GuruFocus -
- Revenue: Increased 79% to $8.4 million for Q3 2024.
- Cost of Sales: Slightly lower at $20 million.
- SG&A Expenses: Decreased 50% to $12.9 million.
- Black Mass Production: 1,459 tonnes produced in the quarter.
- Black Mass Sold: Almost 2,000 tonnes sold in the quarter.
- Adjusted EBITDA: Improved year-over-year.
- Net Cash Outflows: $22 million less than the previous quarter.
- DOE Loan Agreement: Closed for up to $475 million.
- Rochester Hub Project Estimated Cost: Approximately $960 million.
- Rochester Hub Expected Production: Up to 8,250 tonnes of battery lithium carbonate and 72,000 tonnes of MHP annually.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Li-Cycle Holdings Corp (NYSE:LICY) secured a $475 million loan from the US Department of Energy, marking a significant milestone for the company.
- The Rochester Hub project is expected to be North America's first commercial-scale resource recovery facility, enhancing the domestic supply of recycled critical materials.
- The company has established strong commercial partnerships, including an offtake agreement with Glencore (LON:GLEN) for 100% of MHP production.
- Li-Cycle Holdings Corp (NYSE:LICY) reported a 79% increase in total revenue to $8.4 million, demonstrating continued positive momentum.
- The company achieved a 50% reduction in SG&A expenses, reflecting successful restructuring initiatives.
- Li-Cycle Holdings Corp (NYSE:LICY) is still in the process of securing a full funding package needed to restart construction at the Rochester Hub project.
- The estimated total capital cost for the Rochester Hub project remains high at approximately $960 million.
- Year-to-date production levels are lower compared to the prior year, despite an increase in quarterly production.
- The company is facing challenges in optimizing its Spoke operations, leading to the curtailment of operations at certain facilities.
- Li-Cycle Holdings Corp (NYSE:LICY) continues to experience net cash outflows, although they have decreased compared to the previous quarter.
A: Ajay Kochhar, CEO, explained that Li-Cycle has closed an agreement for a loan of up to $475 million with the US Department of Energy. This loan will support the development of the Rochester Hub project in New York and is a significant milestone for the company. The loan facility includes a principal amount of up to $445 million and capitalized interest of up to $30 million during the construction period, with a final maturity date in March 2040.
Q: What are the next steps for the Rochester Hub project?
A: Ajay Kochhar, CEO, stated that the next steps include securing a full funding package needed to restart construction at the Rochester Hub. This includes completing the base equity contribution required for the first advance on the DOE loan. The company is also working on a technical and economic analysis for the project's go-forward decision.
Q: How is Li-Cycle optimizing its Spoke operations?
A: Ajay Kochhar, CEO, mentioned that Li-Cycle is focused on optimizing its Gen 3 Spoke facilities in Arizona, Alabama, and Germany. The company aims to build a self-sufficient and financially accretive Spoke business by maximizing throughput rates, reducing costs, and enhancing the quality of Black Mass produced.
Q: What is the current financial performance of Li-Cycle?
A: Craig Cunningham, Interim CFO, reported that Li-Cycle's total revenue increased by 79% to $8.4 million in Q3 2024 compared to the previous year. The company also saw a decrease in SG&A expenses by 50% to $12.9 million, driven by restructuring initiatives. Adjusted EBITDA improved year-over-year due to higher revenue and lower expenses.
Q: What are the long-term market dynamics for Li-Cycle?
A: Ajay Kochhar, CEO, highlighted that the long-term fundamentals for the battery recycling industry remain strong. The increasing supply of recycling materials and the lack of domestic post-processing capacity, along with support for building localized battery supply chains, position Li-Cycle well for future growth.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.