10-Q

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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

Number of shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of July 31, 2021: 116,949,867

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION

INDEX – FORM 10-Q

		Page Number(s)
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Consolidated Statements of Income - Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020	3
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020	4
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020	5
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020	7
	Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	26
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	48
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	48
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	49
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	49
Item 6.	Exhibits	49
SIGNATURES		50
EXHIBITS

2

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net sales	$	773,896	$	764,049	$	1,603,187	$	1,502,894
Cost of goods sold	525,479		530,690		1,091,083		1,027,517
Gross profit	248,417		233,359		512,104		475,377
Selling, general and administrative expenses	121,516		106,949		214,703		208,826
Research and development expenses	13,976		14,210		28,612		30,307
Gain on sale of business	(429,408)		—		(429,408)		—
Operating profit	542,333		112,200		698,197		236,244
Interest and financing expenses	(7,152)		(17,852)		(51,034)		(34,737)
Other income (expense), net	14		(6,273)		11,326		2,041
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	535,195		88,075		658,489		203,548
Income tax expense	106,985		15,431		129,092		33,873
Income before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	428,210		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 income	446,208		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 – basic	116,809		106,329		114,700		106,278
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted	117,436		106,535		115,383		106,524

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income	$	446,208	$	103,758	$	563,906	$	227,393
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation and other	20,564		62,855		(7,578)		(19,122)
Net investment hedge	—		(5,756)		5,110		(3,675)
Cash flow hedge	823		37,645		(777)		(13,815)
Interest rate swap	650		648		1,300		1,296
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	22,037		95,392		(1,945)		(35,316)
Comprehensive income	468,245		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.

4

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
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 receivable	58,256		61,958
Inventories	732,563		750,237
Other current assets	81,741		116,427
Total current assets	2,151,354		2,206,184
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	7,596,684		7,427,641
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,086,085		2,073,016
Net property, plant and equipment	5,510,599		5,354,625
Investments	907,080		656,244
Other assets	256,081		219,268
Goodwill	1,640,720		1,665,520
Other intangibles, net of amortization	331,092		349,105
Total assets	$	10,796,926	$	10,450,946
Liabilities And Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	535,153	$	483,221
Accrued expenses	317,954		440,763
Current portion of long-term debt	623		804,677
Dividends payable	45,428		40,937
Income taxes payable	85,770		32,251
Total current liabilities	984,928		1,801,849
Long-term debt	2,043,794		2,767,381
Postretirement benefits	47,371		48,075
Pension benefits	309,712		340,818
Other noncurrent liabilities	616,912		629,377
Deferred income taxes	428,438		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 capital	2,907,981		1,438,038
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(328,001)		(326,132)
Retained earnings	3,584,400		3,155,252
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity	6,165,549		4,268,227
Noncontrolling interests	200,222		200,367
Total equity	6,365,771		4,468,594
Total liabilities and equity	$	10,796,926	$	10,450,946

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)				Additional Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Retained Earnings		Total Albemarle Shareholders’ Equity		Noncontrolling Interests		Total Equity
	Common Stock
	Shares	Amounts
Balance at April 1, 2021	116,718,175	$	1,167	$	2,889,923	$	(350,114)	$	3,205,408	$	5,746,384	$	196,169	$	5,942,553
Net income								424,600		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 compensation				5,104						5,104				5,104
Fees related to public issuance of common stock				(9)						(9)				(9)
Exercise of stock options	223,685	2		13,150						13,152				13,152
Issuance of common stock, net	3,783	—		—						—				—
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	(1,132)	—		(187)						(187)				(187)
Balance at June 30, 2021	116,944,511	$	1,169	$	2,907,981	$	(328,001)	$	3,584,400	$	6,165,549	$	200,222	$	6,365,771
Balance at April 1, 2020	106,318,614	$	1,063	$	1,393,681	$	(526,489)	$	3,009,749	$	3,878,004	$	163,521	$	4,041,525
Net income								85,624		85,624		18,134		103,758
Other comprehensive income						95,358				95,358		34		95,392
Cash dividends declared, $0.385 per common share								(40,939)		(40,939)		—		(40,939)
Stock-based compensation				6,005						6,005				6,005
Exercise of stock options	10,940	—		614						614				614
Issuance of common stock, net	13,250	1		(1)						—				—
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	(5,822)	—		(194)						(194)				(194)
Balance at June 30, 2020	106,336,982	$	1,064	$	1,400,105	$	(431,131)	$	3,054,434	$	4,024,472	$	181,689	$	4,206,161
Balance at January 1, 2021	106,842,369	$	1,069	$	1,438,038	$	(326,132)	$	3,155,252	$	4,268,227	$	200,367	$	4,468,594
Net income								520,277		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 compensation				9,778						9,778				9,778
Fees related to public issuance of common stock				(911)						(911)				(911)
Exercise of stock options	241,649	2		14,333						14,335				14,335
Issuance of common stock, net	9,906,090	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, 2021	116,944,511	$	1,169	$	2,907,981	$	(328,001)	$	3,584,400	$	6,165,549	$	200,222	$	6,365,771
Balance at January 1, 2020	106,040,215	$	1,061	$	1,383,446	$	(395,735)	$	2,943,478	$	3,932,250	$	161,330	$	4,093,580
Net income								192,828		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 compensation				9,872						9,872				9,872
Exercise of stock options	204,477	2		10,807						10,809				10,809
Issuance of common stock, net	145,570	2		(2)						—				—
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	(53,280)	(1)		(4,018)						(4,019)				(4,019)
Balance at June 30, 2020	106,336,982	$	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.

6

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
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 amortization	123,683		111,535
Gain on sale of business	(429,408)		—
Stock-based compensation and other	8,425		9,765
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)	(34,509)		(57,718)
Dividends received from unconsolidated investments and nonmarketable securities	27,420		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 debt	28,955		—
Deferred income taxes	27,708		8,990
Working capital changes	7,942		(156,579)
Non-cash transfer of 40% value of construction in progress of Kemerton plant to MRL	96,185		87,750
Other, net	(3,339)		(24,921)
Net cash provided by operating activities	385,853		207,917
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—		(22,572)
Capital expenditures	(396,915)		(418,991)
Cash proceeds from divestitures, net	290,467		—
Sales of marketable securities, net	4,553		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 stock	1,453,888		—
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 options	14,335		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 equivalents	76,848		123,586
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	823,572	$	736,696

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

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):

	Lithium		Bromine Specialties		Catalysts		All Other		Total
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

8

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 Technology		Other		Total
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 other	2,400		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.

9

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
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 share	116,809		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 share	116,809		106,329		114,700		106,278
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans	627		206		683		246
Weighted-average common shares for diluted earnings per share	117,436		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,
	2021		2020
Finished goods	$	432,084	$	454,162
Raw materials and work in process(a)	224,560		219,896
Stores, supplies and other	75,919		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

10

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,
	2021		2020
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 loans	7,222		7,702
Finance lease obligations	58,792		59,181
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	(15,062)		(20,332)
Total long-term debt	2,044,417		3,572,058
Less amounts due within one year	623		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

11

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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 discount	483
Additions and changes in estimates	1,576
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(408)
Ending balance at June 30, 2021	46,543
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses	9,582
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

12

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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.

13

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

The following table provides details of our lease contracts for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating lease cost	$	9,735	$	8,473	$	19,147	$	17,213
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right of use assets	156		153		313		307
Interest on lease liabilities	752		630		1,507		1,280
Total finance lease cost	908		783		1,820		1,587
Short-term lease cost	2,176		3,514		4,780		6,397
Variable lease cost	1,813		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,
	2021		2020
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 leases	876		749
Financing cash flows from finance leases	316		344
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	50,856		17,197

14

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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, 2021			December 31, 2020
Operating leases:
Other assets	$	172,058		$	136,292
Accrued expenses	34,114			22,297
Other noncurrent liabilities	142,122			116,765
Total operating lease liabilities	176,236			139,062
Finance leases:
Net property, plant and equipment	58,582			58,963
Current portion of long-term debt(a)	2,369			1,752
Long-term debt	58,168			58,543
Total finance lease liabilities	60,537			60,295
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases	12.5			15.3
Finance leases	27.2			27.5
Weighted average discount rate (%):
Operating leases	3.79		%	3.94		%
Finance leases	4.57		%	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 Leases		Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	21,752	$	1,091
2022	36,814		4,463
2023	33,521		4,463
2024	20,182		4,463
2025	14,265		4,463
Thereafter	131,613		89,916
Total lease payments	258,147		108,859
Less imputed interest	81,911		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.

15

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)				(In thousands)
Net sales:
Lithium	$	320,334	$	283,722	$	599,310	$	520,540
Bromine Specialties	279,748		232,779		560,195		464,371
Catalysts	148,344		197,053		368,587		404,260
All Other	25,470		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 Specialties	92,646		73,041		187,286		156,303
Catalysts	21,164		22,777		46,591		70,247
All Other	8,379		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):

16

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

	Lithium		Bromine Specialties		Catalysts		Reportable Segments Total		All Other		Corporate		Consolidated 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 amortization	33,497		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 amortization	28,498		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 amortization	65,303		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 amortization	53,895		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

17

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Pension Benefits Cost (Credit):
Service cost	$	1,172	$	1,207	$	2,351	$	2,421
Interest cost	5,120		6,666		10,239		13,353
Expected return on assets	(10,901)		(10,028)		(21,794)		(20,091)
Amortization of prior service benefit	29		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 cost	310		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

18

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Recorded Amount		Fair Value		Recorded 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, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
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 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
Level 3	Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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, 2021		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
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, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan(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	$	—
Additions	244,530
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 reclassifications	20,539		—		823		—		21,362
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	25		—		—		650		675
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	20,564		—		823		650		22,037
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	76		—		—		—		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 reclassifications	62,847		(5,756)		37,645		—		94,736
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	8		—		—		648		656
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	62,855		(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 loss	50		—		—		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 loss	51,703		(51,703)		—		—		—
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	76		—		—		—		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 loss	17		—		—		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.

23

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 Other		Net Investment Hedge		Cash Flow Hedge		Interest 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)	2		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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
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, 2021		December 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,
	2021		2020
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

26

•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,

27

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 thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 2020		$ Change		% Change
Net sales	$	773,896	$	764,049	$	9,847	1	%
▪$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 thousands	Q2 2021			Q2 2020			$ Change		% Change
Gross profit	$	248,417		$	233,359		$	15,058	6	%
Gross profit margin	32.1		%	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 thousands	Q2 2021			Q2 2020			$ Change		% Change
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	121,516		$	106,949		$	14,567	14	%
Percentage of Net sales	15.7		%	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 thousands	Q2 2021			Q2 2020			$ Change		% Change
Research and development expenses	$	13,976		$	14,210		$	(234)	(2)	%
Percentage of Net sales	1.8		%	1.9		%

Gain on Sale of Business

In thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 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 thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 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 thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 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 thousands	Q2 2021			Q2 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 thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 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 thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 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 thousands	Q2 2021			Q2 2020			$ Change		% Change
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$	424,600		$	85,624		$	338,976	396	%
Percentage of Net sales	54.9		%	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 thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 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

31

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 Specialties	279,748		36.1	%	232,779		30.5	%	20	%
Catalysts	148,344		19.2	%	197,053		25.8	%	(25)	%
All Other	25,470		3.3	%	50,495		6.6	%	(50)	%
Total net sales	$	773,896	100.0	%	$	764,049	100.0	%	1	%
Adjusted EBITDA:
Lithium	$	109,441	56.2	%	$	94,536	51.0	%	16	%
Bromine Specialties	92,646		47.6	%	73,041		39.4	%	27	%
Catalysts	21,164		10.9	%	22,777		12.3	%	(7)	%
All Other	8,379		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	%	5	%

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

	Lithium		Bromine Specialties		Catalysts		Reportable Segments Total		All Other		Corporate		Consolidated Total
Three months ended 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 amortization	33,497		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 amortization	28,498		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 thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 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 thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 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 thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 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 thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 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 thousands	Q2 2021		Q2 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 thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 2020		$ Change		% Change
Net sales	$	1,603,187	$	1,502,894	$	100,293	7	%
▪$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 thousands	YTD 2021			YTD 2020			$ Change		% Change
Gross profit	$	512,104		$	475,377		$	36,727	8	%
Gross profit margin	31.9		%	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 thousands	YTD 2021			YTD 2020			$ Change		% Change
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	214,703		$	208,826		$	5,877	3	%
Percentage of Net sales	13.4		%	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 thousands	YTD 2021			YTD 2020			$ Change		% Change
Research and development expenses	$	28,612		$	30,307		$	(1,695)	(6)	%
Percentage of Net sales	1.8		%	2.0		%
▪Decreased research and development spend in each of the reportable segments

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Gain on Sale of Business

In thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 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 thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 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 thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 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 thousands	YTD 2021			YTD 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 thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 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 thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 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 thousands	YTD 2021			YTD 2020			$ Change		% Change
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$	520,277		$	192,828		$	327,449	170	%
Percentage of Net sales	32.5		%	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 thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 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 Specialties	560,195		34.9	%	464,371		30.9	%	21	%
Catalysts	368,587		23.0	%	404,260		26.9	%	(9)	%
All Other	75,095		4.7	%	113,723		7.6	%	(34)	%
Total net sales	$	1,603,187	100.0	%	$	1,502,894	100.0	%	7	%
Adjusted EBITDA:
Lithium	$	215,877	50.8	%	$	173,173	45.4	%	25	%
Bromine Specialties	187,286		44.1	%	156,303		41.0	%	20	%
Catalysts	46,591		11.0	%	70,247		18.4	%	(34)	%
All Other	29,858		7.0	%	41,422		10.8	%	(28)	%
Corporate	(54,930)		(12.9)	%	(59,587)		(15.6)	%	8	%
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):

	Lithium		Bromine Specialties		Catalysts		Reportable Segments Total		All Other		Corporate		Consolidated 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 amortization	65,303		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 amortization	53,895		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 thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 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 thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 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 thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 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 thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 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 thousands	YTD 2021		YTD 2020		$ Change		% Change
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(54,930)	$	(59,587)	$	4,657	8	%
▪$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/Year	Principal (in millions)	Interest Rate	Interest Payment Dates	Maturity Date
November 2019	€371.7	1.125%	November 25	November 25, 2025
November 2019	€500.0	1.625%	November 25	November 25, 2028
November 2019(a)	$171.6	3.45%	May 15 and November 15	November 15, 2029
November 2014(a)	$425.0	4.15%	June 1 and December 1	December 1, 2024
November 2014(a)	$350.0	5.45%	June 1 and December 1	December 1, 2044

(a)    Denotes senior notes.

Our senior notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all our other senior unsecured indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The notes are effectively subordinated to any of our existing or future secured indebtedness and to the existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries. As is customary for such long-term debt instruments, each of these notes outstanding has terms that allow us to redeem the notes before its maturity, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of these notes to be redeemed, or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis using the comparable government rate (as defined in the indentures governing these notes) plus between 25 and 40 basis points, depending on the note, plus, in each case, accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption. Holders may require us to purchase such notes at 101% upon a change of control triggering event, as defined in the indentures. These notes are subject to typical events of default, including bankruptcy and insolvency events, nonpayment and the acceleration of certain subsidiary indebtedness of $40 million or more caused by a nonpayment default.

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 Debt		Expected Interest Payments
Remainder of 2021	$	0.6	$	36.3
2022	—		57.4
2023	—		57.4
2024	425.0		55.9
2025	450.1		39.3
Thereafter	1,183.8		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

43

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 thousands	Six Months Ended June 30, 2021		Year Ended December 31, 2020
Net sales(a)	$	752,132	$	1,621,651
Gross profit	151,181		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 Issuer	218,294		(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.

45

Summarized Balance Sheet

$ in thousands	June 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Current assets(a)	$	1,264,129	$	1,194,278
Net property, plant and equipment	2,714,368		2,621,012
Other noncurrent assets	525,381		305,544
Current liabilities(b)	$	1,362,313	$	2,236,233
Long-term debt	995,480		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

46

specified third-party payments for principal and interest on the Parent Issuer and/or the Subsidiary Guarantor’s outstanding debt, common stock dividends and common stock repurchases. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Parent Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantor to obtain funds from subsidiaries by dividend or loan.

The following tables present summarized financial information for the Subsidiary Guarantor and the Parent Issuer on a combined basis after elimination of (i) intercompany transactions and balances among the Parent Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantor and (ii) equity in earnings from and investments in any subsidiary that is an Upstream Non-Guarantor. Each entity in the combined financial information follows the same accounting policies as described herein and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Summarized Statement of Operations

$ in thousands	Six Months Ended June 30, 2021		Year Ended December 31, 2020
Net sales(a)	$	752,132	$	1,621,651
Gross profit	160,039		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 Issuer	240,798		(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 equipment	721,928		770,230
Other non-current assets(b)	1,553,934		970,268
Current liabilities(c)	$	1,323,229	$	2,133,548
Long-term debt	1,808,445		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.

47

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.

48

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

#*10.1	Fourth Amendment to the Albemarle Corporation 2013 Stock Compensation and Deferral Election Plan for Non-Employee Directors
*31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
*31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
*32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
*32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101	Interactive Data File (Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarterly period ended 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.

49

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, 2021	By:	/S/    SCOTT A. TOZIER
			Scott A. Tozier
			Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
			(principal financial officer)

50

EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION

2013 STOCK COMPENSATION AND
DEFERRAL ELECTION PLAN
FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

    In accordance with Article 12 of the Albemarle Corporation 2013 Stock Compensation and Deferral Election Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended July 11, 2016 (the “Plan”), the Plan is hereby amended as follows:

1.    Effective January 1, 2021, Section 6.6(b) is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

“(b)    Notwithstanding paragraph (a) hereof, (i) with respect to a Director who does not stand for reelection as a Director for the following Compensation Year pursuant to meeting the Company’s retirement guidelines, any unvested Shares shall not be forfeited but shall vest at the time of the annual meeting when the Director effectively retires; and (ii) unless otherwise determined by the Company, with respect to a Director who elects not to stand for reelection as a Director for the following Compensation Year, unvested Shares shall not be forfeited but shall vest at the annual meeting when his or her time as a Director effectively ends.”

        2.    The provisions of this Fourth Amendment to the Plan shall be effective as of January 1, 2021.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation by its duly authorized officer and with its seal affixed, has caused these presents to be signed as of this 18th day of June, 2021.

            ALBEMARLE CORPORATION

                                By: /s/ Karen G. Narwold        

Karen G. Narwold

Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, J. Kent Masters, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Albemarle Corporation for the period ended June 30, 2021;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 4, 2021

/s/ J. KENT MASTERS

J. Kent Masters

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Scott A. Tozier, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Albemarle Corporation for the period ended June 30, 2021;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 4, 2021

/s/ SCOTT A. TOZIER

Scott A. Tozier

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Albemarle Corporation (the “Company”) for the period ended June 30, 2021 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, J. Kent Masters, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ J. KENT MASTERS

J. Kent Masters

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

August 4, 2021

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Albemarle Corporation (the “Company”) for the period ended June 30, 2021 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Scott A. Tozier, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ SCOTT A. TOZIER

Scott A. Tozier

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

August 4, 2021

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Cover - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jul. 31, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-12658
Entity Registrant Name	ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	VA
Entity Tax Identification Number	54-1692118
Entity Address, Address Line One	4250 Congress Street, Suite 900
Entity Address, City or Town	Charlotte
Entity Address, State or Province	NC
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	28209
City Area Code	(980)
Local Phone Number	299-5700
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	COMMON STOCK, $.01 Par Value
Trading Symbol	ALB
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		116,949,867
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Central Index Key	0000915913
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

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Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 773,896	$ 764,049	$ 1,603,187	$ 1,502,894
Cost of goods sold	525,479	530,690	1,091,083	1,027,517
Gross profit	248,417	233,359	512,104	475,377
Selling, general and administrative expenses	121,516	106,949	214,703	208,826
Research and development expenses	13,976	14,210	28,612	30,307
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	(429,408)	0	(429,408)	0
Operating profit	542,333	112,200	698,197	236,244
Interest and financing expenses	(7,152)	(17,852)	(51,034)	(34,737)
Other income (expense), net	14	(6,273)	11,326	2,041
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	535,195	88,075	658,489	203,548
Income tax expense	106,985	15,431	129,092	33,873
Income before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	428,210	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 income	446,208	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 (in dollars per share)	$ 3.63	$ 0.81	$ 4.54	$ 1.81
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 3.62	$ 0.80	$ 4.51	$ 1.81
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	116,809	106,329	114,700	106,278
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	117,436	106,535	115,383	106,524

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 446,208	$ 103,758	$ 563,906	$ 227,393
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation and other	20,564	62,855	(7,578)	(19,122)
Net investment hedge	0	(5,756)	5,110	(3,675)
Cash flow hedge	823	37,645	(777)	(13,815)
Interest rate swap	650	648	1,300	1,296
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	22,037	95,392	(1,945)	(35,316)
Comprehensive income	468,245	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

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
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 receivable	58,256	61,958
Inventories	732,563	750,237
Other current assets	81,741	116,427
Total current assets	2,151,354	2,206,184
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	7,596,684	7,427,641
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,086,085	2,073,016
Net property, plant and equipment	5,510,599	5,354,625
Investments	907,080	656,244
Other assets	256,081	219,268
Goodwill	1,640,720	1,665,520
Other intangibles, net of amortization	331,092	349,105
Total assets	10,796,926	10,450,946
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	535,153	483,221
Accrued expenses	317,954	440,763
Current portion of long-term debt	623	804,677
Dividends payable	45,428	40,937
Income taxes payable	85,770	32,251
Total current liabilities	984,928	1,801,849
Long-term debt	2,043,794	2,767,381
Postretirement benefits	47,371	48,075
Pension benefits	309,712	340,818
Other noncurrent liabilities	616,912	629,377
Deferred income taxes	428,438	394,852
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
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 capital	2,907,981	1,438,038
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(328,001)	(326,132)
Retained earnings	3,584,400	3,155,252
Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity	6,165,549	4,268,227
Noncontrolling interests	200,222	200,367
Total equity	6,365,771	4,468,594
Total liabilities and equity	$ 10,796,926	$ 10,450,946

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,623	$ 2,083
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, issued (in shares)	116,945	106,842
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	116,945	106,842

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings	Total Albemarle Shareholders' Equity	Non-controlling Interests
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		106,040,215
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 4,093,580	$ 1,061	$ 1,383,446	$ (395,735)	$ 2,943,478	$ 3,932,250	$ 161,330
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	227,393				192,828	192,828	34,565
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(35,316)			(35,396)		(35,396)	80
Cash dividends declared	(96,158)				(81,872)	(81,872)	(14,286)
Stock-based compensation	9,872		9,872			9,872
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		204,477
Exercise of stock options	10,809	$ 2	10,807			10,809
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)		145,570
Issuance of common stock, net	0	$ 2	(2)			0
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances (in shares)		(53,280)
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	(4,019)	$ (1)	(4,018)			(4,019)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020		106,336,982
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	4,206,161	$ 1,064	1,400,105	(431,131)	3,054,434	4,024,472	181,689
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020		106,318,614
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	4,041,525	$ 1,063	1,393,681	(526,489)	3,009,749	3,878,004	163,521
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	103,758				85,624	85,624	18,134
Other comprehensive (loss) income	95,392			95,358		95,358	34
Cash dividends declared	(40,939)				(40,939)	(40,939)	0
Stock-based compensation	6,005		6,005			6,005
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		10,940
Exercise of stock options	614	$ 0	614			614
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)		13,250
Issuance of common stock, net	0	$ 1	(1)			0
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances (in shares)		(5,822)
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	(194)	$ 0	(194)			(194)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020		106,336,982
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	4,206,161	$ 1,064	1,400,105	(431,131)	3,054,434	4,024,472	181,689
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020		106,842,369
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	4,468,594	$ 1,069	1,438,038	(326,132)	3,155,252	4,268,227	200,367
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	563,906				520,277	520,277	43,629
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(1,945)			(1,869)		(1,869)	(76)
Cash dividends declared	(134,827)				(91,129)	(91,129)	(43,698)
Stock-based compensation	9,778		9,778			9,778
Fees related to public issuance of common stock	(911)		(911)			(911)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		241,649
Exercise of stock options	14,335	$ 2	14,333			14,335
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)		9,906,090
Issuance of common stock, net	1,453,888	$ 99	1,453,789			1,453,888
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances (in shares)		(45,597)
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	(7,047)	$ (1)	(7,046)			(7,047)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021		116,944,511
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	6,365,771	$ 1,169	2,907,981	(328,001)	3,584,400	6,165,549	200,222
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021		116,718,175
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	5,942,553	$ 1,167	2,889,923	(350,114)	3,205,408	5,746,384	196,169
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	446,208				424,600	424,600	21,608
Other comprehensive (loss) income	22,037			22,113		22,113	(76)
Cash dividends declared	(63,087)				(45,608)	(45,608)	(17,479)
Stock-based compensation	5,104		5,104			5,104
Fees related to public issuance of common stock	(9)		(9)			(9)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		223,685
Exercise of stock options	13,152	$ 2	13,150			13,152
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)		3,783
Issuance of common stock, net	0	$ 0	0			0
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances (in shares)		(1,132)
Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances	(187)	$ 0	(187)			(187)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021		116,944,511
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	$ 6,365,771	$ 1,169	$ 2,907,981	$ (328,001)	$ 3,584,400	$ 6,165,549	$ 200,222

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.385	$ 0.78	$ 0.77

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
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 amortization	123,683	111,535
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	(429,408)	0
Stock-based compensation and other	8,425	9,765
Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)	(34,509)	(57,718)
Dividends received from unconsolidated investments and nonmarketable securities	27,420	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 debt	28,955	0
Deferred income taxes	27,708	8,990
Working capital changes	7,942	(156,579)
Non-cash transfer of 40% value of construction in progress of Kemerton plant to MRL	96,185	87,750
Other, net	(3,339)	(24,921)
Net cash provided by operating activities	385,853	207,917
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(22,572)
Capital expenditures	(396,915)	(418,991)
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested	290,467	0
Sales of marketable securities, net	4,553	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 stock	1,453,888	0
Repayments of long-term debt and credit agreements	(1,173,823)	0
Proceeds from borrowings of credit agreements	0	452,163
-325316000	(325,316)	12,956
Fees related to early extinguishment of debt	(24,877)	0
Dividends paid to shareholders	(86,637)	(79,909)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(43,698)	(14,286)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	14,335	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 equivalents	76,848	123,586
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 823,572	$ 736,696

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Basis of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

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.

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Divestitures

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure

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.

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Goodwill and Other Intangibles

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

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):

	Lithium		Bromine Specialties		Catalysts		All Other		Total
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

(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 Technology		Other		Total
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 other	2,400		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.

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Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	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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Earnings Per Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
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 share	116,809		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 share	116,809		106,329		114,700		106,278
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans	627		206		683		246
Weighted-average common shares for diluted earnings per share	117,436		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.

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Inventories

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories:

The following table provides a breakdown of inventories at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Finished goods	$	432,084	$	454,162
Raw materials and work in process(a)	224,560		219,896
Stores, supplies and other	75,919		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.

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Investments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Investments

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

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.

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Long-Term Debt

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term Debt

Long-Term Debt:

Long-term debt at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following (in thousands):

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
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 loans	7,222		7,702
Finance lease obligations	58,792		59,181
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	(15,062)		(20,332)
Total long-term debt	2,044,417		3,572,058
Less amounts due within one year	623		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

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.

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Commitments and Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

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 discount	483
Additions and changes in estimates	1,576
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(408)
Ending balance at June 30, 2021	46,543
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses	9,582
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

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.

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Leases

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

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.

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating lease cost	$	9,735	$	8,473	$	19,147	$	17,213
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right of use assets	156		153		313		307
Interest on lease liabilities	752		630		1,507		1,280
Total finance lease cost	908		783		1,820		1,587
Short-term lease cost	2,176		3,514		4,780		6,397
Variable lease cost	1,813		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,
	2021		2020
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 leases	876		749
Financing cash flows from finance leases	316		344
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	50,856		17,197

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, 2021			December 31, 2020
Operating leases:
Other assets	$	172,058		$	136,292
Accrued expenses	34,114			22,297
Other noncurrent liabilities	142,122			116,765
Total operating lease liabilities	176,236			139,062
Finance leases:
Net property, plant and equipment	58,582			58,963
Current portion of long-term debt(a)	2,369			1,752
Long-term debt	58,168			58,543
Total finance lease liabilities	60,537			60,295
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases	12.5			15.3
Finance leases	27.2			27.5
Weighted average discount rate (%):
Operating leases	3.79		%	3.94		%
Finance leases	4.57		%	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 Leases		Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	21,752	$	1,091
2022	36,814		4,463
2023	33,521		4,463
2024	20,182		4,463
2025	14,265		4,463
Thereafter	131,613		89,916
Total lease payments	258,147		108,859
Less imputed interest	81,911		48,322
Total	$	176,236	$	60,537

Leases

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.

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating lease cost	$	9,735	$	8,473	$	19,147	$	17,213
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right of use assets	156		153		313		307
Interest on lease liabilities	752		630		1,507		1,280
Total finance lease cost	908		783		1,820		1,587
Short-term lease cost	2,176		3,514		4,780		6,397
Variable lease cost	1,813		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,
	2021		2020
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 leases	876		749
Financing cash flows from finance leases	316		344
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	50,856		17,197

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, 2021			December 31, 2020
Operating leases:
Other assets	$	172,058		$	136,292
Accrued expenses	34,114			22,297
Other noncurrent liabilities	142,122			116,765
Total operating lease liabilities	176,236			139,062
Finance leases:
Net property, plant and equipment	58,582			58,963
Current portion of long-term debt(a)	2,369			1,752
Long-term debt	58,168			58,543
Total finance lease liabilities	60,537			60,295
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases	12.5			15.3
Finance leases	27.2			27.5
Weighted average discount rate (%):
Operating leases	3.79		%	3.94		%
Finance leases	4.57		%	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 Leases		Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	21,752	$	1,091
2022	36,814		4,463
2023	33,521		4,463
2024	20,182		4,463
2025	14,265		4,463
Thereafter	131,613		89,916
Total lease payments	258,147		108,859
Less imputed interest	81,911		48,322
Total	$	176,236	$	60,537

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Segment Information

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

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.

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)				(In thousands)
Net sales:
Lithium	$	320,334	$	283,722	$	599,310	$	520,540
Bromine Specialties	279,748		232,779		560,195		464,371
Catalysts	148,344		197,053		368,587		404,260
All Other	25,470		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 Specialties	92,646		73,041		187,286		156,303
Catalysts	21,164		22,777		46,591		70,247
All Other	8,379		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):

	Lithium		Bromine Specialties		Catalysts		Reportable Segments Total		All Other		Corporate		Consolidated 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 amortization	33,497		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 amortization	28,498		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 amortization	65,303		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 amortization	53,895		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

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.

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Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Pension Benefits Cost (Credit):
Service cost	$	1,172	$	1,207	$	2,351	$	2,421
Interest cost	5,120		6,666		10,239		13,353
Expected return on assets	(10,901)		(10,028)		(21,794)		(20,091)
Amortization of prior service benefit	29		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 cost	310		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

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.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Recorded Amount		Fair Value		Recorded 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, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
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.

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
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.

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Fair Value Measurement

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement:

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following hierarchy:

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

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, 2021		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
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, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan(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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Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

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 reclassifications	20,539		—		823		—		21,362
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	25		—		—		650		675
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	20,564		—		823		650		22,037
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	76		—		—		—		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 reclassifications	62,847		(5,756)		37,645		—		94,736
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	8		—		—		648		656
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	62,855		(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 loss	50		—		—		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 loss	51,703		(51,703)		—		—		—
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	76		—		—		—		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 loss	17		—		—		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.

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 Other		Net Investment Hedge		Cash Flow Hedge		Interest 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)	2		1,051		—		(372)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	$	(19,122)	$	(3,675)	$	(13,815)	$	1,296

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Related Party Transactions

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
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, 2021		December 31, 2020
Receivables from unconsolidated affiliates	$	2,771	$	4,098
Payables to unconsolidated affiliates	$	37,795	$	30,123

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

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,
	2021		2020
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.

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

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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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

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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Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in Goodwill

The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2021 (in thousands):

	Lithium		Bromine Specialties		Catalysts		All Other		Total
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	1,441,781	$	20,319	$	196,834	$	6,586	$	1,665,520
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

(a)    Represents goodwill of the FCS business. See Note 2, “Divestitures,” for additional information.

Other Intangibles

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 Technology		Other		Total
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 other	2,400		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.

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earning 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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
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 share	116,809		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 share	116,809		106,329		114,700		106,278
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans	627		206		683		246
Weighted-average common shares for diluted earnings per share	117,436		106,535		115,383		106,524
Diluted earnings per share	$	3.62	$	0.80	$	4.51	$	1.81

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Inventories (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Breakdown of Inventories

The following table provides a breakdown of inventories at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Finished goods	$	432,084	$	454,162
Raw materials and work in process(a)	224,560		219,896
Stores, supplies and other	75,919		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.

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consisted of the following (in thousands):

	June 30,		December 31,
	2021		2020
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 loans	7,222		7,702
Finance lease obligations	58,792		59,181
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	(15,062)		(20,332)
Total long-term debt	2,044,417		3,572,058
Less amounts due within one year	623		804,677
Long-term debt, less current portion	$	2,043,794	$	2,767,381

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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Activity in Recorded Environmental Liabilities

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 discount	483
Additions and changes in estimates	1,576
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(408)
Ending balance at June 30, 2021	46,543
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses	9,582
Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities	$	36,961

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Leases (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Lease, Cost

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating lease cost	$	9,735	$	8,473	$	19,147	$	17,213
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right of use assets	156		153		313		307
Interest on lease liabilities	752		630		1,507		1,280
Total finance lease cost	908		783		1,820		1,587
Short-term lease cost	2,176		3,514		4,780		6,397
Variable lease cost	1,813		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,
	2021		2020
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 leases	876		749
Financing cash flows from finance leases	316		344
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	50,856		17,197

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information related to Leases

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, 2021			December 31, 2020
Operating leases:
Other assets	$	172,058		$	136,292
Accrued expenses	34,114			22,297
Other noncurrent liabilities	142,122			116,765
Total operating lease liabilities	176,236			139,062
Finance leases:
Net property, plant and equipment	58,582			58,963
Current portion of long-term debt(a)	2,369			1,752
Long-term debt	58,168			58,543
Total finance lease liabilities	60,537			60,295
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases	12.5			15.3
Finance leases	27.2			27.5
Weighted average discount rate (%):
Operating leases	3.79		%	3.94		%
Finance leases	4.57		%	4.56		%

Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity

Maturities of lease liabilities at June 30, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):

	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	21,752	$	1,091
2022	36,814		4,463
2023	33,521		4,463
2024	20,182		4,463
2025	14,265		4,463
Thereafter	131,613		89,916
Total lease payments	258,147		108,859
Less imputed interest	81,911		48,322
Total	$	176,236	$	60,537

Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity

Maturities of lease liabilities at June 30, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):

	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	21,752	$	1,091
2022	36,814		4,463
2023	33,521		4,463
2024	20,182		4,463
2025	14,265		4,463
Thereafter	131,613		89,916
Total lease payments	258,147		108,859
Less imputed interest	81,911		48,322
Total	$	176,236	$	60,537

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Segment Information (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Reportable Segments Summarized Financial Information

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(In thousands)				(In thousands)
Net sales:
Lithium	$	320,334	$	283,722	$	599,310	$	520,540
Bromine Specialties	279,748		232,779		560,195		464,371
Catalysts	148,344		197,053		368,587		404,260
All Other	25,470		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 Specialties	92,646		73,041		187,286		156,303
Catalysts	21,164		22,777		46,591		70,247
All Other	8,379		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

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Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Domestic and Foreign Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Pension Benefits Cost (Credit):
Service cost	$	1,172	$	1,207	$	2,351	$	2,421
Interest cost	5,120		6,666		10,239		13,353
Expected return on assets	(10,901)		(10,028)		(21,794)		(20,091)
Amortization of prior service benefit	29		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 cost	310		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)

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of 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, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Recorded Amount		Fair Value		Recorded Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Long-term debt	$	2,056,328	$	2,259,180	$	3,588,157	$	3,783,225

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value

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, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
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.

Derivative Instruments, Losses

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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
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.

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Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value on Recurring Basis

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, 2021		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
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, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1)		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan(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.

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation

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	$	—
Additions	244,530
Ending balance at June 30, 2021	$	244,530

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Components and Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Net of Deferred Income Taxes

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 reclassifications	20,539		—		823		—		21,362
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	25		—		—		650		675
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	20,564		—		823		650		22,037
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	76		—		—		—		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 reclassifications	62,847		(5,756)		37,645		—		94,736
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	8		—		—		648		656
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	62,855		(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 loss	50		—		—		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 loss	51,703		(51,703)		—		—		—
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	76		—		—		—		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 loss	17		—		—		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.

Amount of Income Tax (Expense) Benefit Allocated to Component Of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

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 Other		Net Investment Hedge		Cash Flow Hedge		Interest 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)	2		1,051		—		(372)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	$	(19,122)	$	(3,675)	$	(13,815)	$	1,296

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Related Party Transactions (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Schedule of 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,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
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, 2021		December 31, 2020
Receivables from unconsolidated affiliates	$	2,771	$	4,098
Payables to unconsolidated affiliates	$	37,795	$	30,123

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

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,
	2021		2020
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.

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Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	$ 525,479	$ 530,690	$ 1,091,083	$ 1,027,517
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments	535,195	88,075	658,489	203,548
Income tax expense	106,985	$ 15,431	$ 129,092	$ 33,873
Out-of-period adjustment
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 7,900

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Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 25, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business		$ 429,408	$ 0	$ 429,408	$ 0
Fine Chemistry Services
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Non-cash proceeds from divestitures	$ 570,000
Cash Proceeds from Divestiture	300,000
Preferred Stock, Value, Outstanding	$ 270,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	12.00%
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business		(429,400)
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business, net of tax		$ 331,600

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Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Changes in Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1,665,520
Reclass to assets held for sale	(6,586)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(18,214)
Balance at end of period	1,640,720
Reportable Segments | Lithium
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,441,781
Reclass to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(14,297)
Balance at end of period	1,427,484
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	20,319
Reclass to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Balance at end of period	20,319
Reportable Segments | Catalysts
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	196,834
Reclass to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,917)
Balance at end of period	192,917
Reportable Segments | All Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	6,586
Reclass to assets held for sale	(6,586)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0
Balance at end of period	$ 0

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Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Other Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	$ 565,418
Reclass to Assets Held for Sale	(1,473)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(8,086)
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	555,859
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period	(216,313)
Amortization	(12,800)
Reclass to Assets Held for Sale	1,457
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	2,889
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period	(224,767)
Net Book Value	331,092	$ 349,105
Customer lists and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	448,748
Reclass to Assets Held for Sale	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(7,465)
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	441,283
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period	(147,286)
Amortization	(11,615)
Reclass to Assets Held for Sale	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	2,400
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period	(156,501)
Net Book Value	284,782	301,462
Trade names and trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	18,710
Reclass to Assets Held for Sale	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(227)
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	18,483
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period	(8,176)
Amortization	0
Reclass to Assets Held for Sale	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	60
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period	(8,116)
Net Book Value	10,367	10,534
Patents and technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	58,096
Reclass to Assets Held for Sale	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(154)
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	57,942
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period	(39,500)
Amortization	(731)
Reclass to Assets Held for Sale	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	345
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period	(39,886)
Net Book Value	18,056	18,596
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Asset Value, Beginning of Period	39,864
Reclass to Assets Held for Sale	(1,473)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(240)
Gross Asset Value, End of Period	38,151
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning of Period	(21,351)
Amortization	(454)
Reclass to Assets Held for Sale	1,457
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	84
Accumulated Amortization, End of Period	(20,264)
Net Book Value	$ 17,887	$ 18,513

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Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	20.00%	17.50%	19.60%	16.60%
Tax expense, gain on sale of business			$ 97.8

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Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 424,600	$ 85,624	$ 520,277	$ 192,828
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	116,809	106,329	114,700	106,278
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 3.63	$ 0.81	$ 4.54	$ 1.81
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	$ 424,600	$ 85,624	$ 520,277	$ 192,828
Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share (in shares)	116,809	106,329	114,700	106,278
Incremental shares under stock compensation plans (in shares)	627	206	683	246
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	117,436	106,535	115,383	106,524
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 3.62	$ 0.80	$ 4.51	$ 1.81

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Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 08, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jul. 20, 2021	May 04, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock, net (in shares)	8,496,773
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ 0.01				$ 0.01
Stock Issued During Period Value Per Share New Issues	$ 153.00
Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues Underwriter Option	1,274,509
Issuance of common stock, net	$ 1,500,000	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,453,888	$ 0
Cash dividend, amount per share (in dollars per share)							$ 0.39
Subsequent Event
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash dividend, amount per share (in dollars per share)						$ 0.39

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Inventories - Breakdown of inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 432,084	$ 454,162
Raw materials and work in process	224,560	219,896
Stores, supplies and other	75,919	76,179
Total inventories	$ 732,563	$ 750,237

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Inventories - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Lithium
Inventory [Line Items]
Work in process related to Lithium	$ 142.6	$ 129.6

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Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 25, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Non-cash proceeds from divestitures		$ 244,530	$ 0
Fine Chemistry Services
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Value, Outstanding	$ 270,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	12.00%
Windfield Holdings
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		49.00%
Carrying value of unconsolidated investment		$ 485,900		$ 479,600
Other variable interest entities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value of unconsolidated investment		$ 8,100		$ 8,000

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Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 2,044,417	$ 3,572,058
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	(15,062)	(20,332)
Current portion of long-term debt	623	804,677
Long-term debt	$ 2,043,794	2,767,381
1.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.875%
Unsecured debt | 1.125% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 450,103	$ 610,800
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.125%	1.125%
Unsecured debt | 1.625% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 596,750	$ 610,800
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.625%	1.625%
Unsecured debt | Floating Rate Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 0	$ 200,000
Senior notes | 1.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 0	$ 480,007
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.875%	1.875%
Senior notes | 3.45% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 171,612	$ 300,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.45%	3.45%
Senior notes | 4.15% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 425,000	$ 425,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.15%	4.15%
Senior notes | 5.45% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 350,000	$ 350,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.45%	5.45%
Credit facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 0	$ 223,900
Commercial paper notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	0	325,000
Variable-rate foreign bank loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	7,222	7,702
Finance lease obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term Debt	$ 58,792	$ 59,181

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Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on early extinguishment of debt			$ (28,955)		$ 0
Net investment hedge (losses) gains	$ 0	$ (5,756)	5,110		$ (3,675)
Interest Expense
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	$ 1,200		$ 29,000
1.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.875%		1.875%	1.875%
Commercial paper notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt			$ 325,000
Unsecured debt | 1.125% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt | €				€ 123.8
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.125%		1.125%	1.125%		1.125%
Unsecured debt | Floating Rate Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt			$ 200,000
Credit facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt | €				€ 183.3
Senior notes | 1.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt | €				€ 393.0
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.875%		1.875%	1.875%		1.875%
Senior notes | 3.45% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt			$ 128,400
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.45%		3.45%	3.45%		3.45%

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Commitments and Contingencies - Activity in Recorded Environmental Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 45,771
Expenditures	(879)
Accretion of discount	483
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(408)
Balance at end of period	46,543
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses	9,582
Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities	$ 36,961

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Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental remediation liabilities - discounted	$ 38.7	$ 39.2
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies - weighted-average discount rate	3.50%
Environmental remediation liabilities - undiscounted	$ 72.3	73.6
Minimum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Potential revision on future environmental remediation costs before tax	10.0
Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Potential revision on future environmental remediation costs before tax	37.0
Other noncurrent liabilities
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Tax Indemnification Liability	$ 28.3	$ 30.5

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Leases - Additional Information (Details)	Jun. 30, 2021
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease renewal term	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease renewal term	50 years
Real estate | Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term of contract	1 year
Real estate | Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term of contract	30 years
Non-real estate | Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term of contract	2 years
Non-real estate | Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term of contract	15 years

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Leases - Leases Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 9,735	$ 8,473	$ 19,147	$ 17,213
Amortization of right of use assets	156	153	313	307
Interest on lease liabilities	752	630	1,507	1,280
Total finance lease cost	908	783	1,820	1,587
Short-term lease cost	2,176	3,514	4,780	6,397
Variable lease cost	1,813	2,084	4,178	4,032
Total lease cost	$ 14,632	$ 14,854	$ 29,925	$ 29,229

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Leases - Leases Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 14,980	$ 18,664
Operating cash flows from finance leases	876	749
Financing cash flows from finance leases	316	344
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating leases	$ 50,856	$ 17,197

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Leases - Leases Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Other assets	$ 172,058	$ 136,292
Accrued expenses	34,114	22,297
Other noncurrent liabilities	142,122	116,765
Total operating lease liabilities	176,236	139,062
Net property, plant and equipment	58,582	58,963
Current portion of long-term debt(a)	2,369	1,752
Long-term debt	58,168	58,543
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 60,537	$ 60,295
Weighted average remaining lease term, operating leases	12 years 6 months	15 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average remaining lease term, finance leases	27 years 2 months 12 days	27 years 6 months
Weighted average discount rate, operating leases, percent	3.79%	3.94%
Weighted average discount rate, finance leases, percent	4.57%	4.56%

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Leases - Leases Maturity Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Leases
Remainder of 2021	$ 21,752
2021	36,814
2022	33,521
2023	20,182
2024	14,265
Thereafter	131,613
Total lease payments	258,147
Less imputed interest	81,911
Total operating lease liabilities	176,236	$ 139,062
Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	1,091
2021	4,463
2022	4,463
2023	4,463
2024	4,463
Thereafter	89,916
Total lease payments	108,859
Less imputed interest	48,322
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 60,537	$ 60,295

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Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

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Segment Information - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 773,896	$ 764,049	$ 1,603,187	$ 1,502,894
Adjusted EBITDA	194,628	185,193	424,682	381,558
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	424,600	85,624	520,277	192,828
Depreciation and amortization	61,423	57,841	123,683	111,535
Restructuring and other	766	6,733	1,540	8,580
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	(429,408)	0	(429,408)	0
Acquisition and integration related costs	1,915	5,470	4,076	8,426
Interest and financing expenses	7,152	17,852	51,034	34,737
Income tax expense	106,985	15,431	129,092	33,873
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	(5,471)	(2,895)	(10,936)	(5,803)
Charitable Contribution Expense	20,000		20,000
Other	6,666	(863)	15,324	(2,618)
All Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	25,470	50,495	75,095	113,723
Adjusted EBITDA	8,379	18,598	29,858	41,422
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	7,972	16,425	27,988	37,271
Depreciation and amortization	407	2,173	1,870	4,151
Restructuring and other	0	0	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	0		0
Acquisition and integration related costs	0	0	0	0
Interest and financing expenses	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	0	0	0	0
Charitable Contribution Expense	0		0
Other	0	0	0	0
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA			(54,930)	(59,587)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation			163,701	(141,672)
Depreciation and amortization			6,256	4,890
Restructuring and other				8,580
Acquisition and integration related costs			4,076	8,426
Interest and financing expenses			51,034	34,737
Income tax expense			129,092	33,873
Non-operating pension and OPEB items			(10,936)	(5,803)
Other			9,715	(2,618)
Reportable Segments | Lithium
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	320,334	283,722	599,310	520,540
Adjusted EBITDA	109,441	94,536	215,877	173,173
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	74,593	66,038	144,965	119,278
Depreciation and amortization	33,497	28,498	65,303	53,895
Restructuring and other	0	0	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	0		0
Acquisition and integration related costs	0	0	0	0
Interest and financing expenses	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	0	0	0	0
Charitable Contribution Expense	0		0
Other	1,351	0	5,609	0
Reportable Segments | Bromine Specialties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	279,748	232,779	560,195	464,371
Adjusted EBITDA	92,646	73,041	187,286	156,303
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	80,148	60,692	162,261	132,357
Depreciation and amortization	12,498	12,349	25,025	23,946
Restructuring and other	0	0	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	0		0
Acquisition and integration related costs	0	0	0	0
Interest and financing expenses	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	0	0	0	0
Charitable Contribution Expense	0		0
Other	0	0	0	0
Reportable Segments | Catalysts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	148,344	197,053	368,587	404,260
Adjusted EBITDA	21,164	22,777	46,591	70,247
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	8,446	10,702	21,362	45,594
Depreciation and amortization	12,718	12,075	25,229	24,653
Restructuring and other	0	0	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	0		0
Acquisition and integration related costs	0	0	0	0
Interest and financing expenses	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	0	0	0	0
Charitable Contribution Expense	0		0
Other	0	0	0	0
Reportable Segments | Reportable Segments Total
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA	223,251	190,354	449,754	399,723
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	163,187	137,432	328,588	297,229
Depreciation and amortization	58,713	52,922	115,557	102,494
Restructuring and other	0	0	0	0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	0		0
Acquisition and integration related costs	0	0	0	0
Interest and financing expenses	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	0	0	0	0
Charitable Contribution Expense	0		0
Other	1,351	0	5,609	$ 0
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA	(37,002)	(23,759)
Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation	253,441	(68,233)
Depreciation and amortization	2,303	2,746
Restructuring and other	766	6,733	1,540
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	(429,408)		(429,408)
Acquisition and integration related costs	1,915	5,470
Interest and financing expenses	7,152	17,852
Income tax expense	106,985	15,431
Non-operating pension and OPEB items	(5,471)	(2,895)
Charitable Contribution Expense	20,000		$ 20,000
Other	$ 5,315	$ (863)

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Segment Information - Summarized Financial Information by Reportable Segments (Footnote) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss on early extinguishment of debt				$ (28,955)	$ 0
Restructuring and other	$ 766	$ 6,733		1,540	8,580
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Period Increase (Decrease)				1,576
Cost of goods sold
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and other					700
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-routine Chilean labor costs	1,400			6,000
Restructuring and other			$ 6,700		8,200
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	4,000			4,000
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Period Increase (Decrease)	1,600			1,600
Non-controlling Interests
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring and other					300
Other (expenses) income, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred				3,600
Settlement of a legal claim					2,700
Revision of tax indemnification expense	(300)				800
Gain on sale of idle properties		$ 900			$ 800
Interest Expense
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	$ 1,200			$ 29,000

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Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Domestic and Foreign Pension and Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total net pension and postretirement benefits credit	$ (4,239)	$ (1,593)	$ (8,465)	$ (3,312)
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,172	1,207	2,351	2,421
Interest cost	5,120	6,666	10,239	13,353
Expected return on assets	(10,901)	(10,028)	(21,794)	(20,091)
Amortization of prior service benefit	29	69	58	18
Total net pension and postretirement benefits credit	(4,580)	(2,086)	(9,146)	(4,299)
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	31	26	62	52
Interest cost	310	467	619	935
Total net pension and postretirement benefits credit	$ 341	$ 493	$ 681	$ 987

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Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - Pension and Postretirement Plan Contributions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employer contributions	$ 4.2	$ 2.1	$ 18.9	$ 5.2
Payment for other postretirement benefits	$ 0.8	$ 0.8	$ 1.4	$ 1.5

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Total long-term debt, excluding debt issuance costs	$ 2,056,328	$ 3,588,157
Total long-term debt, fair value, excluding debt issuance costs	$ 2,259,180	$ 3,783,225

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	$ 7,497		$ 7,497		$ 13,606
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	2,691		2,691		4,803
Recognized gains (losses) of foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedging instruments	823	$ 37,645	(777)	$ (13,815)
Forward contracts | Other, net
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Cash settlements			(400)	(19,500)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Forward contracts
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	158,000		158,000		75,400
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedging instruments, asset	0		0		7,043
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedging instruments, liabilities	1,885		1,885		0
Recognized gains (losses) of foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedging instruments	823	37,645	(777)	(13,815)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Forward contracts | Other current assets
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedging instruments, asset					6,200
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Forward contracts | Other assets
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedging instruments, asset					900
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Forward contracts | Accrued expenses
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedging instruments, liabilities	1,900		1,900
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Forward contracts
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	520,100		520,100		611,100
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments, asset	7,497		7,497		6,563
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments, liabilities	806		806		4,803
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Forward contracts | Other current assets
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments, asset	7,400		7,400		6,600
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Forward contracts | Other assets
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments, asset	100		100
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Forward contracts | Accrued expenses
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments, liabilities	800		800		$ 4,800
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Forward contracts | Other (expenses) income, net
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Recognized (losses) gains of foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments	$ 2,048	$ (2,849)	$ 1,857	$ (8,303)

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Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	$ 30,278	$ 32,447
Private equity securities measured at net asset value	4,668	4,661
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	7,497	13,606
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	30,278	32,447
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	2,691	4,803
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 244,530	0
Fair Value, Asset, Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]	us-gaap:OtherOperatingIncome
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 244,530
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	30,278	32,447
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	0	0
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	30,278	32,447
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Similar Items (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	7,497	13,606
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	2,691	4,803
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments under executive deferred compensation plan	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	0	0
Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	0	$ 0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 244,530

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Components and Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Net of Deferred Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 5,942,553	$ 4,041,525	$ 4,468,594	$ 4,093,580
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	21,362	94,736	(3,295)	(36,629)
Amounts reclassified within accumulated other comprehensive loss			0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	675	656	1,350	1,313
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	22,037	95,392	(1,945)	(35,316)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	76	(34)	76	(80)
Ending Balance	$ 6,365,771	4,206,161	$ 6,365,771	4,206,161
1.875% Senior Notes
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.875%		1.875%
Foreign Currency Translation and Other
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ (345,591)	(550,760)	$ (369,152)	(468,737)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	20,539	62,847	(7,628)	(19,139)
Amounts reclassified within accumulated other comprehensive loss			51,703
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	25	8	50	17
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	20,564	62,855	(7,578)	(19,122)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	76	(34)	76	(80)
Ending Balance	(324,951)	(487,939)	(324,951)	(487,939)
Net Investment Hedge
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0	82,859	46,593	80,778
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	0	(5,756)	5,110	(3,675)
Amounts reclassified within accumulated other comprehensive loss			(51,703)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	(5,756)	5,110	(3,675)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Ending Balance	0	77,103	0	77,103
Cash Flow Hedge
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4,849	(46,613)	6,449	4,847
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	823	37,645	(777)	(13,815)
Amounts reclassified within accumulated other comprehensive loss			0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	823	37,645	(777)	(13,815)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Ending Balance	5,672	(8,968)	5,672	(8,968)
Interest Rate Swap
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(9,372)	(11,975)	(10,022)	(12,623)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified within accumulated other comprehensive loss			0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	650	648	1,300	1,296
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	650	648	1,300	1,296
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Ending Balance	(8,722)	(11,327)	(8,722)	(11,327)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(350,114)	(526,489)	(326,132)	(395,735)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	22,113	95,358	(1,869)	(35,396)
Ending Balance	$ (328,001)	$ (431,131)	$ (328,001)	$ (431,131)

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Amount of Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Allocated to Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Line Items]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 22,037	$ 95,392	$ (1,945)	$ (35,316)
Foreign Currency Translation and Other
Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	20,568	62,856	(7,570)	(19,124)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	20,568	62,856	(7,570)	(19,124)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(4)	(1)	(8)	2
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	20,564	62,855	(7,578)	(19,122)
Net Investment Hedge
Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	0	(7,401)	6,552	(4,726)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	0	(7,401)	6,552	(4,726)
Income tax (expense) benefit	0	1,645	(1,442)	1,051
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	(5,756)	5,110	(3,675)
Cash Flow Hedge
Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	823	37,645	(777)	(13,815)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	823	37,645	(777)	(13,815)
Income tax (expense) benefit	0	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	823	37,645	(777)	(13,815)
Interest Rate Swap
Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	834	834	1,668	1,668
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	834	834	1,668	1,668
Income tax (expense) benefit	(184)	(186)	(368)	(372)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 650	$ 648	$ 1,300	$ 1,296

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Related Party Transactions (Details) - Unconsolidated Affiliates - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to unconsolidated affiliates	$ 4,998	$ 5,281	$ 10,728	$ 12,498
Purchases from unconsolidated affiliates	55,771	$ 55,149	88,921	$ 131,624
Receivables from unconsolidated affiliates	2,771		2,771		$ 4,098
Payables to unconsolidated affiliates	$ 37,795		$ 37,795		$ 30,123

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Schedule of supplemental information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Capital expenditures included in Accounts payable	$ 169,532	$ 180,707
Non-cash proceeds from divestitures	$ 244,530	$ 0

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended		17 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items]
Capital expenditures		$ 396,915	$ 418,991
Non-cash transfer of 40% value of construction in progress of Kemerton plant to MRL		96,185	87,750
Reclassification of one-time transition tax		28,700	30,400
Mineral Resources Limited Wodgina Project
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	60.00%
Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Assets
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	40.00%
Lithium Hydroxide Conversion Assets | Mineral Resources Limited Wodgina Project
Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures [Line Items]
Consideration transferred		480,000
Non-cash transfer of 40% value of construction in progress of Kemerton plant to MRL		$ 96,200	$ 87,800	$ 440,300