Why has the Allkem share price tumbled 30% from its May all-time high?

The lithium giant's shares have fallen from grace in recent times.

| 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 shares have been hit hard over the past three weeks, declining 30%
  • The Allkem share price started falling when Goldman Sachs put out its bearish report on the lithium sector at the end of May
  • The broker is predicting a sharp correction in lithium prices in the following year

The Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) share price has been under severe selling pressure since the end of May.

After reaching an all-time high of $14.38 on 30 May, the lithium mining company's shares are now fetching $10.15. This represents a fall of almost 30% in just three weeks.

Let's take a look at what has happened recently with Allkem.

Young boy wearing a red hard hat frowning with his hands on his head.

Image source: Getty Images

Allkem shares momentarily power off

Despite the company releasing a positive update earlier this month, investors have continued to offload Allkem shares.

On 6 June, the company announced strong conditions in the battery metals market, leading to increased lithium carbonate and spodumene concentrate prices.

However, negative sentiment across the industry brought on by a weakened near-term outlook for lithium has weighed down the Allkem share price.

For context, shares in peers Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) and Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) have also declined. They are down 39% and 17% in the past week, respectively.

This follows the release of Goldman Sachs' bearish analysis on the lithium sector which saw investors head for the exits.

The broker noted that fundamental mispricing has generated an outsized supply response well ahead of demand.

Because of this, Goldman Sachs forecasts a lithium price correction to as low as US$16,000 per tonne in 2023.

Currently, the going rate for lithium carbonate per tonne is around US$71,400.

When the report came out on 1 June, Allkem shares tanked 15% on the day.

And since then, its shares have recorded just four days in the green out of the last 14 trading days.

While the industry pushed back after Goldman Sachs' report, no one knows exactly where the price of lithium will be next year.

Allkem share price snapshot

Despite coming off a horrid run, the Allkem share price has surged by 70% over the past 12 months.

However, looking at year to date, the company's shares are relatively flat for the period, down around 2%.

Allkem commands a market capitalisation of approximately $6.25 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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

A woman in jeans and a casual jumper leans on her car and looks seriously at her mobile phone while her vehicle is charged at an electic vehicle recharging station.
Materials Shares

ASX lithium shares rally as oil shock highlights EV appeal

The lithium carbonate price rose 9% this week.

Read more »

A female miner wearing a high vis vest and hard hard smiles and holds a clipboard while inspecting a mine site with a colleague.
Materials Shares

This ASX copper stock could be cheap compared to BHP and Rio Tinto shares

Bell Potter is tipping this copper miner as a buy after another impressive quarter.

Read more »

Building and construction shares represented by man on roof of construction site.
Materials Shares

Warning sign? James Hardie shares may be losing momentum

Risks are in play, but the underlying business still looks robust.

Read more »

A man wearing a suit holds his arms aloft, attached to a large lithium battery with green charging symbols on it.
Materials Shares

This ASX lithium rocket is closing in on a multi-year breakout again

Core Lithium shares near January highs as momentum builds.

Read more »

A happy youngster holds a giant bag of carrots at a supermarket fruit and vegie section, indicating savings made by buying in bulk.
Materials Shares

Why Nufarm shares just exploded higher on Wednesday

Lower debt and better margins spark a big rebound in Nufarm shares.

Read more »

Three business people running a race against each other
Materials Shares

Why is this temperamental ASX stock surging 11% today?

Is this a real recovery or just another short-lived bounce?

Read more »

Business people standing at a mine site smiling.
Materials Shares

This ASX materials stock could rise 20% according to this broker

Fresh tailwinds could push this mining equipment company higher.

Read more »

A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.
Materials Shares

What's this broker's updated view on this ASX materials stock following a 25% fall?

This ASX materials stock was heavily sold off last week.

Read more »