Arcadium Lithium Releases First Quarter 2024 Results
Arcadium Lithium reported solid first-quarter results driven by strong average realized pricing for lithium hydroxide and carbonate, aiming to achieve significant cost savings in 2024. The company's revenue was $261 million with a GAAP net income of $15.6 million. Despite a decline in volumes, the company remains on track for capacity expansions to reach 170,000 LCEs by 2026. Arcadium Lithium is investing in further expansions and expects a 40% increase in sales volumes for the full year.
Strong average realized pricing for lithium hydroxide and carbonate
Revenue of $261 million with a GAAP net income of $15.6 million
On track to achieve $60 to 80 million in cost savings in 2024
Capacity expansions planned to reach 170,000 LCEs by 2026
Investing in further expansions to add 95,000 metric tons of production capacity
Decline in volumes in the first quarter
Reduction in workforce by approximately 11%
Initial decline in lithium market conditions
Lower production at Mt. Cattlin impacting sales volumes
Expenses expected to reach $1.6 billion in growth capital from 2024 to 2026
Insights
Observing Arcadium Lithium's first quarter financial results, we note a marked increase in average realized pricing for lithium compounds, which is consistent with the growing demand in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. With an adjusted EBITDA of
From an investment perspective, the aggressive expansion plan, aiming for a fourfold increase in production capacity by 2026, could be seen as a double-edged sword. While it signals growth and the potential for increased market share, there are inherent risks tied to the large capital expenditure of
The lithium market is experiencing a sustained uptrend, primarily driven by the EV revolution and energy storage solutions. Arcadium Lithium's strategy to increase its total capacity to 170,000 LCEs by 2026 places the company in a favorable position to meet the surging demand. However, it is important to consider market saturation risks and the potential for an oversupply situation, which could pressure lithium prices and, consequently, the company's margins. Stakeholders should also consider geopolitical factors, such as trade relations and local government policies, both of which can influence the production and sale of lithium products on a global scale.
Arcadium Lithium's geographic diversification across Australia, Argentina, the U.S. and China, can offer a hedge against regional volatility and the potential for supply chain disruptions. In terms of investor sentiment, the company's promising financial results, paired with the strategic ambition to grow capacity, could foster investor confidence. However, as expansions begin to materialize, the company's ability to maintain production efficiency and manage costs will be critical to preserving investor trust.
The mining and processing of lithium are capital-intensive activities, subject to stringent environmental regulations and operational challenges. Arcadium Lithium's developments in Argentina and Canada, as well as its plans for expansion, are a testament to their operational capabilities. It is pertinent for stakeholders to understand the complexities of lithium production, such as the difference between hard rock mining versus the more traditional pond-based lithium extraction methods, each with distinctive cost structures and environmental footprints.
The reported decline in spodumene sales due to lower production at Mt. Cattlin is a concern, but the commissioning of new expansions and investments in existing facilities might mitigate this in the longer term. Investors should be aware of the technological progress in lithium extraction and processing, as these can materially affect production costs and efficiency, influencing the company's long-term profitability.
- Solid First Quarter Results Driven by Average Realized Pricing for Lithium Hydroxide and Carbonate of Over
/ product metric ton$20,000 - On Track to Achieve
to 80 million of Realized Synergies / Cost Savings in 2024$60 - Multiple Expansions Provide Pathway to 170,000 LCEs1 of Capacity by 2026
Arcadium Lithium plc (NYSE: ALTM, ASX: LTM, "Arcadium Lithium") today reported results for the first quarter of 2024.
First Quarter Highlights
"Arcadium Lithium completed its first quarter as a combined company following merger close in early 2024 and we have taken initial steps that will allow us to deliver on the significant value of the combination," said Paul Graves, president and chief executive officer of Arcadium Lithium.
"The Company achieved average realized pricing of over
First quarter revenue was
Combined volumes in the first quarter were down versus the prior quarter, driven primarily by a decline in spodumene sales due to lower production at Mt. Cattlin. Prices were slightly higher across most lithium products versus the prior quarter due to an initial improvement in lithium market conditions, although were down compared to the beginning of 2023.
Arcadium Lithium remains on track to realize synergy and cost savings totaling
1 | Lithium Carbonate Equivalent. |
2 | Corresponds to Diluted adjusted after-tax earnings per share in the accompanying financial tables. |
Capacity Expansions
"The Company is bringing into production additional capacity in 2024 according to plan while also investing in the next series of expansions," continued Graves. "By the end of 2026, we expect to increase total capacity to 170,000 LCEs, or over four times production levels in 2023. This pathway to significant near-term volume growth puts our company in a unique position within our industry. There is no doubt that post-merger, we are stronger and more resilient, and we remain confident investing in our highly attractive assets throughout market cycles."
Arcadium Lithium continues to successfully commission its completed expansions. For lithium carbonate in
For lithium hydroxide, the new 5,000 metric ton unit in Bessemer City (
The Company remains on track to achieve a
Arcadium Lithium is also advancing multiple ongoing capacity expansions in
In order to fund these expansions, Arcadium Lithium expects to spend roughly
Arcadium Lithium Contacts
Investors:
Daniel Rosen +1 215 299 6208
daniel.rosen@livent.com
Phoebe Lee +61 413 557 780
phoebe.lee@allkem.co
Media:
Karen Vizental +54 9 114 414 4702
karen.vizental@allkem.co
Supplemental Information
In this press release, Arcadium Lithium uses the financial measures Adjusted EBITDA, Diluted adjusted after-tax earnings per share, and Adjusted cash provided by operations. These terms are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Definitions of these terms, as well as a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, are provided on our website: ir.arcadiumlithium.com. Such reconciliations are also set forth in the financial tables that accompany this press release.
About Arcadium Lithium
Arcadium Lithium is a leading global lithium chemicals producer committed to safely and responsibly harnessing the power of lithium to improve people's lives and accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. We collaborate with our customers to drive innovation and power a more sustainable world in which lithium enables exciting possibilities for renewable energy, electric transportation and modern life. Arcadium Lithium is vertically integrated, with industry-leading capabilities across lithium extraction processes, including hard-rock mining, conventional brine extraction and direct lithium extraction (DLE), and in lithium chemicals manufacturing for high performance applications. We have operations around the world, with facilities and projects in
Important Information and Legal Disclaimer:
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, we have identified forward-looking statements by such words or phrases as "will likely result," "is confident that," "expect," "expects," "should," "could," "may," "will continue to," "believe," "believes," "anticipates," "predicts," "forecasts," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "intends" or similar expressions identifying "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the negative of those words and phrases. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current views and assumptions regarding future events, future business conditions and the outlook for Arcadium Lithium based on currently available information. There are important factors that could cause Arcadium Lithium's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including the factors described under the caption entitled "Risk Factors" in Arcadium Lithium's 2023 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 29, 2024, as well as Arcadium Lithium's other SEC filings and public communications. Although Arcadium Lithium believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, Arcadium Lithium cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither Arcadium Lithium nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Arcadium Lithium is under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this news release to conform its prior statements to actual results or revised expectations.
ARCADIUM LITHIUM PLC CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited, in millions, except per share data) | |||
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 (1) | ||
Revenue | $ 261.2 | $ 253.5 | |
Costs of sales | 116.8 | 87.5 | |
Gross margin | 144.4 | 166.0 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 39.9 | 16.3 | |
Research and development expenses | 1.1 | 1.0 | |
Restructuring and other charges | 83.6 | 1.9 | |
Total costs and expenses | 241.4 | 106.7 | |
Income from operations before equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate, interest income, net, loss on debt extinguishment and other gain | 19.8 | 146.8 | |
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate | — | 8.1 | |
Interest income, net | (11.0) | — | |
Loss on debt extinguishment | 0.2 | — | |
Other gain | (43.1) | — | |
Income from operations before income taxes | 73.7 | 138.7 | |
Income tax expense | 53.8 | 23.9 | |
Net income | $ 19.9 | $ 114.8 | |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 4.3 | — | |
Net income attributable to Arcadium Lithium plc | $ 15.6 | $ 114.8 | |
Basic earnings per ordinary share | $ 0.01 | $ 0.27 | |
Diluted earnings per ordinary share | $ 0.01 | $ 0.23 | |
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic | 1,053.4 | 432.0 | |
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted | 1,122.1 | 503.3 |
_______________________ | |
1. | For the three months ended March 31, 2023, basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share and weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - basic and diluted amounts represent predecessor Livent and have been adjusted to reflect the 2.406 Exchange Ratio. Represents the results of predecessor Livent's operations for three months ended March 31, 2023 which do not include the operations of Allkem. |
ARCADIUM LITHIUM PLC RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARCADIUM LITHIUM PLC (GAAP) TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (NON-GAAP) (Unaudited) | |||
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
(in Millions) | 2024 | 2023 (1) | |
Net income attributable to Arcadium Lithium plc | $ 15.6 | $ 114.8 | |
Add back: | |||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 4.3 | — | |
Interest income, net | (11.0) | — | |
Income tax expense | 53.8 | 23.9 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 17.2 | 6.8 | |
EBITDA (Non-GAAP) (2) | 79.9 | 145.5 | |
Add back: | |||
(38.6) | 4.1 | ||
Restructuring and other charges (b) | 83.6 | 1.9 | |
Loss on debt extinguishment (c) | 0.2 | — | |
Inventory step-up, Allkem Livent Merger (d) | 15.8 | — | |
Other (gain)/loss (e) | (12.4) | 5.9 | |
Subtract: | |||
Blue Chip Swap gain (f) | (19.7) | — | |
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) (2) | $ 108.8 | $ 157.4 |
__________________ | |
1. | Represents the results of predecessor Livent's operations for three months ended March 31, 2023 which do not include the operations of Allkem. |
2. | We evaluate operating performance using certain Non-GAAP measures such as EBITDA, which we define as net income attributable to Arcadium Lithium plc plus noncontrolling interests, interest expense, net, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization; and Adjusted EBITDA, which we define as EBITDA adjusted for |
a. | Represents impact of currency fluctuations on tax assets and liabilities and long-term monetary assets associated with our capital expansion as well as foreign currency devaluations. The remeasurement losses are included within "Cost of sales" in our condensed consolidated statements of operations but are excluded from our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA because of: i.) their nature as income tax related; ii.) their association with long-term capital projects which will not be operational until future periods; or iii.) the severity of the devaluations and their immediate impact on our operations in the country. |
b. | We continually perform strategic reviews and assess the return on our business. This sometimes results in management changes or in a plan to restructure the operations of our business. As part of these restructuring plans, demolition costs and write-downs of long-lived assets may occur. Severance-related and exit costs were |
c. | Represents the partial write-off of deferred financing costs for amendments to the Revolving Credit Facility excluded from our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA because the loss is nonrecurring. |
d. | Relates to the step-up in inventory recorded for Allkem Livent Merger for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as a result of purchase accounting, excluded from Adjusted EBITDA as the step-up is considered a one-time, non-recurring cost. |
e. | The three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily represents foreign currency remeasurement gains related to |
f. | Represents non-recurring gain from the sale in |
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARCADIUM LITHIUM PLC (GAAP) TO ADJUSTED AFTER-TAX EARNINGS (NON-GAAP) (Unaudited) | |||
(in Millions, Except Per Share Data) | Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
2024 | 2023 (1) | ||
Net income attributable to Arcadium Lithium plc | $ 15.6 | $ 114.8 | |
Special charges: | |||
(38.6) | 4.1 | ||
Restructuring and other charges (b) | 83.6 | 1.9 | |
Loss on debt extinguishment (c) | 0.2 | — | |
Inventory step-up, Allkem Livent Merger (d) | 15.8 | — | |
Other (gain)/loss (e) | (12.4) | 5.9 | |
Blue Chip Swap gain (f) | (19.7) | — | |
Non-GAAP tax adjustments (g) | 28.2 | (0.7) | |
Adjusted after-tax earnings (Non-GAAP) (2) | $ 72.7 | $ 126.0 | |
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (GAAP) | $ 0.01 | $ 0.23 | |
Special charges per diluted share, before tax: | |||
(0.03) | 0.01 | ||
Restructuring and other charges, per diluted share | 0.07 | — | |
Inventory step-up, Allkem Livent Merger, per diluted share | 0.01 | — | |
Other loss, per diluted share | (0.01) | 0.01 | |
Blue Chip Swap gain, per diluted share | (0.02) | — | |
Non-GAAP tax adjustments, per diluted share | 0.03 | — | |
Diluted adjusted after-tax earnings per share (Non-GAAP) (2) | $ 0.06 | $ 0.25 | |
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted (Non-GAAP) used in diluted adjusted after-tax earnings per share computations | 1,122.1 | 503.3 |
___________________ | |
1. | For the three months ended March 31, 2023, diluted earnings per ordinary share (GAAP), weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - diluted (Non-GAAP) and all per diluted share amounts represent predecessor Livent and have been adjusted to reflect the 2.406 Exchange Ratio. Represents the results of predecessor Livent's operations for three months ended March 31, 2023 which do not include the operations of Allkem. |
2. | The Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures "Adjusted after-tax earnings" and "Diluted adjusted after-tax earnings per share" provide useful information about the Company's operating results to management, investors and securities analysts. Adjusted after-tax earnings excludes the effects of, nonrecurring charges/(income) and tax-related adjustments. The Company also believes that excluding the effects of these items from operating results allows management and investors to compare more easily the financial performance of its underlying business from period to period. Diluted adjusted after-tax earnings per share (Non-GAAP) is calculated using weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted. |
a. | Represents impact of currency fluctuations on tax assets and liabilities and long-term monetary assets associated with our capital expansion as well as foreign currency devaluations. The remeasurement losses are included within "Cost of sales" in our condensed consolidated statements of operations but are excluded from our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA because of: i.) their nature as income tax related; ii.) their association with long-term capital projects which will not be operational until future periods; or iii.) the severity of the devaluations and their immediate impact on our operations in the country. |
b. | We continually perform strategic reviews and assess the return on our business. This sometimes results in management changes or in a plan to restructure the operations of our business. As part of these restructuring plans, demolition costs and write-downs of long-lived assets may occur. Severance-related and exit costs were |
c. | Represents the partial write-off of deferred financing costs for amendments to the Revolving Credit Facility excluded from our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA because the loss is nonrecurring. |
d. | Relates to the step-up in inventory recorded for Allkem Livent Merger for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as a result of purchase accounting, excluded from Adjusted EBITDA as the step-up is considered a one-time, non-recurring item. |
e. | The three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily represents foreign currency remeasurement gains related to |
f. | Represents the non-recurring gain from the sale in |
g. | The company excludes the GAAP tax provision, including discrete items, from the Non-GAAP measure "Diluted adjusted after-tax earnings per share", and instead includes a Non-GAAP tax provision based upon the annual Non-GAAP effective tax rate. The GAAP tax provision includes certain discrete tax items including, but not limited to: income tax expenses or benefits that are not related to operating results in the current year; tax adjustments associated with fluctuations in foreign currency remeasurement of certain foreign operations; certain changes in estimates of tax matters related to prior fiscal years; certain changes in the realizability of deferred tax assets and related accounting impacts; and changes in tax law. Management believes excluding these discrete tax items assists investors and securities analysts in understanding the tax provision and the effective tax rate related to operating results thereby providing investors with useful supplemental information about the company's operational performance. The income tax expense/(benefit) on special charges/(income) is determined using the applicable rates in the taxing jurisdictions in which the special charge or income occurred and includes both current and deferred income tax expense/(benefit) based on the nature of the Non-GAAP performance measure. |
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
(in Millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |
Non-GAAP tax adjustments: | |||
Income tax benefit on restructuring and other charges and other corporate costs | $ (17.5) | $ (0.5) | |
Revisions to our tax liabilities due to finalization of prior year tax returns | 1.0 | — | |
Foreign currency remeasurement (net of valuation allowance) and other discrete items | 38.3 | 1.2 | |
Blue Chip Swap gain | 4.6 | — | |
Other discrete items | 1.8 | (1.4) | |
Total Non-GAAP tax adjustments | $ 28.2 | $ (0.7) |
RECONCILIATION OF CASH (USED IN)/PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (GAAP) TO ADJUSTED CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATIONS (NON-GAAP) (Unaudited) | |||
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
(in Millions) | 2024 | 2023 (1) | |
Cash (used in)/provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ (91.9) | $ 102.9 | |
Restructuring and other charges | 126.7 | 1.3 | |
Adjusted cash provided by operations (Non-GAAP) (2) | $ 34.8 | $ 104.2 |
___________________ | |
1. | Represents the results of predecessor Livent's operations for three months ended March 31, 2023 which do not include the operations of Allkem. |
2. | The Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measure "Adjusted cash provided by operations" provides useful information about the Company's cash flows to investors and securities analysts. Adjusted cash provided by operations excludes the effects of transaction-related cash flows. The Company also believes that excluding the effects of these items from cash (used in)/provided by operating activities allows management and investors to compare more easily the cash flows from period to period. |
RECONCILIATION OF LONG-TERM DEBT (GAAP) AND CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (GAAP) TO NET DEBT (NON-GAAP) (Unaudited)
| |||
(in Millions) | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 (1) | |
Long-term debt (including current maturities) (GAAP) (a) | $ 583.3 | $ 302.0 | |
Less: Cash and cash equivalents (GAAP) | (472.7) | (237.6) | |
Net debt (Non-GAAP) (2) | $ 110.6 | $ 64.4 |
___________________ | |
1. | Represents the financial position of predecessor Livent as of December 31, 2023, which does not include the financial position of Allkem. |
2. | The Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measure "Net debt" provides useful information about the Company's cash flows and liquidity to investors and securities analysts. |
a. | Presented net of unamortized discounts of |
ARCADIUM LITHIUM PLC CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) | |||
(in Millions) | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 (1) | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 472.7 | $ 237.6 | |
Trade receivables, net of allowance of approximately | 93.5 | 106.7 | |
Inventories | 328.8 | 217.5 | |
Other current assets | 165.7 | 86.4 | |
Total current assets | 1,060.7 | 648.2 | |
Investments | 38.6 | 34.8 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of | 6,793.7 | 2,237.1 | |
Right of use assets - operating leases, net | 55.6 | 6.8 | |
Goodwill | 1,309.9 | 120.7 | |
Other intangibles, net | 56.8 | 53.4 | |
Deferred income taxes | 35.9 | 1.4 | |
Other assets | 442.1 | 127.7 | |
Total assets | $ 9,793.3 | $ 3,230.1 | |
Total current liabilities | 534.5 | 268.6 | |
Long-term debt | 502.7 | 299.6 | |
Contract liabilities - long-term | 218.3 | 217.8 | |
Other long-term liabilities | 1,575.5 | 160.3 | |
Total Arcadium Lithium plc shareholders' equity | 6,183.4 | 1,784.2 | |
Noncontrolling interests | 778.9 | 499.6 | |
Total liabilities and equity | $ 9,793.3 | $ 3,230.1 |
___________________ | |
1. | Represents the financial position of predecessor Livent as of December 31, 2023, which does not include the financial position of Allkem. |
ARCADIUM LITHIUM PLC CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) | |||
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
(in Millions) | 2024 | 2023 (1) | |
Cash (used in)/provided by operating activities | $ (91.9) | $ 102.9 | |
Cash provided by/(used in) investing activities | 365.3 | (98.1) | |
Cash used in financing activities | (21.6) | (0.1) | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (16.7) | 0.4 | |
Increase in cash and cash equivalents | 235.1 | 5.1 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 237.6 | 189.0 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ 472.7 | $ 194.1 |
___________________ | |
1. | Represents the results of predecessor Livent's operations for three months ended March 31, 2023 which do not include the operations of Allkem. |
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SOURCE Arcadium Lithium PLC
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