Allkem share price falls despite record quarter

This lithium share had a strong finish to FY 2022…

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Allkem had a strong finish to FY 2022
  • The lithium miner delivered record quarters from its Mt Cattlin and Olaroz operations
  • Strong lithium prices are predicted to continue into the first quarter of FY 2023

The Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) share price is falling on Wednesday following the release of the company's quarterly update.

In early trade, the lithium miner's shares are down 1% to $9.72.

Allkem share price falls despite record quarter

The Allkem share price is falling today despite the company revealing that it had a strong finish to the financial year.

During the three months ended 30 June, Allkem delivered record quarterly group revenue of approximately US$337 million and a group gross operating cash margin of approximately US$292 million.

This means that group revenue for FY 2022 (including Mt Cattlin from the merger date of 25 August 2021) was US$762 million and its group gross operating cash margin was approximately US$594 million (excluding corporate and other non-operating costs).

Allkem finished the year with a hefty cash balance of US$663.2 million, which is an increase of US$213.1 million since the end of March.

What were the drivers of its record result?

The key Mt Cattlin and Olaroz operations finished the year strongly.

In respect to the former, the Mt Cattlin operation achieved production of 24,845 dry metric tonnes (dmt) and shipments of 37,837 dmt despite COVID-19 cases impacting the mine site over the quarter.

This led to the company delivering record quarterly Mt Cattlin revenue of US$188.9 million with a gross cash margin of 84% based on average pricing of US$4,992 per dmt.

In light of this strong quarter, Mt Cattlin reported record full-year production of 193,563 dmt.

It was a similar story over in Argentina at the company's Olaroz Lithium Facility. During the quarter, Allkem reported production and sales of lithium carbonate of 3,445 tonnes and 3,440 tonnes, respectively.

This led to the Olaroz Lithium Facility generating record quarterly revenue of ~US$141 million with a gross cash margin of 90% based on average pricing of US$41,033 per tonne.

Once again, this meant record full year production at Olaroz Lithium Facility of 12,863 tonnes of lithium carbonate. Approximately 47% of this was battery grade material, which was in line with targets.

Outlook

It could be the company's outlook that is underwhelming investors and weighing on the Allkem share price today.

Allkem revealed that it is targeting Mt Cattlin spodumene production of approximately 160ktpa to 170ktpa. This will be down from 193.5ktpa in FY 2022.

Management also warned that costs will be higher in FY 2023. This is due to ongoing developments, lower production volumes, and labour shortages in Western Australia.

However, with customer demand in the spodumene market remaining robust, the company is expecting spodumene concentrate pricing in the September quarter to be higher than the June quarter.

No real guidance was given for Olaroz other than management expecting the lithium carbonate sales price for the September quarter to remain similar to the June quarter.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Allkem Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Materials Shares

smiling worker stands before power generator technology
Materials Shares

Fortescue shares jump 5% on record performance

This mining giant was in fine form during the quarter.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.
Materials Shares

Should you buy Pilbara Minerals shares today?

Let's see if analysts think investors should be buying the lithium giant's shares.

Read more »

Image of young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Materials Shares

Expert says this ASX mining stock could rise almost 30%

Let's see which miner is being tipped as a buy for investors right now.

Read more »

a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.
Materials Shares

BHP shares charge higher on record copper and iron ore production

Let's see how the miner performed during the fourth quarter.

Read more »

A man stands with hands on hips surveying construction of three high-rise buildings.
Materials Shares

Building activity on the rise – will ASX materials shares benefit?

New data from the March quarter shows a sharp rise in building activity. 

Read more »

Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.
Materials Shares

Macquarie predicts 11% upside for this ASX materials stock

Here's why the broker is positive on the stock.

Read more »

Miner and company person analysing results of a mining company.
Materials Shares

Rio Tinto share price falls on Q2 update

Let's see what the mining giant reported for the second quarter.

Read more »

a man in a hard hat and high visibility vest smiles as he stands in the foreground of heavy mining equipment on a mine site.
Materials Shares

Could these 3 ASX materials shares be set to double?

This broker has buy ratings and aggressive price targets for these holdings. 

Read more »