Albemarle Completes Majority Interest Sale of Ketjen to KPS

Albemarle Finalizes Sale of Majority Stake in Ketjen to KPS

Albemarle Corporation (ALB) has officially transferred a controlling interest in Ketjen Corporation’s refining catalyst solutions segment to KPS Capital Partners, LP affiliates. While KPS now holds the majority of Ketjen’s board seats and operational authority, Albemarle retains a minority ownership in the company. Additionally, Albemarle continues to fully own Ketjen’s Performance Catalyst Solutions division, which has been absorbed into its main product lineup.

This transaction follows Albemarle’s earlier sale of its 50% stake in the Eurecat joint venture to Axens SA, a deal completed in January 2026. Together, these two divestitures have brought in $670 million before taxes. The company intends to use these funds to pay down debt and for other general business needs, thereby improving its financial flexibility.

These strategic actions reflect Albemarle’s belief in Ketjen’s future growth prospects. By refining its portfolio, Albemarle aims to support Ketjen’s continued development. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as Albemarle’s financial advisor, while K&L Gates LLP provided legal counsel for the transaction.

Over the past year, ALB shares have surged 121.2%, significantly outperforming the chemical diversified industry, which saw an 11.7% decline.

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ALB’s Zacks Rating and Other Noteworthy Picks

Currently, Albemarle holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Other highly rated stocks in the Basic Materials sector include:

• Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM)
• Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (BVN)
• Balchem Corporation (BCPC)

Both AEM and BVN are currently rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while BCPC carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Recent Performance Highlights

• Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM): The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings stands at $13.28 per share, representing a 60.39% year-over-year increase. The company has exceeded earnings expectations in each of the last four quarters, averaging a 10.77% surprise. AEM’s stock price has climbed 135.4% over the past year.
• Buenaventura (BVN): For 2026, the consensus earnings estimate is $3.45 per share, up 4.6% from the previous year. BVN has outperformed earnings estimates in all four recent quarters, with an average surprise of 80.4%. Its shares have soared 185.2% in the last year.
• Balchem (BCPC): The 2026 earnings estimate is $5.47 per share, a 6.2% year-over-year increase. BCPC has beaten earnings estimates in two of the last four quarters, and its stock is up 4% over the past year.

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Additional Free Stock Analysis Reports

• Albemarle Corporation (ALB): Free Stock Analysis Report
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• Balchem Corporation (BCPC): Free Stock Analysis Report

Originally published by Zacks Investment Research.

Zacks Investment Research