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Lithium Argentina Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
Globenewswire· 2025-03-17 22:05
Core Viewpoint - Lithium Argentina AG reported strong operational performance in 2024, with the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium carbonate operation becoming the largest in Argentina, achieving over 90% capacity utilization by December 2024 [1][6]. Operational Performance - Lithium carbonate production in 2024 totaled 25,400 tonnes, exceeding production guidance [6]. - Fourth quarter production reached 8,500 tonnes, a 25% increase from the previous quarter, achieving 85% of design capacity [6]. - For 2025, production is guided to be between 30,000 and 35,000 tonnes, with higher output expected in the second half of the year due to planned shutdowns in the first half [6]. Financial Performance - Revenue for 2024 was $198 million, with an average realized price of approximately $7,800 per tonne of lithium carbonate sold [6]. - The company reported a net loss of $15.2 million for 2024, a significant decline from a net income of $1,288.3 million in 2023, primarily due to operational losses and lower gains from financial instruments [10]. - As of December 31, 2024, the company had $86 million in cash and cash equivalents and a $75 million undrawn credit facility with Ganfeng [9]. Debt Management - Project-level debt was reduced from $350 million to $210 million during 2024, supported by Ganfeng's access to low-cost capital [2]. - The company secured longer-term debt facilities with international banks at competitive rates [2]. Future Plans - The company aims to optimize operations further in 2025, focusing on integrating new processing technologies developed by Ganfeng, including a solvent extraction DLE process [3]. - A 5,000 tonnes per annum demonstration plant is expected to begin commissioning later in 2025 [9]. - Plans for Stage 2 expansion include an additional production capacity of 40,000 tonnes per annum, utilizing existing infrastructure and new processing technologies [9]. Regional Development - The company is advancing a regional growth plan in collaboration with Ganfeng, targeting a production capacity of up to 150,000 tonnes per annum across various projects in the Province of Salta [9].
Lithium Argentina to Release Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results on March 17, 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-02-14 11:25
Core Viewpoint - Lithium Argentina AG is set to release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings results on March 17, 2025, followed by a conference call on March 18, 2025, to discuss these results [1][2]. Company Overview - Lithium Argentina is a producer of lithium carbonate, primarily for lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles [3]. - The company operates the Caucharí-Olaroz lithium brine operation in Argentina in partnership with Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd and is advancing the development of additional lithium resources in the region [3]. - The company is publicly traded on the TSX and NYSE under the ticker symbol "LAR" and has its registered and head offices in Zug, Switzerland, with operational headquarters in Buenos Aires, Argentina [3]. Event Details - The earnings call will take place on March 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM Eastern time [2]. - A webcast replay will be available after the event on the company's News and Events page [3].
Lithium Argentina Completes Corporate Migration to Switzerland
Globenewswire· 2025-01-23 12:00
Corporate Migration - Lithium Argentina AG has completed its corporate migration from Canada to Switzerland, changing its name from Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. [1][2] - The company will continue to list its common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the new symbol "LAR," with trading expected to commence on January 27, 2025 [2]. Company Overview - Lithium Argentina is a producer of lithium carbonate, primarily used in lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles [3]. - The company operates the Caucharí-Olaroz lithium brine operation in Argentina in partnership with Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd and is advancing the development of additional lithium resources in the region [3]. - The registered and head offices of Lithium Argentina are located in Zug, Switzerland, while the operational headquarters are in Buenos Aires, Argentina [3].
Lithium Argentina Shareholders Approve Corporate Migration to Switzerland
Newsfilter· 2025-01-17 21:30
Core Points - Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. has received shareholder approval for its plan to migrate its incorporation from Canada to Switzerland, with 99.23% of voting shareholders in favor [2][3] - The Corporate Migration is expected to take effect around January 23, 2025, pending customary approvals [3] - The company aims to enhance its financial and strategic flexibility while focusing on strengthening operations in Argentina and advancing growth in the electromobility supply chain [3] Company Overview - Lithium Argentina is a producer of lithium carbonate primarily for lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles, operating the Caucharí-Olaroz lithium brine operation in partnership with Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd [5] - The company is actively developing additional lithium resources in Argentina and is listed on both the TSX and NYSE [5]
Lithium Argentina Provides 2024 Production Results, 2025 Guidance and Update on Special Meeting of Shareholders
Globenewswire· 2025-01-08 12:22
Core Viewpoint - Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. announced its 2024 production results and provided guidance for 2025, highlighting a successful year with a focus on operational excellence and future growth in the lithium industry [1][4]. Production Results - The Caucharí-Olaroz operation produced approximately 25,400 tonnes of lithium carbonate in 2024, achieving production targets [3][7]. - Fourth quarter production reached approximately 8,500 tonnes, marking a 25% increase compared to the third quarter [3]. 2025 Production Guidance - For 2025, the company expects to produce between 30,000 and 35,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate, aiming for higher production rates and lower unit operating costs [4][7]. Technical Report - An updated technical report was filed for the Caucharí-Olaroz operation, reflecting development progress and operational parameters as of December 31, 2024 [5][6]. - The revised long-term operating cost estimate is approximately $6,543 per tonne of lithium carbonate, with an after-tax NPV(8%) for Stage 1 estimated at $3.6 billion [6]. Shareholder Meeting - A special meeting of shareholders is scheduled for January 17, 2025, to approve the redomiciling of the company to Switzerland and amendments to certain resolutions [7][8]. - The Board of Directors recommends shareholders vote in favor of the redomiciling and ancillary resolutions [8]. Governance and Capital Resolutions - Proposed amendments include lowering the maximum upper and lower limits of the capital band from 20% to 10% and adjusting conditional capital for equity incentive plans and financing purposes [9][10][11]. - The company emphasizes its commitment to governance best practices and shareholder interests [13][15]. Company Overview - Lithium Argentina is an emerging producer of lithium carbonate, primarily for lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles, operating in partnership with Ganfeng at the Caucharí-Olaroz lithium brine operation [21].
Lithium Americas (Argentina) (LAAC) - 2024 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2024-11-06 02:24
Financial Performance - The company reported a net loss of $10,416 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a net income of $26,032 thousand for the same period in 2023, indicating a significant decline in profitability[5]. - Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $(0.06), compared to a profit of $0.12 for the same period in 2023[5]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the consolidated net loss was $10,416, compared to a net income of $26,032 for the same period in 2023[9]. - The net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $32,388, compared to a loss of $64,522 in the same period of 2023[66]. - The company reported finance and other income of $37,880 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $41,500 thousand for the same period in 2023, a decrease of about 8.1%[5]. - For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported finance and other income of $13,212, a decrease of 11.4% compared to $14,921 in the same period of 2023[110]. Assets and Liabilities - As of September 30, 2024, total assets increased to $1,121,763 thousand, up from $1,055,026 thousand as of December 31, 2023, representing a growth of approximately 6.3%[4]. - The total liabilities as of September 30, 2024, were $228,143 thousand, slightly up from $226,095 thousand at the end of 2023, an increase of about 0.9%[4]. - The company’s equity attributable to shareholders increased to $830,959 thousand as of September 30, 2024, compared to $828,931 thousand at the end of 2023, a slight increase of 0.1%[4]. - As of September 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents decreased to $92,325 thousand from $122,293 thousand as of December 31, 2023, reflecting a reduction of approximately 24.5%[4]. - As of September 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents totaled $92,325, an increase from $42,169 as of December 31, 2023[40]. - The company’s non-current assets in Argentina were valued at $385,870 as of September 30, 2024, compared to $411,347 as of December 31, 2023[113]. Exploration and Evaluation - Exploration and evaluation expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $7,602 thousand, down from $9,998 thousand in the same period of 2023, a decrease of about 23.9%[5]. - Total exploration expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, amounted to $7,602, a decrease from $9,998 in the same period of 2023[107]. - Exploration and evaluation assets totaled $343,788 as of September 30, 2024, compared to $348,645 as of December 31, 2022[75]. - The total exploration and evaluation assets decreased from $348,645 to $343,092 from December 31, 2023, to September 30, 2024[75]. Project Updates - The Cauchari-Olaroz project achieved first lithium production in June 2023 and is currently in the commissioning and ramp-up stage[11]. - The Cauchari Olaroz project achieved commercial production as of October 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the company[135]. - The company is entitled to 49% of the lithium carbonate offtake from Cauchari-Olaroz, equating to approximately 19,600 tonnes per annum at full capacity[56]. - The company recognized its share of losses from Minera Exar amounting to $25,026 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024[62]. Financing and Loans - Loans to Exar Capital rose to $368,993 thousand as of September 30, 2024, up from $320,869 thousand at the end of 2023, an increase of approximately 15%[4]. - During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company provided $41,978 in loans to Exar Capital for the Cauchari-Olaroz project's working capital[50]. - As of September 30, 2024, the total loans advanced to Exar Capital by the Company, including accrued interest, amounted to $65,836[53]. - The company entered into a loan facility agreement for $65,000 with Minera Exar to fund debt repayment and working capital, maturing in five years[52]. Shareholder Equity and Compensation - The company’s equity compensation increased to $5,559 from $2,704 year-over-year[9]. - The company granted 1,883 restricted share units (RSUs) during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, with a total estimated fair value of $7,249[89]. - The equity compensation expense related to RSUs for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $2,018[89]. - The company granted 1,225 stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to none in the same period of 2023[94]. - Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options was $2,437 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $0 in 2023[97]. General and Administrative Expenses - The company incurred general and administrative expenses of $10,604 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $11,956 in the same period of 2023[105]. Tax and Regulatory Matters - The company recognized a deferred tax recovery of $10,659 during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, due to inflation adjustments on the tax basis of Pastos Grandes assets[116]. - The amendments to IAS 1 resulted in the reclassification of convertible senior notes from non-current to current liabilities as of January 1, 2023[25]. - The Company is currently assessing the impact of IFRS 18, effective January 1, 2027, on its financial statements[27].
Lithium Americas (Argentina) (LAAC) - 2024 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2024-08-14 23:26
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2024, production volumes reached approximately 5,600 tons of lithium carbonate, an increase of 24% compared to Q1 2024 [3][4] - At the close of Q2, the company had $96 million in cash before completing a $70 million transaction, which is expected to strengthen the balance sheet [5][6] - The company secured an $80 million bank credit facility to replace existing short-term debt with more flexible financing [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ramp-up of Cauchari-Olaroz is on track, with production sustained at around 70% of design capacity, achieving close to design capacity for limited periods [4][5] - The company plans to retain uncommitted offtake to maintain flexibility, expecting to sell this product through Ganfeng [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The current market conditions remain challenging, but the company expects to remain operating cash flow positive, with costs continuing to decline [5][13] - The battery-grade price in China is currently around $11,000 per ton, with expectations for improved realized pricing as quality improves [11][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The focus remains on completing the ramp-up of Cauchari-Olaroz while cautiously advancing regional development plans for Pastos Grandes [6][21] - The company is optimistic about the recently passed RIGI incentive bill in Argentina, which provides an attractive investment framework [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ramp-up of Cauchari-Olaroz, supported by a strong team and partnership with Ganfeng [6][21] - The company is focused on optimizing operations and expects costs to decline as production volumes increase [19][20] Other Important Information - The fair value loss of $113 million related to intercompany funding was due to unrealized non-cash foreign exchange losses [32][34] - The company is actively working on refinancing short-term debt, with repayments spread between 2024 and 2025 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans for uncommitted offtake - The company plans to retain the uncommitted share of offtake for flexibility and expects to sell it through Ganfeng [8] Question: Debt profile and refinancing - The company is open to all credit facilities and expects to use proceeds from the Pastos Grande transaction to significantly reduce leverage [9] Question: Current pricing environment - The company has been operating under conservative pricing assumptions and expects costs to decline as production volumes ramp up [12][13] Question: Operating cost targets - The company aims to align costs with low-cost peers in Argentina, with significant room for optimization as production increases [18][19] Question: Battery grade production costs - Producing battery-grade material is expected to have an immaterial increase in overall costs compared to current production [24] Question: Ganfeng's commitment levels - Ganfeng is continuing to take as much product as possible despite the low demand scenario [24] Question: Production and sales reconciliation - Ganfeng is entitled to 80% of offtake from the first 25,000 tons of production, with a lag expected between production and sales during ramp-up [26] Question: Definition of commercial production - Commercial production is defined by achieving and maintaining certain capacity levels and product quality over time [27][28] Question: Liquidity and repayment cadence - Repayment of short-term debt is spread between 2024 and 2025, with some flexibility on timing [29] Question: Pricing discount evolution - The current $2,000 processing fee is expected to narrow as quality improves and production reaches nameplate capacity [31]
Lithium Americas (Argentina) (LAAC) - 2024 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2024-08-14 01:57
Financial Performance - The company reported a net loss of $8,009 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a net income of $19,410 thousand for the same period in 2023[3]. - The consolidated net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $8,009,000, compared to a net income of $19,410,000 for the same period in 2023, indicating a significant decline in performance[5]. - The company reported a basic and diluted loss per share of $0.05 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a profit of $0.13 for the same period in 2023[3]. - The company reported a loss of $8,009 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a loss of $11,801 in the same period of 2023[78]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets amounted to $1,046,094 thousand as of June 30, 2024, compared to $1,055,026 thousand at December 31, 2023, reflecting a decrease of about 0.9%[2]. - Current assets decreased to $112,335 thousand as of June 30, 2024, down from $133,575 thousand at December 31, 2023, representing a decline of approximately 15.9%[2]. - The company’s cash and cash equivalents decreased to $96,196 thousand as of June 30, 2024, from $122,293 thousand at December 31, 2023, a decline of about 21.4%[2]. - Shareholders' equity totaled $823,955 thousand as of June 30, 2024, down from $828,931 thousand at December 31, 2023, a decrease of approximately 0.6%[2]. - The total liabilities decreased to $222,139 thousand as of June 30, 2024, from $226,095 thousand at December 31, 2023, reflecting a decline of about 1.3%[2]. Cash Flow and Operating Activities - Cash used in operating activities of continuing operations was $9,367,000 for the first half of 2024, compared to $6,261,000 in the same period of 2023, reflecting increased operational costs[5]. - The company’s cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period were $96,196,000, down from $445,039,000 at the end of June 2023, representing a decrease of approximately 78.4%[5]. - As of June 30, 2024, the company has cash and cash equivalents of $96,196 and receivables from purchasers for lithium carbonate amounting to $12,074, to settle current liabilities of $22,329[87]. Exploration and Evaluation - Exploration and evaluation expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2024, were $5,841 thousand, down from $8,199 thousand in the same period of 2023, indicating a reduction of approximately 28.7%[3]. - The total exploration and evaluation assets as of June 30, 2024, were $343,788,000, with additions of $696,000 during the period[44]. - Exploration and evaluation expenditures for the three months ended June 30, 2024, amounted to $2,756, down from $6,224 in the same period of 2023, representing a decrease of 55.8%[71]. Investments and Projects - The investment in the Sal de la Puna Project was valued at $180,967 thousand as of June 30, 2024, slightly down from $181,270 thousand at December 31, 2023[2]. - The company has a 44.8% ownership interest in Minera Exar, which is advancing the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium brine project, now in the commissioning and ramp-up stage[7]. - The company holds a 65% ownership interest in the Sal de la Puna Project, with an investment balance of $180,967 as of June 30, 2024[25]. - The company is entitled to 49% of the lithium carbonate offtake from Cauchari-Olaroz, amounting to approximately 19,600 tonnes per annum at full capacity[32]. Shareholder and Financing Activities - On March 5, 2024, the company announced a definitive agreement with Ganfeng for the acquisition of $70,000,000 in newly issued shares of Proyecto Pastos Grandes S.A., expected to represent a 15% interest in the project[8]. - The Company completed the Separation on October 3, 2023, transferring its North American business and $275,499 in cash to Lithium Americas (NewCo)[20]. - The fair value of net assets distributed during the Separation was $1,680,501, resulting in a gain of $1,267,552 recognized in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2023[21]. Financial Risks and Commitments - The company has commitments for an annual royalty of $200,000 due in May of every year, expiring in 2041, along with other community agreements[40]. - The company limits its exposure to credit loss by placing the majority of its cash and cash equivalents with two major financial institutions and investing in short-term obligations guaranteed by the Canadian government or chartered banks[84]. - The company is exposed to foreign currency risk due to operations in countries with different currencies, primarily incurring expenditures in US dollars[89]. Management and Administrative Expenses - The total compensation for key management for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was $2,584, a decrease of 25.8% compared to $3,483 for the same period in 2023[68]. - General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024, totaled $7,085, a slight decrease of 4.3% from $7,402 in the same period of 2023[70]. Other Financial Information - The company recognized interest expense of $12,172 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, attributed to finance costs[50]. - The Convertible Notes accrue interest at a rate of 1.75% per annum, with interest payable semi-annually[51]. - The company recognized a deferred tax recovery of $10,659 during the six months ended June 30, 2024, due to inflation adjustments on the tax basis of Pastos Grandes assets[80].
Lithium Argentina to Release Second Quarter 2024 Results on August 13, 2024
Newsfilter· 2024-07-17 21:00
Core Points - Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. will release its second quarter 2024 earnings results on August 13, 2024, after market close [1] - A webcast and conference call to discuss the earnings results will be held on August 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. ET [2] - Lithium Argentina is an emerging producer of lithium carbonate, primarily for lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles, and is ramping up production in partnership with Ganfeng Lithium Co, Ltd. [3] Company Information - Lithium Argentina trades on the TSX and NYSE under the ticker symbol "LAAC" [3] - The company is advancing the development of additional lithium resources in Argentina [3] - Investor relations contact information includes Kelly O'Brien, with a telephone number and email provided [3]
Lithium Argentina Reports 2024 Annual General and Special Meeting Results
Newsfilter· 2024-06-20 21:52
At the Meeting, the eight director nominees listed in the Company's management information circular dated May 10, 2024 (the "Circular") were also re-elected as directors to serve until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders. The detailed results of the vote are set out below: In addition to the election of directors, shareholders also set the size of the Board of Directors at eight, reappointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company's auditor and approved amendments to the Company's amended ...