Lithium Americas Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (NYSE: LAC) has reported its Q2 2024 financial results. Key highlights include:

1. A $2.26 billion conditional loan commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy for Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction.

2. Site preparation completed for major earthworks at Thacker Pass.

3. $375.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024.

4. Net loss of $12.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

5. Advancement of the Workforce Hub preparation.

6. Receipt of an $11.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense.

The company is focusing on closing the DOE loan and GM investment to commence major construction by year-end.

Positive

• $2.26 billion conditional loan commitment from U.S. DOE for Thacker Pass Phase 1
• Site preparation for major earthworks at Thacker Pass completed
• $375.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024
• $11.8 million grant received from U.S. Department of Defense
• Procurement packages and executable purchase orders in place for FNTP

Negative

• Net loss of $12.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to net income in the same period of 2023
• Increase in general and administrative and equity compensation expenses

Insights

Financial Analyst

Lithium Americas' Q2 2024 results reveal significant progress in the Thacker Pass project, but with financial implications to consider. The $2.26 billion conditional DOE loan is a major catalyst, potentially covering a substantial portion of Phase 1 construction costs. However, the company's net loss of $12.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a $9.2 million net income in the same period last year, raises concerns.

The cash position of $375.8 million is strong, bolstered by the April 2024 public offering. This, combined with the expected DOE loan and GM's Tranche 2 Investment, should provide sufficient funding for Phase 1. However, investors should monitor the increasing total assets ($692.2 million vs $439.5 million) and any potential dilution from equity raises.

Mining Industry Expert

The Thacker Pass project is progressing well, with site preparation completed and readiness for major construction. The 30% design completion indicates steady advancement, but there's still significant work ahead. The planned 40,000 tonnes per annum production capacity for Phase 1 is substantial, potentially positioning Lithium Americas as a major player in the U.S. lithium market.

The $11.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense for infrastructure upgrades demonstrates government support and strategic importance. However, investors should note that full notice to proceed (FNTP) is still pending, contingent on closing the DOE loan. The $27.7 million capitalized construction costs in Q2 2024 suggest careful project management, but costs may accelerate rapidly once FNTP is issued.

ESG Analyst

Lithium Americas' publication of its ESG-S report demonstrates a commitment to transparency and sustainable development. This is important in the lithium industry, where environmental and social concerns can significantly impact project viability. The focus on creating value for stakeholders and responsible lithium production aligns with increasing investor demands for ESG compliance.

The planned Workforce Hub for construction workers shows foresight in managing social impacts. However, investors should closely monitor the company's performance against its ESG commitments, particularly regarding water usage and community relations at Thacker Pass. The DOE loan's conditional commitment likely included rigorous ESG criteria, providing additional assurance of the project's sustainability credentials.

(All amounts in US$ unless otherwise indicated)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (NYSE: LAC) (“Lithium Americas” or the “Company”) has reported its financial and operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2024 (“Q2 2024”) and has filed its condensed consolidated interim financial statements (“Financials”) and management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”).

HIGHLIGHTS

Thacker Pass

• On March 12, 2024, the Company received from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) a conditional commitment for a $2.26 billion loan (the “DOE Loan”) under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, to fund eligible construction costs of the processing facilities at Thacker Pass to produce an initial 40,000 tonnes per annum of battery grade lithium carbonate (“Phase 1”). The Company continues to work closely with the DOE and expects to close the DOE Loan in the second half of 2024 (“2H24”).
• Site preparation for major earthworks has been completed, and Thacker Pass is prepared for the commencement of major construction following issuing full notice to proceed (“FNTP”), expected in 2H24 following closing of the DOE Loan.
• The Company continues to focus on increasing the level of detailed engineering, currently over 30% design complete, alongside advancing procurement and execution planning. Throughout Q2 2024, procurement packages and executable purchase orders were put in place in preparation for FNTP.
• During Q2 2024, the Company advanced site preparation for the Workforce Hub (“WFH”), a planned all-inclusive housing facility for construction workers. The WFH will be built to align with Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction schedule.
• In August 2024, the Company received a $11.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to support an upgrade of the local power infrastructure and to help build a transloading facility.
• During the three months ended June 30, 2024, $27.7 million of construction capital costs and other project-related costs were capitalized.

Corporate

• As of June 30, 2024, the Company had approximately $375.8 million in cash and cash equivalents.
• In April 2024, the Company completed an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”) which, together with the DOE Loan, satisfies the funding condition to closing General Motors Holdings LLC (“GM”) second tranche investment (“Tranche 2 Investment”). The DOE Loan and the GM Tranche 2 Investment are expected to close in the second half of the year, and together, with the cash on hand, are expected to fund Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction capital expenditures.
• The Company published an environment, social, governance and safety (“ESG-S”) report, themed “Advancing Sustainable Value Creation,” covering sustainability performance and progress for the period January 1 to December 31, 2023, including activities related to Thacker Pass and the Company’s Lithium Technical Development Center. The ESG-S report highlights the Company’s commitment to sustainably develop Thacker Pass to become a responsible lithium producer and create value for stakeholders. The ESG-S report is available on the Company’s website.

“Our team is focused on closing the DOE Loan and GM investment to move Thacker Pass into major construction by the end of the year," said Jonathan Evans, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lithium Americas. “We have been working closely with the U.S. DOE and GM, while concurrently continuing to de-risk execution readiness by advancing detailed engineering, project planning and procurement packages. Earthworks and site preparations are complete, and Thacker Pass is ready for the next phase of construction once we make the final investment decision later this year.”

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Rene LeBlanc, PhD, SME, Vice President, Growth and Product Strategy of the Company, and a ”qualified person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K under the United States Securities Act of 1933.

FINANCIALS

Selected consolidated financial information is presented as follows:

(in US$ million except per share information)	Six months ended June 30,
	2024	2023
	$	$
Expenses	11.7	10.7
Net loss/(income)	12.3	(9.2)
Loss/(Income) per share – basic	0.07	(0.06)

(in US$ million)	As at June 30, 2024	As at December 31, 2023
	$	$
Cash and cash equivalents	375.8	195.5
Total assets	692.2	439.5
Total long-term liabilities	8.6	7.5

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, there was a net loss compared with net income during the six months ended June 30, 2023 due to the recognition of a loss on the fair value of financial instruments compared with a gain in the comparable year-earlier period and higher general and administrative and equity compensation expenses reflecting the full costs of the Company operating as a stand-alone entity, subsequent to the separation transaction on October 3, 2023.

At June 30, 2024, total assets increased due to higher cash and cash equivalent balances reflecting net proceeds from the completion of an underwritten public offering in April 2024. Expenditures capitalized for Thacker Pass were offset by a reduction in cash and net settlement of prepaids at December 31, 2023 that were capitalized as Thacker Pass construction costs in the six months ended June 30, 2024.

This news release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Financial Statements and MD&A for the six months ended June 30, 2024, which are available on the Company’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

ABOUT LITHIUM AMERICAS

Lithium Americas is committed to responsibly developing the 100%-owned Thacker Pass project located in Humboldt County in northern Nevada, which hosts the largest known Measured and Indicated lithium resource in North America. The Company is focused on advancing Thacker Pass Phase 1 toward production; targeting nameplate capacity of 40,000 tonnes per annum of battery-quality lithium carbonate. The Company and its engineering, procurement and construction management contractor, Bechtel, entered into a National Construction Agreement (Project Labor Agreement) with North America’s Building Trades Unions for construction of Thacker Pass. The three-year construction build is expected to create approximately 1,800 direct jobs. Lithium Americas’ shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LAC. To learn more, visit www.lithiumamericas.com or follow @LithiumAmericas on social media.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable United States securities legislation (collectively referred to as “forward-looking information” ("FLI")). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are FLI and can be identified by the use of statements that include, but are not limited to, words, such as “anticipate,” “plan,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “project,” “predict,” “propose,” “potential,” “target,” “implement,” “schedule,” “forecast,” “intend,” “would,” “could,” “might,” “should,” “believe” and similar terminology, or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. FLI in this news release includes, but is not limited to: the anticipated use of net proceeds of the $275 million Offering; expectation that the Tranche 2 Investment, the Offering and cash on hand, together with the DOE Loan will fully fund Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction; expectations regarding closing and accessing funding from the DOE Loan and the Tranche 2 Investment; expectations regarding receipt of FNTP; expectations and timing on the commencement of major construction; the expected operations, financial results and condition of the Company; the Company’s future objectives and strategies to achieve those objectives, including the future prospects of the Company; the estimated cash flow, capitalization and adequacy thereof for the Company; the estimated costs of the development of Thacker Pass, including timing, progress, approach, continuity or change in plans, construction, commissioning, milestones, anticipated production and results thereof and expansion plans; cost and expected benefits of the transloading terminal; anticipated timing to resolve, and the expected outcome of, any complaints or claims made or that could be made concerning the permitting process in the United States for Thacker Pass; estimates, and any change in estimates, of the mineral resources and mineral reserves at Thacker Pass; development of mineral resources and mineral reserves; the realization of mineral resources and mineral reserves estimates, including whether certain mineral resources will ever be developed into mineral reserves, and information and underlying assumptions related thereto; the expected benefits of the Arrangement to, and resulting treatment of, shareholders and the Company; the anticipated effects of the Arrangement; information concerning the tax treatment of the Arrangement; government regulation of mining operations and treatment under governmental and taxation regimes; the future price of commodities, including lithium; the creation of a battery supply chain in the United States to support the electric vehicle market; the timing and amount of future production; currency exchange and interest rates; the Company’s ability to raise capital; expected expenditures to be made by the Company on Thacker Pass; ability to produce high purity battery grade lithium products; settlement of agreements related to the operation and sale of mineral production as well as contracts in respect of operations and inputs required in the course of production; the timing, cost, quantity, capacity and product quality of production at Thacker Pass; successful development of Thacker Pass, including successful results from the Company’s testing facility and third-party tests related thereto; capital costs, operating costs, sustaining capital requirements, after tax net present value and internal rate of return, payback period, sensitivity analyses, and net cash flows of Thacker Pass; the expected capital expenditures for the construction of Thacker Pass; anticipated job creation and WFH; the expected progress of construction of the community center and the Company’s other obligations under the community benefits agreement; the expectation that the project labor agreement will minimize construction risk, ensure availability of skilled labor, address the challenges associated with Thacker Pass’ remote location and be effective in prioritizing employment of local and regional skilled craft workers, including members of underrepresented communities; the expected workforce development training program being prepared with Great Basin College; the Company’s commitment to sustainable development, minimizing the environmental impact at Thacker Pass and plans for phased reclamation during the life of mine including use benefits of growth media; ability to achieve capital cost efficiencies; the Tranche 2 Investment and the potential for additional financing scenarios for Thacker Pass; the ability of the Company to complete the Tranche 2 Investment on the terms and timeline anticipated, or at all; the receipt of required stock exchange and regulatory approvals and authorizations, and the securing of sufficient available funding to complete the development of Phase 1 of Thacker Pass as required for the Tranche 2 Investment; the expected benefits of the Tranche 2 Investment; the ability of the Company to complete the DOE Loan on the terms and timeline anticipated, or at all, including, but not limited to, need for letters of credit; as well as other statements with respect to management’s beliefs, plans, estimates and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance or expectations that are not historical facts.

FLI involves known and unknown risks, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially. FLI reflects the Company’s current views about future events, and while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Accordingly, there can be no certainty that they will accurately reflect actual results. Assumptions upon which such FLI is based include, without limitation: a cordial business relationship between the Company and third party strategic and contractual partners; the risk of tax liabilities as a result of the Arrangement, and general business and economic uncertainties and adverse market conditions; the risk that the Arrangement may not be tax-free for income tax purposes and potential significant tax liabilities that the Company may be exposed to if the tax-deferred spinoff rules are not met; the risk of tax indemnity obligations owed by the Company to Lithium Argentina following the Arrangement becoming payable, including as a result of events outside of the Company's control; uncertainties inherent to feasibility studies and mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; the ability of the Company to secure sufficient additional financing, advance and develop Thacker Pass, and to produce battery grade lithium; the respective benefits and impacts of Thacker Pass when production operations commence; settlement of agreements related to the operation and sale of mineral production as well as contracts in respect of operations and inputs required in the course of production; the Company’s ability to operate in a safe and effective manner, and without material adverse impact from the effects of climate change or severe weather conditions; uncertainties relating to receiving and maintaining mining, exploration, environmental and other permits or approvals in Nevada; demand for lithium, including that such demand is supported by growth in the electric vehicle market; current technological trends; the impact of increasing competition in the lithium business, and the Company’s competitive position in the industry; continuing support of local communities and the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe for Thacker Pass; continuing constructive engagement with these and other stakeholders, and any expected benefits of such engagement; the stable and supportive legislative, regulatory and community environment in the jurisdictions where the Company operates; impacts of inflation, currency exchanges rates, interest rates and other general economic and stock market conditions; the impact of unknown financial contingencies, including litigation costs, environmental compliance costs and costs associated with the impacts of climate change, on the Company’s operations; increased attention to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) and sustainability-related matters, risks related to the Company’s public statements with respect to such matters that may be subject to heightened scrutiny from public and governmental authorities related to the risk of potential “greenwashing,” (i.e., misleading information or false claims overstating potential sustainability-related benefits); risks that the Company may face regarding potentially conflicting anti-ESG initiatives from certain U.S. state or other governments; estimates of and unpredictable changes to the market prices for lithium products; development and construction costs for Thacker Pass, and costs for any additional exploration work at the project; estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves, including whether mineral resources not included in mineral reserves will be further developed into mineral reserves; reliability of technical data; anticipated timing and results of exploration, development and construction activities, including the impact of ongoing supply chain disruptions and availability of equipment and supplies on such timing; timely responses from governmental agencies responsible for reviewing and considering the Company’s permitting activities at Thacker Pass; availability of technology, including low carbon energy sources and water rights, on acceptable terms to advance Thacker Pass; the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms or at all, including the outcome of the DOE Loan; government regulation of mining operations and mergers and acquisitions activity, and treatment under governmental, regulatory and taxation regimes; ability to realize expected benefits from investments in or partnerships with third parties; accuracy of development budgets and construction estimates; that the Company will meet its future objectives and priorities; that the Company will have access to adequate capital to fund its future projects and plans; that such future projects and plans will proceed as anticipated; the ability of the Company to satisfy all closing conditions for the Tranche 2 Investment and complete the Tranche 2 Investment in a timely manner; the impact of the Tranche 2 Investment on dilution of shareholders and on the trading price for, and market for trading in, the securities of the Company; as well as assumptions concerning general economic and industry growth rates, commodity prices, currency exchange and interest rates and competitive conditions. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such FLI are reasonable, the Company can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors is not exhaustive. There can be no assurance that FLI will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information, and that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose, including investment purposes. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any FLI as a result of the risk factors set out herein, and in the Company’s other continuous disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers are further cautioned to review the full description of risks, uncertainties and management’s assumptions in the aforementioned documents and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ and on EDGAR.

The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update FLI as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as and to the extent required by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking financial information also constitutes FLI within the context of applicable securities laws and as such, is subject to the same risks, uncertainties and assumptions as are set out in the cautionary note above.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240814570673/en/

INVESTOR CONTACT

Virginia Morgan, VP, IR and ESG

+1-778-726-4070

ir@lithiumamericas.com

Source: Lithium Americas Corp.

FAQ

What was Lithium Americas' (LAC) cash position at the end of Q2 2024?

Lithium Americas (LAC) reported $375.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024.

How much is the conditional loan commitment from the U.S. DOE for Lithium Americas' (LAC) Thacker Pass project?

The U.S. Department of Energy provided a $2.26 billion conditional loan commitment for Lithium Americas' (LAC) Thacker Pass Phase 1 construction.

What was Lithium Americas' (LAC) net income/loss for Q2 2024?

Lithium Americas (LAC) reported a net loss of $12.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

When does Lithium Americas (LAC) expect to begin major construction at Thacker Pass?

Lithium Americas (LAC) expects to begin major construction at Thacker Pass by the end of 2024, following the closing of the DOE loan and GM investment.