Why is Lake Resources underperforming other ASX 200 lithium shares right now?

The ASX 200 lithium stock is underperforming both the market and some of its peers today.

| 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
  • The Lake Resources share price is sliding on Tuesday, falling 1.49% to trade at $1.192 
  • Interestingly, fellow ASX 200 lithium stocks Allkem and Pilbara Minerals are today's top performing ASX 200 materials shares
  • Shares in Pilbara Minerals are gaining on the back of its maiden profit, announced this morning

The Lake Resources NL (ASX: LKE) share price has tumbled into the red this afternoon despite a strong performance from many of the company's fellow S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium stocks.

Right now, the Lake Resources share price is $1.19, 1.65% lower than its previous close.

For context, the ASX 200 is down 0.99% right now while the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is recording a 0.29% gain.

Let's take a closer look at what might be going on with the lithium share today.

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.

Image source: Getty Images

Is this driving the Lake Resources share price today?

Shares in Lake Resources have tumbled into the red this afternoon after spending much of the day in the green.

It comes as lithium shares lead the way in the materials sector. The Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) share price is currently the sector's best performer, followed by that of Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS). They've gained 5% and 3.15% respectively.

Their strong performance comes after Pilbara Minerals released its full-year earnings this morning, detailing its maiden profit. The company posted $1.2 billion of revenue, $814.5 million of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA), and $561.8 million of net profit after tax (NPAT).

Of course, such exciting news from the lithium giant may have turned the market's attention to some of its peers. Though, Lake Resources shares appear to have missed out.

It's also worth noting that recently Macquarie upgraded its outlook for lithium. Such bullish sentiment might also be driving some lithium shares to outperform today.

The broker tipped lithium carbonate and hydroxide prices to stay higher for longer than previously expected and predicted spodumene will reach US$5,000 a tonne on a quarterly average, as my Fool colleague Brendon reported yesterday.

That might mean more blue (or green) skies for the Lake Resources share price in the future.

The stock is already 10% higher than it was at the start of 2022. It has also gained 113% since this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.
Materials Shares

Why this ASX mining stock could be a strong buy after major milestone

Bell Potter is recommending this stock to clients.

Read more »

A hand holding a lump of rare earths material against a blue sky.
Materials Shares

This ASX critical minerals company could more than double in value: Broker

An important US government milestone was achieved this week.

Read more »

A group of people gathered around a laptop computer with various expressions of interest, concern and surprise on their faces as they review the payouts from ASX dividend stocks. All are wearing glasses.
Resources Shares

Buy, hold, or sell? South32, Capstone Copper, and BHP shares

Let's see what the experts think.

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

PLS shares jump 320% in 12 months: Buy, sell or hold?

The lithium miner has flown from strength to strength over the past year.

Read more »

Business people standing at a mine site smiling.
Materials Shares

Morgans just placed buy ratings on these ASX materials stocks

These two stocks could be worth adding to your portfolio according to Morgans.

Read more »

Female miner in hard hat and safety vest on laptop with mining drill in background.
Materials Shares

Why Lynas could be one of the ASX's biggest winners again today

Lynas is gaining strategic value as rare earths tensions rise.

Read more »

Two workers on site discuss the next stage of this civil engineering job.
Materials Shares

Is takeover tension sending this ASX steel stock soaring?

Strong fundamentals and takeover speculation have pushed this share up 42%.

Read more »

Smiling worker in metal landfill.
Materials Shares

Another US milestone, another share price drop: What's going on with this ASX stock?

Metallium hits another US milestone, but shares slip again on Tuesday.

Read more »