FORM 10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x    Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

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)

330 South Fourth Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 804-788-6000

Registrant’s website address: www.albemarle.com

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

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 at least the past 90 days.  Yes x    No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes x    No ¨

The Company makes available through its website, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practical after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of  December 31, 2002: 41,692,074.

Aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of December 31, 2002: $926,227,019.50*

*In determining this figure, an aggregate of 9,135,764 shares of Common Stock treated as beneficially owned by Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr., William M. Gottwald, John D. Gottwald and James T. Gottwald and members of their families have been excluded and treated as shares held by affiliates. See Item 12 herein. The aggregate market value has been computed on the basis of the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions on December 31, 2002, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of Albemarle Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

1

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

PART I

ITEM 1.    Business

Albemarle Corporation and its subsidiaries (“the Company” or “Albemarle”) are a major producer of polymer and fine chemicals, most of which are additives to or intermediates for plastics, polymers and elastomers, cleaning products, personal care products, agricultural compounds, pharmaceuticals, photographic chemicals, drilling compounds, ceramics, refractories, paper processing, paints and coatings, and biocides. Most sales of the Company’s products are made directly to manufacturers of these aforementioned products, including chemical and polymer companies, pharmaceutical companies, agricultural companies, cleaning product manufacturers, paper and photographic companies, drilling companies and water treatment companies. The Company also performs custom research and development manufacturing campaigns for third parties at the Tyrone, Pennsylvania facility as well as the cGMP pilot plant in Dayton, Ohio. Albemarle employs approximately 3,000 people.

The following discussion of the Company’s businesses as of December 31, 2002, should be read in conjunction with the information contained in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on page 8.

The Company produces the majority of its products in the United States, but also has production facilities in France, Germany and the United Kingdom and has aluminum alkyls produced for it by BP, p.l.c. or its affiliates (“BP”) at the Company’s former Feluy, Belgium plant. The processes and technologies for many of these products were developed in the Company’s or its predecessor’s (Ethyl Corporation (“Ethyl”)) research and development laboratories. The Company also has interests in certain joint venture production facilities in Japan, People’s Republic of China, Jordan, and Austria.

The Company’s worldwide chemicals operations are reported as two separate and distinct operating segments, Polymer Chemicals and Fine Chemicals.

The Polymer Chemicals’ operating segment consists of a broad range of chemicals including flame retardants, catalysts and polymer additives.

Albemarle’s brominated, mineral-based and phosphorus flame retardants are manufactured to help polymer materials meet fire-safety requirements in finished products which serve a variety of end use markets including electronic enclosures, wire and cable, printed circuit boards, electrical connectors and construction.

The Company’s catalyst business is the world’s largest supplier of aluminum alkyls which are used as co-catalysts in the production of polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, elastomers, alpha olefins such as hexene, octene and decene, and organotin heat stabilizers and in the preparation of organic intermediates. The Company has production units at Pasadena, Texas, Orangeburg, South Carolina, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Feluy, Belgium, which is leased to BP, and a 50%-owned joint venture in Japan. The Company has continued to build on its organometallics base and expand the portfolio of products and capabilities it offers its customers pursuing the development and commercialization of polymers based on metallocene/single-site catalysts.

The Company also produces polymer additives, such as curatives for polyurethane and epoxy system polymerization, as well as for ultraviolet curing of various inks and coatings, which are products used to control polyurethane and epoxy system polymerization. Also produced are antioxidants and alkylated hindered phenolics that are used to maintain the performance integrity of thermoplastic resins.

The Fine Chemicals’ operating segment includes pharmachemicals, agrichemicals, fine chemistry services and intermediates and performance chemicals. Included in performance chemicals are elemental bromine, alkyl bromides, inorganic bromides, and a number of bromine fine chemicals. Applications for these bromine-based performance chemicals primarily exist in chemical synthesis, oil and gas well drilling and completion fluids, water purification, glass making, cleaning products and photographic chemicals. The Company continues to expand its bromine production capabilities, completing the bromine and bromine derivative facilities in Safi, Jordan, with joint venture partner Arab Potash Company Limited in late 2002. The Jordan joint venture capacities will supplement the Company’s current and extensive brine field, bromine, and bromine derivatives at the Magnolia, Arkansas facilities. Other performance chemicals products include tertiary amines for surfactants and biocides, disinfectants and sanitizers; potassium- and chlorine-based products used in glass making and various other industrial applications; zeolite A (sodium alumina silicate) used as a phosphate replacement in laundry detergent builders; alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA) used in paper-sizing formulations; urea formaldehyde resins used in coating applications and aluminum oxides used in a wide variety of refractory, ceramic and polishing applications. These products have many varied customers. They are sold to suppliers for use in household, institutional and industrial cleaners, personal care products, coatings, automotive insulators, foundry bricks and other industrial products.

The Company’s pharmachemicals bulk actives, ibuprofen and naproxen, are widely used to provide fever reduction and temporary relief of aches and pains and menstrual cramps. Bulk ibuprofen and naproxen are formulated by pharmaceutical companies who sell to customers in both

2

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

the prescription and over-the-counter markets. Ibuprofen- and naproxen-based products accounted for approximately 31% and 8% of the U.S. over-the-counter analgesic market in 2002 on a volume basis, respectively. They compete against other painkillers, including aspirin and acetaminophen. The Company is one of the world’s largest producers of ibuprofen. Albemarle produces pharmaceutical intermediates at several plant sites. Subsidiary Albemarle PPC SAS (“APPC”) operates a plant in Thann, France which produces more than thirty different intermediates used in the production of pharmaceutical actives and intermediates. The intermediates produced at this facility are primarily, but not exclusively, brominated products. The Company’s cGMP pilot plant in Dayton, Ohio produces pharmaceutical intermediates for a wide array of potential drugs under clinical trial.

The Dayton, Ohio facility, the pilot plant at the Tyrone, Pennsylvania facility, the Process Development Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the plant in Thann, France form the capability base for the Company’s contract research and custom manufacturing businesses. These business areas provide research and scale-up services primarily to innovative life science companies. The flexible custom manufacturing capabilities of the commercial units at the Tyrone, Pennsylvania plant are well suited for the scale-up of many of these and other product offerings. The later stages of these products can be standardized in Tyrone or be targeted for manufacturing in one of the Company’s dedicated production sites. This breadth of scale-up capability across a variety of sites positions Albemarle to access new fine chemicals opportunities in the life sciences and other major end markets.

The Company’s agrichemicals are sold to chemical companies that supply finished products to farmers, governments and others. These products include orthoalkylated anilines for the acetanilide family of pre-emergent herbicides used on corn, soybeans and other crops; methyl bromide with its primarily use as a soil fumigant; and organophosphorus products for insecticide use. The Company is in year two of a five-year Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) program to phase down the home use of certain end-market products that use Albemarle’s organophosphorus agrichemical intermediates. In addition, methyl bromide is regulated based on the Montreal Protocol of 1991 and the subsequent phase-out amendment in the EPA Clean Air Act.

APPC is one of the world’s largest producers of organic and inorganic brominated compounds used mainly in pharmaceutical, photographic and agricultural chemical intermediates. APPC also operates an electrolysis unit to produce high-purity caustic potash and potassium carbonate used in the glass, water treatment, cleaning product and food industries. APPC strengthens the Company’s position in Fine Chemicals and provides additional manufacturing capabilities in Europe.

In the Fine Chemicals’ product lines, most plants operated at similar rates to those experienced in 2001, with the largest exception being the Magnolia, Arkansas, bromine-based performance chemicals’ facilities, which have improved to near full utilization in 2002.

In Polymer Chemicals’ product lines, most of the Company’s plants operated at somewhat higher capacity utilization in 2002 than during 2001; however, the aluminum alkyls plants operated at rates below those in 2001.

The Company operates on a worldwide basis with (i) manufacturing plants located in France, Germany and the United Kingdom, in addition to facilities in the United States, and has interest in certain joint venture production facilities in Japan, People’s Republic of China, Jordan and Austria, (ii) offices and distribution terminals in Belgium, France, Japan and Singapore, as well as the United States and (iii) offices in Shanghai and Beijing, China. The Company does not believe it has significant assets in countries in which those assets would be deemed to be exposed to substantial risk. See Note 17, “Operating Segments and Geographic Area Information” of notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 on page 39.

Competition

Albemarle operates in a highly competitive marketplace, competing against a number of other companies in most of its product lines. Some markets involve a significant number of competitors, while others involve only a few. The competitors of the Company are varied in terms of size, resources and market share. Competition generally is based on product performance and availability, reputation for quality, price and customer service and support. The degree and nature of competition depends on the type of product involved.

In general, the Company competes on the basis of the quality and price of its products and customer services by maintaining a broad range of products and by focusing resources on products in which the Company has a competitive advantage. It endeavors to improve its reputation for quality products, competitive prices and excellent customer service and support. Competition in connection with the Company’s products requires continuing investments in research and development, product and process improvements and specialized customer services. Through research and development, the Company continues to seek to increase margins by introducing value-added products and products based on proprietary technologies.

3

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

Raw Materials and Significant Supply Contracts

Raw materials used by the Company include ethylene, potassium chloride, aluminum, ortho-toluidine, bisphenol-A, chlorine, phenol, isobutylene, caustic soda, toluene, diphenyl oxide, alumina trihydrate, dimethlyamine, phthalic anhydride, polystyrene, alpha olefins, maleic anhydride, ethanol, phosphorus, sulfuric acid and nitrogen, as well as electricity and natural gas as fuels, most of which are readily available from numerous suppliers and are purchased or provided under contracts at prices the Company believes are competitive.

The Company also produces bromine in Arkansas from its extensive brine reserves supported by an active leasing program. The Company has supply agreements with the Dead Sea Bromine group of companies. The contracts essentially cover the bromine requirements for the production of bromine fine chemicals for Thann. In addition, the Company, through its interest in Jordan Bromine Company Limited (“JBC”), produces bromine from extensive brine reserves in the Dead Sea Evaporation Pan System. This bromine is supplied to part of the Company’s European operations and to derivative plants in Jordan.

The Company’s subsidiary Martinswerk GmbH (“Martinswerk”) has certain contracts which require Martinswerk to purchase certain minimum annual quantities of aluminum trihydrate from its suppliers. This is expected to continue as the Company or its subsidiaries expect to continue or expand purchases of aluminum trihydrate.

Major Customers

Due to the diversity of product lines in which Albemarle competes, no major portion of overall sales or earnings was generated by one customer nor is the Company overly reliant on contracts with any one public, private or governmental entity, although loss of one or more major customers could have a substantial financial impact.

A number of the Company’s customers manufacture products for cyclical industries such as the agricultural, pharmaceutical, automotive, electronics and building and construction industries. As a result, demand for the products of the Company from customers in such industries also is cyclical. However, due to the diversity and size of the Company’s operations, there is little seasonal variation in revenues or earnings, except for certain agricultural and pharmaceutical products and certain electronics-related flame retardants. In addition, the profitability of sales of certain products depends on the level of industry growth and our plant capacity utilization.

Other Matters

On January 21, 2003, Albemarle acquired Ethyl’s fuel and lubricant antioxidants working capital, patents and other intellectual property for $27 million in cash plus Albemarle will pay to Ethyl a total of $1.5 million in additional consideration during 2003 if Ethyl’s purchases of antioxidant products from Albemarle and Albemarle’s sales of antioxidant products to third parties for fuel and lubricant additive use meet certain specified performance criteria. The acquisition included the family of antioxidants and blends used to extend the service and the storage life and thermal stability of a broad range of fuel and lubricant products. In addition, pursuant to an amended supply agreement, Albemarle will supply Ethyl substantially all of its requirements for phenolic antioxidants through at least December 31, 2009. The effect of the acquisition on 2003 earnings will be finalized upon completion of an external third party valuation, including appropriate amortization periods if any, of the intellectual property acquired.

Research & Development and Patents

Albemarle’s research and development (“R&D”) efforts support each operating segment under the direction of the two segment vice presidents. With respect to Polymer Chemicals, the research focus is divided between new and improved flame retardants, polymerization catalysts and new polymer additives and blends. Flame retardant research is targeted to satisfy increasing market needs for performance and quality in products manufactured from polystyrene, acrylonitrilebutadiene-styrene (ABS) and engineered thermoplastics. Catalysts research is targeted to meet the market needs for cost-effective metallocene catalyst systems for the production of improved polyolefin polymers and elastomers. Development efforts are focused on efficiently debottlenecking pilot plant capacity to meet the expected demand for these businesses and to inventory new molecules to meet the expanding needs of our customers. These efforts are expected to continue into 2003 and beyond.

The primary focus of the Company’s Fine Chemicals’ research program is the development of efficient processes for the manufacture of chemical intermediates and actives for the pharmaceutical and agrichemical industries. Another area of research is the development of biocides for industrial and recreational water treatment and other applications, especially products based on bromine chemistry. These efforts are expected to continue into 2003 and beyond. In addition to the U.S. research facilities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dayton, Ohio, and Tyrone, Pennsylvania, the Company’s European businesses are supported by the research and development facilities in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, Bergheim, Germany and Thann, France.

The Company spent approximately $16.5 million, $21.9 million and $26.2 million in accordance with FAS No. 2 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, on research and development. Total R&D department spending was $26.4 million, $27.2 million and $31.4 million in 2002,

4

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

(2001 and 2000, respectively. Total R&D spending for 2002 included $9.9 million related to technical services support to customers and the Company’s plants, testing of existing products, quality improvement and environmental studies. In addition, the Company benefits from its contract manufacturing and research through increased know-how.

The Company considers patents, licenses and trademarks to be of significance to its business. As of December 31, 2002, the Company owned 1,260 active United States and foreign patents, including 26 U.S. patents and 83 foreign patents issued in 2002. Some of the Company’s patents are licensed to others. In addition, rights under the patents and inventions of others have been acquired by the Company through licenses. The Company’s patent position is actively managed and is deemed by it to be adequate for the conduct of its business.

Environmental Regulation

The Company maintains and operates manufacturing and distribution facilities and equipment which are used in the Polymer and Fine Chemicals’ segments. These are subject to environmental risks and regulations, which are discussed more fully in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the heading “Environmental Matters” on page 15.

Financial Information as to Industry Segments and

Geographic Areas

Albemarle’s operations are substantially all in the chemicals industry. Industry segments and geographic area information for the Company’s operations for the three years ended December 31, 2002, is presented in Note 17, “Operating Segments and Geographic Area Information” of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 on page 39.

Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic

Operations and Export Sales

Financial information about the Company’s foreign and domestic operations and export sales for the three years ended December 31, 2002, is set forth in Note 17, “Operating Segments and Geographic Area Information” of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 on page 39. Domestic export sales to non-affiliates may be made worldwide but are made primarily in the Asia Pacific region and Europe. Foreign unaffiliated net sales are primarily in Europe, the Middle East, Japan and the Asia Pacific region.

ITEM 2.    Properties

The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 330 South Fourth Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23219, and its principal operations offices are located at 451 Florida Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70801. The Company leases its executive offices and operations offices in Richmond, Virginia and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, respectively; and its regional offices in Singapore; Tokyo, Japan; and Shanghai and Beijing, China; as well as various other offices.

The following is a brief description of the principal plants and related facilities of the Company, all of which are owned except as stated below.

5

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

The Company believes that its plants, including planned expansions, will be adequate at projected sales levels for 2003. Operating rates of certain plants vary with product mix and normal seasonal sales swings. The Company believes that its plants generally are well maintained and in good operating condition.

Certain Agreements Between Albemarle and Ethyl Corporation

Albemarle and Ethyl entered into agreements, dated as of February 28, 1994, pursuant to which the Company and Ethyl agreed to coordinate certain facilities and services of adjacent operating facilities at plants in Pasadena, Texas and Feluy, Belgium. Effective March 1, 1996, certain of these agreements or portions thereof were transferred to BP as part of the olefins business sale, as discussed under “Pasadena, Texas Agreements.” In addition, Albemarle and Ethyl entered into agreements (Ethyl has extended the agreements through February 28, 2014) dated as of February 28, 1994, providing for the blending by Albemarle for Ethyl of certain products and the production of others at the Company’s Orangeburg, South Carolina, plant. See Subsequent Event footnote on page 40. Also since February 28, 1994, Albemarle has leased certain property from Ethyl in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which is used by Albemarle as its Process Development Center. Albemarle has extended this lease through February 28, 2014. Albemarle has the right to extend this lease for an additional five ten-year terms after February 28, 2014. Albemarle also has the right of first refusal to purchase the property, which is the subject of the lease. Finally, as a result of the spin-off of the Company from Ethyl in 1994, Ethyl and the Company entered into an Indemnification Agreement dated as of February 28, 1994 whereby the two companies indemnify one another under certain circumstances for liabilities relating to their respective businesses.

6

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

Certain Agreements Between Albemarle and MEMC Pasadena, Inc. (“MEMC”)

Albemarle and MEMC entered into agreements, dated as of July 31, 1995, and subsequently revised effective May 31, 1997, pursuant to which Albemarle provides support services to MEMC at its Pasadena, Texas, plant which consists of facilities for the production of electronic materials products. Albemarle supplies certain utilities and services to the MEMC Pasadena plant site pursuant to a utilities and services agreement (the “Utilities and Services Agreement”). All of the utilities and services are supplied at Albemarle’s cost plus a percentage fee. Albemarle has the right to terminate certain utilities and services on a minimum of twenty-four months’ notice. Albemarle will make available to MEMC certain other utilities and services for the duration of MEMC’s lease of the property upon which the MEMC Pasadena plant site is located. MEMC has the right to terminate any one or more utilities or services on twelve months’ notice.

Certain Agreements Between Albemarle and BP

Albemarle and BP entered into agreements, dated as of March 1, 1996, pursuant to which the Company provides operating and support services, certain utilities and products to BP, and BP provides operating and support services, certain utilities and products to Albemarle.

Pasadena, Texas Agreements

After the Company’s sale of the olefins business to BP on March 1, 1996, BP owns and operates the linear alpha olefins and synthetic alcohols facilities (“BP Pasadena plant”). Albemarle owns and operates all remaining Albemarle plants (“Albemarle Pasadena plant”). As a result of the sale, Albemarle supplies to the BP Pasadena plant certain utilities and the BP Pasadena plant supplies certain utilities to the Albemarle Pasadena plant. Virtually all of the utilities, services and products supplied by the Albemarle Pasadena plant to the BP Pasadena plant and by the BP Pasadena plant to the Albemarle Pasadena plant, are supplied at the provider’s cost plus a percentage fee. Most of the utilities, services and products supplied by Albemarle and BP have an initial term of 10 years, with an automatic extension for an additional 10-year term, unless terminated by either party at the end of the initial term upon two years notice.

With respect to products supplied by Albemarle to BP, and conversely by BP to Albemarle, each may terminate the supply of such product to the other on 180 days notice. BP ceased operations of its Pasadena synthetic alcohols facility on November 4, 2002, resulting in an operating profit impact of approximately $1 million per quarter to Albemarle. BP continues to operate the linear alpha olefins facility and Albemarle continues to supply BP at the Albemarle Pasadena plant.

Feluy, Belgium Agreements

After the olefins business sale, BP’s Belgian affiliate (“BP Belgium”) possesses (under a 99-year lease, with certain purchase options) and operates the linear alpha olefins and poly alpha olefin facilities. In addition, BP Belgium possesses (under the same lease) and operates the aluminum alkyls facilities exclusively for Albemarle (term: 10 years—Albemarle has the right to extend for one additional 10-year term). Albemarle supplies aluminum alkyl products to BP Belgium for use in the linear alpha olefins facility (term: 10 years—BP Belgium has the right to extend for one additional 10-year term). The services and products supplied by Albemarle to BP Belgium and by BP Belgium to Albemarle are at the provider’s cost plus a percentage fee.

ITEM 3.    Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved from time to time in legal proceedings of types regarded as common in the Company’s businesses, particularly administrative or judicial proceedings seeking remediation under environmental laws, such as Superfund, and products liability litigation.

The Company maintains a financial accrual for these proceedings which includes defense costs and potential damages, as estimated by its General Counsel. This accrual was adjusted at year-end 2002 to reflect both new and resolved matters and to include amounts to defend against asbestos premises liability litigation. With respect to the latter, the Company believes that its predecessor, Ethyl, is responsible for any related premises liability costs; the Company is also insured, in whole or in part, for any such liability.

While it is not possible to predict or determine the outcome of the proceedings presently pending, in the Company’s opinion they will not result ultimately in any liability that is likely to have a material adverse effect upon the results of operations or financial condition of the Company on a consolidated basis.

ITEM 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

NONE.

7

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

PART II

ITEM 5.    Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ALB. The market price highs and lows (per the New York Stock Exchange) by quarters for the years 2002 and 2001 are listed below:

There were 41,692,074 shares of common stock held by 5,438 shareholders of record as of December 31, 2002.

On July 31, 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend rate by 8%, from $.13 per share to $.14 per share or $.56 per share on an annual basis, payable October 1, 2002 to shareholders of record September 13, 2002.

Shareholders’ equity per share at December 31, 2002, was $13.67, up 5% from $13.04 at December 31, 2001, which was up 7% from $12.20 at December 31, 2000.

ITEM 6.    Selected Financial Data

The information for the five years ended December 31, 2002, is contained in the “Five-Year Summary” included in Part IV, Item 14, Exhibit 99 on page 48.

ITEM 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis Of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations

The following financial data and discussion provides an analysis of certain significant factors affecting the results of operations of the Company for years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. In addition, a discussion of consolidated financial condition and sources of additional capital is included under a separate heading “Financial Condition and Liquidity” on page 14.

Some of the information presented in the following discussion may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from its expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations include, without limitation, the timing of orders received from customers, the gain or loss of significant customers, competition from other manufacturers, changes in the demand for the Company’s products, increases in the cost of the product, changes in the markets in general, fluctuations in foreign currencies and significant changes in new product introductions resulting in increases in capital project requests and approvals leading to additional capital spending.

8

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

Results of Operations

Net sales by operating segments for the three years ended December 31, are as follows:

Net Sales

Net sales for 2002 grew to $980.2 million, up $63.3 million (6.9%), from $916.9 million in 2001. Polymer Chemicals’ net sales in 2002 were up $64.5 million (14.0%) due to higher shipments ($46.1 million) partially offset by lower pricing ($15.7 million) in flame retardants and the increase in net sales of $29.7 million resulting from the May 31, 2001, acquisition of Martinswerk GmbH (“Martinswerk”) and higher shipments ($6.9 million) offset, in part, by lower pricing ($2.5 million) in catalysts and additives. Fine Chemicals’ net sales in 2002 were down $1.2 million (0.3%), primarily due to lower shipments in agrichemicals and fine chemistry services ($29.1 million), product mix in performance chemicals ($6.1 million); offset, in part, by the Company’s mid-year 2001 acquisitions of Martinswerk and the custom and fine chemicals businesses of ChemFirst Inc. (“ChemFirst”) ($33.7 million).

Net sales for 2001 amounted to $916.9 million, down $0.6 million (0.1%), from $917.5 million in 2000. Polymer Chemicals’ net sales were down $39.0 million in 2001 (7.8%), primarily due to lower shipments ($47.0 million) and pricing ($4.2 million), which includes the unfavorable net effects of foreign exchange in flame retardants and lower shipments in catalysts and additives ($25.3 million) offset, in part, by higher net sales of $39.5 million, resulting from the May 31, 2001, acquisition of Martinswerk. Fine Chemicals’ net sales in 2001 were up $38.3 million (9.2%), due to the Company’s May 31, 2001 and July 1, 2001, acquisitions of Martinswerk and the custom and fine chemicals businesses of ChemFirst ($59.4 million) offset, in part, by lower shipments and unfavorable pricing in surface actives (zeolites) and the unfavorable net effects of foreign exchange.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Cost of goods sold in 2002 increased $49.4 million (7.1%), from 2001. The increase is primarily due to operating costs associated with increased shipments over 2001 in flame retardants and the Company’s acquisitions of Martinswerk and the ChemFirst custom and fine chemicals businesses, lower pension income as well as a charge of approximately $2.6 million ($8.3 million, net of probable insurance recovery of $5.7 million) related to the discontinuance of product support for and the withdrawal from a water treatment venture. This increase is partially offset by favorable plant utilization and production costs and the favorable effects of foreign exchange transaction gains of approximately $1.7 million in 2002 versus foreign exchange transaction gains of approximately $0.5 million in 2001. Gross profit margin decreased to 24.0% in 2002 from 24.1% in 2001. Overall, Albemarle’s average 2002 raw material costs were significantly lower than 2001. Energy costs in 2002 were lower than 2001.

Cost of goods sold in 2001 increased $49.5 million (7.7%), from 2000, primarily due to higher costs related to lower utilization of existing plant facilities and the higher costs associated with the Company’s acquisitions of Martinswerk and the ChemFirst custom and fine chemicals businesses, offset, in part, by lower employee-related costs in 2001 resulting from workforce reductions which occurred during 2000 and the favorable effects of foreign exchange transaction gains of approximately $0.5 million in 2001 versus foreign exchange transaction losses of approximately $0.8 million in 2000, with the result that the gross profit margin decreased to 24.1% in 2001 from 29.6% in 2000. Overall, Albemarle’s average 2001 raw material costs were comparable to 2000. Energy costs in 2001 were slightly higher than 2000.

Selling, general and administrative expenses, combined with research and development expenses (“SG&A”) in 2002 increased $7.3 million (6.1%) from 2001. Higher employee-related costs for 2002 as well as a $3.5 million increase in recurring SG&A associated with the Company’s mid-year 2001 acquisitions of Martinswerk and the custom and fine chemicals businesses of ChemFirst are the primary reasons for this increase. The 2002 increase in SG&A compares to a decrease of $8.6 million (6.6%) in 2001 from 2000 primarily due to lower employee incentive award costs and the realignment of corporate research and development efforts as well as the benefits of cost reduction efforts, offset, in part, by a $7.9 million increase in recurring SG&A associated with the Company’s mid-year acquisitions in 2001. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A were 13.1% in 2002 versus 13.2% in 2001 and 14.1% in 2000.

Operating Profit

Operating profit by operating segments for the three years ended December 31, are as follows:

9

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

The Company’s operating profit in 2002 increased $7.1 million (7.2%) from 2001. Reduced raw material and favorable manufacturing costs and plant utilization, higher shipments in flame retardants as well as the favorable integration of Martinswerk contributed to this increase. The increase is partially offset by lower pricing, lower shipments in Fine Chemicals agrichemicals and fine chemistry services product lines, a charge of approximately $2.6 million related to the discontinuance of product support for and the withdrawal from a water treatment venture and a charge of $1.5 million related to workforce reductions. SG&A in 2002 increased $7.3 million (6.1%) from 2001 primarily due to higher employee-related costs as well as a $3.5 million increase in recurring SG&A associated with the midyear 2001 acquisitions.

The Company’s operating profit in 2001, including a 2001 workforce reduction charge of $2.1 million, decreased $51.7 (34.4%) from 2000 primarily due to lower shipments, the effects of lower utilization of existing plant facilities and the negative net effects of foreign exchange in the Company’s European and Asia Pacific regions versus 2000, offset, in part, by an increase in operating profit associated with the Company’s acquisitions of Martinswerk and the ChemFirst custom and fine chemicals businesses. The operating profit decrease in 2001 versus 2000 was also impacted by the net effect of 2000 special items consisting of a one-time $15.0 million noncash pension settlement gain (“pension settlement gain”) and a workforce reduction charge of $6.9 million. Excluding special items in the 2001 and 2000 periods, 2001 operating profit decreased $41.5 million from 2000. SG&A decreased $8.6 million (6.6%) from 2000 primarily due to lower employee incentive award costs and the realignment of corporate research and development efforts as well as the benefits of cost reduction efforts, offset, in part, by a $7.9 million increase in recurring SG&A associated with the Company’s mid-year acquisitions during 2001.

Polymer Chemicals’ operating results for 2002 increased $7.7 million (12.8%) versus 2001, primarily due to higher shipments in flame retardants ($15.9 million), which includes the impact of the acquisition of Martinswerk and favorable raw material costs ($13.2 million). The increase was partially offset by lower pricing ($19.8 million) primarily in flame retardants and a first quarter 2002 reclassification of bad debt expense from corporate and other expenses ($2.0 million).

Polymer Chemicals’ operating results in 2001 decreased $44.1 million (42.5%) primarily due to lower shipments in flame retardants ($18.7 million) and catalyst and additives ($12.2 million), the effects of lower utilization of existing plant facilities, net of lower spending ($10.1 million) and the unfavorable results of foreign exchange ($7.0 million) offset, in part, by the impact of the acquisition of Martinswerk ($4.7 million) in 2001 versus 2000. Polymer Chemicals’ operating results for 2000 included allocations for a pension settlement gain of $5.5 million and a workforce reduction charge of $3.1 million. Excluding the special items in 2001 and 2000, Polymer Chemicals’ operating results for 2001 decreased $41.4 million (40.8%) from the corresponding period in 2000.

Fine Chemicals’ operating results for 2002 decreased $0.8 million (1.3%) versus 2001. Lower pricing ($13.7 million) primarily in performance chemicals, lower shipments ($10.9 million) primarily in agrichemicals and fine chemistry services, and a charge of approximately $2.6 million ($8.3 million, net of probable insurance recovery of $5.7 million) related to the discontinuance of product support for and the withdrawal from a water treatment venture were the major factors in the decrease. The decrease was partially offset by favorable raw material ($13.7 million) and manufacturing costs ($12.8 million), primarily due to increased production in the detergent builders product line.

Fine Chemicals’ operating results in 2001 decreased $9.3 million (13.1%) primarily due to lower shipments and lower pricing in surface actives (zeolites) and the unfavorable results of foreign exchange ($1.6 million) offset, in part, by improved performance in agrichemicals and pharmachemicals ($11.9 million) as well as the impact of the acquisitions of Martinswerk and the ChemFirst custom and fine chemicals businesses. Fine Chemicals’ operating results for 2000 included allocations of a pension settlement gain of $5.7 million and a workforce reduction charge of $3.1 million. Excluding the special items in 2001 and 2000, Fine Chemicals’ operating results for 2001 decreased $6.6 million (9.7%) from the corresponding period in 2000.

Corporate and other expenses in 2002 decreased $0.2 million (0.9%) versus 2001. This decrease is attributable to a first quarter 2002 reclassification of bad debt expense to the Polymer Chemicals’ segment operating profit ($2.0 million) partially offset by a higher employee incentive provision and a charge of $1.5 million related to workforce reductions in 2002.

Corporate and other expenses in 2001, which included a charge of $1.5 million related to the fourth quarter workforce reduction, decreased $1.7 million (6.9%) versus 2000, primarily due to lower employee incentive award costs and the benefit of cost reduction efforts in 2001. Corporate and other expenses for 2000 included higher incentive award costs, higher consulting costs, and a $.7 million workforce-reduction charge in 2000, offset, in part, by the allocation of $3.8 million related to the pension settlement gain. Excluding the workforce reduction charges in both periods and the pension settlement gain in 2000, corporate and other expenses decreased $6.5 million

10

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

(23.6%) in 2001. (See Note 17, “Operating Segments and Geographic Area Information” of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 on page 39.)

Interest and Financing Expenses

Interest and financing expenses in 2002 decreased $0.5 million from 2001 which followed a $0.5 million decrease from 2000 to 2001. 2002 interest and financing expenses were impacted by an overall lower average interest rate for the year versus 2001 partially offset by higher average debt outstanding during 2002. The higher debt in 2002 reflected the impact of the two acquisitions during 2001 as well as the repurchase of 4,000,000 common shares in February 2002. 2001 interest and financing expenses were significantly impacted by an overall lower average interest rate for the year versus 2000 despite higher average debt outstanding during 2001. The higher debt in 2001 was associated with the two acquisitions during the year.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net decreased to $3.4 million in 2002 from $4.3 million in 2001, primarily due to the minority interest of $2.1 million in the Company’s majority-owned subsidiary, Stannica LLC (“Stannica”), partially offset by interest received in the amount of $2.0 million related to a favorable income tax settlement in 2002. Other income, net, increased to $4.3 million in 2001 from $3.3 million in 2000 primarily due to earnings from investments. See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Investments” of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 on page 22.

Income Taxes

Income taxes in 2002 were relatively unchanged compared to 2001. 2002 income taxes included a Federal income tax settlement in the amount of $2.5 million offset by higher pre-tax income in 2002. 2001 income taxes decreased $16.7 million (36.5%) compared to 2000 due primarily to lower pre-tax income in 2001. The effective tax rate for 2002 was 28%, which was down from 29.9% in 2001 and 31% in 2000.

See Note 12, “Income Taxes” of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 on page 35 for details of changes in effective income tax rates.

Additional Information

Summary of Critical Accounting Policies

Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Listed below are the estimates and assumptions that the Company considers to be significant in the preparation of the financial statements.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — The Company estimates losses for uncollectible accounts based on the aging of receivables and the evaluation of the likelihood of success in collecting the receivables.

Recovery of Long-Lived Assets — The Company evaluates the recovery of its long-lived assets on a segment basis by periodically analyzing its operating results and considering significant events or changes in the business environment.

Acquisition Accounting — The Company estimates the fair value of assets and liabilities when allocating the purchase price of an acquisition.

Income Taxes — The Company assumes the deductibility of certain costs in its income tax filings and estimates the future recovery of deferred tax assets.

Legal Accruals — The Company estimates the amount of potential exposure it may have with respect to litigation, claims and assessments.

Environmental Remediation Liabilities — The Company estimates and accrues the costs required to remediate a specific site depending on site-specific facts and circumstances. Cost estimates to remediate each specific site are developed by assessing (i) the scope of the Company’s contribution to the environmental matter, (ii) the scope of the anticipated remediation and monitoring plan, and (iii) the extent of other parties’ share of responsibility.

Insurance Accruals/Receivables — The Company records and assumes the recoverability of insurance receivables and potential impact of insurance claims based on the Company’s estimates after considering advice from in-house and outside legal counsel as well as outside consultants.

Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions that the Company uses in the preparation of its financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Sales revenue is recognized when (1) ownership and all rewards and risks of loss have been transferred to the buyer, (2) the price is fixed and determinable, and (3) collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenue from services is recognized when performance of the services has been completed.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Accounts include costs of assets constructed or purchased, related delivery and installation costs and interest incurred on significant capital projects during their construction periods. Expenditures for renewals and betterments also are capitalized, but expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The cost and accumulated depreciation applicable to assets retired or sold are removed

11

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

from the respective accounts, and gains or losses thereon are included in income. Depreciation is computed primarily by the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets.

The Company evaluates historical and expected undiscounted operating cash flows of the related business segments or fair value of property, plant and equipment to determine the future recoverability of any property, plant and equipment recorded. Recorded property, plant and equipment is re-evaluated on the same basis at the end of each accounting period whenever any significant permanent changes in business or circumstances have occurred which might impair recovery.

The costs of brine wells, leases and royalty interests are primarily amortized over the estimated average life of the field. On a yearly basis for all fields, this approximates a units-of-production method based upon estimated reserves and production volumes.

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Annual costs of pension plans are determined actuarially based on Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” (“SFAS No. 87”). The Company’s policy is to fund U.S. pension plans at amounts not less than the minimum requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and generally for obligations under its foreign plans to deposit funds with trustees and/or under insurance policies. Annual costs of other postretirement plans are accounted for based on SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions.” The policy of the Company is to fund post-retirement health benefits for retirees on a pay-as-you-go basis. There are significant assumptions used in determining amounts including the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increase and assumed health care trend rate. These assumptions are based on the Company’s estimates after considering advice from a major actuarial consulting firm and using the consistent application of certain indexes.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences in the recognition of income and expenses for financial and income tax reporting purposes, using the liability or balance sheet method. Such temporary differences result primarily from differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.

Investments

The Company has investments in joint ventures, nonmarketable securities and marketable equity securities. The majority of the Company’s investments are in joint ventures. Since the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of these joint ventures, they are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s share of the investee’s (losses) earnings are included in the consolidated statement of operations as a component of other income, net. Investments in marketable securities are accounted for as available-for-sale securities with changes in fair value included in “accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. Joint ventures’ and nonmarketable securities’ results for immaterial entities are estimated based upon the overall performance of the entity where financial results are not available on a timely basis.

2003 Outlook

As we began 2002, we noted the slow global economy and the significant effect during 2001 on our Polymer Chemicals’ segment, particularly the electronics and the plastics markets which suffered from diminishing consumer demand throughout 2001. At that time, we were hopeful that market conditions would improve in 2002 after a difficult first half.

This situation again appears to be the case as we enter 2003. During 2002 we successfully overcame many of the obstacles thrown in our path by the economy and heightened global competition. The Company saw an increase in demand generally for the flame retardants sold into the polymer markets in 2002; however, a sluggish 2002 holiday season in the United States raises concern about the prospects of a difficult first half in 2003. Added to the concern of the global economy for the Polymer Chemicals’ segment is the continuing uncertainty in the agricultural market that began to affect Albemarle’s Fine Chemicals’ segment in the second half of 2002. Albemarle management cautions that the first half of 2003 will likely resemble the fourth quarter of 2002—a good period for shipments, but presenting a challenge to the Company to maintain focus on cost reductions, selective price increases and volume gains in order to deliver growth.

Albemarle actively manages contract and spot buying programs for raw materials and energy costs to limit the risks and maximize the benefits of such purchases to the Company. In 2002, the environment was favorable for many raw materials, and the Company posted significant savings compared to 2001. As we enter 2003, many suppliers are reviewing their pricing, and while the Company is protected in many cases by long-term contracts, the 2002 performance of our sourcing team will be harder to replicate in 2003. Generally, the following key raw materials and energy cost annualized effects, exclusive of any corresponding increases in selling price, should be considered:

12

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

ethylene – a $.01/lb price increase would impact earnings per share (“EPS”) by 1.5 cents; chlorine similarly – $10/ton change = 2 cents EPS and natural gas – $1/MM BTU change = 10 cents EPS change (including electricity impacts).

The Company continues to generate good cash flow. Albemarle ended the year with a strong balance sheet and our net debt of $143 million is similar to the start of the year. During 2002, we paid dividends of approximately $23 million, made stock purchases of about $93 million, incurred capital spending of $41 million, including the investment in JBC and made a year-end contribution of $17 million to our pension fund. This is a total of $176 million. We believe we can continue to sustain such a level going forward, and we remain cautious in our approach to uses of cash in 2003 and beyond. Priorities for investing in the business include capital expenditures and quality acquisitions that are synergistic to the Company. We will also maintain our strong dividend policy and will evaluate the repurchase of outstanding shares. The Company currently has authorization to repurchase over 4 million shares.

In 2002, we continued workforce reductions, where appropriate, as part of Albemarle’s ongoing efforts to control costs. The Company will continue to search for similar opportunities. During 2003 capital spending should be similar to 2002 levels in the range of $40 million, and the effective income tax rate will remain around 30%. Albemarle forecasts a continuing reduction of pension income for 2003 compared to 2002. However, modifications in other areas of employee benefits programs could offset a portion of this impact.

Going into 2003, we will continue to monitor the effect that currency fluctuations could have on our business.

Our Polymer Chemicals’ segment’s potential in 2003 is colored by an uncertain world. For example, the electronic printed wiring board book-to-bill ratio remains below one (an important production ratio for the industry), but the number of shipments and bookings used in the calculation increased at the end of 2002. Even though “demand uncertainty” is the watchphrase of the day, the Company believes that first quarter 2003 will show improvement over the fourth quarter of 2002.

Albemarle’s JBC joint venture began 2003 as a bromine plant; however JBC is poised to bring on additional capacity of a key flame retardant if market conditions dictate. The Company is expanding the diversification benefits from the halogen-free flame retardant products added through the Martinswerk acquisition and our joint venture, PolymerAdditives.com. The markets for mineral flame retardants include a number of areas that are not currently being served with brominated flame retardants.

In the organometallics area, specifically new catalysts, the Company is optimistic that it will see continued growth as the polyolefin producers commercialize new products. Albemarle’s technical expertise and manufacturing position in single-site activators provides a platform for success in this business. In the base business in 2002, the Company overcame the loss of certain aluminum alkyls business with additional sales in new catalysts and a number of other products. Stannica, a 60% majority-owned subsidiary that supplies organotin intermediates, became operational on April 1, 2002. Stannica has more than met Albemarle’s high expectations, giving the Company access to an important heat stabilizer market.

Albemarle’s sales in Asia were up 17% in 2002, compared with 2001. This geographical region is an important growth area for both the Polymer and Fine Chemicals’ segments. There is an active program to enhance growth initiatives in the area, and a great percentage of business leadership time will be committed to the region in 2003. 2003 will be the first full-year of operation of the Albemarle Chemicals (Shanghai) Company, Ltd., a Chinese company, which the Company believes will have a much larger impact in the region in coming years based upon existing sales and supply efforts, joint ventures in the region and the anticipated growth of the market in China.

Albemarle acquired Ethyl’s phenolic antioxidant business as we entered 2003. This business is a $20-million revenue product area. The acquisition builds upon the Company’s core strength in orthoalkylation chemistry and is a natural fit with the existing customer base. Albemarle previously served this business as a contract manufacturer for Ethyl; this acquisition allows us to go further downstream to drive growth in this product area. It is an example of the momentum our bolt-on acquisition program has seen over the last several years, and we are very pleased with this business as we begin integrating it into our additives portfolio.

In the Fine Chemicals segment, Albemarle made important strategic progress in 2002 despite the flat profit results. In 2003, agricultural products face a downturn in the overall agricultural economy, and the Company remains cautious regarding whether this market has seen its bottom. In addition, tough conditions in the custom chemicals manufacturing market provided a challenge for this product area. Performance chemicals and pharmaceutical products continue to provide good growth prospects in 2003. Higher chlorine costs have continued to confront this business. Overall pricing, while mixed in 2002, is expected to improve in 2003.

Uncertain agricultural chemicals demand, raw material price inflation and competitive custom manufacturing markets could affect our efforts. This leads us to be cautiously

13

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

optimistic about delivering profit increases for Fine Chemicals. However, continued discipline in driving cost reductions, selective price increases and volume gains will be required to offset these headwinds. The Company has plans to address each of these areas. Albemarle believes that increased benefits from its new product efforts and success in filling flexible manufacturing assets also can be accomplished, leading the Company to forecast positive performance in Fine Chemicals in 2003.

Fine Chemicals ended 2002 with three straight quarters of sequential sales growth, an expanded new product pipeline, the full integration of the ChemFirst custom fine chemicals business and Martinswerk acquisitions, and a successful startup of the JBC bromine and derivatives manufacturing capacities. Albemarle began to market commercial sales from JBC, which the Company believes will gather momentum in 2003. This startup was ahead of schedule and under budget and marks a major milestone in the strategy of global leadership in bromine-related businesses. Additionally, the non-flame retardant products from the Martinswerk acquisition, the aluminum specialties, should continue to be important contributors to overall Fine Chemicals’ profit growth.

The acquisition of ChemFirst custom fine chemicals manufacturing products and assets has enabled significant and positive fundamental changes to the way Albemarle is driving its Fine Chemicals’ business. The Company’s previously limited offering to the global life sciences market is now much more substantial, covering a broad array of offerings and services—active ingredients, intermediates, custom manufacturing, and contract research. Albemarle’s reception with customers has grown, the new product pipeline has filled, and the global flexible manufacturing assets are poised to benefit. Despite less-than-targeted profit results in 2002 from the acquired assets, the capabilities have led the Company to pull similar, global capabilities together into a new business area, fine chemistry services & intermediates, which it believes holds significant promise for profitable growth for Albemarle.

Finally, Albemarle has focused great attention on the recently enacted Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange. As one example, the Company has installed an internal disclosure and controls committee, and it intends to stay at the forefront of any corporate governance and financial control initiatives.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2002 were $37.6 million, which represents an increase of $7.0 million from $30.6 million at year-end 2001.

         Cash flows provided from operating activities were $144.8 million, which together with $281.3 million of proceeds from borrowings, primarily from the Company’s primary credit agreements, and an increase in working capital of approximately $5.4 million (excluding foreign currency translation) were used to cover operating activities in 2002, payoff the Company’s previous revolving credit facility of $160 million, cover repayment of debt of $112.8 million, purchase approximately 4 million shares of the Company’s common stock for $93.1 million, fund capital expenditures of $38.4 million, pay dividends to common shareholders of $23.0 million and increase cash and cash equivalents by $7.0 million.

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2001 were $30.6 million, which represented an increase of $11.3 million from $19.3 million at year-end 2000.

Cash provided from operating activities was $143.9 million, which together with $128.2 million of proceeds from borrowings were used to cover operating activities in 2001, including an increase in working capital of $4.5 million (excluding foreign currency translation), and acquire Martinswerk and the custom and fine chemicals businesses of ChemFirst Inc. ($113.2 million), fund capital expenditures, repay $54.1 million of long-term debt, pay quarterly dividends to common shareholders of $23.8 million, fund the Company’s additional investment in joint ventures, purchase 417,505 shares of the Company’s common stock for $7.6 million and increase year-end cash and cash equivalents by $11.3 million.

The Company anticipates that cash provided from operating activities in the future will be sufficient to cover its operating expenses, debt service obligations, dividend payments to common shareholders and to fund most, if not all, of its capital expenditures.

On September 10, 2002, the Company entered into a new three-year unsecured Credit Agreement with a group of lenders providing for $375 million in revolving credit facilities (the “Credit Agreement”) to replace its former Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Facility Agreement (“Credit Facility”) which matured on September 29, 2002. Borrowing under the Credit Agreement is conditioned upon compliance with financial and other covenants as set forth in the related agreement, including covenants relating to leverage (measured as the ratio of debt and interest to adjusted earnings). An increase in pricing level based on the Company’s debt-to-capitalization ratio would not accelerate the maturity of our indebtedness thereunder. However, an increase in our debt-to-capitalization ratio would result in an increase in the interest rate and fees payable under the Credit Agreement.

14

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

In addition, at December 31, 2002, the Company had the flexibility to borrow up to a total of $82 million ($33.5 million outstanding at December 31, 2002) under its various other credit arrangements.

The noncurrent portion of the Company’s long-term debt amounted to $180.1 million at December 31, 2002, compared to $12.4 million at the end of 2001. The debt level at December 31, 2001, amounting to $157.9 million, was reflected as current due to the maturity date of the credit facility. At December 31, 2002, the Company had the ability to refinance its borrowings through uncommitted credit lines with domestic financial institutions and foreign banks with borrowings under its Credit Agreement which matures on September 10, 2005.

The Company’s total long-term debt, including the current portion, as a percentage of total capitalization at December 31, 2002, was approximately 24.1%. In addition, the Company has commitments, in the form of guarantees, for 50% of the loan amounts outstanding (which at December 31, 2002, amounted to $20.8 million) of its 50%-owned joint venture company, JBC. JBC entered into the loans in 2000 to finance construction of certain bromine and derivatives manufacturing facilities on the Dead Sea. The Company’s total loan guarantee commitment for JBC is 50% of the total loans, which loans could amount to $81.1 million if JBC makes all of its allowable draws.

At December 31, 2002, the Company’s foreign currency translation adjustments, net of related deferred taxes, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity on page 20, increased from December 31, 2001, primarily due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro.

Capital expenditures in 2002 of $38.4 million were lower than the 2001 level of $49.9 million. The Company’s capital spending program is expected to be in the $40-$55 million range over the next few years, with expenditures expected to expand capacities at existing facilities to support an expected increase in sales. Capital spending for environmental and safety projects is expected to be more in 2003 than the current year. Future capital spending is expected to be financed primarily with cash provided from operating activities, with the balance, if necessary, provided by additional debt. The Company continues to evaluate potential acquisitions of facilities and/or businesses, particularly in areas where our know-how adds value.

The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations for capital projects, lines of credit, investments and various take or pay and throughput agreements:

Environmental Matters

The Company is 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 the Company’s knowledge, it is currently complying and expects to continue to comply in all material respects with existing environmental laws, regulations, statutes and ordinances such compliance with federal, state, local and foreign environmental protection laws is not expected to have in the future a material effect on earnings or the competitive position of Albemarle.

Among other environmental requirements, the Company is subject to the federal Superfund law, and similar state laws, under which the Company 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 most cases, the Company’s participation 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 by the Company or its predecessor company, Ethyl. In de minimis PRP matters, the Company’s policy generally is to negotiate a consent decree and to pay any apportioned settlement, enabling the Company to be effectively relieved of any further liability as a PRP, except for remote contingencies. In other than de minimis PRP matters, the Company’s records indicate that unresolved exposures should be immaterial. The Company accrues and expenses its proportionate share of PRP costs. Because management has been actively involved in evaluating environmental matters, the Company is able to conclude that the outstanding environmental liabilities for unresolved PRP sites should not be material to operations.

The Company’s environmental and safety operating costs charged to expense were approximately $17.7 million in 2002 versus approximately $14.4 million in 2001 and $12.2 million in 2000, excluding depreciation of previous

15

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

capital expenditures, and are expected to be in the same range in the next few years. Costs for remediation have been accrued and payments related to sites are charged against accrued liabilities, which at December 31, 2002, totaled approximately $32.1 million, up $2.4 million, from December 31, 2001.

There is a reasonable possibility that future remediation costs in excess of amounts already recorded could be up to $10.6 million before income taxes. However, the Company believes that most of the amount it may be required to pay in connection with environmental remediation matters in excess of the amounts recorded should occur over a period of time and should not have a material adverse impact on its financial condition or results of operations, but could have a material adverse impact in a particular quarterly reporting period.

Capital expenditures for pollution-abatement and safety projects for the Company, including such costs that are included in other projects, were approximately $4.4 million, $2.6 million and $4.2 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. For each of the next few years, capital expenditures for these types of projects are likely to be equivalent to current year expenditures. Management’s estimates of the effects of compliance with governmental pollution-abatement and safety regulations are subject to (i) the possibility of changes in the applicable statutes and regulations or in judicial or administrative construction of such statutes and regulations, and (ii) uncertainty as to whether anticipated solutions to pollution problems will be successful, or whether additional expenditures may prove necessary.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

During July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 eliminates the amortization of goodwill and instead requires a periodic review of any goodwill balance for possible impairment. SFAS No. 142 also requires that goodwill be allocated at the reporting unit level. This statement was effective for years beginning after December 15, 2001, with the exception of goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001, which were subject immediately to the nonamortization and amortization provisions of the statement. For financial reporting purposes, the Company discontinued amortization of goodwill as of January 1, 2002, with the exception of goodwill associated with the July 2001 acquisition of the custom and fine chemicals businesses of ChemFirst Inc., for which amortization, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, never began. The Company completed its transitional goodwill impairment testing and has determined that goodwill is not impaired at December 31, 2002. See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” “Goodwill and Other Intangibles” on page 23 for net income, basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share, exclusive of goodwill amortization expense, for all periods presented for which the standard had not been adopted.

During June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” which addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs. The Company adopted this Statement on January 1, 2003. The Company is evaluating the effect this Statement will have on the Company’s future financial statements.

On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” which addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. This Statement did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2002.

On July 30, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” which addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity.” This Statement is effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” which amended SFAS 123, providing alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. This statement also amends the disclosure provisions of SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of an entity’s accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. Finally, the Statement amends Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” to require disclosure about those effects in a company’s interim financial information. The disclosure requirements of this Statement are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002; therefore, the Company has complied with all related disclosure requirements in the current year.

ITEM 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In the normal course of operations, the Company is exposed to changes in financial market conditions due to the denomination of its business transactions in diverse foreign currencies and the Company’s ongoing manufacturing and funding activities. As a result, future earnings, cash flows and fair values of assets and liabilities are subject to uncertainty. The Company has established policies, procedures and internal processes governing its management of

16

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

uncertain market conditions, and uses both operational and financial market actions in its risk management activities, which include the use of derivative instruments. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Company only enters into derivative contracts based on economic analysis of underlying exposures anticipating that adverse impacts on future earnings, cash flows and fair values due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates will be offset by the proceeds from and changes in fair value of the derivative instruments. The Company does not hedge its exposure to market risks in a manner that completely eliminates the effects of changing market conditions on earnings, cash flows and fair values.

Short-term exposures to changing foreign currency exchange rates are primarily due to operating cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. The Company covers certain known and anticipated operating exposures by using forward contracts.

The primary currencies for which the Company has foreign currency exchange rate exposure are the euro, Japanese yen, British pound sterling and the U.S. dollar (in certain of its foreign locations). In response to the greater fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates in recent periods, the Company has increased the degree of risk management activities to minimize their impact on earnings of future periods.

The Company’s financial instruments, subject to foreign currency exchange risk, consist of foreign currency forward contracts and represented a net asset position of $.03 million at December 31, 2002. The Company conducted a sensitivity analysis on the fair value of its foreign currency hedge portfolio assuming instantaneous 10% changes in foreign currency exchange rates from their levels as of December 31, 2002, with all other variables held constant. A 10% appreciation of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies would result in an increase of $0.4 million in the fair value of foreign currency exchange hedging contracts. A 10% depreciation of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies would result in a decrease of $0.4 million in the fair value of foreign currency exchange hedging contracts.

The sensitivity in fair value of the foreign currency hedge portfolio represents changes in fair values estimated based on market conditions as of December 31, 2002, 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 earnings and cash flows in future periods.

The Company is exposed to changes in interest rates that could impact its results of operations and financial condition. The Company manages the worldwide exposure of its interest rate risks and foreign exchange exposure through its regular operations and financing activities. The Company utilizes a Credit Agreement as its primary source of financing, which could expose the Company to changes in interest rates, if various financial covenants are not met. The Company manages its ratio of debt-to-capitalization with the objective of achieving the lowest interest rate possible.

Raw materials used by the Company are subject to price volatility caused by weather, supply conditions, political and economic variables and other unpredictable factors. The Company does not use futures, options and swap contracts to manage the volatility related to the above exposures. However, management seeks to limit its exposure by entering into long-term contracts when available.

17

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

ITEM 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

18

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

19

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

20

Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS