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Lucara Diamond J (TSE:LUC)
TSX:LUC

Lucara Diamond (LUC) AI Stock Analysis

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TSE:LUC

Lucara Diamond

(TSX:LUC)

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Outperform 76 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:76Outperform
Price Target:
C$0.27
▲(6.40% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by strong profitability and a solid balance sheet, supported by constructive technical momentum and an extremely low P/E valuation. These positives are tempered by negative free cash flow and weak cash conversion, which raise near-term cash flow and liquidity risk.
Positive Factors
Business Model & Sales Strategy
Lucara's tender and auction model for high‑value rough diamonds structurally captures premium pricing versus spot channels. Combined with strategic marketing partnerships, this durable sales approach broadens buyer reach and improves long‑term monetization of large stones, supporting steady revenue realization.
Profitability & Margin Profile
Sustained high gross and net margins reflect a structurally advantaged product mix (gem‑quality, large diamonds) and efficient operations. Healthy EBIT/EBITDA margins provide a durable buffer against cyclical price swings, supporting reinvestment into mine productivity and long‑term operational resilience.
Balance Sheet Strength
Low leverage and strong ROE indicate conservative capital structure and effective use of shareholder funds. This financial flexibility supports capex and operational continuity through commodity cycles, reduces refinancing risk, and preserves optionality for strategic investments over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Cash Generation & Liquidity
Persistent negative free cash flow and weak cash conversion constrain the company's ability to self‑fund capex, sustain distributions, or build liquidity buffers. Over several quarters this increases reliance on external financing despite low leverage, raising funding and execution risk for growth plans.
Earnings & Cash Flow Volatility
Documented volatility in revenue, net income and cash flow reduces predictability of earnings and complicates long‑range planning. For a business dependent on intermittent large stones, this structural variability can impede steady reinvestment schedules and make budgeting for tenders and capex more difficult.
Asset & Revenue Concentration
Heavy reliance on a single flagship mine and on sales of large, high‑value stones concentrates operational, geological and market risk. Production disruption or periods with fewer large recoveries could materially reduce revenue and margins across multiple quarters, a structural vulnerability to monitor.

Lucara Diamond (LUC) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

Lucara Diamond Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLucara Diamond Corp., a diamond mining company, focuses on the development and operation of diamond properties in Africa. The company holds 100% interests in the Karowe mine located in Botswana. It also operates Clara Platform, a digital platform for the sale of rough diamonds. The company was formerly known as Bannockburn Resources Limited and changed its name to Lucara Diamond Corp. in August 2007. Lucara Diamond Corp. was incorporated in 1981 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyLucara Diamond generates revenue primarily through the sale of rough diamonds mined from its Karowe Diamond Mine. The company employs a unique revenue model that includes direct sales through tenders and auctions, allowing it to capture maximum value for its high-quality diamonds. Key revenue streams include the sale of large, high-value diamonds, which attract premium prices in the market. Additionally, Lucara has formed strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with Hugh Jones & Co. for marketing and sales, which enhances its market reach and sales capabilities. The company also benefits from strong demand in the luxury goods sector and maintains a focus on operational efficiency to maximize profitability.

Lucara Diamond Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 10, 2024
(Q1-2024)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 24, 2026
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.
Q1-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
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.
Negative Updates
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 Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong profitability (TTM gross margin 41.5%, net margin 24.8%) and healthy operating efficiency (EBIT margin 30.3%, EBITDA margin 38.3%) support the score, along with solid leverage metrics (debt-to-equity 0.15) and ROE (17.8%). The main offset is weak cash conversion and liquidity pressure, with negative free cash flow and low operating cash flow to net income (0.28), plus historical volatility in revenue and earnings.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Lucara Diamond's income statement shows strong profitability with a gross profit margin of 41.5% and a net profit margin of 24.8% for TTM. The company has demonstrated significant revenue growth of 13.3% in the TTM period, indicating a positive trajectory. EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthy at 30.3% and 38.3%, respectively, reflecting efficient operations. However, historical volatility in revenue growth and net income should be monitored.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a solid equity position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, indicating low leverage and financial stability. Return on equity is strong at 17.8%, showcasing effective use of shareholder funds. The equity ratio is robust, suggesting a well-capitalized structure. However, the company has experienced fluctuations in debt levels over the years, which could pose potential risks.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Cash flow analysis reveals challenges with negative free cash flow in the TTM period, despite a 56.3% growth from the previous year. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is low at 0.28, indicating potential cash flow constraints. The free cash flow to net income ratio is negative, highlighting the need for improved cash management. Historical volatility in cash flow metrics suggests potential liquidity risks.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue223.30M203.88M172.40M212.93M230.08M125.26M
Gross Profit97.78M84.45M62.35M84.60M75.14M-7.73M
EBITDA88.86M66.61M53.50M87.18M100.29M18.97M
Net Income59.56M39.90M-20.19M40.43M23.83M-26.28M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.03B660.83M575.80M495.84M411.95M333.85M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments25.08M22.79M13.34M26.42M27.01M4.92M
Total Debt26.18M195.83M137.99M78.60M48.90M32.27M
Total Liabilities605.81M389.10M333.67M225.78M162.98M125.66M
Stockholders Equity424.40M271.73M242.13M270.06M248.97M208.19M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-98.94M-38.71M-52.33M77.15M68.10M-35.48M
Operating Cash Flow73.84M56.30M63.36M96.23M83.39M-1.53M
Investing Cash Flow-115.66M-94.35M-115.79M-125.42M-97.54M-33.95M
Financing Cash Flow34.53M47.76M39.66M29.14M36.80M29.37M

Lucara Diamond Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price0.25
Price Trends
50DMA
0.21
Positive
100DMA
0.20
Positive
200DMA
0.23
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.01
Positive
RSI
55.99
Neutral
STOCH
33.92
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:LUC, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 0.25 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 0.24, above the 50-day MA of 0.21, and above the 200-day MA of 0.23, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.01 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 55.99 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 33.92 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for TSE:LUC.

Lucara Diamond Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
C$113.05M1.4221.15%28.12%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
47
Neutral
C$13.80M-0.07-74.45%-45.17%-100.74%
43
Neutral
C$1.44M-3.26-193.26%-187.50%
29
Underperform
C$1.69M
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:LUC
Lucara Diamond
0.25
-0.10
-29.14%
TSE:MPVD
Mountain Province Diamonds
0.07
>-0.01
-7.14%
TSE:DMI
Diamcor Mining
0.01
-0.02
-60.00%
TSE:TAI
Talmora Diamond
0.02
-0.03
-62.50%

Lucara Diamond Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and FinancingRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Lucara Seeks TSX Hardship Exemption for $165 Million Discounted Equity Raise
Negative
Jan 20, 2026

Lucara has applied to the Toronto Stock Exchange for a financial hardship exemption to proceed with a previously announced non-brokered private placement of 1,031,250,000 common shares at $0.16 per share, raising gross proceeds of $165 million at a discount to recent market prices. The funding, in which entities controlled by the Lundin Family Trusts will participate significantly, is intended to bridge a liquidity shortfall and keep the Karowe underground project moving forward while longer-term financing is arranged, and because insider participation is large relative to Lucara’s market capitalization and the number of new shares exceeds TSX thresholds, the transaction requires TSX exemptive relief from normal shareholder approval rules, underscoring the company’s near-term financing pressure and the pivotal role of existing cornerstone investors.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:LUC) stock is a Buy with a C$0.32 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lucara Diamond stock, see the TSE:LUC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Lucara Upsizes Private Placement to $165 Million to Advance Karowe Underground Project
Positive
Jan 15, 2026

Lucara Diamond Corp. has upsized its previously announced non-brokered equity financing to raise gross proceeds of $165 million through the issuance of 1,031,250,000 common shares at $0.16 each, following strong investor demand. The additional capital is intended to significantly bolster funding for the Karowe Underground Project, covering key 2026 development milestones such as shaft equipping, conveyance commissioning, and lateral and drill horizon development, while also supporting general working capital. Participation of the Lundin Family Trusts—through Nemesia S.a.r.l., already Lucara’s largest shareholder—is expected to reach up to $70 million, constituting a related-party transaction that the company plans to complete under financial hardship exemptions, subject to TSX and other regulatory approvals anticipated by late January.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:LUC) stock is a Hold with a C$0.20 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lucara Diamond stock, see the TSE:LUC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Lucara Secures Lundin-Backed C$70 Million Private Placement to Advance Karowe Underground Project
Positive
Jan 9, 2026

Lucara Diamond Corp. has launched a non-brokered private placement of at least 437.5 million common shares at C$0.16 per share, targeting minimum gross proceeds of C$70 million to help fund the Karowe Underground Project in Botswana and bolster working capital. The Lundin Family Trusts, through their vehicle Nemesia S.a.r.l., intend to subscribe for up to the full amount in order to maintain or increase their stake, making the financing a related-party transaction that Lucara plans to complete under financial-hardship exemptions, while it also explores complementary debt options, including a potential bond issue advised by Clarksons Securities and Pareto Securities, to fully finance the underground expansion and support the company’s long-term production profile.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:LUC) stock is a Hold with a C$0.20 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lucara Diamond stock, see the TSE:LUC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Lucara Updates Karowe Underground Study, Confirms 10-Year Mine Life and $1.3 Billion Net Income Outlook
Positive
Jan 5, 2026

Lucara Diamond Corp. has released an updated feasibility study for the underground expansion at its Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana, confirming a 10-year underground mine life and total life-of-mine recoveries of 4.5 million carats, predominantly from the high-value EM/PK(S) unit of the South Lobe. The revised study updates capital, schedule and technical assumptions, setting pre‑production capital for the underground project at $779 million through first-half 2028 (with over $436 million already spent), and outlines an after-tax unlevered NPV8% of $432.1 million and more than $1.3 billion in expected net income, reinforcing Karowe’s role as a long-term producer of exceptional large diamonds and extending economic benefits to Lucara, its investors, employees, local communities and Botswana as a whole.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:LUC) stock is a Buy with a C$0.22 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lucara Diamond stock, see the TSE:LUC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Lucara Diamond Reports Strong Q3 2025 Results Amidst Operational Milestones
Positive
Nov 14, 2025

Lucara Diamond Corp. reported its Q3 2025 results, highlighting significant achievements such as the sale of 101,422 carats generating $51.2 million in revenue and the recovery of a 1,015 carat non-gem diamond. The company also made progress on its Karowe Underground Project, reaching the bottom of the production shaft, a critical milestone. Financially, Lucara improved its operating margins to 57% due to increased revenue and reduced operating expenses. However, the company faces a working capital deficit of $157.8 million, partly due to the classification of its Project Facility as a current liability. Despite these challenges, Lucara remains focused on safe execution and cost discipline as it advances towards first underground ore.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:LUC) stock is a Hold with a C$0.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lucara Diamond stock, see the TSE:LUC Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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.Date of analysis: Jan 21, 2026