While the S 500 has ripped more than 18% higher year to date, shares of lithium production leader (NYSE: ALB), however, have failed to benefit from the generally bullish sentiment pervading the market. Since the start of 2024, Albemarle stock has plummeted about 37%.

But smart investors know that a stock's sharp decline doesn't automatically mean that it's best for investors to avoid it. In fact, strong sell-offs can provide great buying opportunities for quality stocks. Bearing this in mind, two fool.com contributors examine the bull and bear arguments for Albemarle stock.

Scott Levine: The slide in Albemarle's stock in 2024 isn't so shocking when you consider the company's precipitous profitability decline from last year. Through the first six months of 2024, Albemarle has posted a diluted earnings per share (EPS) loss of $2.03, representing a far cry from the whopping -- and positive -- diluted EPS of $16.03 during the same period in 2023.

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Source Fool.com