Albemarle (ALB) Launches XPLORE & First Grade KF 787 PULSAR

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) is launching XPLORE, a platform for the clean transportation fuels market. The XPLORE catalyst platform has resulted from breakthrough research in hydroprocessing catalyst technology, which allows refineries to produce clean transportation fuels in a more efficient way.

Per Albemarle, first grade KF 787 PULSAR is an innovative, premium catalyst line, geared for the production of clean diesel. It was developed to boost returns for refiners who process cracked feedstock and high nitrogen despite limited availability of hydrogen and low operating pressure. The company is committed to innovation in the market through KF 787 PULSAR and the XPLORE platform technology.

Albemarle’s shares have gained around 7.7% in the past three months against the roughly 14% decline recorded by its industry.

The company’s revenues rose year over year in the third quarter, aided by favorable pricing across the board and increased sales volumes of Bromine Specialties and Catalysts.

Albemarle, in its third-quarter earnings call, backed its guidance for 2018. The company continues to see adjusted earnings per share for the year in the band of $5.30-$5.50, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 15-20%. The company envisions net sales for 2018 of between $3.3 billion and $3.5 billion. Adjusted EBITDA for the year has been forecast in the range of $990 million to $1,020 million.

Albemarle Corporation Price and Consensus

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Albemarle currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

A few better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space are CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) , The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) and and Methanex Corporation (NASDAQ:MEOH) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

CF Industries has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 6%. The company’s shares have gained 31.4% in the past year.

Mosaic has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 7%. The stock has rallied 57.6% in the past year.

Methanex has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 15%. Its shares have gained 20% in the past year.

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