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ALBEMARLE CORP - Quarter Report: 2021 June (Form 10-Q)

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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 June 30, 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 filerAccelerated 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 classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
COMMON STOCK, $.01 Par ValueALBNew York Stock Exchange
Number of shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of July 31, 2021: 116,949,867


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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
INDEX – FORM 10-Q
 
  Page
Number(s)
EXHIBITS
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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
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2021202020212020
Net sales$773,896 $764,049 $1,603,187 $1,502,894 
Cost of goods sold525,479 530,690 1,091,083 1,027,517 
Gross profit248,417 233,359 512,104 475,377 
Selling, general and administrative expenses121,516 106,949 214,703 208,826 
Research and development expenses13,976 14,210 28,612 30,307 
Gain on sale of business(429,408)— (429,408)— 
Operating profit542,333 112,200 698,197 236,244 
Interest and financing expenses(7,152)(17,852)(51,034)(34,737)
Other income (expense), net14 (6,273)11,326 2,041 
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments535,195 88,075 658,489 203,548 
Income tax expense106,985 15,431 129,092 33,873 
Income before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments428,210 72,644 529,397 169,675 
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)17,998 31,114 34,509 57,718 
Net income446,208 103,758 563,906 227,393 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(21,608)(18,134)(43,629)(34,565)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation$424,600 $85,624 $520,277 $192,828 
Basic earnings per share$3.63 $0.81 $4.54 $1.81 
Diluted earnings per share$3.62 $0.80 $4.51 $1.81 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic116,809 106,329 114,700 106,278 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted117,436 106,535 115,383 106,524 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2021202020212020
Net income $446,208 $103,758 $563,906 $227,393 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation and other20,564 62,855 (7,578)(19,122)
Net investment hedge— (5,756)5,110 (3,675)
Cash flow hedge823 37,645 (777)(13,815)
Interest rate swap650 648 1,300 1,296 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax22,037 95,392 (1,945)(35,316)
Comprehensive income468,245 199,150 561,961 192,077 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(21,532)(18,168)(43,553)(34,645)
Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation$446,713 $180,982 $518,408 $157,432 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
June 30,December 31,
20212020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$823,572 $746,724 
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2021 – $2,623; 2020 – $2,083)
455,222 530,838 
Other accounts receivable58,256 61,958 
Inventories732,563 750,237 
Other current assets81,741 116,427 
Total current assets2,151,354 2,206,184 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost7,596,684 7,427,641 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization2,086,085 2,073,016 
Net property, plant and equipment5,510,599 5,354,625 
Investments907,080 656,244 
Other assets256,081 219,268 
Goodwill1,640,720 1,665,520 
Other intangibles, net of amortization331,092 349,105 
Total assets$10,796,926 $10,450,946 
Liabilities And Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$535,153 $483,221 
Accrued expenses317,954 440,763 
Current portion of long-term debt623 804,677 
Dividends payable45,428 40,937 
Income taxes payable85,770 32,251 
Total current liabilities984,928 1,801,849 
Long-term debt2,043,794 2,767,381 
Postretirement benefits47,371 48,075 
Pension benefits309,712 340,818 
Other noncurrent liabilities616,912 629,377 
Deferred income taxes428,438 394,852 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Equity:
Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding – 116,945 in 2021 and 106,842 in 2020
1,169 1,069 
Additional paid-in capital2,907,981 1,438,038 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(328,001)(326,132)
Retained earnings3,584,400 3,155,252 
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity6,165,549 4,268,227 
Noncontrolling interests200,222 200,367 
Total equity6,365,771 4,468,594 
Total liabilities and equity$10,796,926 $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 EarningsTotal Albemarle
Shareholders’ Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total Equity
Common Stock
SharesAmounts
Balance at April 1, 2021116,718,175 $1,167 $2,889,923 $(350,114)$3,205,408 $5,746,384 $196,169 $5,942,553 
Net income424,600 424,600 21,608 446,208 
Other comprehensive income (loss)22,113 22,113 (76)22,037 
Cash dividends declared, $0.39 per common share
(45,608)(45,608)(17,479)(63,087)
Stock-based compensation5,104 5,104 5,104 
Fees related to public issuance of common stock(9)(9)(9)
Exercise of stock options223,685 13,150 13,152 13,152 
Issuance of common stock, net3,783 — — — — 
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances(1,132)— (187)(187)(187)
Balance at June 30, 2021116,944,511 $1,169 $2,907,981 $(328,001)$3,584,400 $6,165,549 $200,222 $6,365,771 
Balance at April 1, 2020106,318,614 $1,063 $1,393,681 $(526,489)$3,009,749 $3,878,004 $163,521 $4,041,525 
Net income85,624 85,624 18,134 103,758 
Other comprehensive income95,358 95,358 34 95,392 
Cash dividends declared, $0.385 per common share
(40,939)(40,939)— (40,939)
Stock-based compensation6,005 6,005 6,005 
Exercise of stock options10,940 — 614 614 614 
Issuance of common stock, net13,250 (1)— — 
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances(5,822)— (194)(194)(194)
Balance at June 30, 2020106,336,982 $1,064 $1,400,105 $(431,131)$3,054,434 $4,024,472 $181,689 $4,206,161 
Balance at January 1, 2021106,842,369 $1,069 $1,438,038 $(326,132)$3,155,252 $4,268,227 $200,367 $4,468,594 
Net income520,277 520,277 43,629 563,906 
Other comprehensive loss(1,869)(1,869)(76)(1,945)
Cash dividends declared, $0.78 per common share
(91,129)(91,129)(43,698)(134,827)
Stock-based compensation9,778 9,778 9,778 
Fees related to public issuance of common stock(911)(911)(911)
Exercise of stock options241,649 14,333 14,335 14,335 
Issuance of common stock, net9,906,090 99 1,453,789 1,453,888 1,453,888 
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances(45,597)(1)(7,046)(7,047)(7,047)
Balance at June 30, 2021116,944,511 $1,169 $2,907,981 $(328,001)$3,584,400 $6,165,549 $200,222 $6,365,771 
Balance at January 1, 2020106,040,215 $1,061 $1,383,446 $(395,735)$2,943,478 $3,932,250 $161,330 $4,093,580 
Net income192,828 192,828 34,565 227,393 
Other comprehensive (loss) income(35,396)(35,396)80 (35,316)
Cash dividends declared, $0.77 per common share
(81,872)(81,872)(14,286)(96,158)
Stock-based compensation9,872 9,872 9,872 
Exercise of stock options204,477 10,807 10,809 10,809 
Issuance of common stock, net145,570 (2)— — 
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances(53,280)(1)(4,018)(4,019)(4,019)
Balance at June 30, 2020106,336,982 $1,064 $1,400,105 $(431,131)$3,054,434 $4,024,472 $181,689 $4,206,161 
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)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
20212020
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year$746,724 $613,110 
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income 563,906 227,393 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization123,683 111,535 
Gain on sale of business(429,408)— 
Stock-based compensation and other8,425 9,765 
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)(34,509)(57,718)
Dividends received from unconsolidated investments and nonmarketable securities27,420 12,984 
Pension and postretirement benefit(8,465)(3,312)
Pension and postretirement contributions(20,266)(6,692)
Unrealized gain on investments in marketable securities(2,384)(1,278)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt28,955 — 
Deferred income taxes27,708 8,990 
Working capital changes7,942 (156,579)
Non-cash transfer of 40% value of construction in progress of Kemerton plant to MRL96,185 87,750 
Other, net(3,339)(24,921)
Net cash provided by operating activities385,853 207,917 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired— (22,572)
Capital expenditures(396,915)(418,991)
Cash proceeds from divestitures, net290,467 — 
Sales of marketable securities, net4,553 1,496 
Investments in equity and other corporate investments(286)(486)
Net cash used in investing activities(102,181)(440,553)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock1,453,888 — 
Repayments of long-term debt and credit agreements(1,173,823)— 
Proceeds from borrowings of credit agreements— 452,163 
Other debt repayments, net(325,316)12,956 
Fees related to early extinguishment of debt(24,877)— 
Dividends paid to shareholders(86,637)(79,909)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests(43,698)(14,286)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options14,335 10,809 
Withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation award distributions(7,047)(4,019)
Other(1,359)(2,669)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(194,534)375,045 
Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents(12,290)(18,823)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents76,848 123,586 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$823,572 $736,696 
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 June 30, 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- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. Income tax expense for the six-month period ended June 30, 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 six-month period ended June 30, 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 and six-month periods ended June 30, 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 June 1, 2021, the Company completed the sale of 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 acquired 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. During the three-month period ended June 30, 2021 we recorded a gain of $429.4 million ($331.6 million after taxes) 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. The results of operations of the business classified as held for sale, through June 1, 2021, are 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 six months ended June 30, 2021 (in thousands):
LithiumBromine SpecialtiesCatalystsAll OtherTotal
Balance at December 31, 2020
$1,441,781 $20,319 $196,834 $6,586 $1,665,520 
   Divestitures(a)
— — — (6,586)(6,586)
   Foreign currency translation adjustments(14,297)— (3,917)— (18,214)
Balance at June 30, 2021$1,427,484 $20,319 $192,917 $— $1,640,720 
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
(a)    Represents goodwill of the FCS business. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information.

The following table summarizes the changes in other intangibles and related accumulated amortization for the six months ended June 30, 2021 (in thousands):
Customer Lists and Relationships
Trade Names and Trademarks(a)
Patents and TechnologyOtherTotal
Gross Asset Value
  Balance at December 31, 2020
$448,748 $18,710 $58,096 $39,864 $565,418 
    Divestitures(b)
— — — (1,473)(1,473)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other(7,465)(227)(154)(240)(8,086)
  Balance at June 30, 2021
$441,283 $18,483 $57,942 $38,151 $555,859 
Accumulated Amortization
  Balance at December 31, 2020
$(147,286)$(8,176)$(39,500)$(21,351)$(216,313)
    Amortization(11,615)— (731)(454)(12,800)
    Divestitures(b)
— — — 1,457 1,457 
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other2,400 60 345 84 2,889 
  Balance at June 30, 2021
$(156,501)$(8,116)$(39,886)$(20,264)$(224,767)
Net Book Value at December 31, 2020
$301,462 $10,534 $18,596 $18,513 $349,105 
Net Book Value at June 30, 2021
$284,782 $10,367 $18,056 $17,887 $331,092 
(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 and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 was 20.0% and 19.6% compared to 17.5% and 16.6% for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020, respectively. The six-month period ended June 30, 2021 includes discrete tax benefits related to the release of a foreign valuation allowance, excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements, and the revaluation of deferred taxes due to tax rate changes, offset by tax expense due to an out-of-period adjustment regarding an overstated deferred tax liability recorded during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017. 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 and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020 was impacted by a variety of factors, primarily stemming from the location in which income was earned. In addition, 2021 includes a $97.8 million tax expense recorded for the gain on the sale of the FCS business, partially offset by a benefit from foreign rate differences primarily 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.


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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 and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 are calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2021202020212020
Basic earnings per share
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation$424,600 $85,624 $520,277 $192,828 
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share116,809 106,329 114,700 106,278 
Basic earnings per share$3.63 $0.81 $4.54 $1.81 
Diluted earnings per share
Numerator:
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation$424,600 $85,624 $520,277 $192,828 
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share116,809 106,329 114,700 106,278 
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans627 206 683 246 
Weighted-average common shares for diluted earnings per share117,436 106,535 115,383 106,524 
Diluted earnings per share$3.62 $0.80 $4.51 $1.81 

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 May 4, 2021, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.39, an increase from the prior year regular quarterly dividend. This dividend was paid on July 1, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of June 11, 2021. On July 20, 2021, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.39 per share, which is payable on October 1, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of September 17, 2021.
NOTE 6—Inventories:
The following table provides a breakdown of inventories at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
June 30,December 31,
20212020
Finished goods$432,084 $454,162 
Raw materials and work in process(a)
224,560 219,896 
Stores, supplies and other75,919 76,179 
Total$732,563 $750,237 

(a)Included $142.6 million and $129.6 million at June 30, 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 carrying amount of our 49% equity interest in Windfield, which is our most significant VIE, was $485.9 million and $479.6 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company’s aggregate net investment in all other entities
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
which it considers to be VIEs for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary was $8.1 million and $8.0 million at June 30, 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.
As part of the proceeds from the sale of the FCS business on June 1, 2021, Grace issued Albemarle 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 PIK dividends at an annual rate of 12% beginning two years after issuance. This preferred equity has a fair value of $244.5 million at June 30, 2021, which is reported in Investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

NOTE 8—Long-Term Debt:
Long-term debt at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following (in thousands):
June 30,December 31,
20212020
1.125% notes due 2025
$450,103 $610,800 
1.625% notes due 2028
596,750 610,800 
1.875% Senior notes due 2021
— 480,007 
3.45% Senior notes due 2029
171,612 300,000 
4.15% Senior notes due 2024
425,000 425,000 
5.45% Senior notes due 2044
350,000 350,000 
Floating rate notes— 200,000 
Credit facilities— 223,900 
Commercial paper notes— 325,000 
Variable-rate foreign bank loans7,222 7,702 
Finance lease obligations58,792 59,181 
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs(15,062)(20,332)
Total long-term debt2,044,417 3,572,058 
Less amounts due within one year623 804,677 
Long-term debt, less current portion$2,043,794 $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 and six-month period ended June 30, 2021 is a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million and $29.0 million, respectively, 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
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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
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 discontinued, we recorded a gain of $5.1 million (net of income taxes) in 2021, and during the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 we recorded losses of $5.8 million and $3.7 million (net of income taxes), respectively in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

NOTE 9—Commitments and Contingencies:
Environmental
We had the following activity in our recorded environmental liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 (in thousands):
Beginning balance at December 31, 2020
$45,771 
Expenditures(879)
Accretion of discount483 
Additions and changes in estimates1,576 
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other(408)
Ending balance at June 30, 2021
46,543 
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses9,582 
Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities$36,961 
Environmental remediation liabilities included discounted liabilities of $38.7 million and $39.2 million at June 30, 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 June 30, 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 $37 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
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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
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.
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 $28.3 million and $30.5 million at June 30, 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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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The following table provides details of our lease contracts for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2021202020212020
Operating lease cost$9,735 $8,473 $19,147 $17,213 
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right of use assets156 153 313 307 
Interest on lease liabilities752 630 1,507 1,280 
Total finance lease cost908 783 1,820 1,587 
Short-term lease cost2,176 3,514 4,780 6,397 
Variable lease cost1,813 2,084 4,178 4,032 
Total lease cost$14,632 $14,854 $29,925 $29,229 
Supplemental cash flow information related to our lease contracts for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 is as follows (in thousands):
Six Months Ended June 30,
20212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$14,980 $18,664 
Operating cash flows from finance leases876 749 
Financing cash flows from finance leases316 344 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases50,856 17,197 

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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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands, except as noted):
June 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Operating leases:
Other assets$172,058 $136,292 
Accrued expenses34,114 22,297 
Other noncurrent liabilities142,122 116,765 
Total operating lease liabilities176,236 139,062 
Finance leases:
Net property, plant and equipment58,582 58,963 
Current portion of long-term debt(a)
2,369 1,752 
Long-term debt58,168 58,543 
Total finance lease liabilities60,537 60,295 
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases12.515.3
Finance leases27.227.5
Weighted average discount rate (%):
Operating leases3.79 %3.94 %
Finance leases4.57 %4.56 %
(a)    Balance includes accrued interest of finance lease recorded in Accrued liabilities.
Maturities of lease liabilities at June 30, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):
Operating LeasesFinance Leases
Remainder of 2021$21,752 $1,091 
202236,814 4,463 
202333,521 4,463 
202420,182 4,463 
202514,265 4,463 
Thereafter131,613 89,916 
Total lease payments258,147 108,859 
Less imputed interest81,911 48,322 
Total$176,236 $60,537 

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. On June 1, 2021, we completed the sale of the FCS business. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information. Amounts in the “All Other” category represent activity in this business until divested on June 1, 2021.
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 and financing expenses, income tax expenses, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted on a consistent basis for certain non-operating, non-recurring or unusual items in a balanced manner and on a segment basis. These non-operating, 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
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2021202020212020
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Net sales:
Lithium$320,334 $283,722 $599,310 $520,540 
Bromine Specialties279,748 232,779 560,195 464,371 
Catalysts148,344 197,053 368,587 404,260 
All Other25,470 50,495 75,095 113,723 
Total net sales$773,896 $764,049 $1,603,187 $1,502,894 
Adjusted EBITDA:
Lithium$109,441 $94,536 $215,877 $173,173 
Bromine Specialties92,646 73,041 187,286 156,303 
Catalysts21,164 22,777 46,591 70,247 
All Other8,379 18,598 29,858 41,422 
Corporate(37,002)(23,759)(54,930)(59,587)
Total adjusted EBITDA$194,628 $185,193 $424,682 $381,558 
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):
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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
LithiumBromine SpecialtiesCatalystsReportable Segments TotalAll OtherCorporateConsolidated Total
Three months ended June 30, 2021
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation$74,593 $80,148 $8,446 $163,187 $7,972 $253,441 $424,600 
Depreciation and amortization33,497 12,498 12,718 58,713 407 2,303 61,423 
Restructuring and other(a)
— — — — — 766 766 
Gain on sale of business(b)
— — — — — (429,408)(429,408)
Acquisition and integration related costs(c)
— — — — — 1,915 1,915 
Interest and financing expenses(d)
— — — — — 7,152 7,152 
Income tax expense— — — — — 106,985 106,985 
Non-operating pension and OPEB items— — — — — (5,471)(5,471)
Albemarle Foundation contribution(e)
— — — — — 20,000 20,000 
Other(f)
1,351 — — 1,351 — 5,315 6,666 
Adjusted EBITDA$109,441 $92,646 $21,164 $223,251 $8,379 $(37,002)$194,628 
Three months ended June 30, 2020
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation$66,038 $60,692 $10,702 $137,432 $16,425 $(68,233)$85,624 
Depreciation and amortization28,498 12,349 12,075 52,922 2,173 2,746 57,841 
Restructuring and other(a)
— — — — — 6,733 6,733 
Acquisition and integration related costs(c)
— — — — — 5,470 5,470 
Interest and financing expenses— — — — — 17,852 17,852 
Income tax expense— — — — — 15,431 15,431 
Non-operating pension and OPEB items— — — — — (2,895)(2,895)
Other(g)
— — — — — (863)(863)
Adjusted EBITDA$94,536 $73,041 $22,777 $190,354 $18,598 $(23,759)$185,193 
Six months ended June 30, 2021
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation$144,965 $162,261 $21,362 $328,588 $27,988 $163,701 $520,277 
Depreciation and amortization65,303 25,025 25,229 115,557 1,870 6,256 123,683 
Restructuring and other(a)
— — — — — 1,540 1,540 
Gain on sale of business(b)
— — — — — (429,408)(429,408)
Acquisition and integration related costs(c)
— — — — — 4,076 4,076 
Interest and financing expenses(d)
— — — — — 51,034 51,034 
Income tax expense— — — — — 129,092 129,092 
Non-operating pension and OPEB items— — — — — (10,936)(10,936)
Albemarle Foundation contribution(e)
— — — — — 20,000 20,000 
Other(f)
5,609 — — 5,609 — 9,715 15,324 
Adjusted EBITDA$215,877 $187,286 $46,591 $449,754 $29,858 $(54,930)$424,682 
Six months ended June 30, 2020
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation$119,278 $132,357 $45,594 $297,229 $37,271 $(141,672)$192,828 
Depreciation and amortization53,895 23,946 24,653 102,494 4,151 4,890 111,535 
Restructuring and other(a)
— — — — — 8,580 8,580 
Acquisition and integration related costs(c)
— — — — — 8,426 8,426 
Interest and financing expenses— — — — — 34,737 34,737 
Income tax expense— — — — — 33,873 33,873 
Non-operating pension and OPEB items— — — — — (5,803)(5,803)
Other(g)
— — — — — (2,618)(2,618)
Adjusted EBITDA$173,173 $156,303 $70,247 $399,723 $41,422 $(59,587)$381,558 
(a)In 2021, we recorded facility closure related to offices in Germany, and severance expenses in Germany and Belgium, in Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”). In 2020, we recorded severance expenses as part of business reorganization plans, impacting
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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
each of our businesses and Corporate, primarily in the U.S., Germany and with our Jordanian joint venture partner. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, we recorded expenses of $6.7 million in SG&A. During the six months ended June 30, 2020, we recorded expenses of $0.7 million in Cost of goods sold, $8.2 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.
(b)See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information.
(c)Costs related to the acquisition, integration and potential divestitures for various significant projects, recorded in SG&A.
(d)Included in Interest and financing expenses is a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million and $29.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively. See Note 8, “Long-Term Debt,” for additional information.
(e)Included in SG&A is a charitable contribution, using a portion of the proceeds received from the FCS divestiture, to the Albemarle Foundation, a non-profit organization that sponsors grants, health and social projects, educational initiatives, disaster relief, matching gift programs, scholarships and other charitable initiatives in locations where our employees live and the Company operates. This contribution is in addition to the normal annual contribution made to the Albemarle Foundation by the Company, and is significant in size and nature in that it is intended to provide more long-term benefits in these communities.
(f)Included amounts for the three months ended June 30, 2021 recorded in:
SG&A - $4.0 million of a loss resulting from the sale of property, plant and equipment, $1.6 million of charges for an environmental reserve at a site not part of our operations and $1.4 million of expenses primarily related to non-routine labor and compensation related costs that are outside normal compensation arrangements.
Other income (expense), net - $0.3 million of a gain resulting from the adjustment of indemnifications related to previously disposed businesses.
Included amounts for the six months ended June 30, 2021 recorded in:
SG&A - $6.0 million of expenses primarily related to non-routine labor and compensation related costs that are outside normal compensation arrangements, a $4.0 million loss resulting from the sale of property, plant and equipment and $1.6 million of charges for an environmental reserve at a site not part of our operations.
Other income (expense), net - $3.6 million of expenses primarily related to asset retirement obligation charges to update of an estimate at a site formerly owned by Albemarle.
(g)Included amounts for the three months ended June 30, 2020 recorded in:
Other income (expense), net - $0.9 million net gain primarily relating to the sale of idle properties in Germany.
Included amounts for the six months ended June 30, 2020 recorded in:
Other income (expense), net - $2.7 million gain resulting from the settlement of legal matters related to a business sold and $0.8 million net gain primarily related to the sale of idle properties in Germany, partially offset by a $0.8 million loss resulting from the adjustment of indemnifications related to previously disposed businesses.

NOTE 12—Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits:
The components of pension and postretirement benefits cost (credit) for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2021202020212020
Pension Benefits Cost (Credit):
Service cost$1,172 $1,207 $2,351 $2,421 
Interest cost5,120 6,666 10,239 13,353 
Expected return on assets(10,901)(10,028)(21,794)(20,091)
Amortization of prior service benefit29 69 58 18 
Total net pension benefits credit$(4,580)$(2,086)$(9,146)$(4,299)
Postretirement Benefits Cost:
Service cost$31 $26 $62 $52 
Interest cost310 467 619 935 
Total net postretirement benefits cost$341 $493 $681 $987 
Total net pension and postretirement benefits credit$(4,239)$(1,593)$(8,465)$(3,312)
All components of net benefit cost (credit), other than service cost, are included in Other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of income.
During the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021, we made contributions of $4.2 million and $18.9 million, respectively, to our qualified and nonqualified pension plans. During the three-month and six-month periods ended
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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
June 30, 2020, we made contributions of $2.1 million and $5.2 million, respectively, to our qualified and nonqualified pension plans.
We paid $0.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively, in premiums to the U.S. postretirement benefit plan during the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021, respectively. During the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020, we paid $0.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively, in premiums to the U.S. postretirement benefit plan.

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.
June 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Recorded
Amount
Fair ValueRecorded
Amount
Fair Value
(In thousands)
Long-term debt$2,056,328 $2,259,180 $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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding designated foreign currency forward contracts with notional values totaling the equivalent of $158.0 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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding non-designated foreign currency forward contracts with notional values totaling $520.1 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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
June 30, 2021December 31, 2020
AssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilities
Designated as hedging instruments(a)
$— $1,885 $7,043 $— 
Not Designated as hedging instruments(b)
7,497 806 6,563 4,803 
Total$7,497 $2,691 $13,606 $4,803 
(a)    Included $1.9 million in Accrued expenses at June 30, 2021 and $6.2 million in Other current assets and $0.9 million in Other assets at December 31, 2020.
(b)    Included $7.4 million in Other current assets, $0.1 million in Other assets and $0.8 million in Accrued expenses at June 30, 2021 and $6.6 million in Other current assets and $4.8 million in Accrued expenses at December 31, 2020.


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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The following table summarizes the net gains (losses) recognized for our foreign currency forward contracts during the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2021202020212020
Designated as hedging instruments
Income (loss) recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss)$823 $37,645 $(777)$(13,815)
Not designated as hedging instruments
Income (loss) recognized in Other income (expense), net(a)
$2,048 $(2,849)$1,857 $(8,303)
(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 (expense), net.
In addition, for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, we recorded net cash settlements of $0.4 million and $19.5 million, respectively, in Other, net, in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
As of June 30, 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 1Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2Unadjusted 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 3Unobservable 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 June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
June 30, 2021Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1)Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2)Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Available for sale debt securities(a)
$244,530 $— $— $244,530 
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan(b)
$30,278 $30,278 $— $— 
Private equity securities measured at net asset value(c)(d)
$4,668 $— $— $— 
Foreign currency forward contracts(e)
$7,497 $— $7,497 $— 
Liabilities:
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan(b)
$30,278 $30,278 $— $— 
Foreign currency forward contracts(e)
$2,691 $— $2,691 $— 
December 31, 2020Quoted 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(b)
$32,447 $32,447 $— $— 
Private equity securities measured at net asset value(c)(d)
$4,661 $— $— $— 
Foreign currency forward contracts(e)
$13,606 $— $13,606 $— 
Liabilities:
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan(b)
$32,447 $32,447 $— $— 
Foreign currency forward contracts(e)
$4,803 $— $4,803 $— 
(a)Preferred equity of a Grace subsidiary acquired as a portion of the proceeds of the FCS sale on June 1, 2021. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for further details on the major terms and conditions. A third-party estimate of the fair value was prepared using expected future cash flows over the period in which the asset is likely to be redeemed, applying a discount rate that appropriately captures a market participant's view of the risk associated with the investment. These are considered to be Level 3 inputs.
(b)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.
(c)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.
(d)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.
(e)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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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The following tables set forth the reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for the Level 3 recurring fair value measurements (in thousands):
Available for Sale Debt Securities
Beginning balance at December 31, 2020$— 
Additions244,530 
Ending balance at June 30, 2021$244,530 


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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
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 June 30, 2021
Balance at March 31, 2021$(345,591)$— $4,849 $(9,372)$(350,114)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications20,539 — 823 — 21,362 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss25 — — 650 675 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax20,564 — 823 650 22,037 
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests76 — — — 76 
Balance at June 30, 2021$(324,951)$— $5,672 $(8,722)$(328,001)
Three months ended June 30, 2020
Balance at March 31, 2020$(550,760)$82,859 $(46,613)$(11,975)$(526,489)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications62,847 (5,756)37,645 — 94,736 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss— — 648 656 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax62,855 (5,756)37,645 648 95,392 
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(34)— — — (34)
Balance at June 30, 2020$(487,939)$77,103 $(8,968)$(11,327)$(431,131)
Six months ended June 30, 2021
Balance at December 31, 2020$(369,152)$46,593 $6,449 $(10,022)$(326,132)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(7,628)5,110 (777)— (3,295)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss50 — — 1,300 1,350 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(7,578)5,110 (777)1,300 (1,945)
Amounts reclassified within accumulated other comprehensive loss51,703 (51,703)— — — 
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests76 — — — 76 
Balance at June 30, 2021$(324,951)$— $5,672 $(8,722)$(328,001)
Six months ended June 30, 2020
Balance at December 31, 2019$(468,737)$80,778 $4,847 $(12,623)$(395,735)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(19,139)(3,675)(13,815)— (36,629)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss17 — — 1,296 1,313 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(19,122)(3,675)(13,815)1,296 (35,316)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(80)— — — (80)
Balance at June 30, 2020$(487,939)$77,103 $(8,968)$(11,327)$(431,131)
(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.
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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The amount of income tax (expense) benefit allocated to each component of Other comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 is provided in the following tables (in thousands):
Foreign Currency Translation and OtherNet Investment HedgeCash Flow HedgeInterest Rate Swap
Three months ended June 30, 2021
Other comprehensive income, before tax$20,568 $— $823 $834 
Income tax expense(4)— — (184)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax$20,564 $— $823 $650 
Three months ended June 30, 2020
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax$62,856 $(7,401)$37,645 $834 
Income tax (expense) benefit(1)1,645 — (186)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax$62,855 $(5,756)$37,645 $648 
Six months ended June 30, 2021
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax$(7,570)$6,552 $(777)$1,668 
Income tax (expense)(8)(1,442)— (368)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax$(7,578)$5,110 $(777)$1,300 
Six months ended June 30, 2020
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax$(19,124)$(4,726)$(13,815)$1,668 
Income tax benefit (expense)1,051 — (372)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax$(19,122)$(3,675)$(13,815)$1,296 

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
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2021202020212020
Sales to unconsolidated affiliates$4,998 $5,281 $10,728 $12,498 
Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates(a)
$55,771 $55,149 $88,921 $131,624 
(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):
June 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Receivables from unconsolidated affiliates$2,771 $4,098 
Payables to unconsolidated affiliates$37,795 $30,123 


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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
NOTE 17—Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Supplemental information related to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows (in thousands):
Six Months Ended
June 30,
20212020
Supplemental non-cash disclosure related to investing activities:
Capital expenditures included in Accounts payable$169,532 $180,707 
Non-cash proceeds from divestitures(a)
$244,530 $— 
(a)Fair value of preferred equity of a Grace subsidiary received as part of proceeds for the sale of our FCS business. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for further details.
As part of the purchase price paid for the acquisition of a 60% interest in MRL’s Wodgina Project, the Company transferred 96.2 million and $87.8 million of its construction in progress of the designated Kemerton assets during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, representing MRL’s 40% interest in the assets. Since the acquisition, we have transferred $440.3 million of construction in progress to MRL through June 30, 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.
Other, net within Cash flows from operating activities on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 included $28.7 million and $30.4 million, respectively, representing the reclassification of the current portion of the one-time transition tax resulting from the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, from Other noncurrent liabilities to Income taxes payable within current liabilities.

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;
product development;
future acquisition and divestiture transactions;
expected benefits from proposed transactions;
timing of active and proposed projects;
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
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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.
The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 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 and crop protection. 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.
Second Quarter 2021
During the second quarter of 2021:
Our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share on May 4, 2021, which was paid on July 1, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of June 11, 2021.
We announced that we have joined the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices, and the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world.
On June 1, 2021, we completed the sale of 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 included our operations in Tyrone, Pennsylvania and South Haven, Michigan.
On June 30, 2021, we announced the opening of our Battery Materials Innovation Center (“BMIC”) located at the Kings Mountain, North Carolina site. The BMIC is now fully operational and will support our lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate and advanced energy storage materials growth platforms.
Our net sales for the quarter were $773.9 million, up 1% from net sales of $764.0 million in the second quarter of 2020.
Diluted earnings per share were $3.62, a 353% increase from second quarter of 2020 results. The second quarter of 2021 diluted earnings per share included $2.82 from the gain on the sale of our FCS business.
Net cash provided by operations was $227.9 million in the second quarter of 2021, compared to $52.9 million the second quarter of 2020.

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,
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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.
While global economic conditions have been improving, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an impact globally. We have not seen a material impact to our operations to date, however, 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 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 half 2021 showing a healthy increase in total EV sales over the prior year. We continue to keep the Wodgina spodumene mine idled until market conditions support 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 strengthen 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. We expect to see recovery of those sales in 2021, however, bromine volume is expected to be lower in the second half of 2021 compared to the first half due to a force majeure declaration for chlorine in the U.S.
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 half 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 U.S. Gulf Coast winter storm. The 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
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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 organometallics 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.
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.

Second Quarter 2021 Compared to Second Quarter 2020

Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)

Net Sales
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Net sales$773,896 $764,049 $9,847 %
$25.0 million decrease in net sales resulting from the sale of the FCS business on June 1, 2021
$21.6 million of higher sales volume in Lithium and Bromine Specialties, partially offset by Catalysts
Pricing was essentially flat, primarily driven by lower Lithium pricing, offset by Bromine Specialties
$13.1 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Gross Profit
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Gross profit$248,417 $233,359 $15,058 %
Gross profit margin32.1 %30.5 %
Higher sales volume in Lithium and Bromine Specialties, partially offset by unfavorable pricing in Lithium
Lower commission expenses in Chile resulting from the lower pricing in Lithium
Decrease in net sales resulting from the disposal of the FCS business on June 1, 2021
The second quarter of 2020 included $9.8 million of additional expense in Cost of goods sold related to the correction of errors regarding inventory values and overstated freight costs primarily from the first quarter of 2020
Increased freight costs in Bromine Specialties and Catalysts
Favorable currency exchange impacts resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Selling, general and administrative expenses$121,516 $106,949 $14,567 14 %
Percentage of Net sales15.7 %14.0 %
$20.0 million charitable contribution, using a portion of the proceeds received from the FCS divestiture, to the Albemarle Foundation, in addition to the normal annual contributions in 2021
$4.0 million loss resulting from the sale of property, plant and equipment in 2021
Increase in Corporate costs primarily related to higher incentive compensation
Partially offset by productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs
$9.5 million decrease in restructuring and other expenses and acquisition and integration related costs for various significant projects

Research and Development Expenses
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Research and development expenses$13,976 $14,210 $(234)(2)%
Percentage of Net sales1.8 %1.9 %
Gain on Sale of Business
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Gain on sale of business$(429,408)$— $(429,408)
Gain resulting from sale of FCS business on June 1, 2021
Interest and Financing Expenses
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Interest and financing expenses$(7,152)$(17,852)$10,700 (60)%
Decreased debt balance as certain debt instruments were repaid in the first quarter of 2021
Higher capitalized interest from continued capital expenditures in 2021
Other Income, Net
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Other income, net$14 $(6,273)$6,287 (100)%
$6.9 million decrease in foreign exchange losses
$2.6 million increase in non-operating pension and OPEB benefits
Income Tax Expense
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Income tax expense$106,985 $15,431 $91,554 593 %
Effective income tax rate
20.0 %17.5 %
$97.8 million one-time tax expense recorded for the gain on the sale of the FCS business in 2021
Change in geographic mix of earnings, mainly attributable to our share of the income of our Jordan Bromine
Company Limited (“JBC”) joint venture, a Free Zones company under the laws of the Hashemite Kingdom of
Jordan
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Investments
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments$17,998 $31,114 $(13,116)(42)%
Primarily lower earnings from our Lithium segment joint venture, Windfield Holdings Pty Ltd (“Talison”), primarily driven by lower pricing and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts, partially offset by higher volumes

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Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests$(21,608)$(18,134)$(3,474)19 %
Increase in consolidated income related to our JBC joint venture from higher sales volume
Net Income Attributable to Albemarle Corporation
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation$424,600 $85,624 $338,976 396 %
Percentage of Net sales54.9 %11.2 %
Basic earnings per share$3.63 $0.81 $2.82 348 %
Diluted earnings per share$3.62 $0.80 $2.82 353 %
Gain on sale of FCS business of $331.6 million, net of tax
Increased sales volume from Lithium and Bromine Specialties, partially offset by unfavorable pricing in Lithium
Lower commission expenses in Chile resulting from the lower pricing in Lithium
Decreased interest and financing expenses due to lower debt balances
Productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs
Loss of month of sales from FCS business following the disposition on June 1, 2021
Increased SG&A expenses, primarily related to additional charitable contribution using proceeds from the sale of the FCS business
Lower equity in net income of unconsolidated investments from the Talison joint venture
Earnings per share also impacted by the 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 thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax$22,037 $95,392 $(73,355)(77)%
Foreign currency translation and other
$20,564 $62,855 $(42,291)(67)%
2021 included favorable movements in the Brazilian Real of approximately $11 million, the Chinese Renminbi of $5 million and a net favorable variance in various other currencies of $5 million
2020 included favorable movements in the Euro of approximately $60 million and a net unfavorable variance in various other currencies totaling approximately $7 million, partially offset by unfavorable movements in the Brazilian Real of approximately $4 million
Cash flow hedge
$823 $37,645 $(36,822)
Net investment hedge
$— $(5,756)$5,756 (100)%
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 FCS 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, 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 and financing expenses, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted on a consistent basis for certain non-operating, non-recurring or unusual items in a balanced manner and on a segment basis. These non-operating, non-recurring or unusual items may include acquisition and integration related costs, gains or losses on sales of
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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 June 30,Percentage Change
2021%2020%2021 vs 2020
(In thousands, except percentages)
Net sales:
   Lithium$320,334 41.4 %$283,722 37.1 %13 %
   Bromine Specialties279,748 36.1 %232,779 30.5 %20 %
   Catalysts148,344 19.2 %197,053 25.8 %(25)%
   All Other25,470 3.3 %50,495 6.6 %(50)%
      Total net sales$773,896 100.0 %$764,049 100.0 %%
Adjusted EBITDA:
   Lithium$109,441 56.2 %$94,536 51.0 %16 %
   Bromine Specialties92,646 47.6 %73,041 39.4 %27 %
   Catalysts21,164 10.9 %22,777 12.3 %(7)%
   All Other8,379 4.3 %18,598 10.1 %(55)%
   Corporate(37,002)(19.0)%(23,759)(12.8)%(56)%
      Total adjusted EBITDA$194,628 100.0 %$185,193 100.0 %%

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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):
LithiumBromine SpecialtiesCatalystsReportable Segments TotalAll OtherCorporateConsolidated Total
Three months ended June 30, 2021
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation$74,593 $80,148 $8,446 $163,187 $7,972 $253,441 $424,600 
Depreciation and amortization33,497 12,498 12,718 58,713 407 2,303 61,423 
Restructuring and other(a)
— — — — — 766 766 
Gain on sale of business(b)
— — — — — (429,408)(429,408)
Acquisition and integration related costs(c)
— — — — — 1,915 1,915 
Interest and financing expenses(d)
— — — — — 7,152 7,152 
Income tax expense— — — — — 106,985 106,985 
Non-operating pension and OPEB items— — — — — (5,471)(5,471)
Albemarle Foundation contribution(e)
— — — — — 20,000 20,000 
Other(f)
1,351 — — 1,351 — 5,315 6,666 
Adjusted EBITDA$109,441 $92,646 $21,164 $223,251 $8,379 $(37,002)$194,628 
Three months ended June 30, 2020
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation$66,038 $60,692 $10,702 $137,432 $16,425 $(68,233)$85,624 
Depreciation and amortization28,498 12,349 12,075 52,922 2,173 2,746 57,841 
Restructuring and other(a)
— — — — — 6,733 6,733 
Acquisition and integration related costs(c)
— — — — — 5,470 5,470 
Gain on sale of property— — — — — — — 
Interest and financing expenses— — — — — 17,852 17,852 
Income tax expense— — — — — 15,431 15,431 
Non-operating pension and OPEB items— — — — — (2,895)(2,895)
Other(g)
— — — — — (863)(863)
Adjusted EBITDA$94,536 $73,041 $22,777 $190,354 $18,598 $(23,759)$185,193 
(a)In 2021, we recorded facility closure costs related to offices in Germany, and severance expenses in Germany and Belgium, in Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) related to offices in Germany. 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 June 30, 2020, we recorded expenses of $6.7 million in SG&A. The balance of unpaid severance is recorded in Accrued expenses and is expected to primarily be paid through 2021.
(b)Gain resulting from the sale of the FCS business in the second quarter of 2021.
(c)Costs related to the acquisition, integration and potential divestitures for various significant projects, recorded in SG&A.
(d)Included in Interest and financing expenses is a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million. See Note 8, “Long-Term Debt,” for additional information.
(e)Included in SG&A is a charitable contribution, using a portion of the proceeds received from the FCS divestiture, to the Albemarle Foundation, a non-profit organization that sponsors grants, health and social projects, educational initiatives, disaster relief, matching gift programs, scholarships and other charitable initiatives in locations where our employees live and operate. This contribution is in addition to the normal annual contribution made to the Albemarle Foundation by the Company and is significant in size and nature in that it is intended to provide more long-term benefits in these communities.
(f)Included amounts for the three months ended June 30, 2021 recorded in:
SG&A - $4.0 million of a loss resulting from the sale of property, plant and equipment, $1.6 million of charges for an environmental reserve at a site not part of our operations and $1.4 million of expenses primarily related to non-routine labor and compensation related costs that are outside normal compensation arrangements.
Other (expense) income, net - $0.3 million of a gain resulting from the adjustment of indemnifications related to previously disposed businesses.
(g)Included amounts for the three months ended June 30, 2020 recorded in:
Other (expense) income, net - $0.9 million net gain primarily relating to the sale of idle properties in Germany.
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Lithium
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Net sales$320,334 $283,722 $36,612 13 %
$47.1 million of higher sales volume, driven by some customers accelerating orders under long-term commitments in hydroxide
$18.1 million of unfavorable pricing impacts, primarily in battery- and tech-grade carbonate and hydroxide due to lower contract pricing
$7.6 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Adjusted EBITDA$109,441 $94,536 $14,905 16 %
Higher sales volume, partially offset by unfavorable pricing impacts
Higher spodumene volumes at the Talison joint venture
Lower commission expenses in Chile resulting from the lower pricing in Lithium
Productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs
$4.5 million of unfavorable currency translation resulting from a stronger Chilean Peso
Bromine Specialties
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Net sales$279,748 $232,779 $46,969 20 %
$26.0 million of higher sales volume related to increased demand across all products
$17.2 million of favorable pricing impacts, primarily in the flame retardants division
$3.7 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Adjusted EBITDA$92,646 $73,041 $19,605 27 %
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
Increased freight costs
$3.3 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Catalysts
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Net sales$148,344 $197,053 $(48,709)(25)%
$51.5 million of lower sales volume, primarily from clean fuel technologies due to timing of shipments
$0.9 million of favorable pricing impacts, primarily in PCS, partially offset by FCC
$1.8 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Adjusted EBITDA$21,164 $22,777 $(1,613)(7)%
Lower sales volume, primarily from clean fuel technologies due to timing of shipments
Increased freight costs
The second quarter of 2020 included $12.0 million of additional expense related to the correction of errors primarily regarding inventory values and overstated freight costs primarily from the first quarter of 2020
Partially offset by productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs
Favorable PCS volume and price
$1.1 million of unfavorable currency translation resulting from the stronger U.S. Dollar against various currencies
All Other
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Net sales$25,470 $50,495 $(25,025)(50)%
Decreased volume resulting from the sale of the FCS business in the second quarter of 2021
Adjusted EBITDA$8,379 $18,598 $(10,219)(55)%
Decreased volume resulting from the sale of the FCS business in the second quarter of 2021

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Corporate
In thousandsQ2 2021Q2 2020$ Change% Change
Adjusted EBITDA$(37,002)$(23,759)$(13,243)(56)%
$6.1 million of unfavorable currency exchange impacts, including a $13.0 million decrease in foreign exchange impacts from our Talison joint venture
Increase in incentive compensation costs
First Six Months 2021 Compared to First Six Months 2020

Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)

Net Sales
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Net sales$1,603,187 $1,502,894 $100,293 %
$38.5 million decrease in net sales from the FCS business, which was sold on June 1, 2021
$135.9 million of higher sales volume from reportable segments, primarily in Lithium and Bromine Specialties, partially offset by Catalysts
$27.1 million of unfavorable pricing from reportable segments, primarily driven by Lithium, partially offset by Bromine Specialties
$30.1 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Gross Profit
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Gross profit$512,104 $475,377 $36,727 %
Gross profit margin31.9 %31.6 %
Higher sales volume in Lithium and Bromine Specialties, partially offset by unfavorable pricing in Lithium
Lower commission expenses in Chile resulting from the lower pricing in Lithium
Decrease in net sales resulting from the disposal of the FCS business on June 1, 2021
Increased production and utility costs of approximately $23 million in Bromine Specialties and Catalysts resulting from the U.S. Gulf Coast winter storm
Increased freight costs in Bromine Specialties and Catalysts
Favorable currency exchange impacts resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Selling, general and administrative expenses$214,703 $208,826 $5,877 %
Percentage of Net sales13.4 %13.9 %
$20.0 million charitable contribution, using a portion of the proceeds received from the FCS divestiture, to the Albemarle Foundation, in addition to the normal annual contributions in 2021
$6.0 million of expenses in 2021 primarily related to non-routine labor and compensation related costs that are outside normal compensation arrangements
$4.0 million loss resulting from the sale of property, plant and equipment
Partially offset by productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs
$11.0 million decrease in restructuring and other expenses, and acquisition and integration related costs for various significant projects

Research and Development Expenses
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Research and development expenses$28,612 $30,307 $(1,695)(6)%
Percentage of Net sales1.8 %2.0 %
Decreased research and development spend in each of the reportable segments

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Gain on Sale of Business
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Gain on sale of business$(429,408)$— $(429,408)
Gain resulting from sale of FCS business on June 1, 2021
Interest and Financing Expenses
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Interest and financing expenses$(51,034)$(34,737)$(16,297)47 %
$29.0 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, representing the tender premiums, fees, unamortized discounts and unamortized deferred financing costs from the redemption of debt during the first quarter of 2021
Partially offset by decreased debt balance as certain debt instruments were repaid in the first quarter of 2021
Higher capitalized interest from continued capital expenditures in 2021
Other Income, Net
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Other income, net$11,326 $2,041 $9,285 455 %
$9.8 million decrease in foreign exchange losses
$5.1 million increase in non-operating pension and OPEB benefits
$3.6 million expense related to asset retirement obligation charges in 2021
$2.7 million gain resulting from the settlement of legal matters in 2020
Income Tax Expense
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Income tax expense$129,092 $33,873 $95,219 281 %
Effective income tax rate
19.6 %16.6 %
$97.8 million one-time tax expense recorded for the gain on the sale of the FCS business in 2021
Change in geographic mix of earnings, mainly attributable to our share of the income of our Jordan Bromine
Company Limited (“JBC”) joint venture, a Free Zones company under the laws of the Hashemite Kingdom of
Jordan
2021 includes certain discrete tax benefits, partially offset by expense due to an out-of-period adjustment for an overstated deferred tax liability recorded during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Investments
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments$34,509 $57,718 $(23,209)(40)%
Primarily lower earnings from our Lithium segment joint venture, Talison, primarily driven by lower pricing and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts, partially offset by higher volumes
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests$(43,629)$(34,565)$(9,064)26 %
Increase in consolidated income related to our JBC joint venture from higher sales volume

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Net Income Attributable to Albemarle Corporation
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation$520,277 $192,828 $327,449 170 %
Percentage of Net sales32.5 %12.8 %
Basic earnings per share$4.54 $1.81 $2.73 151 %
Diluted earnings per share$4.51 $1.81 $2.70 149 %
Gain on sale of FCS business of $331.6 million, net of tax
Increased sales volume from Lithium and Bromine Specialties, partially offset by unfavorable pricing in Lithium
Lower commission expenses in Chile resulting from the lower pricing in Lithium
Decreased interest and financing expenses due to lower debt balances
Productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs
Loss of month of sales from FCS business following the disposition on June 1, 2021
Increased production and utility costs in Bromine Specialties and Catalysts resulting from the winter storms in the southern U.S.
Increased SG&A expenses, primarily related to additional charitable contribution using proceeds from the sale of the FCS business
Lower equity in net income of unconsolidated investments from the Talison joint venture
Earnings per share also impacted by the 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 thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax$(1,945)$(35,316)$33,371 (94)%
Foreign currency translation and other
$(7,578)$(19,122)$11,544 (60)%
2021 included unfavorable movements in the Euro of approximately $11 million and the Japanese Yen of approximately $5 million, partially offset by favorable movements in the Brazilian Real of approximately $5 million and the Chinese Remninbi of approximately $4 million
2020 included unfavorable movements in the Brazilian Real of approximately $20 million, and a net unfavorable movement in various other currencies totaling approximately $4 million, partially offset by favorable movements in the Euro of approximately $5 million
Cash flow hedge
$(777)$(13,815)$13,038 
Net investment hedge
$5,110 $(3,675)$8,785 (239)%

Segment Information Overview. 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.


Six Months Ended June 30,Percentage Change
2021%2020%2021 vs 2020
(In thousands, except percentages)
Net sales:
   Lithium$599,310 37.4 %$520,540 34.6 %15 %
   Bromine Specialties560,195 34.9 %464,371 30.9 %21 %
   Catalysts368,587 23.0 %404,260 26.9 %(9)%
   All Other75,095 4.7 %113,723 7.6 %(34)%
      Total net sales$1,603,187 100.0 %$1,502,894 100.0 %%
Adjusted EBITDA:
   Lithium$215,877 50.8 %$173,173 45.4 %25 %
   Bromine Specialties187,286 44.1 %156,303 41.0 %20 %
   Catalysts46,591 11.0 %70,247 18.4 %(34)%
   All Other29,858 7.0 %41,422 10.8 %(28)%
   Corporate(54,930)(12.9)%(59,587)(15.6)%%
      Total adjusted EBITDA$424,682 100.0 %$381,558 100.0 %11 %
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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):
LithiumBromine SpecialtiesCatalystsReportable Segments TotalAll OtherCorporateConsolidated Total
Six months ended June 30, 2021
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation$144,965 $162,261 $21,362 $328,588 $27,988 $163,701 $520,277 
Depreciation and amortization65,303 25,025 25,229 115,557 1,870 6,256 123,683 
Restructuring and other(a)
— — — — — 1,540 1,540 
Gain on sale of business(b)
— — — — — (429,408)(429,408)
Acquisition and integration related costs(c)
— — — — — 4,076 4,076 
Interest and financing expenses(d)
— — — — — 51,034 51,034 
Income tax expense— — — — — 129,092 129,092 
Non-operating pension and OPEB items— — — — — (10,936)(10,936)
Albemarle Foundation contribution(e)
— — — — — 20,000 20,000 
Other(f)
5,609 — — 5,609 — 9,715 15,324 
Adjusted EBITDA$215,877 $187,286 $46,591 $449,754 $29,858 $(54,930)$424,682 
Six months ended June 30, 2020
Net income (loss) attributable to Albemarle Corporation$119,278 $132,357 $45,594 $297,229 $37,271 $(141,672)$192,828 
Depreciation and amortization53,895 23,946 24,653 102,494 4,151 4,890 111,535 
Restructuring and other(a)
— — — — — 8,580 8,580 
Acquisition and integration related costs(b)
— — — — — 8,426 8,426 
Interest and financing expenses— — — — — 34,737 34,737 
Income tax expense— — — — — 33,873 33,873 
Non-operating pension and OPEB items— — — — — (5,803)(5,803)
Other(g)
— — — — — (2,618)(2,618)
Adjusted EBITDA$173,173 $156,303 $70,247 $399,723 $41,422 $(59,587)$381,558 
(a)In 2021, we recorded facility closure costs related to offices in Germany, and severance expenses in Germany and Belgium, in SG&A. 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 six months ended June 30, 2020, we recorded expenses of $0.7 million in Cost of goods sold, $8.2 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.
(b)Gain resulting from the sale of the FCS business in the second quarter of 2021.
(c)Costs related to the acquisition, integration and potential divestitures for various significant projects, recorded in SG&A.
(d)Included in Interest and financing expenses is a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $29.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. See Note 8, “Long-Term Debt,” for additional information.
(e)Included in SG&A is a charitable contribution, using a portion of the proceeds received from the FCS divestiture, to the Albemarle Foundation, a non-profit organization that sponsors grants, health and social projects, educational initiatives, disaster relief, matching gift programs, scholarships and other charitable initiatives in locations where our employees live and operate. This contribution is in addition to the normal annual contribution made to the Albemarle Foundation by the Company and is significant in size and nature in that it is intended to provide more long-term benefits in these communities.
(f)Included amounts for the six months ended June 30, 2021 recorded in:
SG&A - $6.0 million of expenses primarily related to non-routine labor and compensation related costs that are outside normal compensation arrangements, a $4.0 million loss resulting from the sale of property, plant and equipment and $1.6 million of charges for an environmental reserve at a site not part of our operations.
Other income (expense), net - $3.6 million of expenses primarily related to asset retirement obligation charges to update an estimate at a site formerly owned by Albemarle.
(g)Included amounts for the six months ended June 30, 2020 recorded in:
Other income (expense), net - $2.7 million gain resulting from the settlement of legal matters related to a business sold and $0.8 million net gain primarily related to the sale of idle properties in Germany, partially offset by a $0.8 million loss resulting from the adjustment of indemnifications related to previously disposed businesses.
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Lithium
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Net sales$599,310 $520,540 $78,770 15 %
$114.1 million of higher sales volume, driven by some customers accelerating orders under long-term commitments in hydroxide
$50.6 million of unfavorable pricing impacts, primarily in battery- and tech-grade carbonate due to lower contract pricing
$15.2 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Adjusted EBITDA$215,877 $173,173 $42,704 25 %
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
Lower equity in net income of unconsolidated investments from the Talison joint venture
$6.9 million of unfavorable currency translation resulting from a stronger Chilean Peso
Bromine Specialties
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Net sales$560,195 $464,371 $95,824 21 %
$60.0 million of higher sales volume related to increased demand across all products
$28.2 million of favorable pricing impacts, primarily in the flame retardants division and as a result of a favorable 2021 customer mix
$7.6 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Adjusted EBITDA$187,286 $156,303 $30,983 20 %
Higher sales volume and favorable pricing impacts as a result of a favorable 2021 customer mix
Productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs
Increased production and utility costs of approximately $6 million resulting from the U.S. Gulf Coast winter storm
Increased freight costs
$6.9 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Catalysts
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Net sales$368,587 $404,260 $(35,673)(9)%
$38.2 million of lower sales volume, primarily from lower demand in clean fuel technologies
$4.7 million of unfavorable pricing impacts, primarily in FCC
$7.2 million of favorable currency translation resulting from the weaker U.S. Dollar against various currencies
Adjusted EBITDA$46,591 $70,247 $(23,656)(34)%
Lower sales volume, primarily from lower demand in clean fuel technologies, as well as unfavorable pricing impacts, primarily in FCC
Increased production and utility costs of approximately $17 million resulting from the U.S. Gulf Coast winter storm
Increased freight costs
Partially offset by productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs
All Other
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Net sales$75,095 $113,723 $(38,628)(34)%
Primarily decreased volume resulting from the sale of the FCS business in the second quarter of 2021
Adjusted EBITDA$29,858 $41,422 $(11,564)(28)%
Primarily decreased volume resulting from the sale of the FCS business in the second quarter of 2021

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Corporate
In thousandsYTD 2021YTD 2020$ Change% Change
Adjusted EBITDA$(54,930)$(59,587)$4,657 %
$7.2 million of favorable currency exchange impacts, including a $2.6 million decrease in foreign currency impacts from our Talison joint venture
Productivity improvements and a reduction in professional fees and other administrative costs

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 six months of 2021, cash on hand, cash provided by operations, net cash proceeds of $290.5 million from the sale of the FCS business and the $1.5 billion net proceeds from our underwritten public offering of common stock funded $396.9 million of capital expenditures for plant, machinery and equipment, debt principal payments of approximately $1.5 billion, early extinguishment of debt fees of $24.9 million and dividends to shareholders of $86.6 million. Our operations provided $385.9 million of cash flows during the first six months of 2021, as compared to $207.9 million for the first six months of 2020. The change compared to prior year was primarily due to a positive change in working capital flows of $164.5 million, increased sales in each of our Lithium and Bromine Specialties segments and higher dividends received from unconsolidated investments. The inflow from working capital in 2021 was primarily driven by lower receivables and higher payables balances due to the timing of the collection and payments. Overall, our cash and cash equivalents increased by $76.8 million to $823.6 million at June 30, 2021 from $746.7 million at December 31, 2020.
On June 1, 2021, we completed the sale of 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 dividends at an annual rate of 12% beginning on June 1, 2023, two years after issuance.
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
Capital expenditures for the six-month period ended June 30, 2021 of $396.9 million were primarily associated with plant, machinery and equipment. We expect our capital expenditures to be between $850 million and $950 million in 2021, 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. Our La Negra, Chile plant is entering the commissioning and qualification stage in the second half of 2021. We currently expect to complete construction of train I of our Kermerton,
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Australia by, or shortly after, year-end 2021. Train II construction is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2022. Commercial sales volume from both of these plants will begin in 2022.
Net current assets were $1.17 billion and $404.3 million at June 30, 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 May 4, 2021, we declared a cash dividend of $0.39, which was paid on July 1, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of June 11, 2021.
At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents included $368.0 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 six 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/YearPrincipal (in millions)Interest RateInterest Payment DatesMaturity Date
November 2019€371.71.125%November 25November 25, 2025
November 2019€500.01.625%November 25November 25, 2028
November 2019(a)
$171.63.45%May 15 and November 15November 15, 2029
November 2014(a)
$425.04.15%June 1 and December 1December 1, 2024
November 2014(a)
$350.05.45%June 1 and December 1December 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.
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
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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 1.125% as of June 30, 2021. As of June 30, 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 1.375% as of June 30, 2021. In March 2021, the Company repaid the outstanding balance of €183.3 million under the 2019 Credit Facility. Following the completion of the sale of the FCS business, the Company is permitted up to two additional borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to $270 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 June 30, 2021.
The non-current portion of our long-term debt amounted to $2.04 billion at June 30, 2021, compared to $2.77 billion at December 31, 2020. In addition, at June 30, 2021, we had availability to borrow $1.3 billion under our commercial paper program and the Credit Agreements, and $132.0 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
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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 at June 30, 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 $87.7 million at June 30, 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 June 30, 2021 and our expected interest payments on those long-term debt obligations are as follows (in millions):
Maturities of Long-term DebtExpected Interest Payments
Remainder of 2021$0.6 $36.3 
2022— 57.4 
2023— 57.4 
2024425.0 55.9 
2025450.1 39.3 
Thereafter1,183.8 413.7 
For variable-rate debt obligations, projected interest payments are calculated using the June 30, 2021 weighted average interest rate of approximately 0.36%.
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 were deferred to 2021. We may choose to make additional pension contributions in excess of this amount. We have made contributions of $18.9 million to our domestic and foreign pension plans (both qualified and nonqualified) during the six-month period ended June 30, 2021.
The liability related to uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities totaled $13.1 million at June 30, 2021 and $14.7 million at December 31, 2020. Related assets for corresponding offsetting benefits recorded in Other assets totaled $22.5 million at June 30, 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 exposures should be immaterial. We accrue and expense our proportionate share of PRP costs. Because management has been
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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. 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 $823.6 million at June 30, 2021, of which $368.0 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 thousandsSix Months Ended
June 30, 2021
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Net sales(a)
$752,132 $1,621,651 
Gross profit151,181 357,431 
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments(b)(c)
299,183 (205,486)
Net income (loss) attributable to the Parent Guarantor and the Issuer218,294 (222,097)
(a)    Includes net sales to Non-Guarantors of $406.1 million and $893.5 million for the six months ended ended June 30, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
(b)    Includes intergroup expenses to Non-Guarantors of $68.4 million and $132.7 million for the six months ended ended June 30, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
(c)    The six months ended ended June 30, 2021 includes the Parent Guarantor’s portion of gain on sale of the FCS business on June 1, 2021.


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Summarized Balance Sheet
$ in thousands
June 30, 2021
December 31, 2020
Current assets(a)
$1,264,129 $1,194,278 
Net property, plant and equipment2,714,368 2,621,012 
Other noncurrent assets525,381 305,544 
Current liabilities(b)
$1,362,313 $2,236,233 
Long-term debt995,480 1,321,413 
Other noncurrent liabilities(c)
7,324,745 7,317,103 
(a)    Includes receivables from Non-Guarantors of $505.1 million and $548.9 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(b)    Includes current payables to Non-Guarantors of $943.0 million and $975.0 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(c)    Includes noncurrent payables to Non-Guarantors of $6.6 billion at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.    

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 respective parent and its subsidiaries. The transfer of cash under these activities facilitates the ability of the recipient to make
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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 thousandsSix Months Ended
June 30, 2021
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Net sales(a)
$752,132 $1,621,651 
Gross profit160,039 375,138 
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments(b)
326,656 (124,464)
Net income (loss) attributable to the Subsidiary Guarantor and the Parent Issuer240,798 (152,509)
(a)    Includes net sales to Non-Guarantors of $406.1 million and $893.5 million for the six months ended ended June 30, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
(b)    Includes intergroup expenses to Non-Guarantors of $45.6 million and $57.2 million for the six months ended ended June 30, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively.
(c)    The six months ended ended June 30, 2021 includes the Parent Issuer’s portion of gain on sale of the FCS business on June 1, 2021.

Summarized Balance Sheet
$ in thousands
June 30, 2021
December 31, 2020
Current assets(a)
$1,122,126 $1,315,110 
Net property, plant and equipment721,928 770,230 
Other non-current assets(b)
1,553,934 970,268 
Current liabilities(c)
$1,323,229 $2,133,548 
Long-term debt1,808,445 2,404,193 
Other noncurrent liabilities(c)
6,612,424 6,468,644 
(a)    Includes receivables from Non-Guarantors of $396.3 million and $705.1 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(b)    Includes noncurrent receivables from Non-Guarantors of $1.0 billion and $673.0 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(c)    Includes current payables to Non-Guarantors of $931.7 million and $983.3 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(d)    Includes noncurrent payables to Non-Guarantors of $5.9 billion and $5.7 billion at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
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.

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Summary of Critical 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.

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 $7.2 million outstanding at June 30, 2021, bearing a weighted average interest rate of 0.36% 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 June 30, 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 $678.1 million and with a fair value representing a net asset position of $4.8 million at June 30, 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 June 30, 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 $21.7 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 $17.6 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 June 30, 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 second quarter ended June 30, 2021 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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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, 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
101 
Interactive Data File (Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021, furnished in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)).
#Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
*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 six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 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:August 4, 2021By:
/S/    SCOTT A. TOZIER        
Scott A. Tozier
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
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