ASX lithium shares rocket higher amid Allkem merger news

What's with lithium shares today?

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.

Image source: Getty Images

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

  • ASX lithium shares are storming higher today 
  • Lithium sentiment appears strong following news out of Allkem 
  • Allkem plans to merge with US major lithium player Livent to create "New Co"

ASX lithium shares are in the green today following news Allkem plans to merge with a major United States lithium giant.

Lithium shares rising include:

  • Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) shares are soaring 15%
  • Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are gaining 3%
  • Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares are lifting 5%
  • Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) shares are leaping 4%
  • Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) shares are surging 13%
  • Piedmont Lithium Inc (ASX: PLL) shares are jumping 4%
  • Global Lithium Resources Ltd (ASX: GL1) shares are rising 8%

Let's take a look at what's boosting ASX lithium shares today.

What's going on?

Lithium sentiment appears strong on the market today following news out of Allkem.

Allkem and Livent Corp (NYSE: LTHM) are planning to merge into a US$10.6 billion global lithium company known as "New Co".

This deal is due to be finalised by the end of the year, subject to approvals, and would see Allkem shareholders owning 56% of the company, compared to a 44% stake for Livent shareholders.

Allkem's portfolio of lithium assets includes the Olaroz project in Argentina and Mt Cattlin in Western Australia.

Livent Corp shares rocketed 5% in the United States overnight and a further 0.39% in after-hours trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

Headquarters are planned for North America and the company would list on the New York Stock Exchange. A foreign exempt listing via Chess Depository Interests would also be maintained on the ASX.

Commenting on the news, Allkem CEO Martín Pérez de Solay said:

We are bringing together two highly complementary businesses to create a leading global lithium chemicals company, building on Allkem's demonstrated track record of integration.

The vertically integrated NewCo will improve delivery of high-quality, value-added products to our diverse customer base and unlock material synergies. 

Lake Resources is among the ASX lithium shares storming higher today. Lake has four lithium brine projects in Argentina including the Olaroz and Kachi projects.

Meanwhile, the lithium price is also continuing to recover. Lithium carbonate (99.5% battery grade) has risen 6.65% on the Shanghai Metals Market to US$30,173.22.

Lithium hydroxide (56.5% battery grade) is also up 1.56% to US$28,219.56.

In the United States overnight, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE: SWM) shares jumped 1.29%, while Albermarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) shares slipped 0.34%.

Share price snapshot

Allkem shares have risen 32% in the last year, while Lake shares have fallen 60%.

Pilbara Minerals has exploded 82% in the past year, while Core Lithium shares have slid 8% and Sayona Mining shares have lost 17%.

Piedmont Lithium shares have jumped 21% in the last year, while Global Lithium Resource shares have risen 2%.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

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

How much could $5,000 invested in BHP shares be worth in a year?

Here's what one leading broker believes could happen with this miner's shares next year.

Read more »

A woman jumps for joy with a rocket drawn on the wall behind her.
Materials Shares

Bell Potter says this ASX lithium stock could rocket 90%+ in 2025

Let's see why the broker is bullish on this lithium developer.

Read more »

A female employee in a hard hat and overalls with high visibility stripes sits at the wheel of a large mining vehicle with mining equipment in the background.
Materials Shares

Forget Fortescue shares and buy this ASX iron ore stock

Bell Potter thinks this iron ore miner could deliver big returns over the next 12 months.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Materials Shares

Are ASX lithium shares prime real estate for value hunters?

Can these stocks recharge returns for investors?

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

Are Rio Tinto shares a buy for its lithium plans?

Let's see what one leading broker is saying about the mining giant.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX 300 lithium stock is rocketing 20% on huge Volkswagen news

Not all shares are being dragged lower by the market today.

Read more »

Dollar sign in yellow with a red falling arrow in front of a graph, symbolising a falling share price.
Materials Shares

Ouch: The Pilbara Minerals share price just hit a multi-year low

It's been a tough day for lithium investors.

Read more »

Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.
Materials Shares

Big ASX news: CEO buys 2.5 million Sayona Mining shares

This CEO has finally made a big share purchase.

Read more »