Lithium Royalty Corp. Provides 2023 Recap

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(in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted)

TORONTO, January 08, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lithium Royalty Corp. (TSX: LIRC) ("LRC" or the "Company") is pleased to report on the successful conclusion of its inaugural year as a public company, following its initial public offering in March 2023, with an update on key developments in 2023 through into 2024.

The royalty business model continues to provide a compelling exposure to the development of the lithium commodity markets and the fast-growing global electric vehicle and renewable power industries. Interest in key lithium mineral assets continues to grow from strategic participants despite the near-term volatility, highlighted by the robust M&A activity taking place in the industry. LRC sees a robust environment for capital allocation with a view on creating sustainable long-term value.

"2023 was a record year for LRC marked by the largest deployment of capital in the Company’s history. We added eight new royalties during 2023, including six new royalties since the March IPO. Furthermore, the existing LRC portfolio experienced strong organic growth, with four projects unveiling maiden resource announcements of global significance. In addition, the James Bay project operated by Arcadium Lithium (formerly Allkem) received environmental approval from Québec’s provincial authorities and Atlas Lithium announced that it is fully financed for its Das Neves project in Brazil, which is targeting to start production in 2024. Notwithstanding lower lithium prices, the LRC portfolio progressed substantially and is positioned to benefit from the continued growth in the lithium sector," stated LRC’s CEO, Ernie Ortiz.

While we are not pleased with the 48% decline in the share price since March 2023 IPO, it is in-line with major lithium companies, weak performance for public royalty companies and a 73% decline in lithium prices. Our acquisition activity continued at a record pace and we are deploying capital at superior returns. Our pipeline for new royalties is robust, valuations are attractive and return expectations well above average.

2024 is expected to be an inflection point for the Company as our projects which entered commercial production in 2023 ramp up, and several others commence commercial production for the first time.

Lithium Market

Internal and third-party estimates suggest lithium demand increased by approximately 27% in 2023, powered by continued growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales which grew by approximately 35% on a global basis. EV sales penetration (battery electric and plug-in hybrids) was approximately 17%, up from 12% in 2022, despite higher interest rates that impacted affordability. Looking forward to 2024, third party estimates are forecasting for EV sales to grow between 20-25% year-on-year, which would equate to EV sales of 17-18 million units globally and represent approximately ~20% of global automobile sales. According to forecasts, the continued rise of EVs in combination with growing energy storage battery installations should allow the lithium market to grow in excess of 20% in 2024 and will mark an important milestone for the industry, as 2024 is on track to be the first year ever in which lithium demand reaches (and exceeds) one million tonnes in LCE terms. We expect that continued end market growth, improving battery inventory levels, and greater consumer choice for EVs will be important tailwinds for the sector in 2024.