  |  |  |  | $ | 1,179 |  |  | $ | 1,214 |
Interest cost |  |  |  |  | 5,119 |  |  | 6,687 |
Expected return on assets |  |  |  |  | (10,893) |  |  | (10,063) |
Amortization of prior service benefit |  |  |  |  | 29 |  |  | (51) |
Total net pension benefits credit |  |  |  |  | $ | (4,566) |  |  | $ | (2,213) |
Postretirement Benefits Cost: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service cost |  |  |  |  | $ | 31 |  |  | $ | 26 |
Interest cost |  |  |  |  | 309 |  |  | 468 |
Total net postretirement benefits cost |  |  |  |  | $ | 340 |  |  | $ | 494 |
Total net pension and postretirement benefits credit |  |  |  |  | $ | (4,226) |  |  | $ | (1,719) |

All components of net benefit cost (credit), other than service cost, are included in Other income, net on the consolidated statements of income.
During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we made contributions of $14.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively, to our qualified and nonqualified pension plans.
We paid $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in premiums to the U.S. postretirement benefit plan during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
NOTE 13—Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
In assessing the fair value of financial instruments, we use methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and other risk factors existing at the time of assessment. Fair value information for our financial instruments is as follows:
Long-Term Debt—the fair values of our notes are estimated using Level 1 inputs and account for the difference between the recorded amount and fair value of our long-term debt. The carrying value of our remaining long-term debt reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value as substantially all of such debt bears interest based on prevailing variable market rates currently available in the countries in which we have borrowings.

| March 31, 2021 |  | December 31, 2020
| Recorded Amount |  | Fair Value |  | Recorded Amount |  | Fair Value
| (In thousands)
Long-term debt | $ | 2,042,936 |  |  | $ | 2,203,416 |  |  | $ | 3,588,157 |  |  | $ | 3,783,225 |

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts—During the fourth quarter of 2019, we entered into a foreign currency forward contract to hedge the cash flow exposure of non-functional currency purchases during the construction of the Kemerton plant in Australia. This derivative financial instrument is used to manage risk and is not used for trading or other speculative purposes. This foreign currency forward contract has been designated as a hedging instrument under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding designated foreign currency forward contracts with notional values totaling the equivalent of $294.2 million and $75.4 million, respectively.
We also enter into foreign currency forward contracts in connection with our risk management strategies that have not been designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, in an attempt to minimize the financial impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These derivative financial instruments are used to manage risk and are not used for trading or other speculative purposes. The fair values of our non-designated foreign currency forward contracts are estimated based on current settlement values. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding non-designated
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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
foreign currency forward contracts with notional values totaling $559.8 million and $611.1 million, respectively, hedging our exposure to various currencies including the Euro, Australian dollar, Taiwanese dollar, Chinese renminbi and Chilean peso.
The following table summarizes the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

| March 31, 2021 |  | December 31, 2020
| Assets |  | Liabilities |  | Assets |  | Liabilities
Designated as hedging instruments(a) | $ | — |  |  | $ | 3,735 |  |  | $ | 7,043 |  |  | $ | — |
Not Designated as hedging instruments(b) | 16,123 |  |  | 182 |  |  | 6,563 |  |  | 4,803 |
Total | $ | 16,123 |  |  | $ | 3,917 |  |  | $ | 13,606 |  |  | $ | 4,803 |

(a) Included $3.7 million in Accrued expenses at March 31, 2021 and $6.2 million in Other current assets and $0.9 million in Other assets at December 31, 2020.
(b) Included $15.8 million in Other current assets, $0.3 million in Other assets and $0.2 million in Accrued expenses at March 31, 2021 and $6.6 million in Other current assets and $4.8 million in Accrued expenses at December 31, 2020.
The following table summarizes the net gains (losses) recognized for our foreign currency forward contracts during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

|  |  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  |  |  |  | 2021 |  | 2020
Designated as hedging instruments |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Losses recognized in Other comprehensive income |  |  |  |  | $ | (1,600) |  |  | $ | (51,460) |
Not designated as hedging instruments |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Losses recognized in Other income, net(a) |  |  |  |  | $ | (191) |  |  | $ | (5,454) |

(a) Fluctuations in the value of our foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments are generally expected to be offset by changes in the value of the underlying exposures being hedged, which are also reported in Other income, net.
In addition, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded net cash settlements of $7.9 million and $6.8 million, respectively, in Other, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
As of March 31, 2021, there are no unrealized gains or losses related to the cash flow hedges expected to be reclassified to earnings in the next twelve months.
The counterparties to our foreign currency forward contracts are major financial institutions with which we generally have other financial relationships. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by these counterparties. However, we do not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.
NOTE 14—Fair Value Measurement:
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following hierarchy:

Level 1 | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
Level 3 | Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
We endeavor to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following tables set forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

| March 31, 2021 |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2) |  | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan(a) | $ | 28,963 |  |  | $ | 28,963 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Private equity securities measured at net asset value(b)(c) | $ | 4,667 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Foreign currency forward contracts(d) | $ | 16,123 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 16,123 |  |  | $ | — |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan(a) | $ | 28,963 |  |  | $ | 28,963 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Foreign currency forward contracts(d) | $ | 3,917 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 3,917 |  |  | $ | — |

| December 31, 2020 |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2) |  | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan(a) | $ | 32,447 |  |  | $ | 32,447 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Private equity securities measured at net asset value(b)(c) | $ | 4,661 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Foreign currency forward contracts(d) | $ | 13,606 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 13,606 |  |  | $ | — |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan(a) | $ | 32,447 |  |  | $ | 32,447 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Foreign currency forward contracts(d) | $ | 4,803 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 4,803 |  |  | $ | — |

(a)We maintain an Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (“EDCP”) that was adopted in 2001 and subsequently amended. The purpose of the EDCP is to provide current tax planning opportunities as well as supplemental funds upon the retirement or death of certain of our employees. The EDCP is intended to aid in attracting and retaining employees of exceptional ability by providing them with these benefits. We also maintain a Benefit Protection Trust (the “Trust”) that was created to provide a source of funds to assist in meeting the obligations of the EDCP, subject to the claims of our creditors in the event of our insolvency. Assets of the Trust are consolidated in accordance with authoritative guidance. The assets of the Trust consist primarily of mutual fund investments (which are accounted for as trading securities and are marked-to-market on a monthly basis through the consolidated statements of income) and cash and cash equivalents. As such, these assets and obligations are classified within Level 1.
(b)Primarily consists of private equity securities reported in Investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The changes in fair value are reported in Other income, net, in our consolidated statements of income.
(c)Holdings in certain private equity securities are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy.
(d)As a result of our global operating and financing activities, we are exposed to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial position. When deemed appropriate, we minimize our risks from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. The foreign currency forward contracts are valued using broker quotations or market transactions in either the listed or over-the-counter markets. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2. See Note 13, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” for further details about our foreign currency forward contracts.
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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
NOTE 15—Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:
The components and activity in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (net of deferred income taxes) consisted of the following during the periods indicated below (in thousands):

| Foreign Currency Translation and Other |  |  |  | Net Investment Hedge(a) |  | Cash Flow Hedge(b) |  | Interest Rate Swap(c) |  |  |  | Total
Three months ended March 31, 2021 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at December 31, 2020 | $ | (369,152) |  |  |  |  | $ | 46,593 |  |  | $ | 6,449 |  |  | $ | (10,022) |  |  |  |  | $ | (326,132) |
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications | (28,167) |  |  |  |  | 5,110 |  |  | (1,600) |  |  | — |  |  |  |  | (24,657) |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 25 |  |  |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 650 |  |  |  |  | 675 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (28,142) |  |  |  |  | 5,110 |  |  | (1,600) |  |  | 650 |  |  |  |  | (23,982) |
Amounts reclassified within accumulated other comprehensive loss | 51,703 |  |  |  |  | (51,703) |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  |  |  | — |
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | — |  |  |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  |  |  | — |
Balance at March 31, 2021 | $ | (345,591) |  |  |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 4,849 |  |  | $ | (9,372) |  |  |  |  | $ | (350,114) |
Three months ended March 31, 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at December 31, 2019 | $ | (468,737) |  |  |  |  | $ | 80,778 |  |  | $ | 4,847 |  |  | $ | (12,623) |  |  |  |  | $ | (395,735) |
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications | (81,986) |  |  |  |  | 2,081 |  |  | (51,460) |  |  | — |  |  |  |  | (131,365) |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 9 |  |  |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 648 |  |  |  |  | 657 |
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | (81,977) |  |  |  |  | 2,081 |  |  | (51,460) |  |  | 648 |  |  |  |  | (130,708) |
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (46) |  |  |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  |  |  | (46) |
Balance at March 31, 2020 | $ | (550,760) |  |  |  |  | $ | 82,859 |  |  | $ | (46,613) |  |  | $ | (11,975) |  |  |  |  | $ | (526,489) |

(a)During the first quarter of 2021 the net investment hedge was discontinued following the repayment of the 1.875% Euro-denominated senior notes. The balance of foreign exchange revaluation gains and losses associated with this discontinued net investment hedge have been reclassified to Foreign currency translation and other, and will remain within accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged net investment is sold or liquidated.
(b)We entered into a foreign currency forward contract, which was designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. See Note 13, “Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” for additional information.
(c)The pre-tax portion of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss is included in interest expense.
The amount of income tax (expense) benefit allocated to each component of Other comprehensive (loss) income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 is provided in the following tables (in thousands):

| Foreign Currency Translation and Other |  |  |  | Net Investment Hedge |  | Cash Flow Hedge |  | Interest Rate Swap
Three months ended March 31, 2021 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax | $ | (28,138) |  |  |  |  | $ | 6,552 |  |  | $ | (1,600) |  |  | $ | 834 |
Income tax (expense) benefit | (4) |  |  |  |  | (1,442) |  |  | — |  |  | (184) |
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | $ | (28,142) |  |  |  |  | $ | 5,110 |  |  | $ | (1,600) |  |  | $ | 650 |
Three months ended March 31, 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax | $ | (81,980) |  |  |  |  | $ | 2,675 |  |  | $ | (51,460) |  |  | $ | 834 |
Income tax benefit (expense) | 3 |  |  |  |  | (594) |  |  | — |  |  | (186) |
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | $ | (81,977) |  |  |  |  | $ | 2,081 |  |  | $ | (51,460) |  |  | $ | 648 |

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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
NOTE 16—Related Party Transactions:
Our consolidated statements of income include sales to and purchases from unconsolidated affiliates in the ordinary course of business as follows (in thousands):

|  |  | Three Months Ended March 31,
|  |  |  |  | 2021 |  | 2020
Sales to unconsolidated affiliates |  |  |  |  | $ | 5,730 |  |  | $ | 7,217 |
Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates(a) |  |  |  |  | $ | 33,150 |  |  | $ | 76,475 |

(a)Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates primarily relate to purchases from our Windfield joint venture.
Our condensed consolidated balance sheets include accounts receivable due from and payable to unconsolidated affiliates in the ordinary course of business as follows (in thousands):

| March 31, 2021 |  | December 31, 2019
Receivables from unconsolidated affiliates | $ | 5,862 |  |  | $ | 4,098 |
Payables to unconsolidated affiliates | $ | 33,988 |  |  | $ | 30,123 |

NOTE 17—Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Supplemental information related to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows (in thousands):

| Three Months Ended March 31,
| 2021 |  | 2020
Supplemental non-cash disclosure related to investing activities: |  |  |
Capital expenditures included in Accounts payable | $ | 151,604 |  |  | $ | 176,464 |

As part of the purchase price paid for the acquisition of a 60% interest in MRL’s Wodgina Project, the Company transferred $43.2 million and $36.7 million of its construction in progress of the designated Kemerton assets during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, representing MRL’s 40% interest in the assets. Since the acquisition, we have transferred $387.3 million of construction in progress to MRL through March 31, 2021. The cash outflow for these assets is recorded in Capital expenditures within Cash flows from investing activities on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The non-cash transfer of these assets is recorded in Non-cash transfer of 40% value of construction in progress of Kemerton plant to MRL within Cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company expects to transfer a total of approximately $480 million over the construction of these assets, as defined in the purchase agreement.
NOTE 18—Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance that simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify U.S. GAAP for other areas of ASC Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. This guidance became effective on January 1, 2020 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued accounting guidance that provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The guidance applies only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. In January 2021, the FASB issued additional accounting guidance which clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The guidance under both FASB issuances is effective March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. We currently do not expect this guidance to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Forward-looking Statements
Some of the information presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, which are in turn based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable based on our current knowledge of our business and operations. We have used words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “will” and variations of such words and similar expressions to identify such forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from the results and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the outlook expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include, without limitation, information related to:
•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;
•hazards associated with chemicals manufacturing;
•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 through 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 novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic; and
•the other factors detailed from time to time in the reports we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
We assume no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. The following discussion should be read together with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. A discussion of our consolidated financial condition and sources of additional capital is included under a separate heading “Financial Condition and Liquidity.”
Overview
We are a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of highly-engineered specialty chemicals that are designed to meet our customers’ needs across a diverse range of end markets. We believe our purpose is making the world safe and sustainable by powering the potential of people. The end markets we serve include energy storage, petroleum refining, consumer electronics, construction, automotive, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, crop protection and custom chemistry services. We believe that our commercial and geographic diversity, technical expertise, innovative capability, flexible, low-cost global manufacturing base, experienced management team and strategic focus on our core base technologies will enable us to maintain leading market positions in those areas of the specialty chemicals industry in which we operate.
Secular trends favorably impacting demand within the end markets that we serve combined with our diverse product portfolio, broad geographic presence and customer-focused solutions will continue to be key drivers of our future earnings growth. We continue to build upon our existing green solutions portfolio and our ongoing mission to provide innovative, yet commercially viable, clean energy products and services to the marketplace to contribute to our sustainable revenue. For example, our Lithium business contributes to the growth of clean miles driven with electric miles and more efficient use of renewable energy through grid storage; Bromine Specialties enables the prevention of fires starting in electronic equipment, greater fuel efficiency from rubber tires and the reduction of emissions from coal fired power plants; and the Catalysts business creates efficiency of natural resources through more usable products from a single barrel of oil, enables safer, greener production of alkylates used to produce more environmentally-friendly fuels, and reduced emissions through cleaner transportation fuels. We believe our disciplined cost reduction efforts and ongoing productivity improvements, among other factors, position us well to take advantage of strengthening economic conditions as they occur, while softening the negative impact of the current challenging global economic environment.
First Quarter 2021
During the first quarter of 2021:
•Our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share on February 25, 2021, which was paid on April 1, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of March 12, 2021.
•We announced the planned capacity expansion at our lithium production facility in Silver Peak, Nevada beginning in 2021. We plan to invest $30 million to $50 million to double the current production at the Silver Peak site by 2025, making full use of the brine water rights.
•On February 8, 2021, we completed an underwritten public offering of 8,496,773 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a price to the public of $153.00 per share. The Company also granted to the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 1,274,509 shares, which was exercised. The total gross proceeds from this offering were approximately $1.5 billion, before deducting expenses, underwriting discounts and commissions.
•On February 25, 2021, we signed a definitive agreement to sell our fine chemistry services (“FCS”) business to W. R. Grace & Co. (“Grace”) for proceeds of approximately $570 million, consisting of $300 million in cash and the issuance to Albemarle of preferred equity of a Grace subsidiary having an aggregate stated value of $270 million. The sale is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approvals from regulatory authorities.
•Using the proceeds of the underwritten public offering of shares of our common stock, we repaid the outstanding principal balances of the 1.875% senior notes due in 2021, the floating rate notes due in 2022, the unsecured credit facility originally entered into on August 14, 2019, as amended and restated on December 15, 2020 (the “2019 Credit Facility”) and the commercial paper notes. In addition, we repaid €123.8 million of the 1.125% notes due in 2025 and $128.4 million of the 4.15% senior notes due in 2029. As a result, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $27.8 million, representing the tender premiums, fees, unamortized discounts and unamortized deferred financing costs from the redemption of this debt during the first quarter of 2021.
•Our net sales for the quarter were $829.3 million, up 12% from net sales of $738.8 million in the first quarter of 2020.
•Diluted earnings per share were $0.84, a 17% decrease from first quarter of 2020 results.
•Net cash provided by operations was $157.9 million in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of 2% from the first quarter of 2020.
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Outlook
The current global business environment presents a diverse set of opportunities and challenges in the markets we serve. In particular, the market for lithium battery and energy storage, particularly that for electric vehicles (“EVs”), remains strong, providing the opportunity to continue to develop high quality and innovative products while managing the high cost of expanding capacity. The other markets we serve continue to present various opportunities for value and growth as we have positioned ourselves to manage the impact on our business of changing global conditions, such as slow and uneven global growth, currency exchange volatility, crude oil price fluctuation, a dynamic pricing environment, an ever-changing landscape in electronics, the continuous need for cutting edge catalysts and technology by our refinery customers and increasingly stringent environmental standards. Amidst these dynamics, we believe our business fundamentals are sound and that we are strategically well-positioned as we remain focused on increasing sales volumes, optimizing and improving the value of our portfolio primarily through pricing and product development, managing costs and delivering value to our customers and shareholders. We believe that our businesses remain well-positioned to capitalize on new business opportunities and long-term trends driving growth within our end markets and to respond quickly to changes in economic conditions in these markets.
Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact on overall global economic conditions. While we have not seen a material impact to our operations to date, the ultimate impact on our business will depend on the length and severity of the outbreak throughout the world. All of our information technology systems are running as designed and all sites are operating at normal capacity while we continue to comply with all government and health agency recommendations and requirements, as well as protecting the safety of our employees and communities. We believe we have sufficient inventory to continue to produce at current levels, however, government mandated shutdowns could impact our ability to acquire additional materials and disrupt our customers’ purchases. At this time we cannot predict the expected overall financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, but we are planning for various economic scenarios and continue to make efforts to protect the safety of our employees and the health of our business.
Lithium: We expect results to be higher year-over-year during 2021 in Lithium, due mainly to North American plant restarts, efficiency improvements and tolling, offset by pricing pressure in certain markets and higher unit costs from plant start-ups at La Negra, Chile and Kemerton, Western Australia. There is no new capacity coming online during 2021 to drive significant additional sales volume, although we expect our new plants in La Negra and Kemerton to begin producing sales in 2022. EV sales have started to rebound after a marked slowdown during the second quarter of 2020, with full year 2020 and first quarter 2021 showing a healthy increase in total EV sales over the prior year. We continue to keep the Wodgina spodumene mine idled until demand supports bringing the mine back to production.
On a longer-term basis, we believe that demand for lithium will continue to grow as new lithium applications advance and the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and full battery electric vehicles increases. This demand for lithium is supported by a favorable backdrop of steadily declining lithium ion battery costs, increasing battery performance, continuing significant investments in the battery and EV supply chain by our customers and automotive OEM’s, favorable global public policy toward e-mobility/renewable energy usage, and additional stimulus measures taken in Europe in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that we expect to bolster EV demand. Our outlook is also bolstered by long-term supply agreements with key strategic customers, reflecting our standing as a preferred global lithium partner, highlighted by our scale, access to geographically diverse, low-cost resources and long-term track record of reliability of supply and operating execution.
Bromine Specialties: We expect both net sales and profitability to be modestly higher in 2021, as we recover from the lower demand due to shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing cost savings initiatives. While we have not experienced a material impact from the COVID-19 pandemic to date, sales in 2020 were adversely impacted and we are likely to see continued adverse impacts into 2021.
On a longer-term basis, we continue to believe that improving global standards of living, widespread digitization, increasing demand for data management capacity and the potential for increasingly stringent fire safety regulations in developing markets are likely to drive continued demand for fire safety products. Our long-term drilling outlook is uncertain at this time and will follow a long-term trajectory in line with oil prices. We are focused on profitably growing our globally competitive bromine and derivatives production network to serve all major bromine consuming products and markets. The combination of our solid, long-term business fundamentals, strong cost position, product innovations and effective management of raw material costs will enable us to manage our business through end-market challenges and to capitalize on opportunities that are expected with favorable market trends in select end markets.
Catalysts: Total Catalysts results in 2021 are expected to be down year-over-year. In the first quarter of 2021, both the refining catalyst and performance catalyst solutions (“PCS”) businesses were negatively impacted by the U.S. Gulf Coast winter storm. While we expect PCS volumes to improve slightly over lower 2020 levels, we expect 2021 results to be flat to slightly down year-over-year due to the impact of the storms. In addition, we expect 2021 refining catalyst volumes to be lower year-over-year resulting from a recent change in customer order patterns in North America and the impact of the storms. The
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fluidized catalytic cracking (“FCC”) market is expected to gradually recover from the COVID-19 pandemic in line with increased travel and depletion of global gasoline inventories, however, demand may not return to normal levels until late 2022 at the earliest. Hydroprocessing catalysts (“HPC”) demand tends to be lumpier than FCC demand and is also expected to continue to be negatively impacted as refiners defer spending into 2021 and 2022.
On a longer-term basis, we believe increased global demand for transportation fuels, new refinery start-ups and ongoing adoption of cleaner fuels will be the primary drivers of growth in our Catalysts business. We believe delivering superior end-use performance continues to be the most effective way to create sustainable value in the refinery catalysts industry. We also believe our technologies continue to provide significant performance and financial benefits to refiners challenged to meet tighter regulations around the world, including those managing new contaminants present in North America tight oil, and those in the Middle East and Asia seeking to use heavier feedstock while pushing for higher propylene yields. Longer-term, we believe that the global crude supply will get heavier and more sour, a trend that bodes well for our catalysts portfolio. With superior technology and production capacities, and expected growth in end market demand, we believe that Catalysts remains well-positioned for the future. In PCS, we expect growth on a longer-term basis in our organometallic business due to growing global demand for plastics driven by rising standards of living and infrastructure spending. We have discontinued efforts to sell our PCS business.
All Other: The FCS business is reported outside the Company’s reportable segments as it does not fit in the Company’s core businesses. On February 25, 2021, we signed a definitive agreement to sell the FCS business to Grace for proceeds of approximately $570 million, consisting of $300 million in cash and the issuance to Albemarle of preferred equity of a Grace subsidiary having an aggregate stated value of $270 million. The sale is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approvals from regulatory authorities. We expect the near future prospects for the FCS business to continue to be positively impacted by the timing of customer orders in a strong pharmaceutical and agriculture contract manufacturing environment.
Corporate: In the first quarter of 2021, we increased our quarterly dividend rate to $0.39 per share. We continue to focus on cash generation, working capital management and process efficiencies. In addition, we expect our global effective tax rate for 2021 to continue to vary based on the locales in which income is actually earned and remains subject to potential volatility from changing legislation in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions.
We remain committed to evaluating the merits of any opportunities that may arise for acquisitions or other business development activities that will complement our business footprint. Additional information regarding our products, markets and financial performance is provided at our website, www.albemarle.com. Our website is not a part of this document nor is it incorporated herein by reference.
Results of Operations
The following data and discussion provides an analysis of certain significant factors affecting our results of operations during the periods included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
First Quarter 2021 Compared to First Quarter 2020
Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
Net Sales

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Net sales | $ | 829,291 |  |  | $ | 738,845 |  |  | $ | 90,446 |  |  | 12 | %
▪$108.6 million of higher sales volume across all of our reportable segments ▪$35.0 million of unfavorable pricing, primarily driven by Lithium and partially offset by Bromine Specialties ▪$17.0 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies

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Gross Profit

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Gross profit | $ | 263,687 |  |  | $ | 242,018 |  |  | $ | 21,669 |  |  | 9 | %
Gross profit margin | 31.8 | % |  | 32.8 | % |  |  |  |
▪Higher sales volume in each of our reportable segments, partially offset by unfavorable pricing in Lithium ▪Lower commission expenses in Chile resulting from the lower pricing in Lithium ▪Increased production and utility costs of approximately $33 million in Bromine Specialties and Catalysts resulting from the U.S. Gulf Coast winter storm ▪Increased freight costs in Bromine Specialties and Catalysts ▪Favorable currency exchange impacts resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 93,187 |  |  | $ | 101,877 |  |  | $ | (8,690) |  |  | (9) | %
Percentage of Net sales | 11.2 | % |  | 13.8 | % |  |  |  |
▪Productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs, including those resulting from our previously announced cost savings initiative ▪$2.3 million decrease in severance expenses and acquisition and integration related costs for various significant projects ▪Partially offset by $5.5 million of expenses in 2021 primarily related to non-routine labor and compensation related costs that are outside normal compensation arrangements

Research and Development Expenses

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Research and development expenses | $ | 14,636 |  |  | $ | 16,097 |  |  | $ | (1,461) |  |  | (9) | %
Percentage of Net sales | 1.8 | % |  | 2.2 | % |  |  |  |
▪Decreased research and development spend in each of the reportable segments

Interest and Financing Expenses

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Interest and financing expenses | $ | (43,882) |  |  | $ | (16,885) |  |  | $ | (26,997) |  |  | 160 | %
▪$27.8 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, representing the tender premiums, fees, unamortized discounts and unamortized deferred financing costs from the redemption of debt during the first quarter of 2021 ▪Decreased debt balance as certain debt instruments were repaid in the first quarter of 2021

Other Income, Net

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Other income, net | $ | 11,312 |  |  | $ | 8,314 |  |  | $ | 2,998 |  |  | 36 | %
•$2.9 million increase in foreign exchange gains •$2.5 million increase in non-operating pension and OPEB benefits •$3.9 million of expenses in 2021 primarily related to asset retirement obligation charges to update of an estimate at a site formerly owned by Albemarle. •$2.6 million net gain resulting from the settlement of legal matters related to a business sold in 2020

Income Tax Expense

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Income tax expense | $ | 22,107 |  |  | $ | 18,442 |  |  | $ | 3,665 |  |  | 20 | %
Effective income tax rate | 17.9 | % |  | 16.0 | % |  |  |  |
•Change in geographic mix of earnings, mainly attributable to our share of the income of our Jordan Bromine Company Limited (“JBC”) joint venture, a Free Zones company under the laws of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan •2021 includes discrete tax expense due to an out-of-period adjustment for an overstated deferred tax liability for the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, offset by a benefit due to the release of a foreign valuation allowance

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Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Investments

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments | $ | 16,511 |  |  | $ | 26,604 |  |  | $ | (10,093) |  |  | (38) | %
▪Lower earnings from our Lithium segment joint venture, Windfield Holdings Pty Ltd (“Talison”), primarily driven by lower pricing, partially offset by higher volumes and favorable currency impacts

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | $ | (22,021) |  |  | $ | (16,431) |  |  | $ | (5,590) |  |  | 34 | %
▪Increase in consolidated income related to our JBC joint venture from higher sales volume

Net Income Attributable to Albemarle Corporation

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation | $ | 95,677 |  |  | $ | 107,204 |  |  | $ | (11,527) |  |  | (11) | %
Percentage of Net sales | 11.5 | % |  | 14.5 | % |  |  |  |
Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.85 |  |  | $ | 1.01 |  |  | $ | (0.16) |  |  | (16) | %
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.84 |  |  | $ | 1.01 |  |  | $ | (0.17) |  |  | (17) | %
▪Increased sales volume from each of our reportable segments, partially offset by unfavorable pricing, primarily in Lithium ▪Increased production and utility costs in Bromine Specialties and Catalysts resulting from the winter storms in the southern U.S. ▪Increased interest expense primarily due to a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $27.8 million in 2021 ▪Lower equity in net income of unconsolidated investments from the Talison joint venture ▪Increased effective tax rate ▪Productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs, including those resulting from our previously announced cost savings initiative ▪Earnings per share also decreased due to underwritten public offering of our common stock in February 2021, increasing share count by 9.8 million shares

Other Comprehensive Income (loss), Net of Tax

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | $ | (23,982) |  |  | $ | (130,708) |  |  | $ | 106,726 |  |  | (82) | %
▪Foreign currency translation and other | $ | (28,142) |  |  | $ | (81,977) |  |  | $ | 53,835 |  |  | (66) | %
▪2021 included unfavorable movements in the Euro of approximately $13 million, the Brazilian Real of approximately $6 million, the Japanese Yen of approximately $5 million and a net unfavorable variance in various other currencies totaling approximately $4 million ▪2020 included unfavorable movements in the Euro of approximately $55 million, the Brazilian Real of approximately $16 million, the Chilean Peso of approximately $5 million and a net unfavorable variance in various other currencies totaling approximately $6 million
▪Cash flow hedge | $ | (1,600) |  |  | $ | (51,460) |  |  | $ | 49,860 |  |  |
▪Net investment hedge | $ | 5,110 |  |  | $ | 2,081 |  |  | $ | 3,029 |  |  | 146 | %

Segment Information Overview. We have identified three reportable segments according to the nature and economic characteristics of our products as well as the manner in which the information is used internally by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to evaluate performance and make resource allocation decisions. Our reportable business segments consist of: (1) Lithium, (2) Bromine Specialties and (3) Catalysts.
Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following tables. The “All Other” category includes only the fine chemistry services business, that does not fit into any of our core businesses.
The Corporate category is not considered to be a segment and includes corporate-related items not allocated to the operating segments. Pension and OPEB service cost (which represents the benefits earned by active employees during the period) and amortization of prior service cost or benefit are allocated to the reportable segments, All Other, and Corporate,
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whereas the remaining components of pension and OPEB benefits cost or credit (“Non-operating pension and OPEB items”) are included in Corporate. Segment data includes intersegment transfers of raw materials at cost and allocations for certain corporate costs.
The Company’s chief operating decision maker uses adjusted EBITDA (as defined below) to assess the ongoing performance of the Company’s business segments and to allocate resources. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted on a consistent basis for certain non-recurring or unusual items in a balanced manner and on a segment basis. These non-recurring or unusual items may include acquisition and integration related costs, gains or losses on sales of businesses, restructuring charges, facility divestiture charges, non-operating pension and OPEB items and other significant non-recurring items. In addition, management uses adjusted EBITDA for business planning purposes and as a significant component in the calculation of performance-based compensation for management and other employees. The Company has reported adjusted EBITDA because management believes it provides transparency to investors and enables period-to-period comparability of financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or any other financial measure reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

| Three Months Ended March 31, |  | Percentage Change
| 2021 |  | % |  | 2020 |  | % |  | 2021 vs 2020
| (In thousands, except percentages)
Net sales: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lithium | $ | 278,976 |  |  | 33.6 | % |  | $ | 236,818 |  |  | 32.1 | % |  | 18 | %
Bromine Specialties | 280,447 |  |  | 33.8 | % |  | 231,592 |  |  | 31.3 | % |  | 21 | %
Catalysts | 220,243 |  |  | 26.6 | % |  | 207,207 |  |  | 28.0 | % |  | 6 | %
All Other | 49,625 |  |  | 6.0 | % |  | 63,228 |  |  | 8.6 | % |  | (22) | %
Total net sales | $ | 829,291 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 738,845 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | 12 | %
Adjusted EBITDA: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lithium | $ | 106,436 |  |  | 46.3 | % |  | $ | 78,637 |  |  | 40.0 | % |  | 35 | %
Bromine Specialties | 94,640 |  |  | 41.1 | % |  | 83,262 |  |  | 42.4 | % |  | 14 | %
Catalysts | 25,427 |  |  | 11.1 | % |  | 47,470 |  |  | 24.2 | % |  | (46) | %
All Other | 21,479 |  |  | 9.3 | % |  | 22,824 |  |  | 11.6 | % |  | (6) | %
Corporate | (17,928) |  |  | (7.8) | % |  | (35,828) |  |  | (18.2) | % |  | 50 | %
Total adjusted EBITDA | $ | 230,054 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 196,365 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | 17 | %

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See below for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, the non-GAAP financial measure, from Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, (in thousands):

| Lithium |  | Bromine Specialties |  | Catalysts |  | Reportable Segments Total |  | All Other |  | Corporate |  | Consolidated Total
Three months ended March 31, 2021 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation | $ | 74,630 |  |  | $ | 82,113 |  |  | $ | 12,916 |  |  | $ | 169,659 |  |  | $ | 20,016 |  |  | $ | (93,998) |  |  | $ | 95,677 |
Depreciation and amortization | 31,806 |  |  | 12,527 |  |  | 12,511 |  |  | 56,844 |  |  | 1,463 |  |  | 3,953 |  |  | 62,260 |
Acquisition and integration related costs(a) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,162 |  |  | 2,162 |
Interest and financing expenses(c) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 43,882 |  |  | 43,882 |
Income tax expense | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 22,107 |  |  | 22,107 |
Non-operating pension and OPEB items | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5,465) |  |  | (5,465) |
Other(c) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 9,431 |  |  | 9,431 |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 106,436 |  |  | $ | 94,640 |  |  | $ | 25,427 |  |  | $ | 226,503 |  |  | $ | 21,479 |  |  | $ | (17,928) |  |  | $ | 230,054 |
Three months ended March 31, 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation | $ | 53,240 |  |  | $ | 71,665 |  |  | $ | 34,892 |  |  | $ | 159,797 |  |  | $ | 20,846 |  |  | $ | (73,439) |  |  | $ | 107,204 |
Depreciation and amortization | 25,397 |  |  | 11,597 |  |  | 12,578 |  |  | 49,572 |  |  | 1,978 |  |  | 2,144 |  |  | 53,694 |
Restructuring and other(d) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,847 |  |  | 1,847 |
Acquisition and integration related costs(a) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,951 |  |  | 2,951 |
Interest and financing expenses | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 16,885 |  |  | 16,885 |
Income tax expense | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 18,442 |  |  | 18,442 |
Non-operating pension and OPEB items | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (2,908) |  |  | (2,908) |
Other(e) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1,750) |  |  | (1,750) |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 78,637 |  |  | $ | 83,262 |  |  | $ | 47,470 |  |  | $ | 209,369 |  |  | $ | 22,824 |  |  | $ | (35,828) |  |  | $ | 196,365 |

(a)Costs related to the acquisition, integration and potential divestitures for various significant projects, recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”).
(b)Included in Interest and financing expenses is a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $27.8 million. See Note 8, “Long-Term Debt,” for additional information.
(c)Included amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2021 recorded in:
•SG&A - $5.5 million of expenses primarily related to non-routine labor and compensation related costs that are outside normal compensation arrangements.
•Other income, net - $3.9 million of expenses primarily related to asset retirement obligation charges to update of an estimate at a site formerly owned by Albemarle.
(d)In 2020, we recorded severance expenses as part of business reorganization plans, impacting each of our businesses and Corporate, primarily in the U.S., Germany and with our Jordanian joint venture partner. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recorded expenses of $0.7 million in Cost of goods sold, $1.5 million in SG&A and a $0.3 million gain in Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the portion of severance expense allocated to our Jordanian joint venture partner. The balance of unpaid severance is recorded in Accrued expenses and is expected to primarily be paid through 2021.
(e)Included amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2020 recorded in:
•Other income, net - $2.6 million net gain resulting from the settlement of legal matters related to a business sold, partially offset by a $0.8 million loss resulting from the adjustment of indemnifications related to previously disposed businesses.
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Lithium

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Net sales | $ | 278,976 |  |  | $ | 236,818 |  |  | $ | 42,158 |  |  | 18 | %
▪$67.1 million of higher sales volume, driven by some customers accelerating orders under long-term commitments ▪$32.5 million of unfavorable pricing impacts, primarily in battery- and tech-grade carbonate due to lower contract pricing reflecting 2020 price adjustments agreed to with customers ▪$7.6 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 106,436 |  |  | $ | 78,637 |  |  | $ | 27,799 |  |  | 35 | %
▪Higher sales volume, partially offset by unfavorable pricing impacts ▪Lower commission expenses in Chile resulting from the lower pricing in Lithium ▪Productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs, including those resulting from our previously announced cost savings initiative ▪Lower equity in net income of unconsolidated investments from the Talison joint venture ▪$2.5 million of unfavorable currency translation resulting from a stronger Chilean Peso

Bromine Specialties

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Net sales | $ | 280,447 |  |  | $ | 231,592 |  |  | $ | 48,855 |  |  | 21 | %
▪$34.0 million of higher sales volume related to increased demand across all products ▪$10.9 million of favorable pricing impacts, primarily in the flame retardants division and as a result of a favorable first quarter 2021 customer mix ▪$3.9 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 94,640 |  |  | $ | 83,262 |  |  | $ | 11,378 |  |  | 14 | %
▪Higher sales volume and favorable pricing impacts as a result of a favorable first quarter 2021 customer mix ▪Productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs, including those resulting from our previously announced cost savings initiative ▪Increased production and utility costs of approximately $6 million resulting from the U.S. Gulf Coast winter storm ▪Increased freight costs

Catalysts

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Net sales | $ | 220,243 |  |  | $ | 207,207 |  |  | $ | 13,036 |  |  | 6 | %
▪$13.3 million of higher sales volume, primarily from clean fuel technologies ▪$5.7 million of unfavorable pricing impacts, primarily in FCC ▪$5.4 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 25,427 |  |  | $ | 47,470 |  |  | $ | (22,043) |  |  | (46) | %
▪Unfavorable pricing impacts, primarily in FCC ▪Increased production and utility costs of approximately $26 million resulting from the U.S. Gulf Coast winter storm ▪Increased freight costs ▪2020 was overstated by $11.7 million related to errors primarily regarding inventory values and overstated freight costs, which were corrected in the second quarter of 2020 ▪Partially offset by productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs, including those resulting from our previously announced cost savings initiative ▪Favorable clean fuel technologies volume

All Other

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Net sales | $ | 49,625 |  |  | $ | 63,228 |  |  | $ | (13,603) |  |  | (22) | %
▪$7.8 million of unfavorable pricing impacts in our FCS business ▪$5.8 million of lower sales volume in our FCS business
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 21,479 |  |  | $ | 22,824 |  |  | $ | (1,345) |  |  | (6) | %
▪Unfavorable pricing in our FCS business, partially offset by a positive product mix

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Corporate

In thousands | Q1 2021 |  | Q1 2020 |  | $ Change |  | % Change
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | (17,928) |  |  | $ | (35,828) |  |  | $ | 17,900 |  |  | 50 | %
▪$13.4 million of favorable currency exchange impacts, including a $10 million decrease in foreign currency losses from our Talison joint venture ▪Productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs, including those resulting from our previously announced cost savings initiative

Financial Condition and Liquidity
Overview
The principal uses of cash in our business generally have been capital investments and resource development costs, funding working capital and service of debt. We also make contributions to our defined benefit pension plans, pay dividends to our shareholders and repurchase shares of our common stock. Historically, cash to fund the needs of our business has been principally provided by cash from operations, debt financing and equity issuances.
We are continually focused on working capital efficiency particularly in the areas of accounts receivable, payables and inventory. We anticipate that cash on hand, cash provided by operating activities, proceeds from divestitures and borrowings will be sufficient to pay our operating expenses, satisfy debt service obligations, fund capital expenditures and other investing activities, fund pension contributions and pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
Cash Flow
During the first three months of 2021, cash on hand, cash provided by operations and the $1.5 billion net proceeds from our underwritten public offering of common stock funded $179.7 million of capital expenditures for plant, machinery and equipment, debt principal payments of approximately $1.5 billion, early extinguishment of debt fees of $23.7 million and dividends to shareholders of $41.1 million. Our operations provided $157.9 million of cash flows during the first three months of 2021, as compared to $155.1 million for the first three months of 2020. The change compared to prior year was primarily due to increased sales in each of our reportable segments and higher dividends received from unconsolidated investments, partially offset by an increase in working capital outflows. The outflow from working capital in 2021 was primarily driven by higher receivables balances due to increased sales and the timing of the collection, partially offset by a decrease in inventory balances in Bromine Specialties and Catalysts. Overall, our cash and cash equivalents increased by $176.9 million to $569.9 million at March 31, 2021 from $746.7 million at December 31, 2020.
On February 8, 2021, we completed an underwritten public offering of 8,496,773 shares of our common stock at a price to the public of $153.00 per share. We also granted to the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 1,274,509 shares, which was exercised. The total gross proceeds from this offering were approximately $1.5 billion, before deducting expenses, underwriting discounts and commissions. In the first quarter of 2021, we made the following debt principal payments using the net proceeds from this underwritten public offering:
•€123.8 million of the 1.125% notes due in November 2025
•€393.0 million, the remaining balance, of the 1.875% Senior notes originally due in December 2021
•$128.4 million of the 3.45% Senior notes due in November 2029
•$200.0 million, the remaining balance, of the floating rate notes originally due in November 2022
•€183.3 million, the outstanding balance, of the 2019 Credit Facility
•$325.0 million, the outstanding balance, of the commercial paper notes
On February 25, 2021, we signed a definitive agreement to sell our FCS business to Grace for proceeds of approximately $570 million, consisting of $300 million in cash and the issuance to Albemarle of preferred equity of a Grace subsidiary having an aggregate stated value of $270 million. The preferred equity, guaranteed by Grace, can be redeemed by Grace at any time and will accrue payment-in-kind (“PIK”) dividends at an annual rate of 12% beginning two years after issuance. The sale is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approvals from regulatory authorities.
Capital expenditures for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 of $179.7 million were primarily associated with plant, machinery and equipment. We expect our capital expenditures to be between $850 million and $950 million in 2021,
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primarily for Lithium growth and capacity increases, primarily in Australia, Chile and Silver Peak, Nevada, as well as productivity and continuity of operations projects in all segments. We currently expect the construction of the Kemerton, Australia and La Negra, Chile plants to be completed by the end of 2021, with sales volume from these plants beginning in 2022.
Net current assets were $1.06 billion and $404.3 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The increase is primarily due to the repayment of the current portion of long-term debt using proceeds from our underwritten public offering of our common stock, partially offset by the use of cash for capital expenditures. Additional changes in the components of net current assets are primarily due to the timing of the sale of goods and other ordinary transactions leading up to the balance sheet dates. The additional changes are not the result of any policy changes by the Company, and do not reflect any change in either the quality of our net current assets or our expectation of success in converting net working capital to cash in the ordinary course of business.
On February 25, 2021, we increased our quarterly dividend rate to $0.39 per share, an increase from the quarterly rate of $0.385 per share paid in 2020. On February 25, 2021, we declared a cash dividend of $0.39, which was paid on April 1, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of March 12, 2021.
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents included $402.4 million and $492.8 million, respectively, held by our foreign subsidiaries. The majority of these foreign cash balances are associated with earnings that we have asserted are indefinitely reinvested and which we plan to use to support our continued growth plans outside the U.S. through funding of capital expenditures, acquisitions, research, operating expenses or other similar cash needs of our foreign operations. From time to time, we repatriate cash associated with earnings from our foreign subsidiaries to the U.S. for normal operating needs through intercompany dividends, but only from subsidiaries whose earnings we have not asserted to be indefinitely reinvested or whose earnings qualify as “previously taxed income” as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. There were no repatriations of cash from foreign operations during the first three months of 2021 or 2020.
While we continue to closely monitor our cash generation, working capital management and capital spending in light of continuing uncertainties in the global economy, we believe that we will continue to have the financial flexibility and capability to opportunistically fund future growth initiatives. Additionally, we anticipate that future capital spending, including business acquisitions, share repurchases and other cash outlays, should be financed primarily with cash flow provided by operations and cash on hand, with additional cash needed, if any, provided by borrowings. The amount and timing of any additional borrowings will depend on our specific cash requirements.
Long-Term Debt
We currently have the following notes outstanding:

Issue Month/Year |  | Principal (in millions) |  | Interest Rate |  | Interest Payment Dates |  | Maturity Date
November 2019 |  | €371.7 |  | 1.125% |  | November 25 |  | November 25, 2025
November 2019 |  | €500.0 |  | 1.625% |  | November 25 |  | November 25, 2028
November 2019(a) |  | $171.6 |  | 3.45% |  | May 15 and November 15 |  | November 15, 2029
November 2014(a) |  | $425.0 |  | 4.15% |  | June 1 and December 1 |  | December 1, 2024
November 2014(a) |  | $350.0 |  | 5.45% |  | June 1 and December 1 |  | December 1, 2044

(a) Denotes senior notes.
Our senior notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all our other senior unsecured indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The notes are effectively subordinated to any of our existing or future secured indebtedness and to the existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries. As is customary for such long-term debt instruments, each of these notes outstanding has terms that allow us to redeem the notes before its maturity, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of these notes to be redeemed, or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis using the comparable government rate (as defined in the indentures governing these notes) plus between 25 and 40 basis points, depending on the note, plus, in each case, accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption. Holders may require us to purchase such notes at 101% upon a change of control triggering event, as defined in the indentures. These notes are subject to typical events of default, including bankruptcy and insolvency events, nonpayment and the acceleration of certain subsidiary indebtedness of $40 million or more caused by a nonpayment default.
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Our Euro notes issued in 2019 are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and rank equally in right of payment to all our other unsecured senior obligations. The Euro notes are effectively subordinated to any of our existing or future secured indebtedness and to the existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries. As is customary for such long-term debt instruments, each of these notes outstanding has terms that allow us to redeem the notes before their maturity, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal thereof and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to, but excluding, the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis using the bond rate (as defined in the indentures governing these notes) plus between 25 and 35 basis points, depending on the note, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to, but excluding, the date of redemption. Holders may require us to purchase such notes at 101% upon a change of control triggering event, as defined in the indentures. These notes are subject to typical events of default, including bankruptcy and insolvency events, nonpayment and the acceleration of certain subsidiary indebtedness exceeding $100 million caused by a nonpayment default.
Our revolving, unsecured credit agreement dated as of June 21, 2018, as amended on August 14, 2019 and further amended on May 11,2020 (the “2018 Credit Agreement”) currently provides for borrowings of up to $1.0 billion and matures on August 9, 2024. Borrowings under the 2018 Credit Agreement bear interest at variable rates based on an average LIBOR for deposits in the relevant currency plus an applicable margin which ranges from 0.910% to 1.500%, depending on the Company’s credit rating from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services LLC (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”). The applicable margin on the facility was 1.325% as of March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021 there were no borrowings outstanding under the 2018 Credit Agreement.
On August 14, 2019, the Company entered into the $1.2 billion 2019 Credit Facility with several banks and other financial institutions, which was amended and restated on December 15, 2020. The lenders’ commitment to provide new loans under the amended 2019 Credit Facility terminates on December 10, 2021, with each such loan maturing one year after the funding of such loan. The Company can request that the maturity date of loans be extended for a period of up to four additional years, but any such extension is subject to the approval of the lenders. Borrowings under the amended 2019 Credit Facility bear interest at variable rates based on an average LIBOR for deposits in the relevant currency plus an applicable margin which ranges from 1.125% to 1.750%, depending on the Company’s credit rating from S&P, Moody’s and Fitch. The applicable margin on the credit facility was 1.500% as of March 31, 2021. In March 2021, the Company repaid the outstanding balance of €183.3 million under the 2019 Credit Facility. As part of the December 2020 amendment, the Company is permitted up to two additional borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to $500 million for general corporate purposes.
Borrowings under the under the 2019 Credit Facility and 2018 Credit Agreement (together the “Credit Agreements”) are conditioned upon satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, including the absence of defaults. The Company is subject to one financial covenant, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants. The financial covenant requires that the Company’s consolidated net funded debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio (as such terms are defined in the Credit Agreements) to be less than or equal to 4.50:1 for the fiscal quarters through September 30, 2021, 4.00:1 for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2021, and 3:50:1 for fiscal quarters thereafter, subject to adjustments in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreements relating to a consummation of an acquisition where the consideration includes cash proceeds from issuance of funded debt in excess of $500 million. The Credit Agreements also contain customary default provisions, including defaults for non-payment, breach of representations and warranties, insolvency, non-performance of covenants and cross-defaults to other material indebtedness. The occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Agreements could result in all loans and other obligations becoming immediately due and payable and the credit facility being terminated. Certain representations, warranties and covenants under the 2018 Credit Agreement were conformed to those under the 2019 Credit Facility following the amendments to those agreements.
On May 29, 2013, we entered into agreements to initiate a commercial paper program on a private placement basis under which we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes (the “Commercial Paper Notes”) from time-to-time up to a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time of $750.0 million. The proceeds from the issuance of the Commercial Paper Notes are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of other debt of the Company. The Credit Agreements are available to repay the Commercial Paper Notes, if necessary. Aggregate borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreements and the Commercial Paper Notes will not exceed the $1.0 billion current maximum amount available under the Credit Agreements. The Commercial Paper Notes will be sold at a discount from par, or alternatively, will be sold at par and bear interest at rates that will vary based upon market conditions at the time of issuance. The maturities of the Commercial Paper Notes will vary but may not exceed 397 days from the date of issue. The definitive documents relating to the commercial paper program contain customary representations, warranties, default and indemnification provisions. In March 2021 we repaid all outstanding Commercial Paper Notes and had none outstanding at March 31, 2021.
The non-current portion of our long-term debt amounted to $2.03 billion at March 31, 2021, compared to $2.77 billion at December 31, 2020. In addition, at March 31, 2021, we had availability to borrow $1.5 billion under our commercial paper
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program and the Credit Agreements, and $131.2 million under other existing lines of credit, subject to various financial covenants under our Credit Agreements. We have the ability and intent to refinance our borrowings under our other existing credit lines with borrowings under the Credit Agreements, as applicable. Therefore, the amounts outstanding under those credit lines, if any, are classified as long-term debt. We believe that as of March 31, 2021, we were, and currently are, in compliance with all of our long-term debt covenants.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the ordinary course of business with customers, vendors and others, we have entered into off-balance sheet arrangements, including bank guarantees and letters of credit, which totaled approximately $86.9 million at March 31, 2021. None of these off-balance sheet arrangements has, or is likely to have, a material effect on our current or future financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.
Other Obligations
Our contractual obligations have not significantly changed based on our ordinary business activities and projected capital expenditures noted above from the information we provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, with the exception of the debt repayments made in the first quarter of 2021, as noted above. Following the debt repayments, our annual maturities of long-term debt at March 31, 2021 and our expected interest payments on those long-term debt obligations are as follows (in millions):

| Maturities of Long-term Debt |  | Expected Interest Payments
Remainder of 2021 | $ | 0.6 |  |  | $ | 57.2 |
2022 | — |  |  | 57.2 |
2023 | — |  |  | 57.2 |
2024 | 425.0 |  |  | 55.7 |
2025 | 443.7 |  |  | 39.1 |
Thereafter | 1,161.4 |  |  | 413.3 |

For variable-rate debt obligations, projected interest payments are calculated using the March 31, 2021 weighted average interest rate of approximately 0.37%.
Total expected 2021 contributions to our domestic and foreign qualified and nonqualified pension plans, including the Albemarle Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, should approximate $25 million, including contributions expected to be made in 2020 that we deferred to 2021. We may choose to make additional pension contributions in excess of this amount. We have made contributions of $14.7 million to our domestic and foreign pension plans (both qualified and nonqualified) during the three-month period ended March 31, 2021.
The liability related to uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities totaled $13.9 million at March 31, 2021 and $14.7 million at December 31, 2020. Related assets for corresponding offsetting benefits recorded in Other assets totaled $23.2 million at March 31, 2021 and $24.1 million at December 31, 2020. We cannot estimate the amounts of any cash payments associated with these liabilities for the remainder of 2021 or the next twelve months, and we are unable to estimate the timing of any such cash payments in the future at this time.
We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign requirements regulating the handling, manufacture and use of materials (some of which may be classified as hazardous or toxic by one or more regulatory agencies), the discharge of materials into the environment and the protection of the environment. To our knowledge, we are currently complying, and expect to continue to comply, in all material respects with applicable environmental laws, regulations, statutes and ordinances. Compliance with existing federal, state, local and foreign environmental protection laws is not expected to have a material effect on capital expenditures, earnings or our competitive position, but the costs associated with increased legal or regulatory requirements could have an adverse effect on our operating results.
Among other environmental requirements, we are subject to the federal Superfund law, and similar state laws, under which we may be designated as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”), and may be liable for a share of the costs associated with cleaning up various hazardous waste sites. Management believes that in cases in which we may have liability as a PRP, our liability for our share of cleanup is de minimis. Further, almost all such sites represent environmental issues that are quite mature and have been investigated, studied and in many cases settled. In de minimis situations, our policy generally is to negotiate a consent decree and to pay any apportioned settlement, enabling us to be effectively relieved of any further liability as a PRP, except for remote contingencies. In other than de minimis PRP matters, our records indicate that unresolved PRP
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exposures should be immaterial. We accrue and expense our proportionate share of PRP costs. Because management has been actively involved in evaluating environmental matters, we are able to conclude that the outstanding environmental liabilities for unresolved PRP sites should not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations or financial condition.
Liquidity Outlook
We anticipate that cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities, divestitures and borrowings will be sufficient to pay our operating expenses, satisfy debt service obligations, fund any capital expenditures and share repurchases, make acquisitions, make pension contributions and pay dividends for the foreseeable future. Our main focus during the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is to continue to maintain financial flexibility by continuing our cost savings initiative, while still protecting our employees and customers, committing to shareholder returns and maintaining an investment grade rating. Over the next three years, in terms of uses of cash, we will continue to invest in growth of the businesses and return value to shareholders. Additionally, we will continue to evaluate the merits of any opportunities that may arise for acquisitions of businesses or assets, which may require additional liquidity. In addition, during the second quarter of 2021, we expect to complete the sale of the FCS business to Grace for proceeds of approximately $570 million, consisting of $300 million in cash and the issuance to Albemarle of preferred equity of a Grace subsidiary having an aggregate stated value of $270 million. We have discontinued efforts to sell our PCS business.
Our cash flows from operations may be negatively affected by adverse consequences to our customers and the markets in which we compete as a result of moderating global economic conditions and reduced capital availability. The COVID-19 pandemic has not had a material impact on our liquidity to date; however, we cannot predict the overall impact in terms of cash flow generation as that will depend on the length and severity of the outbreak. As a result, we are planning for various economic scenarios and actively monitoring our balance sheet to maintain the financial flexibility needed.
Although we maintain business relationships with a diverse group of financial institutions as sources of financing, an adverse change in their credit standing could lead them to not honor their contractual credit commitments to us, decline funding under our existing but uncommitted lines of credit with them, not renew their extensions of credit or not provide new financing to us. While the global corporate bond and bank loan markets remain strong, periods of elevated uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic or global economic and/or geopolitical concerns may limit efficient access to such markets for extended periods of time. If such concerns heighten, we may incur increased borrowing costs and reduced credit capacity as our various credit facilities mature. If the U.S. Federal Reserve or similar national reserve banks in other countries decide to tighten the monetary supply in response, for example, to improving economic conditions, we may incur increased borrowing costs (as interest rates increase on our variable rate credit facilities, as our various credit facilities mature or as we refinance any maturing fixed rate debt obligations), although these cost increases would be partially offset by increased income rates on portions of our cash deposits.
Overall, with generally strong cash-generative businesses and no significant long-term debt maturities before 2024, we believe we have, and will be able to maintain, a solid liquidity position.
As previously reported in 2018, following receipt of information regarding potential improper payments being made by third party sales representatives of our Refining Solutions business, within our Catalysts segment, we promptly retained outside counsel and forensic accountants to investigate potential violations of the Company’s Code of Conduct, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other potentially applicable laws. Based on this internal investigation, we have voluntarily self-reported potential issues relating to the use of third party sales representatives in our Refining Solutions business, within our Catalysts segment, to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”), the SEC, and the Dutch Public Prosecutor (“DPP”), and are cooperating with the DOJ, the SEC, and DPP in their review of these matters. In connection with our internal investigation, we have implemented, and are continuing to implement, appropriate remedial measures.
At this time, we are unable to predict the duration, scope, result or related costs associated with any investigations by the DOJ, the SEC, or DPP. We are unable to predict what, if any, action may be taken by the DOJ, the SEC, or DPP, or what penalties or remedial actions they may seek to impose. Any determination that our operations or activities are not in compliance with existing laws or regulations could result in the imposition of fines, penalties, disgorgement, equitable relief or other losses. We do not believe, however, that any fines, penalties, disgorgement, equitable relief or other losses would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or liquidity.
We had cash and cash equivalents totaling $569.9 million at March 31, 2021, of which $402.4 million is held by our foreign subsidiaries. This cash represents an important source of our liquidity and is invested in bank accounts or money market investments with no limitations on access. The cash held by our foreign subsidiaries is intended for use outside of the U.S. We anticipate that any needs for liquidity within the U.S. in excess of our cash held in the U.S. can be readily satisfied with borrowings under our existing U.S. credit facilities or our commercial paper program.
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Guarantor Financial Information
Albemarle Wodgina Pty Ltd Issued Notes
Albemarle Wodgina Pty Ltd (the “Issuer”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Albemarle Corporation, issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.45% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “3.45% Senior Notes”) in November 2019. The 3.45% Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed (the “Guarantee”) on a senior unsecured basis by Albemarle Corporation (the “Parent Guarantor”). No direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor guarantee the 3.45% Senior Notes (such subsidiaries are referred to as the “Non-Guarantors”).
In 2019, we completed the acquisition of a 60% interest in Mineral Resources Limited’s (“MRL”) Wodgina hard rock lithium mine project (“Wodgina Project”) in Western Australia and formed an unincorporated joint venture with MRL, named MARBL Lithium Joint Venture, for the exploration, development, mining, processing and production of lithium and other minerals (other than iron ore and tantalum) from the Wodgina spodumene mine (“MARBL”) and for the operation of the Kemerton assets in Western Australia. We participate in the Wodgina Project through our ownership interest in the Issuer.
The Parent Guarantor conducts its U.S. Bromine Specialties and Catalysts operations directly, and conducts its other operations (other than operations conducted through the Issuer) through the Non-Guarantors.
The 3.45% Senior Notes are the Issuer’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment to the senior indebtedness of the Issuer, effectively subordinated to all of the secured indebtedness of the Issuer, to the extent of the value of the assets securing that indebtedness, and structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of its subsidiaries. The Guarantee is the senior unsecured obligation of the Parent Guarantor and ranks equally in right of payment to the senior indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor, effectively subordinated to the secured debt of the Parent Guarantor to the extent of the value of the assets securing the indebtedness and structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of its subsidiaries.
For cash management purposes, the Parent Guarantor transfers cash among itself, the Issuer and the Non-Guarantors through intercompany financing arrangements, contributions or declaration of dividends between the respective parent and its subsidiaries. The transfer of cash under these activities facilitates the ability of the recipient to make specified third-party payments for principal and interest on the Issuer and/or the Parent Guarantor’s outstanding debt, common stock dividends and common stock repurchases. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Issuer or the Parent Guarantor to obtain funds from subsidiaries by dividend or loan.
The following tables present summarized financial information for the Parent Guarantor and the Issuer on a combined basis after elimination of (i) intercompany transactions and balances among the Issuer and the Parent Guarantor and (ii) equity in earnings from and investments in any subsidiary that is a Non-Guarantor. Each entity in the combined financial information follows the same accounting policies as described herein and in the our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Summarized Statement of Operations

$ in thousands | Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 |  | Year Ended December 31, 2020
Net sales(a) | $ | 417,243 |  |  | $ | 1,621,651 |
Gross profit | 81,302 |  |  | 357,431 |
Loss before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments(b) | (62,127) |  |  | (205,486) |
Net loss attributable to the Parent Guarantor and the Issuer | (63,581) |  |  | (222,097) |

(a) Includes net sales to Non-Guarantors of $237.1 million and $893.5 million for the three months ended ended March 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
(b) Includes intergroup expenses to Non-Guarantors of $35.1 million and $132.7 million for the three months ended ended March 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
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Summarized Balance Sheet

$ in thousands | March 31, 2021 |  | December 31, 2020
Current assets(a) | $ | 1,199,997 |  |  | $ | 1,194,278 |
Net property, plant and equipment | 2,637,699 |  |  | 2,621,012 |
Other noncurrent assets | 344,732 |  |  | 305,544 |
Current liabilities(b) | $ | 1,221,079 |  |  | $ | 2,236,233 |
Long-term debt | 995,271 |  |  | 1,321,413 |
Other noncurrent liabilities(c) | 7,383,764 |  |  | 7,317,103 |

(a) Includes receivables from Non-Guarantors of $665.9 million and $548.9 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(b) Includes current payables to Non-Guarantors of $780.6 million and $975.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(c) Includes noncurrent payables to Non-Guarantors of $6.7 billion and $6.6 billion at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
The 3.45% Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of the Non-Guarantors. The Non-Guarantors are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due pursuant to the 3.45% Senior Notes or the Indenture under which the 3.45% Senior Notes were issued, or to make any funds available therefor, whether by dividends, loans, distributions or other payments. Any right that the Parent Guarantor has to receive any assets of any of the Non-Guarantors upon the liquidation or reorganization of any Non-Guarantor, and the consequent rights of holders of the 3.45% Senior Notes to realize proceeds from the sale of any of a Non-Guarantor’s assets, would be effectively subordinated to the claims of such Non-Guarantor’s creditors, including trade creditors and holders of preferred equity interests, if any, of such Non-Guarantor. Accordingly, in the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of the Non-Guarantors, the Non-Guarantors will pay the holders of their debts, holders of preferred equity interests, if any, and their trade creditors before they will be able to distribute any of their assets to the Parent Guarantor.
The 3.45% Senior Notes are obligations of the Issuer. The Issuer’s cash flow and ability to make payments on the 3.45% Senior Notes could be dependent upon the earnings it derives from the production from MARBL for the Wodgina Project. Absent income received from sales of its share of production from MARBL, the Issuer’s ability to service the 3.45% Senior Notes could be dependent upon the earnings of the Parent Guarantor’s subsidiaries and other joint ventures and the payment of those earnings to the Issuer in the form of equity, loans or advances and through repayment of loans or advances from the Issuer.
The Issuer’s obligations in respect of MARBL are guaranteed by the Parent Guarantor. Further, under MARBL pursuant to a deed of cross security between the Issuer, the joint venture partner and the manager of the project (the “Manager”), each of the Issuer, and the joint venture partner have granted security to each other and the Manager for the obligations each of the Issuer and the joint venture partner have to each other and to the Manager. The claims of the joint venture partner, the Manager and other secured creditors of the Issuer will have priority as to the assets of the Issuer over the claims of holders of the 3.45% Senior Notes.
Albemarle Corporation Issued Notes
In March 2021, Albemarle New Holding GmbH (the “Subsidiary Guarantor”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Albemarle Corporation, added a full and unconditional guarantee (the “Upstream Guarantee”) to all securities issued and outstanding by Albemarle Corporation (the “Parent Issuer”) and issuable by the Parent Issuer pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of January 20, 2005, as amended and supplemented from time to time (the “Indenture”). No other direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Parent Issuer guarantee these securities (such subsidiaries are referred to as the “Upstream Non-Guarantors”). See Long-term debt section above for a description of the securities issued by the Parent Issuer.
The current securities outstanding under the Indenture are the Parent Issuer’s unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. With respect to any series of securities issued under the Indenture, the Upstream Guarantee is, and will be, an unsecured and unsubordinated obligation of the Subsidiary Guarantor, ranking pari passu with all other existing and future unsubordinated and unsecured indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantor.
For cash management purposes, the Parent Issuer transfers cash among itself, the Subsidiary Guarantor and the Upstream Non-Guarantors through intercompany financing arrangements, contributions or declaration of dividends between the
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respective parent and its subsidiaries. The transfer of cash under these activities facilitates the ability of the recipient to make specified third-party payments for principal and interest on the Parent Issuer and/or the Subsidiary Guarantor’s outstanding debt, common stock dividends and common stock repurchases. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Parent Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantor to obtain funds from subsidiaries by dividend or loan.
The following tables present summarized financial information for the Subsidiary Guarantor and the Parent Issuer on a combined basis after elimination of (i) intercompany transactions and balances among the Parent Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantor and (ii) equity in earnings from and investments in any subsidiary that is an Upstream Non-Guarantor. Each entity in the combined financial information follows the same accounting policies as described herein and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Summarized Statement of Operations

$ in thousands | Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 |  | Year Ended December 31, 2020
Net sales(a) | $ | 417,243 |  |  | $ | 1,621,651 |
Gross profit | 85,710 |  |  | 375,138 |
Loss before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments(b) | (51,780) |  |  | (124,464) |
Net loss attributable to the Subsidiary Guarantor and the Parent Issuer | (53,514) |  |  | (152,509) |

(a) Includes net sales to Non-Guarantors of $237.1 million and $893.5 million for the three months ended ended March 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
(b) Includes intergroup expenses to Non-Guarantors of $27.5 million and $57.2 million for the three months ended ended March 31, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
Summarized Balance Sheet

$ in thousands | March 31, 2021 |  | December 31, 2020
Current assets(a) | $ | 864,021 |  |  | $ | 1,315,110 |
Net property, plant and equipment | 723,505 |  |  | 770,230 |
Other non-current assets(b) | 1,473,350 |  |  | 970,268 |
Current liabilities(c) | $ | 1,439,082 |  |  | $ | 2,133,548 |
Long-term debt | 1,794,533 |  |  | 2,404,193 |
Other noncurrent liabilities(c) | 6,415,612 |  |  | 6,468,644 |

(a) Includes receivables from Non-Guarantors of $368.4 million and $705.1 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(b) Includes noncurrent receivables from Non-Guarantors of $1.2 billion and $673.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(c) Includes current payables to Non-Guarantors of $1.1 billion and $983.3 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(d) Includes noncurrent payables to Non-Guarantors of $5.7 billion at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
These securities are structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of the Upstream Non-Guarantors. The Upstream Non-Guarantors are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due pursuant to these securities or the Indenture under which these securities were issued, or to make any funds available therefor, whether by dividends, loans, distributions or other payments. Any right that the Subsidiary Guarantor has to receive any assets of any of the Upstream Non-Guarantors upon the liquidation or reorganization of any Upstream Non-Guarantors, and the consequent rights of holders of these securities to realize proceeds from the sale of any of an Upstream Non-Guarantor’s assets, would be effectively subordinated to the claims of such Upstream Non-Guarantor’s creditors, including trade creditors and holders of preferred equity interests, if any, of such Upstream Non-Guarantor. Accordingly, in the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of the Upstream Non-Guarantors, the Upstream Non-Guarantors will pay the holders of their debts, holders of preferred equity interests, if any, and their trade creditors before they will be able to distribute any of their assets to the Subsidiary Guarantor.
Summary of Cr itical Accounting Policies and Estimates
There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information we provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a description of recent accounting pronouncements, see Item 1 Financial Statements – Note 18, “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements.”

Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

There have been no significant changes in our interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate exposure, marketable securities price risk or raw material price risk from the information we provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, except as noted below.
During the first quarter of 2021, we repaid the remaining principal balance of our 1.875% Euro-denominated senior notes. Prior to this repayment, the carrying value these notes was designated as an effective hedge of our net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries where the Euro serves as the functional currency, and gains or losses on the revaluation of these senior notes to our reporting currency were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Upon repayment of these notes, this net investment hedge was discontinued. The balance of foreign exchange revaluation gains and losses associated with this discontinued net investment hedge will remain within accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged net investment is sold or liquidated.
We had variable interest rate borrowings of $7.3 million outstanding at March 31, 2021, bearing a weighted average interest rate of 0.37% and representing less than 1% of our total outstanding debt. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the interest rate applicable to these borrowings would change our annualized interest expense by approximately $0.1 million as of March 31, 2021. We may enter into interest rate swaps, collars or similar instruments with the objective of reducing interest rate volatility relating to our borrowing costs.
Our financial instruments, which are subject to foreign currency exchange risk, consist of foreign currency forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of $854.0 million and with a fair value representing a net asset position of $12.2 million at March 31, 2021. Fluctuations in the value of these contracts are generally offset by the value of the underlying exposures being hedged. We conducted a sensitivity analysis on the fair value of our foreign currency hedge portfolio assuming an instantaneous 10% change in select foreign currency exchange rates from their levels as of March 31, 2021, with all other variables held constant. A 10% appreciation of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies that we hedge would result in a decrease of approximately $23.0 million in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts. A 10% depreciation of the U.S. Dollar against these foreign currencies would result in an increase of approximately $18.8 million in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts. The sensitivity of the fair value of our foreign currency hedge portfolio represents changes in fair values estimated based on market conditions as of March 31, 2021, without reflecting the effects of underlying anticipated transactions. When those anticipated transactions are realized, actual effects of changing foreign currency exchange rates could have a material impact on our earnings and cash flows in future periods.

Item 4. | Controls and Procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) occurred during the first quarter ended March 31, 2021 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. | Legal Proceedings.

We are involved from time to time in legal proceedings of types regarded as common in our business, including administrative or judicial proceedings seeking remediation under environmental laws, such as Superfund, products liability,
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breach of contract liability and premises liability litigation. Where appropriate, we may establish financial reserves for such proceedings. We also maintain insurance to mitigate certain of such risks. Additional information with respect to this Item 1 is contained in Note 9 to the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 1A. | Risk Factors.

While we attempt to identify, manage and mitigate risks and uncertainties associated with our business to the extent practical under the circumstances, some level of risk and uncertainty will always be present. The risk factors set forth in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 describe some of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business. These risks and uncertainties have the potential to materially affect our results of operations and our financial condition. We do not believe that there have been any material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Item 6. | Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits

4.1 |  | Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated March 30, 2021, among Albemarle Corporation, Albemarle New Holding GmbH, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee [filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (No. 1-12658) filed on March 31, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference].
*10.1 |  | Sale, Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated February 25, 2021 among Albemarle Corporation, W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn and Fine Chemical Manufacturing Services LLC
*31.1 |  | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
*31.2 |  | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
*32.1 |  | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
*32.2 |  | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101 |  |  | Interactive Data File (Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021, furnished in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)).

* | Included with this filing.

Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 and (vi) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

|  |  | ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
|  |  | (Registrant)
Date: | May 5, 2021 |  | By: |  | /S/ S COTT A. T OZIER
|  |  |  |  | Scott A. Tozier
|  |  |  |  | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|  |  |  |  | (principal financial officer)

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