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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2003

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For Transition Period from to .
---------------------- ------------------------

Commission File Number 1-12658

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
---------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

VIRGINIA 54-1692118
------------------------------ -----------------
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes X No
----- -----

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, $.01 par value, outstanding as of April 30, 2003:
41,199,599



2





ALBEMARLE CORPORATION

I N D E X
Page
Number(s)

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2003 and
December 31, 2002 3-4

Consolidated Statements of Income - Three-
Months Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Three-
Months Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three Months
Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 7

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 8-15

ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results
of Operations and Financial Condition and Additional
Information 16-24

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 24

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures 24

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings 24

ITEM 4. Submission to a Vote of Security Holders 24-25

ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 25

SIGNATURES 26

CERTIFICATIONS 27-30




3

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements


ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Thousands)


March 31, December 31,
2003 2002
-------------- ----------------
(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents $ 40,287 $ 37,636

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful

accounts (2003 - $2,592; 2002 - $2,368) 190,972 197,089

Income tax receivable 11,083 -

Inventories:

Finished goods 117,730 116,164

Raw materials 21,751 21,385

Stores, supplies and other 23,844 23,256
-------------- ---------------
163,325 160,805

Deferred income taxes and prepaid expenses 18,686 17,534
-------------- ---------------

Total current assets 424,353 413,064
-------------- ---------------

Property, plant and equipment, at cost 1,520,768 1,497,989

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 1,004,535 978,918
-------------- ---------------

Net property, plant and equipment 516,233 519,071

Prepaid pension assets 167,636 166,287

Other assets and deferred charges 56,862 59,363

Goodwill 29,852 29,621

Other intangibles, net of amortization 30,837 5,550
-------------- ---------------
Total assets $ 1,225,773 $ 1,192,956
============== ===============


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

4


ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Thousands)



March 31, December 31,
2003 2002
--------------- -----------------
(Unaudited)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable $ 81,977 $ 75,092

Long-term debt, current portion 168 343

Accrued expenses 61,266 65,051

Dividends payable 11,044 5,426

Income taxes payable 28,199 19,095
--------------- -----------------
Total current liabilities 182,654 165,007
--------------- -----------------
Long-term debt 184,408 180,137

Postretirement benefits 65,535 64,943

Other noncurrent liabilities 90,818 82,139

Deferred income taxes 130,676 128,849

Minority interest in Stannica LLC 1,719 2,141

Shareholders' equity:

Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding-
41,197,010 in 2003 and 41,692,074 in 2002 412 417

Additional paid-in capital 16 2,286

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,264) (4,514)

Retained earnings 570,799 571,551
--------------- -----------------
Total shareholders' equity 569,963 569,740
--------------- -----------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,225,773 $ 1,192,956
=============== =================



See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


5


ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Thousands Except Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)





Three Months Ended
March 31,
------------------------------------

2003 2002
---------------- -----------------

Net sales $ 265,570 $ 231,822

Cost of goods sold 207,928 176,062
----------------- ----------------
Gross profit 57,642 55,760

Selling, general and administrative expenses 27,626 25,704

Research and development expenses 4,942 4,776

Special item - 850
------------------ ----------------

Operating profit 25,074 24,430

Interest and financing expenses (1,337) (1,225)


Minority interest in Stannica LLC (694) -

Other income, net 4,267 792
------------------ -----------------

Income before income taxes 27,310 23,997

Income taxes 4,096 7,199
------------------ -----------------

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting 23,214 16,798
principle

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net (2,220) -

------------------- -----------------

Net income $ 20,994 $ 16,798
=================== =================
Basic earnings per share:

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting $ 0.56 $ 0.39
principle

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net (0.05) -
------------------- ------------------

Net income 0.51 0.39
=================== ===================
Diluted earnings per share:

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting $ 0.55 $ 0.38
principle

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net (0.05) -
------------------- -------------------
Net income $ 0.50 $ 0.38
=================== ===================

Cash dividends declared per share of common stock $ 0.28 $ 0.13
=================== ===================


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

6


ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars In Thousands)
(Unaudited)






Three Months Ended
March 31,
--------------------------------------------
2003 2002
--------------------- --------------------

Net income $ 20,994 $ 16,798

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available for sale (18) 27

Foreign currency translation 3,268 (951)
------------------- -------------------

Other comprehensive income (loss) 3,250 (924)
------------------- -------------------

Comprehensive income $ 24,244 $ 15,874

=================== ===================




See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.



7



ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars In Thousands)
(Unaudited)




Three Months Ended
March 31,
--------------------------------------

2003 2002
----------------- ----------------
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year $ 37,636 $ 30,585
----------------- ----------------

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income 20,994 16,798
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net 2,220 -
----------------- ----------------
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle 23,214 16,798

Adjustments to reconcile net income before cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle to cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 20,138 20,269
Working capital decrease excluding cash and cash equivalents 13,561 1,057
Increase in income tax receivable (11,083) -
Other, net 3,331 (2,580)
----------------- ----------------
Net cash provided from operating activities 49,161 35,544
----------------- ----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of assets (27,020) -
Capital expenditures (8,857) (8,182)
Proceeds from liquidation of nonmarketable security 4,216 -
Investments in joint ventures and nonmarketable securities (1,813) (1,277)
Restricted cash from industrial revenue bond proceeds - 1,741
----------------- ----------------
Net cash used in investing activities (33,474) (7,718)
----------------- ----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings 42,033 100,099
Repayments of long-term debt (37,767) (31,164)
Purchases of common stock (13,213) (92,943)
Dividends paid (5,918) (5,918)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options - 445
----------------- ----------------
Net cash used in financing activities (14,865) (29,481)
----------------- ----------------
Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents 1,829 568
----------------- ----------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,651 (1,087)
----------------- ----------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 40,287 $ 29,498
================= ================



Supplemental noncash disclosures due to a cumulative change in accounting principle:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Increase in property, plant and equipment $ (6,520) $ -
Increase in accumulated depreciation 3,083 -
Increase in other noncurrent liabilities 6,922 -
Decrease in deferred tax liabilities (1,265) -
----------------- ----------------
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net $ 2,220 $ -
================= ================


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


8



ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Share and Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

1. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial
statements of Albemarle Corporation and its subsidiaries ("Albemarle" or "the
Company") contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation, in all
material respects, of the Company's consolidated financial position as of March
31, 2003, and December 31, 2002, the consolidated results of operations and
comprehensive income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2003, and 2002,
and condensed consolidated cash flows for the three-month periods ended March
31, 2003, and 2002. All adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. These
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's
2002 Annual Report & Form 10-K as amended on May 12, 2003. The December 31, 2002
consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements,
but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting
principles. The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31,
2003, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full
year. Certain reclassifications have been made to the accompanying consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto to conform to the current
presentation.

2. Long-term debt consists of the following:

March 31, December 31,
2003 2002
------------ ------------

Variable-rate bank loans $ 167,495 $ 163,015
Industrial revenue bonds 11,000 11,000
Foreign borrowings 5,124 5,470
Miscellaneous 957 995
------------ -------------
Total 184,576 180,480
Less amounts due within one year 168 343
------------ ------------

Long-term debt $ 184,408 $ 180,137
============ ============



3. Cost of goods sold includes foreign exchange transaction gains of $61 and
$791 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

9


ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Share and Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

4. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month period ended March
31, 2003 and 2002, are calculated as follows:




Three Months Ended March 31,
----------------------------
2003 2002
Basic earnings per share: ------------ ------------

Numerator:
- ----------
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting $ 23,214 $ 16,798
principle

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net (2,220) -
------------ ------------
Income available to stockholders, as reported $ 20,994 $ 16,798
============ ============


Denominator:
- ------------
Average number of shares of common stock outstanding 41,496 43,438
============ ============


Basic earnings per share:
- -------------------------
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting $ 0.56 $ 0.39
principle

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net (0.05) -
------------ ------------
Basic earnings per share $ 0.51 $ 0.39
============ ============

Diluted earnings per share:

Numerator:
- ----------
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle $ 23,214 $ 16,798

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net (2,220) -
------------ ------------
Income available to stockholders, as reported $ 20,994 $ 16,798
============ ============


Denominator:
- ------------
Average number of shares of common stock
outstanding 41,496 43,438

Shares issuable upon exercise of stock
options and other common stock equivalents 790 752
------------ ------------
Total shares 42,286 44,190
============ =============

Diluted earnings per share:
- ---------------------------
Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle $ 0.55 $ 0.38

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net (0.05) -
------------ -------------
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.50 $ 0.38
============ =============


10

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Share and Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

5. The following table reflects the changes in consolidated shareholders' equity
from December 31, 2002 through March 31, 2003:


Accumulated Total
Additional Other Share-
Common Stock Paid-In Comprehensive Retained holders'
Shares Amounts Capital Loss Earnings Equity
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at December 31, 2002 41,692,074 $ 417 $ 2,286 $ (4,514) $ 571,551 $ 569,740

Net income 20,994 20,994

Foreign currency translation, net 3,268 3,268

Change in unrealized (loss) on
marketable equity securities, net (18) (18)

Cash dividends declared (11,536) (11,536)

Shares purchased and retired (528,600) (5) (2,998) (10,210) (13,213)

Issuance of incentive award stock 33,536 728 728
-------------- ------------ ----------- -------------- ------------- ------------
Balance at March 31, 2003 41,197,010 $ 412 $ 16 $ (1,264) $ 570,799 $ 569,963
============== ============ =========== ============== ============= ============




6. Cash dividends declared for the three-month period ended March 31, 2003
totaled 28 cents per share, which included a dividend of 14 cents per share
declared on January 31, 2003, payable on April 1, 2003, as well as a dividend of
14 cents per share declared March 26, 2003, payable July 1, 2003.

7. The significant differences between the U.S. Federal statutory income tax
rate on pretax income and the effective income tax rate for the three-month
periods ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, are as follows:
----------------------------------------
Three Months Ended March 31,
----------------------------------------
2003 2002
--------- ---------

Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 %
ETI benefit (2.4) (2.4)
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit 1.0 1.0
Depletion (1.9) (1.9)
Other (0.3) (1.7)
Internal Revenue Service settlement (16.4) -
--------- ---------

Effective income tax rate 15.0 % 30.0 %
========= =========

11


ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Share and Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

In March 2003, the Company recorded a receivable for an income tax refund of
$11,083. The refund related to the Internal Revenue Service's examination of the
Company's 1996 and 1997 tax returns. The net effect of the refund on the
consolidated statement of income for the period ended March 31, 2003 amounted to
$7,092 or 17 cents per diluted share, including interest of $4,113 ($2,620 after
income taxes) and a refund of $6,970, offset by the reversal of a deferred tax
asset previously recognized, totaling $2,498.

8. On January 21, 2003, Albemarle acquired Ethyl Corporation's ("Ethyl's") fuel
and lubricant antioxidants working capital, patents and other intellectual
property for approximately $27,020. In addition, Albemarle will pay to Ethyl a
total of $2,500 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. A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed is as follows:

Current assets $4,798
Property, plant and equipment 300
Other assets 300
Intangibles 25,622
Current liabilities (3,000)
Noncurrent liabilities (1,000)
---------
Net cash paid $27,020
=========

9. During the first quarter of 2002, the Company continued its efforts to reduce
operating costs through an involuntary separation program that resulted in a
special charge of $850 ($541 after income taxes or 1 cent per share on a diluted
basis). The program impacted a total of 12 salaried employees throughout the
Company. The following table summarizes the total special charges related to the
2002 involuntary separation program:

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2002
--------------------

Total 2002 workforce reduction charge $1,114

Less: reversal of over accrual from
prior years' accruals 264
--------------------
Net workforce reductions charged
for 2002 $ 850
====================


Approximately $733 of the total workforce accrual was paid in the period ended
March 31, 2002.

12
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Share and Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

10. During the first quarter ended March 31, 2002, the Company recorded a net
charge of $2,000 ($1,274 after income taxes or 3 cents per share on a diluted
basis) to cost of sales that related to the discontinuance of product support
for and the withdrawal from a water treatment venture. The Company's balance
sheet at March 31, 2003, included the accrual of a probable insurance recovery
of $5,781 in other assets and deferred charges and an accrual totaling $500 in
accrued expenses.

11. On February 13, 2002, the Company completed the purchase of 4,000,000 shares
of its common stock from Bruce C. Gottwald and his related immediate family
interests for an aggregate price of $92,680. At that time, the Company retired
the shares and reduced retained earnings by $40,979 after eliminating the
balance in additional paid-in capital. The Company's purchase price was 25 cents
per share less than the weighted average trading price for New York Stock
Exchange transactions in Albemarle common stock during the 10 business days'
period beginning with the third business day following the announcement of
Albemarle's 2001 year-end earnings.

12. The Company has the following recorded environmental liabilities at March
31, 2003 and December 31, 2002:

Beginning balance at December 31,2002 $ 32,144
Additions 385
Expenditures (114)
Foreign exchange 635
SFAS No. 143 reclassification (4,053)
-------------
Ending balance at March 31, 2003 $ 28,997
=============

Recorded liabilities decreased $3,147 primarily as a result of the
reclassification of certain environmental obligations previously accounted for
under AICPA Statement of Position 96-1 to other noncurrent liabilities upon
adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 143. See
Footnote 13.

The amounts recorded represent management's best estimate of the Company's
future remediation and other anticipated environmental costs relating to past
operations. Although it is difficult to quantify the potential financial impact
of compliance with environmental protection laws, management estimates, based on
the latest available information, that there is a reasonable possibility that
future environmental remediation costs associated with the Company's past
operations, in excess of amounts already recorded, could be up to approximately
$8,247 before income taxes, to be incurred over a period of time. However, the
Company believes that any sum 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

13
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Share and Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

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.

13. Company is a global manufacturer of specialty polymer and fine chemicals,
currently grouped into two operating segments: Polymer Chemicals and Fine
Chemicals. The operating segments were determined based on management
responsibility. The Polymer Chemicals segment is comprised of flame retardants,
catalysts and polymer additives. The Fine Chemicals operating segment is
comprised of agrichemicals, pharmachemicals, fine chemistry services and
intermediates and performance chemicals. Segment data includes intersegment
transfers of raw materials at cost and foreign exchange transaction gains and
losses, as well as allocations for certain corporate costs. The corporate and
other expenses include certain corporate-related items not allocated to the
reportable segments.




Three Months Ended March 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2003 2002
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------

Summary of Segment Results Revenues Income Revenues Income
- --------------------------- ----------------- --------------- ----------------- ----------------

Polymer Chemicals $ 147,228 $ 16,349 $ 122,167 $ 11,924

Fine Chemicals 118,342 13,387 109,655 16,308
----------------- --------------- ----------------- ----------------
Segment totals $ 265,570 29,736 $ 231,822 28,232
================= =================
Corporate and other expenses (4,662) (3,802)
--------------- ---------------
Operating profit 25,074 24,430

Interest and financing expenses (1,337) (1,225)

Minority interest in Stannica LLC (694) -

Other income, net 4,267 792
---------------- ----------------
Income before income taxes $ 27,310 $ 23,997
=============== ================


14. Company adopted 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 on January 1, 2003. At the time of adoption, the Company
identified certain assets for which there are future retirement obligations.
These future obligations are comprised primarily of the cost of closing various
facilities and of capping brine wells. The cumulative effect of this Statement
on the Company's consolidated statements of income is reflected as a cumulative
effect of a change in accounting principle of $2,220, net of taxes of $1,265.
The current quarter depreciation and accretion expense of $194 is reflected in
cost of goods sold. The consolidated balance sheet reflects future asset
retirement costs of $7,020, including current quarter accretion of $98 in other
noncurrent liabilities, related long-lived assets of $6,520 in property, plant
and equipment and accumulated depreciation of $3,179, including current quarter
depreciation of $96 in accumulated depreciation and amortization.

14

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Share and Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

15. The Company adopted the provisions of the Emerging Issues Task Force
("EITF") Issue No. 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs"
on January 1, 2003. The Company reclassified all costs incurred for shipping and
handling from a reduction of net sales to cost of sales for the periods
reflected herein. The presentation of prior period information has been
reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. On May 12, 2003, the
Company filed an amendment to its Form 10-K for the year 2002. This change does
not have an effect on gross profit, operating profit or net income. Shipping and
handling costs reclassified totaled $8,352 and $7,194 for the three months ended
March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

16. During January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46" or the
"Interpretation"), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an
Interpretation of ARB No. 51", which provides guidance on the identification of,
and financial reporting for, entities over which control is achieved through
means other than voting rights; such entities are known as variable-interest
entities ("VIEs"). This interpretation applies immediately to VIEs created after
January 31, 2003 and to VIEs in which an enterprise obtains an interest after
that date. It applies the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after
June 15, 2003, to VIEs in which a Company holds interest acquired before
February 1, 2003. The Company will adopt this Interpretation effective July 1,
2003. The Company is evaluating the effect the Interpretation will have on the
Company's future financial statements.


15

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In Thousands Except Share and Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

17. SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," ("SFAS No. 123")
encourages, but does not require, companies to record at fair value,
compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation plans. The Company has
chosen to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic
value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," ("APB Opinion No. 25") and related
interpretations. Under the intrinsic method, compensation cost for stock options
is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the Company's
stock at the date of the grant over the amount an employee must pay to acquire
the stock. If compensation cost had been determined based on the fair value at
the grant date for awards made in 2003 and 2002 under the plans consistent with
the method of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share
would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:




Three Months Ended

March 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2003 2002
-----------------------------------------

Income before cumulative effect of as reported $ 23,214 $ 16,798
a change in accounting principle pro forma $ 22,763 $ 16,367
====================================================================================================================================

Net income as reported $ 20,994 $ 16,798
pro forma $ 20,543 $ 16,367
====================================================================================================================================

Basic earnings per share on as reported $ 0.56 $ 0.39
income before cumulative effect
of a change in accounting principle pro forma $ 0.55 $ 0.38
====================================================================================================================================

Basic earnings per share on as reported $ 0.51 $ 0.39
net income pro forma $ 0.50 $ 0.38
====================================================================================================================================

Diluted earnings per share on as reported $ 0.55 $ 0.38
income before cumulative effect
of a change in accounting principle pro forma $ 0.54 $ 0.37
====================================================================================================================================

Diluted earnings per share on as reported $ 0.50 $ 0.38
net income pro forma $ 0.48 $ 0.37
====================================================================================================================================


The weighted average fair values of options granted during the three-month
periods ending March 31, 2003 and 2002 were $7.77 and $10.74, respectively. The
fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for options granted in the three months ended March 31, 2003
and 2002, respectively: dividend yield 2.54% and 2.54%; expected volatility of
31.23% and 31.03%; risk-free interest rate of 4.21% and 4.13%; and expected
lives of eight years.

16
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and
Financial Condition and Additional Information
----------------------------------------------

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant
factors affecting the results of operations of Albemarle Corporation and its
subsidiaries ("Albemarle" or "the Company") during the periods included in the
accompanying consolidated statements of income and changes in the Company's
financial condition since December 31, 2002.

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. Such forward-looking statements are based on the
Company's current expectations, which are in turn based on the Company's
reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and
operations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's actual
results will not differ materially from the results and expectations in the
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially 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 products, increases in the cost of energy and raw materials
(notably, ethylene, chlorine and natural gas), changes in the Company's markets
in general, fluctuations in foreign currencies, changes in new product
introductions resulting in increases in capital project requests and approvals
leading to additional capital spending, changes in laws and regulations,
unanticipated claims or litigation, the inability to obtain current levels of
product or premises liability insurance or the denial of such coverage,
political unrest affecting the global economy and changes in accounting
standards. The Company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any
forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise
required by securities and other applicable laws.

Results of Operations
First Quarter 2003 Compared with First Quarter 2002
- ---------------------------------------------------

Net sales for first quarter 2003 of $265.6 million, a record for the Company
since the sale of the olefins businesses in March 1996, were up 14.6% or $33.8
million from first quarter 2002 net sales of $231.8 million. The increase in net
sales was primarily due to the favorable impact of foreign exchange ($15.5
million), higher shipments in flame retardants ($11.4 million), the addition of
the fuel and lube additives products acquired in mid-January from Ethyl
Corporation ($5.5 million) and increased sales from the Stannica LLC joint
venture ($5.0 million), higher shipments in pharma actives ($2.6 million) and
performance chemicals ($2.5 million), offset, in part by lower shipments and
unfavorable pricing in catalysts and additives ($5.3 million) and unfavorable
pricing in performance chemicals($3.5 million).

The gross profit margin decreased to 21.7% in first quarter 2003 from 24.1% for
the corresponding period in 2002. First quarter 2003 operating profit was up
2.6% or $0.6 million from first quarter 2002 operating profit primarily due to
favorable manufacturing costs ($5.8 million), higher shipments ($3.4 million),
the overall effects of foreign exchange ($3.0 million) and the absence of a $2.0
million charge to costs of sales related to the discontinuance and withdrawal
from a water treatment venture in the 2002 period offset, in part, by higher
energy and raw material costs ($8.5 million) and lower pricing ($5.1 million).

17
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses and research and
development ("R&D") expenses increased 6.9% or $2.1 million in the first quarter
of 2003 versus first quarter 2002, primarily due to higher employee-related
costs and outside services in the current period versus the corresponding 2002
period and unfavorable impact of foreign exchange. As a percentage of net sales,
SG&A expenses and R&D expenses were 12.3% in 2003 versus 13.1% in the 2002
quarter.

Operating Segments
Net sales by reportable business operating segment for the
first quarter period ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

Net Sales
(In Thousands)
------------------------------------

2003 2002
--------------- --------------

Polymer Chemicals $147,228 $122,167
Fine Chemicals 118,342 109,655
--------------- --------------
Segment totals $265,570 $231,822
=============== ==============

Polymer Chemicals' net sales for the first quarter 2003 increased 20.5%, or
$25.1 million, from first quarter 2002 net sales. The increase is primarily due
to the favorable impact of foreign exchange ($8.9 million), higher shipments in
flame retardants ($11.4 million), the addition of the fuel and lube additives
products acquired in mid-January from Ethyl Corporation ($5.5 million) and
increased sales from the Stannica LLC joint venture ($5.0 million) offset, in
part, by lower shipments and unfavorable prices in catalysts and additives ($5.3
million).

Fine Chemicals' net sales for first quarter 2003 increased 7.9% or $8.7 million
from first quarter 2002. The increase is primarily due to the favorable impact
of foreign exchange ($6.6 million), higher shipments in pharma actives ($2.6
million) and performance chemicals ($2.5 million) and favorable product mix in
fine chemistry services and intermediates ($0.6 million) offset, in part, by
lower pricing in performance chemicals ($3.5 million).

Operating profit by reportable business operating segment for the first quarter
period ended March 31, 2003, and 2002 are as follows:

Operating Profit
(In Thousands)
------------------------------------
2003 2002
-------------- ---------------
Polymer Chemicals $16,349 $11,924
Fine Chemicals 13,387 16,308
-------------- ---------------
Segment totals 29,736 28,232
Corporate and other expenses (4,662) (3,802)
-------------- ---------------
Operating profit $25,074 $24,430
============== ===============

Polymer Chemicals' first quarter 2003 segment operating profit was up 37.1% or
$4.4 million from first quarter 2002 primarily due to favorable manufacturing
costs ($3.8 million), the overall effects of foreign exchange ($3.0 million), a
reclassification of bad debt expense from Corporate and other expenses in the
2002 period ($2.0 million) and higher shipments ($1.6

18
million) offset, in part, by unfavorable energy and raw material costs ($4.5
million) and lower pricing ($1.5 million).

Fine Chemicals' first quarter 2003 segment operating profit decreased 17.9% or
$2.9 million from first quarter 2002 primarily due to unfavorable energy and raw
material costs ($4.0 million) and lower prices ($3.6 million) partially offset
by the absence of a $2.0 million charge to costs of sales related to the
discontinuance and withdrawal from a water treatment venture in the 2002 period,
higher shipments ($1.8 million) and favorable manufacturing costs ($0.9
million).

Corporate and other expenses for the first quarter of 2003 were up 22.6%, or
$0.9 million from first quarter 2002, primarily due to a reclassification of bad
debt expense to Polymer Chemicals in the 2002 period ($2.0 million), offset, in
part, by a $0.9 million first quarter 2002 workforce reduction charge.

Interest and Financing Expenses
Interest and financing expenses for first quarter 2003 amounted to $1.3 million,
up $0.1 million from $1.2 million in first quarter 2002.

Other Income, Net
Other income, net for the first quarter 2003 amounted to $4.3 million, up $3.5
million from the 2002 corresponding period. First quarter 2003 includes interest
income of $4.1 million from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") income tax
settlement mentioned in Income Taxes below.

Income Taxes
First quarter 2003 income taxes were lower compared to the same period in 2002
primarily due to an IRS income tax settlement recorded in March 2003 in the
amount of $7.1 million offset, in part, by the reversal of a deferred tax asset
previously recognized of $2.5 million and income taxes of $1.5 million on the
interest accrued on the tax settlement. Consequently, the first quarter 2003
effective income tax rate was 15.0%, excluding the taxes associated with the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle amount of $1.3 million,
down from 30.0% for the corresponding period in 2002. The Company expects to
maintain a tax rate between 30.0% and 31.0% for the remainder of 2003.


Financial Condition and Liquidity
- ---------------------------------

Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2003, were $40.3 million, representing an
increase of $2.7 million from $37.6 million at year-end 2002.

Cash flows provided from operating activities of $49.2 million, together with
$42.0 million of proceeds from borrowings were used to purchase Ethyl
Corporation's fuel and lubricant antioxidants working capital, patents and other
intellectual property for approximately $27 million, to cover repayment of debt,
purchase approximately 500,000 shares of the Company's common stock, pay the
quarterly dividend, fund capital expenditures and increase cash and cash
equivalents by $2.7 million. The Company anticipates that cash provided from
operations in the future will be sufficient to pay its operating expenses,
satisfy debt-service obligations and make dividend payments.

19
The change in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive loss from December
31, 2002, was primarily due to net foreign currency translation adjustments, net
of related deferred taxes, related primarily to the strengthening of the Euro
and Japanese Yen versus the U.S. Dollar.

The noncurrent portion of the Company's long-term debt amounted to $184.4
million at March 31, 2002, compared to $180.1 million at the end of 2002. The
Company's long-term debt, including the current portion, as a percentage of
total capitalization amounted to 24.5% at March 31, 2003. The Company is
guarantor of $21.6 million of long-term debt, in the form of commitments, on
behalf of its 50-percent owned joint venture company, Jordan Bromine Company
Limited. The Company's long-term debt, including the guarantee, as a percent of
total capitalization amounted to 26.6% at March 31, 2003.

The Company's capital expenditures in the first three months of 2003 were up
slightly from the same period of 2002. For the year, capital expenditures are
forecasted to be greater than the 2002 level. Capital spending will be financed
primarily with cash flow provided from operations with additional cash needed,
if any, to be provided from debt. The amount and timing of any additional
borrowings will depend on the Company's specific cash requirements.

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 currently is 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 and may be liable for a share of the costs
associated with cleaning up various hazardous waste sites.


Additional Information
- ----------------------

Summary of Critical Accounting Policies:
- ----------------------------------------

Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of
Albemarle Corporation and all of its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries.
The Company applies the equity method of accounting for investments between 20%
and 50% owned over which the Company has significant influence. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Minority
shareholder's interest in controlled subsidiaries is included in other
noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods
presented and in the consolidated statement of income for the period ended March
31, 2003.

20
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 its 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 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

21
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 Standard ("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.

Environmental Compliance and Remediation
Environmental compliance costs include the cost of purchasing and/or
constructing assets to prevent, limit and/or control pollution or to monitor the
environmental status at various locations. These costs are capitalized and
depreciated based on estimated useful lives. Environmental compliance costs also
include maintenance and operating costs with respect to

22
pollution prevention and control facilities and other administrative costs. Such
operating costs are expensed as incurred. Environmental remediation costs of
facilities used in current operations are generally immaterial and are expensed
as incurred.

The Company accrues for environmental remediation costs and post-remediation
costs on an undiscounted basis at facilities or off-plant disposal sites that
relate to existing conditions caused by past operations in the accounting period
in which responsibility is established and when the related costs are estimable.
In developing these cost estimates, evaluation is given to currently available
facts regarding each site, with consideration given to existing technology,
presently enacted laws and regulations, prior experience in remediation of
contaminated sites, the financial capability of other potentially responsible
parties and other factors, subject to uncertainties inherent in the estimation
process. These estimates are reviewed periodically, with adjustments to the
accruals recorded as necessary.

Outlook
- -------

Fine Chemicals
The increase in Fine Chemicals' raw materials costs that occurred in the first
quarter of 2003, is likely to continue into fourth-quarter 2003. During the
remainder of 2003, the Company will likely face cost pressures with respect to
the Fine Chemicals' segment that will gradually subside and give way to
favorable comparative performance in the second half of the year. Additionally,
second-quarter 2003, will include a larger allocation of energy and raw
materials costs compared to second-quarter 2002, resulting from reduced
production associated with a third party service contract at our Pasadena,
Texas, site.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2003, the Company should begin to see
improvements in its results based upon business initiatives, including cost
reductions and price increases that have been undertaken to meet the challenges
of this operating environment. The performance of the Company's agricultural
chemicals products is seasonal, and we expect the second half of 2003 to be an
improvement over the first half of the year.

In addition, Albemarle should continue to benefit from penetration of its new
products into their respective markets, and from improved utilization of its
multi-purpose manufacturing assets. Currently, the Company is generating over 40
inquiries per month for new business in fine chemistry services and
intermediates. The pursuit of new business in this area is generating
significant positive changes in the Company's approach and is a key component of
its growth plans in Fine Chemicals. This initiative requires the sales and
marketing teams to continue to find new prospects for products that fit with the
Company's manufacturing assets. Success in the contract development and
manufacturing aspect of Fine Chemicals is measured by the number of products
that can be moved through the multiple stages of production.

Polymer Chemicals
Volume improvement in Polymer Chemicals for second quarter 2003 and thereafter,
particularly in flame retardants, will be dependent upon the economy. One of the
indicators for this segment in the electronics market is the production of
printed wiring boards, reported through the IPC--Association Connecting
Electronics Industries'(R) "book-to-bill" ratio. While this number has moved
back above a ratio of one-to-one for the third month in a row--indicating
bookings are greater than shipments--the overall number of bookings and

23
shipments continues to reflect an electronics market that is seeking to
equilibrate following a very strong 2000 and very weak 2001.

Flame-retardants' production is running at a high rate for many products this
year. The Company began to see some success with price increases toward the end
of last year which have continued into the first half of 2003. However, these
increases have compensated for higher raw materials costs only to this point.
Additionally, energy costs have affected flame retardant profitability, and
provide yet another reason why the Company continues to announce price increases
as we enter the second quarter. China serves as an important growth driver of
this business, and the Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak could
slow consumer demand, manufacturing or distribution activities that would
negatively affect flame retardant sales. Transportation in the region is
hampered due to SARS quarantine periods and may affect the Company's sales and
marketing efforts.

In catalysts and additives, both our internal new product development and our
alliance and acquisition efforts reflect continuing improvement in the Company's
results from single-site catalysis products, improved performance in the
Stannica LLC joint venture and immediate favorable results from the antioxidant
products acquired from Ethyl Corporation. These new efforts, combined with our
ongoing success in managing the base business to broaden the Company's alkyl,
antioxidant, and curative product lines, gives us confidence for a solid year's
performance.

Overview
The resolution of the conflict in Iraq is an important factor in the world
economy as well as Albemarle's business. The Jordan Bromine Company
joint-venture team at Safi, Jordan, has continued to produce bromine and
derivatives from the Dead Sea. The Company looks forward to many years of
fruitful and productive relationships with its Jordanian partners, and to taking
its place as an increasingly important supply source for these products for
Europe and Asia.

Energy costs, primarily related to natural gas price increases, created an
additional $3.5 million in costs in the first quarter of 2003 versus the same
quarter in 2002. While dramatic price increases have moderated somewhat, it
appears certain that the new price levels will continue to produce negative
comparisons into the second half of 2003. Each $1/MM BTUs price increase is
equal to a $0.10/share impact on Albemarle annualized earnings. The Company
continues to address this issue with cost reductions and price increases
wherever possible. Foreign exchange impacts on Albemarle's operations, primarily
European currencies, have been offset by plant and other investments made in the
European Community. The Company realizes only modest effects of changes in
valuations of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen for the most part, but a
weak dollar, as seen in recent weeks, does provide some positive effects.

In an effort to expand accounting guidance that addresses when a company should
include in its financial statements the assets, liabilities and activities of
another entity, the Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued FASB
Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ("FIN 46").
Many variable interest entities have commonly been referred to as
"special-purpose" entities or "off-balance sheet" structures. FIN 46 may will
require the Company to consolidate the results of one or more of its alliances
and ventures after further study by the Company. FIN 46 requires a variable
interest entity to be consolidated if that company is subject to a majority of
the risk of loss from the variable interest entity's activities

24
or entitled to receive a majority of the entity's residual returns or both. The
consolidation requirements apply to entities established prior to February 1,
2002, beginning with the first fiscal year or interim period that begins after
June 15, 2003.

Finally, the Company continues to generate good cash flow which will continue to
be used as follows. First, the Company will invest in internal development and
acquisitions to profitably grow the business. Second, dividends will continue to
be paid from cash flow from operations. Third, the value of the equity will be
reviewed periodically and selected stock repurchases will be made when
opportunities are there to generate additional shareholder value.

Additional information regarding the Company, its products, markets and
financial performance is provided at the Company's Internet web site,
www.albemarle.com.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
---------------------------------------------------------------------
There have been no significant changes in our interest rate risk, marketable
security price risk or raw material price risk from the information provided in
our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
-----------------------
Within the 90-day period prior to the filing of this report, an evaluation was
performed under the supervision and with the participation of Albemarle's
management, including our principal executive officer and our principal
financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, our
principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that
the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were
effective for the first quarter 2003. No significant changes were made in our
internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these
controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

Part II - OTHER INFORMATION
- ---------------------------

ITEM 1. 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.

While it is not possible to predict or determine the outcome of the proceedings
presently pending, in the Company's opinion they should 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 to a Vote of Security Holders
-------------------------------------------
At the annual meeting of shareholders held on March 26, 2003, there were
41,606,530 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote, of which
37,722,155 were represented in person or by proxy. The voting shareholders
elected the directors nominated in the Proxy Statement with the following
affirmative votes and votes withheld:

25

Director Affirmative Votes Votes Withheld
-------- ----------------- --------------
Mark C. Rohr 36,233,256 1,488,899
Lloyd B. Andrew 28,707,185 9,014,970
Charles E. Stewart 35,011,002 2,711,153
William M. Gottwald 36,150,727 1,571,428
Seymour S. Preston III 35,019,410 2,702,745
Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. 36,133,347 1,588,808
Richard L. Morrill 36,323,906 1,398,249
Anne M. Whittemore 28,456,825 9,265,330
John D. Gottwald 36,152,967 1,569,188

Shareholders also approved the Albemarle Corporation 2003 Incentive Plan as
described in the 2003 Proxy Statement. A copy of the Plan was filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission along with the Company's Proxy Statement. The
Plan received 27,409,583 affirmative votes, 5,117,713 negative votes, with
673,679 abstentions and 4,521,180 broker non-votes.

The shareholders also approved the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
the Company's auditors for 2003 with 34,214,900 affirmative votes, 3,482,746
negative votes and 24,509 abstentions.


ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
--------------------------------

(a) Exhibits - none

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

The Company filed a Form 8-K on April 23, 2003, which
included the Company's earnings press release for the
quarter ended March 31, 2003.





26



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
---------------------
(Registrant)




Date: May 14, 2003 By: /S/ ROBERT G. KIRCHHOEFER
--------------------------
Robert G. Kirchhoefer
Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

27
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Mark C. Rohr, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Albemarle Corporation;

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

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

4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

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

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this quarterly
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of
registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls
which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's
auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls
subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective
actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

28

Date: May 14, 2003

/S/ MARK C. ROHR
- ----------------
President and
Chief Executive Officer


29

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Paul F. Rocheleau, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Albemarle Corporation;

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

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

4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

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

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this quarterly
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of
registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls
which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's
auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls
subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective
actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

30

Date: May 14, 2003

/S/ PAUL F. ROCHELEAU
- ----------------------
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer