11:14 AM EDT, 03/18/2025 (MT Newswires) -- (Adds comment and updates shares.)

Lithium Argentina AG ( LAR ) late on Monday reported that it swung to a loss in the fourth quarter.

The company said it lost US$4.8 million in the quarter, swinging from a year-prior profit of US$1.26 billion. Much of the drop came from discontinued operations.

Loss from continuing operations was US$4.8 million, widening from a loss of US$1.1 million.

Lithium carbonate production for the quarter rose 25% to 8,500 tonnes, 85% of design capacity. Lithium carbonate production for 2024 amounted to 25,400 tonnes, exceeding the high end of guidance.

The company expects 2025 lithium carbonate production to be between 30,000 and 35,000 tonnes.

National Bank of Canada reiterate is sector-perform rating on Lithium Argentina ( LAR ) shares and its US$3.75 price target following the results.

"As we continue to obtain more disclosure on costs, asset economics and visibility on impurities as the asset reaches commercial production, we see opportunities for LAR to re-rate towards established producer peers," the bank said.

Deutsche Bank also said it has a hold rating and US$2.85 prices target on the company's shares.

Deutsche Bank said there was no big surprise from the earnings given the company pre-released 2024 production and 2025 guidance earlier this year.

The bank said "material quality has also been improving, therefore reducing pricing discount vs battery-quality lithium, estimated at $2,000 per tonne now".

Lithium Argentina ( LAR ) shares were last seen up $0.29 to $3.58 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Price: 3.58, Change: +0.29, Percent Change: +8.81