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Lucara Diamond J (TSE:LUC)
TSX:LUC

Lucara Diamond (LUC) AI Stock Analysis

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Lucara Diamond

(TSX:LUC)

69Neutral
Lucara Diamond's overall stock score of 68.7 reflects a solid financial recovery, strong valuation, and positive corporate developments. The company's financial performance shows improvement, yet cash flow management remains a concern. Technical indicators are stable but suggest caution. Recent corporate events positively impact the score, indicating strategic progress and operational strength.
Positive Factors
Market Position
Lucara remains a premium diamond producer amongst its peers due to its unique diamond production mix from Karowe, known for its large and high-value diamonds.
Revenue Forecast
Lucara expects a higher proportion of diamonds recovered to be from higher value units, which drives estimated revenue in line with prior forecasts.
Negative Factors
Operational Challenges
There is caution on short- to mid-term outlook given the significant capex spend and delay in the underground development schedule.

Lucara Diamond (LUC) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Lucara Diamond Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLucara Diamond Corp is a diamond mining company engaged in the development and operations of diamond properties in Africa. Its business segment includes Karowe Mine, Corporate and other. The company earns the majority of its revenue from the Karowe Mine segment.
How the Company Makes MoneyLucara Diamond Corp. generates revenue primarily through the mining and sale of rough diamonds from its Karowe Mine. The company earns money by selling these diamonds through a combination of tender sales and long-term contracts with diamantaires, jewelry manufacturers, and other industry participants. A significant portion of Lucara's revenue comes from the sale of exceptionally large and high-value diamonds, which are often sold through special tenders known as 'exceptional stone tenders'. Additionally, the company has invested in a digital sales platform, Clara Diamond Solutions, which facilitates the sale of diamonds through a secure, blockchain-enabled marketplace, further contributing to its revenue streams. Strategic partnerships and relationships with key industry players also play a role in maximizing the company's financial performance.

Lucara Diamond Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Lucara Diamond demonstrates a recovery trend with improvements in profitability and operational margins. The balance sheet indicates manageable leverage, though the equity ratio suggests caution. Cash flow performance is challenged by high capital expenditures impacting free cash flow. The company's financial health reflects positive trends with underlying risks, particularly in cash flow management.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Lucara Diamond shows a recovery in its financial performance with a notable increase in total revenue and a positive net profit margin of 19.57% in 2024, compared to a negative margin in 2023. The gross profit margin has remained relatively stable, indicating consistent profitability. However, the revenue growth rate has been erratic, with a decrease from 2022 to 2023 and a subsequent increase in 2024. The EBIT and EBITDA margins have strengthened, reflecting improved operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The company's balance sheet highlights a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, indicating reasonable leverage levels. The return on equity (ROE) is 14.69%, showcasing effective use of shareholder funds to generate profit. However, the equity ratio of 41.11% suggests potential risk as liabilities form a significant portion of total assets. Overall, the balance sheet reflects a stable yet cautious financial position.
Cash Flow
58
Neutral
Lucara Diamond's cash flow performance is mixed, with a concerning decline in free cash flow to -$38.71 million in 2024. Although operating cash flow remains robust, the free cash flow to net income ratio is negative, indicating challenges in converting profits to free cash flow. The operating cash flow to net income ratio of 1.41 suggests efficient cash generation from operations, yet high capital expenditures strain the free cash flow.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
203.88M177.37M212.93M230.08M125.26M
Gross Profit
84.45M78.70M84.60M75.14M-7.73M
EBIT
84.45M54.38M61.77M52.76M-28.48M
EBITDA
66.61M53.50M87.18M100.29M18.97M
Net Income Common Stockholders
39.90M-20.19M40.43M23.83M-26.28M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
22.79M13.34M26.42M27.01M4.92M
Total Assets
660.83M575.80M495.84M411.95M333.85M
Total Debt
195.83M137.99M78.60M48.90M32.27M
Net Debt
173.04M124.65M52.18M21.89M27.36M
Total Liabilities
389.10M333.67M225.78M162.98M125.66M
Stockholders Equity
271.73M242.13M270.06M248.97M208.19M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-38.71M-52.33M77.15M68.10M-35.48M
Operating Cash Flow
56.30M63.36M96.23M83.39M-1.53M
Investing Cash Flow
-94.35M-115.79M-125.42M-97.54M-33.95M
Financing Cash Flow
47.76M39.66M29.14M36.80M29.37M

Lucara Diamond Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price0.37
Price Trends
50DMA
0.39
Negative
100DMA
0.45
Negative
200DMA
0.41
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
>-0.01
Positive
RSI
42.34
Neutral
STOCH
18.79
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:LUC, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 0.37 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 0.39, below the 50-day MA of 0.39, and below the 200-day MA of 0.41, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of >-0.01 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 42.34 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 18.79 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for TSE:LUC.

Lucara Diamond Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (47)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSLUC
69
Neutral
C$173.96M3.0016.80%18.11%
TSNAR
57
Neutral
C$3.94M3.763.27%
47
Neutral
$2.61B-3.78-28.62%3.34%2.54%-30.57%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:LUC
Lucara Diamond
0.36
0.02
5.88%
MPVDF
Mountain Province Diamonds
0.04
-0.13
-76.47%
TSE:NAR
North Arrow Minerals
0.13
-0.27
-67.50%
SHGDF
Star Diamond
0.03
-0.03
-50.00%

Lucara Diamond Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 22, 2025 | % Change Since: -19.57% | Next Earnings Date: May 12, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong operational performance and progress in underground development, but was marred by lower recovery of specials and increased net loss due to transaction costs. There is anticipation of improved cash flows in the latter half of the year.
Highlights
Strong Operating Margin and Cost Control
Operating margin of 51% with operating costs at $26 per ton processed, which is better than guidance.
Progress in Underground Development
Significant progress in underground development with ventilation shaft reaching 500 meters and production shaft at 525 meters, ahead of the revised schedule.
Clara Platform Performance
Clara platform generated $109 million with a 15% uplift on tender basis, with 33% of diamonds sold from third-party sources.
Lowlights
Lower Recovery of Specials
Recovery of 5.1% specials below the expected 6.8%, affecting revenue from larger stones.
Increased Net Loss
Net loss increased by $9 million primarily due to one-off transaction costs related to the rebased loan agreement.
Additional Project Loan Draw
Additional draw from the project loan required due to lower volume of plus 10.8 carat stones sold, impacting cash flow.
Company Guidance
During the Lucara Diamond earnings call for Q1 2024, key metrics and guidance were discussed. The company reported $41 million in diamond sales, with 93,500 carats sold across the HB agreement, Clara, and regular tenders. The operating margin was noted at 51%, with operating costs at $26 per ton processed, reflecting strong cost control. A total of 160 specials over 10.8 carats were recovered, although this 5.1% recovery rate was below the expected 6.8% for mining in the South Lobe. The underground project is progressing well, with $140 million drawn from the project loan and $25 million from the working capital facility. Net loss increased by $9 million, primarily due to transaction costs from a rebased loan agreement. Despite lower volumes of larger stones affecting cash flow, an uplift is anticipated in H2 2024. Revenue guidance remains at $220 million to $250 million, with ongoing efforts to meet operational targets and sustain community-focused initiatives in Botswana.

Lucara Diamond Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Lucara Diamond Corp. Appoints Melissa Harmon to Board of Directors
Positive
Mar 3, 2025

Lucara Diamond Corp. has announced the appointment of Melissa Harmon to its Board of Directors. Ms. Harmon, with over two decades of experience in gold mining and a strong background in safety and technical expertise, is expected to contribute significantly to Lucara’s ongoing development of the Karowe underground project. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance the company’s operational capabilities and industry positioning.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Lucara Diamond Sets New Annual Production Record in 2024
Positive
Feb 22, 2025

Lucara Diamond Corp. announced a record-breaking performance for the fiscal year 2024, highlighted by the recovery of two exceptional diamonds larger than 1,000 carats and achieving new production records. The company reported total sales of 399,215 carats generating $203.9 million in revenue. Lucara also made significant progress in its shaft sinking and development projects, with substantial advancements in both the production and ventilation shafts. The sale of its interest in Clara Diamond Solutions and the achievement of all operational and financial metrics from its 2024 Revised Guidance further underscore its strategic realignment and operational success.

Product-Related AnnouncementsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Lucara Diamond Corp. Celebrates Historic Sale of Two Exceptional Diamonds
Positive
Feb 12, 2025

Lucara Diamond Corp. has announced the successful sale of two exceptional diamonds, the 549 carat Sethunya and the 1,080 carat Eva Star, from its Karowe Mine in Botswana, for a total of $54 million. This sale underscores Lucara’s reputation as a leading producer of high-quality, large diamonds, reinforcing strong demand in the luxury market and highlighting the significant value of their innovative diamond recovery efforts.

Delistings and Listing ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Lucara Diamond Corp. Moves Swedish Listing to Nasdaq First North Growth Market
Neutral
Jan 29, 2025

Lucara Diamond Corp. has successfully transitioned its Swedish listing to the Nasdaq First North Growth Market, with trading set to commence on January 31, 2025. This strategic move may enhance its market positioning without affecting its listings on the Toronto and Botswana Stock Exchanges, and shareholders are not required to take any action.

Delistings and Listing ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Lucara Diamond to Transition Swedish Listing to Nasdaq First North Growth Market
Neutral
Jan 24, 2025

Lucara Diamond Corp. has received conditional approval to transition its Swedish stock listing from Nasdaq Stockholm to Nasdaq First North Growth Market, with trading set to begin on January 31, 2025. This move aligns with Lucara’s market capitalization and strategic focus on its underground mining project, aiming to create a more favorable environment for competition and growth without requiring shareholders to take any action.

Delistings and Listing ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Lucara Diamond to Transition Swedish Listing to Nasdaq First North Growth Market
Neutral
Jan 24, 2025

Lucara Diamond Corp. has announced its transition from Nasdaq Stockholm to the Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Sweden, effective January 31, 2025. This move aligns with the company’s market capitalization and supports its strategic focus on advancing its underground mining project, allowing Lucara to better compete with peer companies.

Lucara Diamond Increases Share Capital and Voting Rights
Jan 2, 2025

Lucara Diamond Corp has increased its share capital by issuing 675,000 new common shares, bringing the total to 451,848,948 shares with voting rights. This update is crucial for shareholders determining their disclosure requirements under Swedish financial regulations. Lucara continues to operate transparently, focusing on its Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana.

Lucara Diamond Shifts to Nasdaq First North
Dec 20, 2024

Lucara Diamond Corp. plans to transfer its share listing from Nasdaq Stockholm Main Market to Nasdaq First North Growth Market, aligning more closely with its market capitalization and strategic focus. The company’s listings on the Toronto and Botswana Stock Exchanges remain unchanged, and it will continue transparent communication with market participants.

Lucara Diamond Unveils Names for Two Giant Gems
Dec 17, 2024

Lucara Diamond has named two extraordinary diamonds, the 2,488 carat ‘Motswedi’ and the 1,094 carat ‘Seriti,’ emphasizing their cultural and geological significance. These gems, discovered in the Karowe Mine in Botswana, are set to make a significant impact on the global market. The company hosted a national competition in Botswana for naming the diamonds, with winners receiving prizes and a mine tour.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.