Albemarle cuts 2019 forecast on lithium price pressure

Albemarle, the world’s largest lithium producer, on Thursday cut its sales and profit forecasts for the year, hit by a continued slump in prices for the white metal, sending its shares down nearly 7% in extended trading.

Demand for lithium, a key component of batteries used in cell phones, electric vehicles and other consumer goods, is widely expected to spike by 2025.