SIGMA LITHIUM REPORTS 4Q24 AND FY24 RESULTS: STRONG MARGIN GENERATION, RECORD PRODUCTION AND SIGNIFICANT COST REDUCTIONS
Rhea-AI Summary
Sigma Lithium (SGML) reported strong Q4 2024 and FY2024 results, highlighting operational efficiency with a 42% cash operating margin in Q4 and 41% for FY24. The company achieved record quarterly production of over 77,000 tonnes in Q4, a 28% increase, with total FY24 production reaching 240,828 tonnes.
Key financial metrics include FY24 revenues of $151.4M, with underlying revenues of $180.6M excluding non-cash adjustments. Q4 revenues reached $47.3M, up 127% from Q3. The company demonstrated significant cost reductions, with CIF China cash operating costs decreasing 17% to $427/t in Q4.
Looking ahead, SGML issued FY2025 production guidance of 270,000 tonnes and is progressing with Plant 2 construction, expected to begin commissioning in Q4 2025. An updated technical report revealed an After-Tax NPV8% of $5.7B and validated 22 years of operational life with 107Mt mineral resources at 1.40% Li2O.
Positive
- Record Q4 production of 77,034 tonnes, up 28% from previous quarter
- Strong margins with 42% cash operating margin in Q4 2024
- 17% reduction in CIF China cash operating costs to $427/t in Q4
- Q4 revenues increased 127% to $47.3M compared to Q3
- Secured $100M BNDES credit line for Plant 2 construction
- 23% increase in mineral resources to 93.2Mt M&I at 1.40% Li2O
Negative
- NPV decreased to $5.7B from $15.3B in previous technical report
- Total debt increased to $173.6M from $119M year-over-year
- Short-term debt rose to $60.3M from $9.4M
- Revenue impacted by $29.2M negative price adjustment from 2023 shipments
Insights
Sigma Lithium's Q4 and FY24 results demonstrate remarkable operational resilience during a challenging lithium price environment. The company achieved 42% cash operating margins in Q4 and 26% EBITDA margins, highlighting strong profitability despite market headwinds. What's particularly impressive is the
The company's ability to increase production by
On the balance sheet front, Sigma has secured substantial trade finance credit lines and reduced interest rates from
The updated technical report validates the long-term investment thesis with a
Sigma's operational execution in Q4 stands out with production reaching 77,034 tonnes - a
The 2025 production guidance of 270,000 tonnes represents
The resource update reveals
Phase 2 construction progress appears on schedule with foundation earthworks completed and civil works underway. The decision to proceed with expansion despite market headwinds shows strategic conviction, especially with the favorable
The revised timeline for Phase 2 and 3 (full ramp-up in 2026 and 2027 respectively) reflects prudent planning rather than operational issues, aligning capacity expansion with projected market conditions rather than rushing production into a soft market.
HIGHLIGHTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
- Strong operating margins: reflecting strong profitability and operational efficiency.
- Cash operating margin of
42% in 4Q24, underlying41% in FY24. - Adjusted EBITDA margin in 4Q24 of
26% , underlying25% in FY24.
- Cash operating margin of
- Record quarterly production and sales volumes: improvements at Greentech Industrial Lithium Plant:
- Increased production and sales of Quintuple Zero Lithium Concentrate by approximately
28% in 4Q24: over 77,000 tonnes of production and 73,900 tonnes of sales. - Issued FY 2025 production guidance of 270,000 tonnes, reinforced by performance achieved in 4Q24.
- A video highlighting our operational improvements is available for viewing here
- Increased production and sales of Quintuple Zero Lithium Concentrate by approximately
- Achieved significant cost reductions: monetized economies of scale and increased efficiency.
- CIF China cash operating costs decreased
17% toUS /t in 4Q24.$427 - All-in sustaining costs (AISC) totaled
US /t in 4Q24.$592 - Provided FY 2025 cost guidance of CIF China cash costs of
US /t and AISC of$500 US /t.$660
- CIF China cash operating costs decreased
- Strengthened Commercial Strategy in 4Q24 to align with annual restocking trends of chemical refiners, effectively managing seasonality: achieved average sales prices of approximately
US /t ($900 6% CIF China).
PLANT 2 CONSTRUCTION
- Significantly Progressed Plant 2 Construction:
- Concluded procurement of long-lead items, continued detailed engineering, completion of earthworks and foundation construction.
- A video of construction progress is available for viewing here.
- Plant commissioning is expected to begin in 4Q25.
TECHNICAL REPORT
- Published an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Grota do Cirilo operations:
- Updated After-Tax NPV
8% for the operations atUS , at current prices averaging$5.7 billion US /t for the next three years of operations.$1,000 - Validated 22 years of operational life with a mineral resource estimate of 107Mt (M&I&I) at
1.40% Li2O, and a mineral reserve estimate at 76 Mt.
- Updated After-Tax NPV
Conference Call Information
The Company will hold a conference call to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter at 8:00 a.m. ET on Monday, March 31, 2025. Participating in the call will be Ana Cabral, Co-Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, and Rogerio Marchini, Chief Financial Officer. To register for the call, please proceed through the following link Register here. For access to the webcast, please Click here.
SÃO PAULO, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sigma Lithium Corporation (TSXV/NASDAQ: SGML, BVMF: S2GM34), a leading global lithium producer dedicated to powering the next generation of electric vehicles with carbon neutral, socially and environmentally sustainable lithium concentrate, reports its results for the full year ended December 31, 2024.
Ana Cabral, Co-Chairperson and CEO, said: "In 2024, Our continued focus on innovation and the introduction of advanced Greentech technologies, such as the new ultrafines reprocessing circuit, increased the overall efficiency of our industrial process. As a result, we significantly increased industrial lithium oxide concentrate production volumes, without a concomitant increase in mining footprint, thereby simultaneously creating value for both the environment and our shareholders."
"We are undergoing a transformational period as we accelerate our growth to become one of the world's leading integrated industrial-mineral lithium oxide producers. As we increase production volume, we see opportunities to further monetize economies of scale. We demonstrated operational resilience during the current lithium cycle, surpassing production targets, while maintaining one of the lowest cash cost positions in the industry. Our execution track record further reinforces our ability to deliver on our targets", she added.
The CEO concluded, "We are simultaneously constructing our second Greentech Industrial Plant to double our production capacity in 2025, while entering the planning stages for a third Greentech production line. This expansion, coupled with our disciplined approach to capital deployment and industry-leading low capex intensity, positions Sigma Lithium for sustainable long-term growth. As we look ahead, our unwavering focus on innovation, cost leadership, strategic partnerships, and environmental stewardship will continue to drive value creation for our stakeholders."
Table 1. Summary of FY 2024 and 4Q24 Key Operational and Financial Metrics
Production and Sales | Unit | FY2024 | 4Q24 |
Production Volumes | tonnes | 240,828 | 77,034 |
Sales Volumes | tonnes | 236,811 | 73,900 |
Average grade of shipped product | % of Li2O | 5.3 | 5.2 |
Average Selling Price, @ | US$/t | 875 | 900 |
COGS | US$/t | 506 | 434 |
Operating Cash Cost at Plant Gate(2) | US$/t | 364 | 318 |
Operating Cash Cost CIF China (2) | US$/t | 494 | 427 |
All-in Sustaining Cash Cost (2) | US$/t | 714 | 592 |
Financial Performance | Unit | FY2024 | 4Q24 |
Underlying Revenue(3) | 180,589 | 47,336 | |
Reported Revenue | 151,352 | 47,336 | |
Underlying Adjusted EBITDA(4) | 46,023 | 12,259 | |
Adjusted EBITDA(4) | 16,786 | 12,259 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at the end of the respective period | 45,918 | 45,918 | |
Revenues and Production
Sigma Lithium reported revenues of
The Company also reported total revenues of
As a result of the improved efficiencies at the Greentech Plant, following the completion of the new ultrafines circuit, the Company achieved a
The Company expects to produce at least 270,000 tonnes of its Quintuple Zero Lithium Concentrate in 2025, averaging approximately 67,500 tonnes per quarter.
Following the success in increasing production volumes, during the 4Q24, Sigma Lithium sold 73,900 tonnes of its Quintuple Zero Green Lithium concentrate. As a result, the Company reported a total of 236,811 tonnes in sales volumes for the FY24.
The Company strengthened its commercial relationship with trading companies, allowing to execute commercial strategy in line with annual restocking trends of chemical refiners, weathering seasonality more effectively and outperforming market price benchmarks, achieving average CIF sales price for the 4Q24 of approximately
In 2025, the Company will focus on optimizing further its commercial strategy by following seasonality patterns. This will involve consolidating shipments into larger vessels and timing deliveries to align with peak demand seasons at final destinations.
Cash Gross Margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Sigma Lithium reported an underlying cash gross margin (gross margin excluding non-cash 2023 provision price adjustments and D&A expenses) of
For the FY24 Adjusted EBITDA totaled
For the 4Q24, Adjusted EBITDA totalled
Costs and FY25 Guidance
The Company reported cost of sales of
By monetizing economies of scale, the Company reported a
During 2024, the Company maintained its low-cost position, with CIF China cash operating costs averaging
Demonstrating resilience to price cycles, AISC also saw a significant improvement at
For the 2025 business year, the Company expects to maintain CIF China operating cash cost of
Balance Sheet & Liquidity
As of December 31, 2024, the Company's cash and cash equivalents totaled
The main uses of cash during the year were:
(i) | interest payments of |
(ii) | Increase in working capital of |
(iii) | Capital expenditures of |
In 2024, due to the achieved operational consistency, the Company was granted substantial trade finance credit lines by commercial banks. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had
Throughout 2024, enhanced operational reliability and a steady shipment schedule reduced the Company's export credit risk, which in turn improved the availability and lowered the interest rates on its trade finance lines.
As a result of these performance improvements, the Company increased working capital efficiency and decreased its total financial and interest expenses per ton as follows:
- Significantly decreased interest rates on the Company's trade finance export credit lines, from
15.5% per year in 4Q23 to8.7% per year in 4Q24. - Improved working capital efficiency, maintaining a short-term trade finance balance of
US as of December 2024, consistent with the previous quarter, despite the significant increase in production.$59.6 million - Decreased net interest paid on short-term debt to
US /t in 4Q24.$19 - Net interest paid in FY24 totaled
US (excluding interest accrued in 2023), or approximately$19.6 million US /t based on annual production of 240,828 tonnes.$81
As guidance, the Company expects interest payments to remain at similar levels of approximately
Phase 2 Expansion and CAPEX Update
In April 2024, the Board of Directors announced a Final Investment Decision for the Company's Phase 2 Greentech Plant expansion. The project is expected to add 250,000 tonnes of production capacity to the current Phase 1 operation. Importantly, the Company has already received all licenses to build and operate this second Greentech Plant and commence mining operation at its Barreiro site, when needed. The operating license for the Barreiro mine, the second mine within the Grota do Girlo property, was granted in December 2024.
The Company has successfully completed
In addition, detailed engineering with technical specifications has been completed for certain key equipment items with long manufacturing lead times (long-lead items). Procurement and contractual negotiations have been completed, and the initial deliveries of the plant's equipment are expected to commence in July 2025, followed by the assembly of mechanical structures.
Currently, there are more than 100 people working on the expansion project, with plans to increase the workforce to 1,000 at peak construction. The Company has also accelerated its homecoming program with the creation of a training center for heavy machinery operators in one of the neighboring communities.
Sigma Lithium has secured a
During 2024, the capital expenditure totalled
Updated Technical Report
The Company filed an updated technical report (the "Technical Report") for its
The Company's mining resource increased by a total of
This increase in mineral resource estimates reflects only a portion of the full geological exploration potential at Grota do Cirilo, as announced by the Company. Grota do Cirilo is one of four properties within Sigma Lithium's broader mining portfolio, highlighting significant further exploration and resource growth potential.
Additionally, Sigma Lithium continues to execute the mineral and metallurgical development work to further convert its mineral resources into reserves over time. As a result, the Company expects the increase in mineral reserve estimates to continue alongside the construction of additional Greentech industrial production lines, ensuring that the operational life remains above 15 years.
The Technical Report also outlines an updated after-tax NPV (at
- January 2023 Technical Report: Phases 2 and 3 were projected to be fully ramped up by 2024, with production levels expected to reach approximately 700,000 tonnes that year.
- March 2025 Technical Report: Phase 2 is now expected to reach full ramp-up in 2026, with Phase 3 following in 2027.
A full copy of the NI 43-101 Technical Report is available on the Company website.
Qualified Person Disclosure
Please refer to the Company's National Instrument 43-101 technical report titled "Grota do Cirilo Lithium Project Araçuaí and Itinga Regions,
The independent qualified person (QP) for the Technical Report's mineral resource estimates is Marc-Antoine Laporte P.Geo., M.Sc., of SGS Group in
The technical and scientific information related to mineral resource estimates in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Marc-Antoine Laporte.
Other disclosures in this news release of a scientific or technical nature at the Grota do Cirilo Project have been reviewed and approved by Iran Zan MAIG (Membership number 7566), who is considered, by virtue of his education, experience and professional association, a Qualified Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Zan is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is Sigma Lithium Director of Geology.
Mr. Zan has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release not related to the current mineral resource estimate disclosed herein.
ABOUT SIGMA LITHIUM
Sigma Lithium (NASDAQ: SGML, TSXV: SGML, BVMF: S2GM34) is a leading global lithium producer dedicated to powering the next generation of electric vehicle batteries with carbon neutral, socially and environmentally sustainable chemical-grade lithium concentrate.
The Company operates one of the world's largest lithium production sites—the fifth-largest industrial-mineral complex for lithium oxide—at its Grota do Cirilo Operation in
Sigma Lithium currently produces 270,000 tonnes of lithium oxide concentrate on an annualized basis (approximately 38,000–40,000 tonnes of LCE) at its state-of-the-art Greentech Industrial Lithium Plant. The Company is now constructing a second plant to double production capacity to 520,000 tonnes of lithium oxide concentrate (approximately 77,000–80,000 tonnes of LCE).
For more information about Sigma Lithium, visit our website
Sigma Lithium
LinkedIn: Sigma Lithium
Instagram: @sigmalithium
Twitter: @SigmaLithium
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian and
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Financial Tables
The consolidated financial statements for the periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were audited by the Company's independent auditor in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Figure 1: Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) Summary
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) | Three | Twelve | Three | Twelve | |||
( | CAD | CAD | USD | USD | |||
Revenue | 67,206 | 208,747 | 47,336 | 151,352 | |||
Cost of goods sold & distribution | (45,306) | (164,473) | (32,079) | (119,718) | |||
Gross profit | 21,900 | 44,274 | 15,257 | 31,634 | |||
Sales expense | (1,655) | (3,871) | (1,167) | (2,796) | |||
G&A expense | (5,873) | (25,215) | (4,200) | (18,418) | |||
Stock-based compensation | (3,578) | (11,172) | (2,525) | (8,102) | |||
ESG and other operating expenses | (2,933) | (10,203) | (2,067) | (7,398) | |||
EBIT | 7,861 | (6,187) | 5,298 | (5,080) | |||
Financial income and (expenses), net | (16,486) | (38,870) | (11,701) | (28,145) | |||
Non-cash FX & other income (expenses), net | (21,133) | (45,306) | (15,138) | (32,806) | |||
Income (loss) before taxes | (29,757) | (90,363) | (21,541) | (66,031) | |||
Income taxes and social contribution | 18,078 | 20,382 | 12,999 | 14,635 | |||
Net Income (loss) for the period | (11,679) | (69,981) | (8,541) | (51,396) | |||
Weighted avg diluted shares outstanding | 111,124 | 111,267 | 111,124 | 111,267 | |||
Earnings per share | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||
Figure 2: Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Summary
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position | As of | As of | As of | As of | |||
( | CAD | CAD | USD | USD | |||
Assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 66,053 | 64,403 | 45,918 | 48,585 | |||
Trade accounts receivable | 16,663 | 29,707 | 11,583 | 22,410 | |||
Inventories | 23,217 | 19,442 | 16,140 | 14,667 | |||
Other current assets | 27,517 | 29,124 | 19,129 | 21,971 | |||
Total current assets | 133,450 | 142,676 | 92,771 | 107,632 | |||
Property, plant and equipment | 202,864 | 239,742 | 141,025 | 180,858 | |||
Other non-current assets | 134,244 | 104,820 | 93,322 | 79,074 | |||
Total Assets | 470,559 | 487,238 | 327,118 | 367,565 | |||
Liabilities & Shareholder Equity | |||||||
Financing and export prepayment | 88,606 | 28,907 | 61,596 | 21,807 | |||
Suppliers & accounts payable | 46,933 | 71,152 | 32,627 | 53,676 | |||
Other current liabilities | 20,928 | 22,315 | 14,550 | 16,834 | |||
Total current liabilities | 156,468 | 122,373 | 108,773 | 92,317 | |||
Financing and export prepayment | 161,117 | 141,999 | 112,003 | 107,122 | |||
Other non-current liabilities | 20,144 | 8,581 | 14,004 | 6,474 | |||
Total non-current liabilities | 181,261 | 150,580 | 126,007 | 113,595 | |||
Total shareholders' equity | 132,830 | 214,284 | 92,338 | 161,652 | |||
Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity | 470,559 | 487,238 | 327,118 | 367,565 | |||
Figure 3: Cash Flow Statement Summary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | Twelve Months | Twelve Months | Twelve Months | Twelve Months | |||
( | CAD | CAD | USD | USD | |||
Operating Activities | |||||||
Net income (loss) for the period | (69,981) | (38,245) | (51,396) | (27,940) | |||
Adjustments, including FX movements | 75,062 | 52,080 | 54,549 | 52,080 | |||
Interest payment on loans and leases | (17,321) | 14,863 | (12,487) | 12,111 | |||
Adjustments to income (loss) for the period | 57,741 | 66,943 | 42,062 | 64,191 | |||
Change in working capital | (12,107) | (59,014) | (8,832) | (42,836) | |||
Net Cash from Operating Activities | (24,347) | (475) | (18,166) | (23,385) | |||
Investing Activities | |||||||
Purchase of PPE | (23,078) | (45,782) | (16,838) | (34,537) | |||
Addition to exploration and evaluation assets | (4,238) | (23,478) | (3,092) | (17,711) | |||
Other | (5,244) | (12,957) | (3,826) | (9,375) | |||
Net Cash from Investing Activities | (32,560) | (82,217) | (23,756) | (61,623) | |||
Financing Activities | |||||||
Proceeds of loans, net | 75,684 | 92,562 | 56,222 | 59,148 | |||
Other | (3,568) | (14,737) | (2,610) | (1,057) | |||
Net Cash from Financing Activities | 72,116 | 77,825 | 53,612 | 58,091 | |||
Effect of FX | (13,559) | 3,233 | (14,356) | 4,406 | |||
Net (decrease) increase in cash | 1,650 | (1,634) | (2,666) | (22,510) | |||
Cash & Equivalents, Beg of Period | 64,403 | 96,354 | 48,584 | 71,094 | |||
Cash & Equivalents, End of Period | 66,053 | 64,403 | 45,918 | 48,584 | |||
Footnotes & Reconciliations:
To provide investors and others with additional information regarding the financial results of Sigma Lithium, we have disclosed in this release certain non-IFRS operating performance measures such as realized price per tonne, unit operating costs, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin. These non-IFRS financial measures are a supplement to and not a substitute for or superior to, the Company's results presented in accordance with IFRS. The non-IFRS financial measures presented by the Company may be different from non-GAAP/IFRS financial measures presented by other companies. Specifically, the Company believes the non-IFRS information provides useful measures to investors regarding the Company's financial performance by excluding certain costs and expenses that the Company believes are not indicative of its core operating results. The presentation of these non-
1. Average selling price, CIF represents revenues associated with shipments invoiced during the reporting period netted out against total volume shipped. The final price may be higher or lower than the invoiced price based on future price movements.
2. Cash unit operating costs include mining, processing, and site based general and administration costs. It is calculated on an incurred basis, credits for any capitalised mine waste development costs, and it excludes depreciation, depletion and amortization of mine and processing associated activities. When reported on an FOB basis, this metric includes road freight, and port related charges. When reported on a CIF basis it includes ocean freight, insurance and royalty costs. Royalty costs include a
For CIF production cost analysis purposes, Sigma is considering the ocean freight costs of product that sailed in the month of reporting. However, for accounting purposes, and thus in this quarter's reported cost of good sold and revenues, the ocean freight cost is to be recognized the moment material is delivered to the customer.
Cash unit all-in sustaining cost includes unit CIF China cash operating cost, SG&A, maintenance capex and financial expenses.
3. Underlying revenue and EBITDA represent reported revenues, excluding provision price adjustments for the shipments made in 2023.
4. Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of recurring core earnings profile of the company. It is calculated as revenues minus cash operating and selling expenses. The calculation excludes non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation expenses.
EBITDA | Three Months | Twelve Months | Three Months | Twelve Months | ||||||
( | CAD | CAD | USD | USD | ||||||
Revenues | 67,206 | 208,747 | 47,336 | 151,352 | ||||||
Cost of goods sold & distribution | (45,306) | (164,473) | (32,079) | (119,718) | ||||||
Gross Profit | 21,900 | 44,274 | 15,257 | 31,634 | ||||||
Sales expenses | (1,655) | (3,871) | (1,167) | (2,796) | ||||||
G&A expense | (5,873) | (25,215) | (4,200) | (18,418) | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | (3,578) | (11,172) | (2,525) | (8,102) | ||||||
ESG & other operating expenses, net | (2,933) | (10,202) | (2,067) | (7,398) | ||||||
EBIT | 7,861 | (6,187) | 5,298 | (5,080) | ||||||
Depreciation & Amortization | 6,288 | 18,970 | 4,436 | 13,764 | ||||||
EBITDA | 14,149 | 12,783 | 9,734 | 8,684 | ||||||
EBITDA (%) | 21 % | 6 % | 21 % | 6 % | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | 3,578 | 11,172 | 2,525 | 8,102 | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | 17,728 | 23,955 | 12,259 | 16,786 | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (%) | 26 % | 11 % | 26 % | 11 % | ||||||
Cash-Flow Reconciliation | FY2024 | FY2023 | ||||||||
Cash Beginning of the Period | 48,584 | 71,094 | ||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (18,146) | (23,385) | ||||||||
Adjustment for interest accrued in 2023 | 11,978 | (11,978) | ||||||||
Capex | (23,756) | (61,623) | ||||||||
Net borrowing | 53,612 | 58,091 | ||||||||
Pro-forma cash increase (decrease) in the year | 23,688 | 38,895 | ||||||||
FX impact on cash held in foreign currency (non-realized) | (14,376) | 4,406 | ||||||||
Adjustment for interest accrued in 2023 | (11,978) | 11,978 | ||||||||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the year | (2,666) | (22,510) | ||||||||
Cash End of the Period | 45,918 | 48,584 | ||||||||
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SOURCE Sigma Lithium Corporation