Lynas posts 55pct revenue jump on record prices, flags plant shutdowns

Lynas Rare Earths reported a substantial 55 percent increase in first-quarter revenue, driven by record prices and prepared to face planned shutdowns at its Malaysia and Kalgoorlie facilities. The company's ability to secure floor-price contracts above market benchmarks has bolstered its pricing, even as China maintains dominance in the rare earths sector.

Floor-price agreements now cover over half of Lynas' production, helping to lift its average selling price by 88 percent to A$102.1 per kg in the quarter ending September 30. Despite a 17.7 percent decline in rare earth oxide sales volumes, the higher prices more than compensated for the drop. The improved pricing mitigates Lynas' exposure to Chinese price swings and reduces earnings volatility, according to David Tuckwell, the chief investment officer at ETF Shares.

Lynas' gross sales revenue climbed to A$310.1 million, up from A$200.2 million the previous year, though this figure was still 18.2 percent below the Visible Alpha estimate. The miner announced that its Kalgoorlie processing facility would undergo a two-week shutdown during electricity network upgrades in the second quarter of fiscal 2027, and its Malaysian processing facility would close for a month in the December quarter for scheduled maintenance.

These disruptions are expected to result in lower production volumes compared to the September quarter. With the price issue largely resolved, Lynas' results now hinge more on delivery and the company's ability to maintain steady production despite potential disruptions. Tuckwell noted that for the September quarter, total rare earth oxide production increased by 6.5 percent to 4,254 tonnes, while output of the key magnet-material product NdPr remained broadly steady.

As Lynas continues its search for a permanent chief executive officer following Amanda Lacaze's departure in June, the company's focus remains on navigating production challenges and securing stable supplies.