Kalkine has a fully transformed New Avatar.

blue-chip

One Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing Stock Facing Resistance Level- ALB

Nov 12, 2024 | Team Kalkine
One Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing Stock Facing Resistance Level- ALB
Image source: Shutterstock

ALB:NYSE
Investment Type
Large-cap
Risk Level
Action
Rec. Price (US$)

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB)

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) is a manufacturer, marketer, and developer of specialty chemicals. The company's energy storage segment continues to focus on more efficient use of renewable energy via grid storage and energy storage for electric vehicles.

Recommendation Rationale – SELL at USD 110.49 

  • Financial Highlights: The group reported revenue of USD 1,354.7mn in Q3FY24, compared to USD 2,310.6mn in Q3FY23, reflecting a 41.4% decline driven by lower market prices for lithium carbonate and hydroxide in the energy storage sector. Additionally, the company reported negative EBITDA margin of 8.6% in Q3FY24. The company reported a loss of USD 1,069.0mn in Q3FY24, compared to a profit of USD 302.5mn in Q3 FY23.
  • Trading Near the Resistance: ALB share price trading to near its R1 level recommended on 11 November 2024. Therefore, share price can face resistance at the current levels.
  • Overvalued Multiples: On a forward 12-month basis– key trading multiples (EV/Sales, EV/EBITDA, Price/Cash Flow, Price/Earnings) are higher than the median of Basic Materials sector.
  • Market Risk: Challenges in the materials sector include commodity price fluctuations, climate change, regulatory risks, and foreign exchange, all of which can disrupt production and supply chains. Additionally, changes in macroeconomic conditions, such as economic cycles, interest rates, and inflation, can also pose significant challenges.

ALB Daily Price Chart

Valuation Methodology: EV/Sales Approach (FY December'25E) (Illustrative)

Considering the decline in revenue in Q3FY24, driven by lower lithium pricing and an increase in operating losses during the same period. The company expected to reduce its global workforce by 6% to 7%. Additionally, reducing capital expenditures for FY25 by approximately 50% compared to FY24. the stock might trade at a slight discount to its peers. For conducting the valuation, the following peers have been considered: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc (NYSE:IFF), RPM International Inc (NYSE: RPM), Ashland Inc (NYSE: ASH), and other have been considered.

Considering that the stock trading to near its R1 level, market uncertainties, and risks associated, the share price can witness resistance at the current levels. Hence, a ‘Sell’ recommendation is given on the stock at the closing market price of USD 110.49, as of 11 November 2024.

Markets are trading in a highly volatile zone currently due to certain macro-economic issues and geopolitical issues prevailing geopolitical tensions. Therefore, it is prudent to follow a cautious approach while investing. 

Note 1: Past performance is neither an indicator nor a guarantee of future performance.

Note 2: The reference date for all price data, currency, technical indicators, support, and resistance levels is 11 November 2024. The reference data in this report has been partly sourced from REFINITIV.

Note 3: Investment decisions should be made depending on an individual's appetite for upside potential, risks, holding duration, and any previous holdings. An 'Exit' from the stock can be considered if the Target Price mentioned as per the Valuation and or the technical levels provided has been achieved and is subject to the factors discussed above.

Note 4: Dividend Yield may vary as per the stock price movement.

Technical Indicators Defined: -

Support: A level at which the stock prices tend to find support if they are falling, and downtrend may take a pause backed by demand or buying interest.

Resistance: A level at which the stock prices tend to find resistance when they are rising, and uptrend may take a pause due to profit booking or selling interest.

Stop-loss: In general, it is a level to protect further losses in case of any unfavourable movement in the stock prices.


Disclaimer-

This report has been issued by Kalkine Pty Limited (ABN 34 154 808 312) (Australian financial services licence number 425376) (“Kalkine”) and prepared by Kalkine and its related bodies corporate authorised to provide general financial product advice. Kalkine.com.au and associated pages are published by Kalkine.

Any advice provided in this report is general advice only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should therefore consider whether the advice is appropriate to your objectives, financial situation and needs before acting upon it.

There may be a Product Disclosure Statement, Information Statement or other offer document for the securities or other financial products referred to in Kalkine reports. You should obtain a copy of the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Information Statement or offer document and consider the statement or document before making any decision about whether to acquire the security or product.

Choosing an investment is an important decision. If you do not feel confident making a decision based on the recommendations Kalkine has made in our reports, you should consider seeking advice from a financial adviser, stockbroker or other professional (including taxation and legal advice) before acting on any advice in this report or on the Kalkine website. Not all investments are appropriate for all people.

The information in this report and on the Kalkine website has been prepared from a wide variety of sources, which Kalkine, to the best of its knowledge and belief, considers accurate. Kalkine has made every effort to ensure the reliability of information contained in its reports, newsletters and websites. All information represents our views at the date of publication and may change without notice. The information in this report does not constitute an offer to sell securities or other financial products or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities or other financial products. Our reports contain general recommendations to invest in securities and other financial products.

Kalkine is not responsible for, and does not guarantee, the performance of the investments mentioned in this report This report may contain information on past performance of particular investments. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. Hypothetical returns may not reflect actual performance. Any displays of potential investment opportunities are for sample purposes only and may not actually be available to investors. To the extent permitted by law, Kalkine excludes all liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this report, the Kalkine website and any information published on the Kalkine website (including any indirect or consequential loss, any data loss or data corruption). If the law prohibits this exclusion, Kalkine hereby limits its liability, to the extent permitted by law, to the resupply of services..

Please also read our Terms & Conditions and Financial Services Guide for further information. Employees and/or associates of Kalkine and its related entities may hold interests in the securities or other financial products covered in this report or on the Kalkine website. Any such employees and associates are required to comply with certain safeguards, procedures and disclosures as required by law.

Kalkine Media Pty Ltd, an affiliate of Kalkine Pty Ltd, may have received, or be entitled to receive, financial consideration in connection with providing information about certain entity(s) covered on its website including entities covered in this Report.