Can ALTM make money faster than LAC in the long run
7/31/2024 09:42am
**ALTM's potential for rapid earnings growth may be limited compared to LAC.** Here's the analysis to support this conclusion:
1. **Recent Performance**:
- **ALTM's Significant Decline**: Arcadium Lithium (ALTM) has experienced a substantial interval percentage change of -82.97% from January 1, 2024, to July 30, 2024. This dramatic decline suggests a challenging period for the company.
- **LAC's More Moderate Decline**: Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) has seen a decrease of 60.61% over the same period. While LAC has also faced a downturn, its decline is less severe compared to ALTM.
|Ticker|Name|Interval Percentage Change|Date|code|market_code|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|ALTM.N|Arcadium Lithium|-82.97413793103449|20231229-20240730|ALTM|169|
|Ticker|Name|Interval Percentage Change|Date|code|market_code|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|LAC.N|Lithium|-60.60606060606061|20231229-20240730|LAC|169|
2. **Future Prospects**:
- **ALTM's Financial Outlook**: Despite the recent negative performance, ALTM's financial performance has shown some positive aspects. The company has a diversified product offering and a presence in key lithium extraction regions. However, the company's recent amended 10-K annual report and the lack of free cash flow generation may raise concerns about its financial health.
- **LAC's Strategic Position**: Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) has secured a significant loan for its Thacker Pass mine in Nevada, which is expected to be a major production site. This strategic move to secure domestic lithium supply could position LAC well for long-term growth.
3. **Market Factors**:
- **Lithium Market Dynamics**: The lithium market is influenced by factors such as electric vehicle demand, battery manufacturing, and geopolitical issues. While both companies are exposed to these factors, LAC's strategic projects and financial stability may give it an edge in capitalizing on market opportunities.
- **Price Stabilization Forecast**: Experts predict that lithium carbonate prices might stabilize between $20,000 and $25,000 per metric ton from 2024 to 2027. This stabilization could benefit companies like LAC that are well-positioned to exploit long-term demand.
In conclusion, while ALTM has potential due to its diversified operations and product offerings, the recent financial performance and strategic positioning of LAC make it appear more likely to generate earnings faster in the long run. However, it's important to note that investment decisions should be based on a comprehensive analysis of an individual's financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment goals.