Lithium demand is going 30x, and Macquarie reckon these 6 stocks are in the hot seat

David Thornton

Livewire Markets

What do you get when you mix a megatrend, eye-watering demand and constrained supply? 

Lithium. 

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has crunched the numbers on two possible scenarios: the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS), which accounts for the policies that have been adopted as of the end of September 2022, and the Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS), which accounts for the United Nations energy-related Sustainable Development Goals. 

"In both scenarios, EVs and battery storage account for about half of the mineral demand growth from clean energy technologies over the next two decades, spurred by surging demand for battery materials," according to the IEA.  

"Mineral demand from EVs and battery storage grows tenfold in the STEPS and over 30 times in the SDS over the period to 2040."

That's a lot of demand, and Australia is in the box seat. 

In this wire, I explore the supply side shortfall that will support spot prices and list the six Aussie lithium names Macquarie rates as Overweight right now.

Industry in catch-up

Despite a dour economic outlook, demand for lithium continues to outstrip supply. And much of this is fuelled by a supply shortfall in China. 

"Lithium supply remains tight at each key component of the EV battery supply chain," notes Macquarie.  

"According to SMM's lithium carbonate inventory data, which covers more than 30 lithium refiners and more than 70 cathode makers in China, LCE inventory levels declined further in October, down 25% to 18.1kt."

This supply shortfall has translated into spot prices. 

Chinese lithium carbonate prices are now up approximately 120% since the start of the calendar year, while China's battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide prices are up 115% and 174% respectively. Spodumene has also taken off, surging 140%. 

Play it

If you want to gain exposure to lithium, the names below are a good place to start. Macquarie has an Overweight rating on all of them. 


Amongst the Aussie producers, Macquarie is most bullish on PLS and MIN, forecasting an upside of 60% at current spot prices. The upside for AKE is around 50%, while Macquarie predicts an upside of 37% at IGO. 

Small-cap player GL1 leads the way among the Aussie developers with an upside of 90% at current spot prices. LTR and CXO meanwhile boast upside of more than 65% and 15% respectively, according to Macquarie. 

Multiples, meanwhile, are holding up. 

"Most lithium producers boast strong cash-flow generation both on our forecasts or in a spot-price scenario, with PLS having the highest FCF yield of 20% for FY23E," Macquarie notes. 

"We expect lithium developers to also enjoy strong cash flows after the capital spending phase in the near term."
EV/EBITDA multiples are similarly healthy - roughly 3 times and 5 times on a one-year forward basis. 

So what's your favourite Aussie lithium stock? Let us know in the comments section below. 

........
Livewire gives readers access to information and educational content provided by financial services professionals and companies ("Livewire Contributors"). Livewire does not operate under an Australian financial services licence and relies on the exemption available under section 911A(2)(eb) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of any advice given. Any advice on this site is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision please consider these and any relevant Product Disclosure Statement. Livewire has commercial relationships with some Livewire Contributors.

1 topic

6 stocks mentioned

David Thornton
Content Editor
Livewire Markets

David is a content editor at Livewire Markets. He currently hosts The Rules of Investing, a half hour podcast where he sits down with leading experts across equities, fixed income and macro.

I would like to

Only to be used for sending genuine email enquiries to the Contributor. Livewire Markets Pty Ltd reserves its right to take any legal or other appropriate action in relation to misuse of this service.

Personal Information Collection Statement
Your personal information will be passed to the Contributor and/or its authorised service provider to assist the Contributor to contact you about your investment enquiry. They are required not to use your information for any other purpose. Our privacy policy explains how we store personal information and how you may access, correct or complain about the handling of personal information.

Comments

Sign In or Join Free to comment