Street Calls of the Week
VANCOUVER - Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX:LAC) (NYSE:LAC), currently valued at $736 million with its shares trading at $3.07, confirmed Wednesday it is in discussions with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regarding conditions for the first draw on its previously announced $2.26 billion loan for the Thacker Pass lithium project. InvestingPro data shows the company maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 9.88.
The company, which is developing what it describes as the largest known measured lithium resource in the world, is working with both the DOE and General Motors Holdings LLC (GM), its joint venture partner, to address certain conditions precedent to accessing the loan funds. Analyst price targets for LAC range from $2.50 to $8.00, reflecting mixed sentiment about the project’s potential.
According to a press release statement, the discussions include "incremental requests from the DOE for potential further conditions to first draw and/or potential amendments to the DOE Loan and associated transaction documents." The company stated it continues to work with both parties toward "a mutually agreeable resolution." InvestingPro analysis indicates the company is rapidly burning through cash, making these loan discussions particularly crucial for its development plans.
Thacker Pass, located in Humboldt County, Nevada, is owned through a joint venture with Lithium Americas holding a 62% interest and serving as project manager, while GM holds the remaining 38%. The project’s first phase aims to produce 40,000 tonnes per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate. Get deeper insights into LAC’s financial health and 8 additional key investment tips with an InvestingPro subscription.
The company has previously entered into a Project Labor Agreement with North America’s Building Trades Unions for the construction of Thacker Pass, which is expected to create approximately 2,000 direct jobs, including 1,800 skilled contractors.
No specific timeline was provided for when the first draw on the DOE loan might occur, if at all, as negotiations continue regarding the loan conditions and potential amendments.
In other recent news, Lithium Americas Corp has been at the center of significant developments. The United States government is reportedly seeking to acquire an equity stake in the company, which has led to a renegotiation of a $2.3 billion loan initially granted to boost domestic production of critical minerals. This move is part of broader efforts involving the Thacker Pass lithium project, a collaboration with General Motors. The Trump administration is considering acquiring up to a 10% stake in the company as part of these loan renegotiations.
Meanwhile, Jefferies has lowered its price target for Lithium Americas to $7 from $8, while maintaining a Buy rating, citing concerns over the Department of Energy loan reevaluation. The Thacker Pass project, expected to become the largest lithium source in the Western Hemisphere by 2028, continues its construction with over 600 contractors involved. Additionally, shares of lithium companies, including Lithium Americas, have surged following the suspension of production at a major lithium mine in China by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd. These recent developments have sparked considerable interest in the company and the broader lithium market.
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