$Albemarle(ALB)$’s second-quarter profit surged as lithium prices recovered, showing how much earnings leverage the world’s largest lithium producer has when market conditions improve. The same sensitivity works in reverse, however, and recent price volatility means the recovery cannot yet be treated as a stable new baseline. Albemarle reported after the August 5 market close for the quarter ended June 30. Net sales increased 31% to $1.7 billion, adjusted EBITDA rose to $858 million from $336 million and net income attributable to Albemarle reached $480 million, up from $23 million. Albemarle’s official second-quarter release provides the figures and market-price scenarios. Energy Storage produced most of the improvement. Segment sales increased 78