RBA vs ALB Comparison

RB Global has evolved into a leading global marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of commercial assets and vehicles. It is the result of the 2023 combination of Ritchie Bros. and IAA. Ritchie Bros.' roots were as an auctioneer facilitating transactions of commercial, construction, and transportation equipment (excavators, bulldozers, forklifts, and commercial trucks and trailers). However, it has evolved into an omnichannel marketplace. IAA has similar roots, though primarily focused on the salvage auction segment for consumer automobiles. The group provides ancillary services including title processing, transportation/towing, financing, data and appraisal, and so on. Its activities are international, though skewing approximately two-thirds to North America.

Albemarle is one of the world's largest lithium producers. In the lithium industry, the majority of demand comes from batteries, where lithium is used as the energy storage material, particularly in electric vehicles. Albemarle is a fully integrated lithium producer. Its upstream resources include salt brine deposits in Chile and the US and two hard rock mines in Australia, both of which are joint ventures. The company operates lithium refining plants in Chile, the US, Australia, and China. Albemarle is a global leader in the production of bromine, used in flame retardants.