Allkem share price on watch amid a record year

Will a record year be enough to please Allkem shareholders today?

| More on:
Man in yellow hard hat looks through binoculars as man in white hard hat stands behind him and points.

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

  • The Allkem share price is on watch this morning as investors digest its FY22 results
  • Allkem achieved record production and revenues after, boosted by its Galaxy Resources merger
  • Labour shortages have resulted in reduced production guidance at Mt Cattlin for FY23

The Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) share price will be a hot topic today after the company handed down its full-year results for FY22.

Shares in the multi-billion dollar lithium miner rallied 5.5% yesterday to $13.88. By the looks, investors were eager to load up ahead of earnings today.

All eyes on Allkem share price

  • Record annual production from Mt Cattlin and Olaroz
  • Group revenue up 9 times year on year to US$770 million
  • Gross profit up 13 times to US$605 million
  • Group net profit after tax (NPAT) up 4 times to US$337 million
  • Cash and cash equivalents of US$664 million as at 30 June 2022, up 3 times

It is important to note, the incredible increases across most figures are primarily attributable to a change in the company. On 25 August 2021, Allkem (formerly Orocobre) merged with Galaxy Resources. Hence, this is the maiden full-year result as a combined entity.

What else happened in FY22?

The latest financial year was one of substantial growth and development for Allkem. Most notably, the integration of Galaxy Resources helped the company realise record production volumes and revenue.

According to the report, Mt Cattlin achieved 193,563 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of spodumene production. In addition, Allkem's Olaroz project pumped out 12,863 tonnes of lithium carbonate.

Record production and sales were also bolstered by attractive lithium prices, boding well for the Allkem share price. For example, the company snagged an average price of US$2,221 per tonne for its spodumene at a gross cash margin of 80%.

Astonishingly, the average realised price for its lithium carbonate flew 370% higher to US$23,398 per tonne.

On the development front, Allkem has made substantial progress in FY22. Some worthy mentions include:

  • Olaroz stage 2 over 91% completion
  • Naraha lithium hydroxide plant construction completed
  • Construction at Sal de Vida commenced in January

These developments are expected to aid in Allkem's endeavour to triple lithium production by 2026.

What did management say?

Commenting on the record results, Allkem managing director CEO Martin Perez de Solay said:

We achieved record revenue for the Group, not only from strengthened pricing but from successfully and safely producing high-quality lithium products from our global operations that have managed costs, improved safety performance and delivered record production during a period of supply chain disruption, labour shortage, high inflation and ongoing COVID-19 impacts.

Touching on the company's developments Perez de Solay stated:

With two revenue-generating operations being supplemented by new operations in FY23 and a strong balance sheet, we are fully funded to complete construction at Sal de Vida and the development of James Bay.

What's next?

Allkem provided a production guidance update in a separate release this morning. The company highlights the impacts of ongoing labour shortages as a reason for reviewing its FY23 production guidance.

As a result, consequential delays at Mt Cattlin have led to new guidance of 140,000 to 150,000 tonnes. For context, this compares to the previous 160,000 to 170,000 range. Furthermore, Allkem is in talks with customers to offload 100,000 tonnes of lower-grade spodumene at the moment.

Nevertheless, the company is forecasting a solid lithium market ahead.

Allkem share price snapshot

Allkem shareholders have revelled in the momentous boom in lithium recently.

Unsurprisingly, the Allkem share price has been no different. Since the start of the year, shares in the lithium producer have surged 24%. For reference, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is 8.6% in the negative.

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler 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 Earnings Results

Photo of two women shopping.
Earnings Results

Premier Investments share price jumps 9% on results and demerger plans

The Smiggle and Peter Alexander owner has released its results. How did it perform?

Read more »

A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price
Earnings Results

Soul Patts share price struggles on falling profits

ASX 200 investment house Soul Patts reported its half year results this morning.

Read more »

a biomedical researcher sits at his desk with his hand on his chin, thinking and giving a small smile with a microscope next to him and an array of test tubes and beackers behind him on shelves in a well-lit bright office.
Earnings Results

Chemist Warehouse merger target Sigma reports 149% FY24 profit jump

This could be the last set of results from Sigma as we know it if its merger is approved.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Earnings Results

Brickworks share price tumbles on disappointing half-year loss

This loss didn't stop the company from increasing its dividend again.

Read more »

A man sits on a bench atop a mountain with a laptop, making investments with a green ESG mind.
Earnings Results

ASX All Ords stock KMD tumbles as interim dividend cancelled

Investors are hitting the sell button on ASX All Ords stock KMD today.

Read more »

Coal miner holding a giant coal rock in his hand making a circle with his hand, symbolising a rising share price.
Energy Shares

New Hope share price charges higher despite profit crunch and huge dividend cut

Weaker coal prices have hit this miner's profits and dividend hard.

Read more »

A Chinese investor sits in front of his laptop looking pensive and concerned about pandemic lockdowns which may impact ASX 200 iron ore share prices
Earnings Results

Liontown share price tumbles 7% on half-year results

This lithium developer's results have been released this afternoon.

Read more »

A man in a hard hat and high visibility vest holds his thumb up in a gesture of confidence with heavy moving equipment in the background as on a mine site as the Chalice Mining share price rises today.
Earnings Results

Sayona Mining share price jumps despite $32m half-year loss

The Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) share price is pushing higher on Thursday. At the time of writing, the lithium…

Read more »