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Arcadium Lithium plc(ALTM) - 2024 Q3 - Quarterly Report

Revenue and Market Outlook - Arcadium Lithium expects revenue from lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate to increase over time, driven by demand in the electric vehicle and energy storage markets[162]. - The long-term demand for lithium products remains strong, driven by the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage applications[173]. - The company expects increased volumes sold in 2024, driven by new production capacity, despite lower spodumene concentrate sales due to reduced production at Mt. Cattlin[174]. - Market prices for lithium products have declined significantly, impacting the company's outlook for the remainder of 2024[174]. - Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $203.1 million, a decrease of approximately 4% compared to $211.4 million for the same period in 2023, primarily due to lower lithium hydroxide volumes and pricing[182]. - Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $718.8 million, an increase of approximately 2.6% compared to $700.7 million for the same period in 2023, mainly due to Allkem post-merger contributions[191]. Financial Performance - Revenue for Livent was $146.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $211.4 million for the same period in 2023, representing a decrease of 30.7%[177]. - Allkem reported revenue of $56.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, down from $475.9 million in the same period of 2023, a decline of 88.1%[177]. - Net income attributable to Arcadium Lithium plc was $16.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $117.4 million for the same period in 2023, a decrease of 86.3%[177]. - Net income for the 2024 Quarter was $24.7 million, a decrease of approximately 71.7% compared to $87.4 million in the 2023 Quarter, attributed to lower gross margin and higher expenses[188]. - Net income for the 2024 YTD was $139.1 million, a decrease of approximately 52% from $292.4 million in the 2023 YTD, primarily due to lower gross margin and increased restructuring charges[199]. Costs and Expenses - Gross margin for Livent was $59.3 million, while Allkem reported a gross margin of $(3.1) million for the three months ended September 30, 2024[177]. - Total costs and expenses for Livent were $115.0 million, while Allkem's total costs and expenses were $134.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024[177]. - Selling, general and administrative expenses for Livent were $22.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $13.2 million in the same period of 2023[177]. - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately 201% to $39.7 million in the 2024 Quarter, primarily due to Allkem post-merger costs[184]. - Restructuring and other charges for the 2024 YTD were $111.4 million, an increase of $76.4 million compared to $35.0 million in the 2023 YTD, mainly related to the Allkem Livent Merger[195]. Impairment and Charges - The company plans to place the Mt Cattlin site into care and maintenance by the end of H1 2025, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $51.7 million for Q3 2024[166]. - Impairment charges of $51.7 million were recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, related to the Mt Cattlin spodumene operation[179]. - In Q3 2024, the company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $51.7 million due to the evaluation of Mt Cattlin's assets, indicating that undiscounted cash flows were not greater than their carrying value[219]. Mergers and Acquisitions - The Allkem Livent Merger was completed on January 4, 2024, resulting in the integration of Allkem's financials into Arcadium Lithium's reporting[169]. - The company is focused on integrating operations from the Allkem Livent Merger, aiming for cost savings and operational synergies, including rationalizing office space and employee structures[172]. - The Allkem Livent Merger incurred costs of $12.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and $99.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024[179]. Operational Challenges - In Argentina, the company faces challenges such as depleted foreign currency reserves, high inflation, and political unrest, impacting operations and expansion projects[172]. - The company expects ongoing challenges related to expansion projects in Argentina and Canada, including design modifications and supply chain issues, which may increase costs and extend delivery times[208]. - The company anticipates that economic and geopolitical factors, including inflation and high interest rates, will continue to impact operations in the second half of 2024[208]. Cash Flow and Financing - Cash provided by operating activities was $(158.9) million for 2024 YTD, compared to $261.8 million for 2023 YTD, driven by a decrease in net income and an increase in inventories[203]. - Cash used in investing activities decreased to $129.8 million for 2024 YTD from $315.5 million for 2023 YTD, mainly due to $682 million cash acquired in the Allkem Livent Merger[204]. - Cash provided by financing activities was $203.1 million for 2024 YTD, compared to $(21.5) million for 2023 YTD, primarily due to a $150 million customer prepayment related to the Nemaska customer supply agreement[205]. - As of September 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $137.9 million, down from $237.6 million as of December 31, 2023, with $126.2 million held by foreign subsidiaries[202]. - The remaining borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2024, is $380.3 million, subject to meeting debt covenants[206]. Strategic Plans - The company plans to continue strategic reviews and assess the return on its business, which may lead to management changes or restructuring plans[179]. - The company plans to reduce capital spending to align with anticipated cash generation, particularly in light of current lithium pricing[206]. Regulatory and Market Conditions - The National Congress in Argentina approved the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), providing stability guarantees for mining projects for 30 years, effective July 8, 2024[172]. - The cap on mining royalties in Argentina has increased from 3% to 5% of the pithead value of extracted minerals, applicable only to new projects[172]. - The transition to electric drivetrains varies among automakers, with some withdrawing electrification targets while others remain committed[173]. Risk Management - The company has implemented a controlled risk management program to minimize exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates, and foreign currency exchange rates[221]. - The company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually or when triggering events occur, using a discounted cash flow model to estimate fair value[220]. - The company does not hedge foreign currency risks associated with the Argentine peso due to limited availability and high costs of suitable derivative instruments[222].