Business Overview
Livent Corporation (LTHM) is a leading global producer of high-performance lithium compounds, serving a diverse range of markets. With a long history of reliable production, extensive global capabilities, and deep customer relationships, Livent is well-positioned to capitalize on the accelerating trend of electrification.Livent is a pure-play, fully integrated lithium company, manufacturing a wide range of lithium products, including battery-grade lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, butyllithium, and high purity lithium metal. These compounds are critical inputs used in various performance applications, such as lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage, specialty polymers, and chemical synthesis.
The company's strategy is focused on supplying high-performance lithium compounds to the rapidly growing EV and broader energy storage battery markets, while maintaining its position as a leading global producer of butyllithium and high purity lithium metal. Livent's extensive global footprint, applications and technical expertise, and long-standing customer relationships enable it to consistently deliver the specialized performance lithium compounds required by its diverse customer base.
Financials
Livent's financial performance has been strong, with the company reporting annual net income of $273.5 million, annual revenue of $813.2 million, annual operating cash flow of $454.7 million, and annual free cash flow of $117.8 million in the most recent fiscal year.In the third quarter of 2023, Livent generated revenue of $211.4 million, a decrease of approximately 9% compared to the same period in 2022. This was primarily due to lower lithium carbonate pricing and lower butyllithium pricing and volumes, partially offset by an increase in lithium carbonate volumes and higher lithium hydroxide pricing. Net income for the quarter was $87.4 million, an increase of 13% year-over-year, driven by a $10 million gain from the sale of Argentine Sovereign U.S. dollar-denominated bonds and lower income tax expense, partially offset by a decrease in gross margin and higher restructuring and other charges.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, increased by $8.9 million to $119.7 million in the third quarter of 2023, compared to $110.8 million in the same period of 2022. This was primarily due to a favorable mix of raw materials costs, increased lithium carbonate volumes, and lower selling, general, and administrative expenses, partially offset by lower pricing and decreased butyllithium volumes.
Geographic Breakdown
Livent's revenue is heavily concentrated in the Asia Pacific region. In the third quarter of 2023, North America accounted for 15.1% of total revenue, Latin America 0.0%, Europe, Middle East, and Africa 7.4%, and Asia Pacific 77.5%. Key countries contributing to revenue in the quarter included China (45.2% of total revenue), Japan (19.9%), the United States (14.2%), and South Korea (9.7%).Revenue Breakdown and Trends
Livent's revenue is primarily generated from the sale of four main product categories: lithium hydroxide, butyllithium, high purity lithium metal and other specialty compounds, and lithium carbonate and lithium chloride.In the third quarter of 2023, lithium hydroxide revenue was $142.8 million, an increase of 20.6% compared to the same period in 2022, driven by higher pricing. Butyllithium revenue was $49.6 million, a decrease of 43.8% due to lower pricing and volumes. High purity lithium metal and other specialty compounds revenue was $10.0 million, a decrease of 16.0%, while lithium carbonate and lithium chloride revenue was $9.0 million, a decrease of 31.3%, both due to lower pricing.
For the first nine months of 2023, lithium hydroxide revenue increased by 50.0% to $449.2 million, butyllithium revenue decreased by 7.3% to $188.3 million, high purity lithium metal and other specialty compounds revenue decreased by 5.7% to $39.6 million, and lithium carbonate and lithium chloride revenue decreased by 52.0% to $23.6 million, all compared to the same period in 2022.
The increase in lithium hydroxide revenue was driven by higher pricing, while the decreases in butyllithium, high purity lithium metal and other specialty compounds, and lithium carbonate and lithium chloride revenues were primarily due to lower pricing and, in some cases, lower volumes.
Operational Highlights and Outlook
Livent continues to optimize its production network to meet changes in customer demand. The company has utilized air freight to timely manufacture and deliver products when necessary. Livent is also looking at new raw material suppliers, warehousing, and logistics providers to enhance its supply chain and the delivery experience for its customers.The company's operations in Argentina, which account for a significant portion of its lithium carbonate production, have faced various challenges, including high inflation, a weakening currency, high energy prices, and social and labor unrest. These factors have resulted in delays in the commissioning of Livent's expansion project in Argentina, leading to lower-than-expected lithium carbonate production in 2023.
Despite these challenges, Livent remains focused on maintaining its financial flexibility and managing its cash flow and capital allocation decisions to navigate the current environment. The company estimates total capital spending for 2023 to be in the range of $325 million to $375 million.
Proposed Transaction with Allkem Limited
On May 10, 2023, Livent announced a proposed transaction to combine with Allkem Limited, an Australian lithium company, in a merger of equals. The all-stock transaction is expected to close by around the end of calendar year 2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Livent's stockholders and Allkem's shareholders, as well as regulatory approvals.The combined company, to be named NewCo, will be a leading global lithium producer with a diversified asset base, enhanced scale, and a strong financial profile. Livent's stockholders will receive 2.406 shares of NewCo for each Livent share they own, resulting in Allkem shareholders and Livent stockholders holding approximately 56% and 44% of NewCo's shares, respectively.