Lucid’s annual vehicle production forecast for 2024 less than estimates

California-based company Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID) which designs, manufactures, and sells luxury electric vehicles, EV powertrains, and battery systems, forecasted a higher capital expenditure for this year and recapitulated the annual production forecast below Wall Street targets on Monday. This happened amid the decreasing demand for electric vehicles, sending its shares down nearly 9% in extended trading.

The forecast and the dip in stocks later during the day highlight the potential risks at bay for investors as the once-flourishing EV demand plummets and global competition intensifies.

According to media reports, Gagan Dhingra, Lucid's interim finance chief, revealed that
"From a capex perspective, we are making enhancements first in our Arizona factory because we are going from 30,000 installed capacity to 90,000." He added that capital was also being spent on building a factory in Saudi Arabia.

The company shared that it expected a capital expenditure of USD 1.5 billion in 2024 as it gears up to manufacture its Gravity SUV later this year, as compared to USD 910.6 million last year.

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Contrasted with the 8,428 vehicles manufactured last year, Lucid was reportedly on track to produce 9,000 cars this year. However, seven analysts polled by Visible Alpha expected the company to produce 12,677 units on average in 2024.

Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson said the firm would make just enough cars to match demand. "Otherwise, if we just turn on the faucets and produce, then we're left with a big inventory, which would be imprudent."

In a conference call with analysts, Rawlinson added that the company is expecting a seasonal sales slowdown globally in the third quarter as consumers take vacation breaks.

With backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the firm is also set to begin production of a relatively more affordable midsize car in the latter half of 2026 and its Gravity SUV this year, to cater to a more diverse customer base.

"Lucid's results were more of the same. Unsustainable margins, a high cash rate and no change to full-year production guidance. Not a lot of reason for optimism," shared Garrett Nelson, senior equity analyst at CFRA Research.

The company culminated the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of USD 2.17 billion, compared with USD 1.37 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023. The sovereign wealth fund, which has invested billions in Lucid, added another USD 1 billion to the EV maker's balance sheet.