Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 19, 2026) - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX: AVL) (OTCQB: AVLNF) ("Avalon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of Feasibility Study ("FS") engineering for its Lake Superior Lithium Inc. ("LSLi") lithium hydroxide processing project in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.Following the successful completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") in September 2024, Avalon has assembled a highly experienced and integrated engineering team to ...

Core Viewpoint - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. is hosting a webinar on January 20, 2026, to discuss its critical minerals platform and strategic growth initiatives, focusing on its Nechalacho Rare Earth Elements and Zirconium Project and plans for lithium supply chain integration [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. is a Canadian critical minerals company focused on developing strategic assets essential for a resilient North American supply chain [4]. - The company is advancing the Nechalacho Rare Earth Elements and Zirconium Project, which contains all light and heavy rare earth elements, as well as yttrium, zirconium, tantalum, and niobium [4]. - Avalon is also working on vertically integrating the Ontario lithium supply chain through the development of Lake Superior Lithium Inc.'s lithium hydroxide processing facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario [4]. Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - The Nechalacho Project is highlighted as one of the largest and highest-quality North American resources for rare earth elements, which are critical for defense, clean energy, and advanced technology supply chains [2]. - Avalon plans to develop a lithium hydroxide processing facility to connect northern Ontario's lithium resources with the growing electric vehicle battery manufacturing base in southern Ontario and North America [4]. - The company is advancing the Separation Rapids Lithium Project through a joint venture with SCR Sibelco NV and is continuing exploration at its Snowbank lithium and Lilypad lithium-cesium deposits [4]. Group 3: Webinar Details - The webinar will feature Avalon's President and CEO Scott Monteith and CFO Lorin Crenshaw, who will provide insights into the company's initiatives and market positioning [2]. - A live Q&A session will follow the presentation, allowing investors to engage directly with company leadership [2][3].

Core Viewpoint - Avalon GloboCare Corp. has regained compliance with Nasdaq's minimum stockholders' equity requirement, allowing its common stock to continue being listed and traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market [1][2]. Financial Compliance - Nasdaq confirmed that Avalon is now in compliance with all applicable continued listing standards, leading to the cancellation of a previously scheduled hearing before the Nasdaq Hearings Panel [2]. - The company expressed satisfaction with its regained compliance, highlighting the progress made in strengthening its financial position and focusing on long-term shareholder value [3]. Growth Initiatives - With full Nasdaq compliance restored, Avalon is positioned to execute growth initiatives, including launching marketing for its generative AI video platform and expanding in precision diagnostics and strategic assets [3]. Company Overview - Avalon GloboCare Corp. is focused on developing precision diagnostic consumer products and advancing intellectual property in cellular therapy and generative AI publishing and software through its subsidiary Avalon Quantum AI, LLC [4]. - The company is currently marketing the KetoAir™ breathalyzer device, which is registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a Class I medical device, and plans to develop additional diagnostic uses for this technology [4].

Core Viewpoint - Avalon GloboCare Corp. has acquired RPM Interactive, Inc., a generative AI publishing and software company, and is focusing on the development and commercialization of the Catch-Up platform, a SaaS solution for automated video generation [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition and Leadership - Michael Mathews, CEO of RPM and a board member of Avalon, discussed the acquisition and its implications during an interview [1]. - The acquisition of RPM is expected to enhance Avalon's capabilities in precision diagnostics and consumer products [1]. Group 2: Catch-Up Platform Development - The Catch-Up platform is designed to automatically generate recap-style videos using generative AI applications and large language models [2]. - This platform will be marketed to content creators, media companies, and brands, allowing them to produce videos without manual editing or technical expertise [3]. Group 3: Marketing and Product Integration - Avalon plans to utilize the Catch-Up platform to support marketing initiatives for its KetoAir™ breathalyzer, which is FDA-registered and aimed at helping consumers manage their wellness [4]. - The integration of the Catch-Up platform is expected to increase the volume of video content produced by users, thereby enhancing marketing efforts for Avalon’s products [3][4].

Core Insights - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. has appointed Vienna Psihos as Manager of Public Affairs & Government Relations to enhance its strategic initiatives in critical minerals projects across Canada [1][2][5]. Group 1: Appointment and Experience - Vienna Psihos has significant experience in government decision-making, regulatory processes, and strategic communications, which will support Avalon's projects [2][5]. - Prior to joining Avalon, Ms. Psihos held a senior policy role in the Government of Ontario's Treasury Board Secretariat, contributing to major funding and policy decisions [3][5]. - Her background includes advising companies in Ontario's mining and infrastructure sectors on government relations and strategic communications, including work with industry leaders like Glencore Canada [4][5]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The appointment aligns with Avalon's strategic priorities as governments focus on building resilient supply chains, particularly in critical minerals [5]. - Avalon is advancing key projects such as the Nechalacho Rare Earth Elements and Zirconium Project, which includes various critical minerals essential for advanced technologies [6]. - The company is also developing Lake Superior Lithium Inc., Ontario's first midstream lithium hydroxide processing facility, to support the growing EV battery manufacturing base [6].

Core Viewpoint - Avalon Holdings Corporation reported a slight increase in net operating revenues for Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024, but a decline in revenues for the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [2][3]. Financial Performance - Net operating revenues for Q3 2025 were $25.7 million, up from $24.2 million in Q3 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 6.2% [2]. - Net income attributable to common shareholders for Q3 2025 was $1.9 million, compared to $1.8 million in Q3 2024, indicating a growth of about 5.6% [2]. - Basic net income per share for Q3 2025 was $0.49, an increase from $0.47 in Q3 2024 [2]. - For the first nine months of 2025, net operating revenues totaled $62.1 million, down from $66.2 million in the same period of 2024, reflecting a decrease of approximately 6.2% [3]. - Net income for the first nine months of 2025 was approximately $0.7 million, a significant decline from $1.8 million in the first nine months of 2024 [3]. - Basic net income per share for the first nine months of 2025 was $0.17, compared to $0.47 in the same period of 2024 [3]. Business Operations - Avalon Holdings Corporation provides waste management services to various sectors including industrial, commercial, municipal, and governmental customers in selected northeastern and midwestern U.S. markets [4]. - The company also offers captive landfill management services and salt water injection well operations, alongside operating Avalon Resorts and Clubs Inc., which includes a hotel, golf courses, and a multipurpose recreation center [4].

Financial Performance - Net operating revenues increased to $25.7 million in Q3 2025, up from $24.2 million in Q3 2024, with the waste management services segment contributing approximately $12.9 million, an increase from $11.5 million [154]. - Net income attributable to Avalon Holdings Corporation common shareholders was $1.9 million, or $0.49 per share, in Q3 2025, compared to $1.8 million, or $0.47 per share, in Q3 2024, reflecting a 5.6% increase in net income [159]. - Net operating revenues decreased to $62.1 million in the first nine months of 2025 from $66.2 million in the first nine months of 2024, a decrease of 6.2% [174]. - Net income attributable to Avalon Holdings Corporation common shareholders for the first nine months of 2025 was $0.7 million, or $0.17 per share, down from $1.8 million, or $0.47 per share, in the first nine months of 2024, a decline of 61.1% [180]. - Net income attributable to Avalon Holdings Corporation common shareholders was $0.7 million in the first nine months of 2025, down from $1.8 million in the same period of 2024 [195]. Revenue Segments - Net operating revenues of the waste management services segment were approximately $12.9 million in Q3 2025, up from $11.5 million in Q3 2024, representing a 12.1% increase [161]. - Net operating revenues from waste disposal brokerage and management services were approximately $12.2 million in Q3 2025, compared to $10.8 million in Q3 2024, an increase of 12.9% [162]. - Event work net operating revenues increased to approximately $5.3 million in Q3 2025 from $3.7 million in Q3 2024, a growth of 43.2% [162]. - Net operating revenues of the golf and related operations segment were approximately $12.8 million in both Q3 2025 and Q3 2024, indicating no growth [166]. - Other net operating revenues related to golf operations were approximately $19.4 million for both the first nine months of 2025 and 2024 [189]. Costs and Expenditures - Total cost of operations for the waste management services segment rose to $10.3 million in Q3 2025, compared to $8.9 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to increased revenues [155]. - Total cost of operations for the waste management services segment rose to approximately $10.3 million in Q3 2025 from $8.9 million in Q3 2024, an increase of 15.7% [164]. - Total cost of operations for the golf and related operations segment was $9.4 million in Q3 2025, slightly up from $9.3 million in Q3 2024 [169]. - Total cost of operations for the golf segment increased to $24.1 million in the first nine months of 2025 from $23.6 million in 2024, primarily due to higher utility costs [190]. - The cost of food, beverage, and merchandise sales was approximately 45% of associated revenue in the first nine months of 2025, up from 44% in the same period of 2024 [190]. Working Capital and Financing - Working capital improved to approximately $0.3 million at September 30, 2025, from a deficit of approximately $0.9 million at December 31, 2024, driven by increased cash and accounts receivable [140]. - Accounts receivable increased to $12.5 million at September 30, 2025, compared to $8.6 million at December 31, 2024, with significant contributions from both the golf operations and waste management services segments [141]. - Deferred revenue related to membership dues rose to approximately $4.6 million at September 30, 2025, up from $3.5 million at December 31, 2024, reflecting the timing of annual membership renewals [145]. - Capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, totaled $1.4 million, with expectations for 2025 expenditures ranging from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, primarily for remodeling and improvements [138][139]. - The Line of Credit Agreement allows for borrowings up to $5.0 million, with approximately $3.2 million outstanding as of September 30, 2025, and an interest rate of 7.50% [133][134]. Strategic Initiatives - Avalon is exploring acquisition opportunities in the northeast Ohio area, particularly targeting private country clubs facing economic difficulties [152]. - The company aims to enhance its waste management services segment through increased sales and marketing efforts, focusing on customer retention and new business acquisition [148][149]. Challenges and Risks - Avalon is facing challenges in attracting and retaining members, which is critical for the success of its golf operations [192]. - Economic conditions, including inflation and potential recessions, could adversely affect consumer discretionary spending, impacting Avalon’s financial performance [202]. - The profitability of the golf segment is sensitive to changes in commodity costs, which are expected to remain elevated throughout 2025 due to inflationary pressures [205]. - Avalon’s business is significantly dependent on the sale and renewal of memberships in the Avalon Golf and Country Club on a year-to-year basis [209]. - The Company's operations are seasonal, significantly dependent on weather conditions during the golf season, which can adversely affect financial performance [230]. - The Federal Reserve's elevated interest rates and high consumer goods pricing impact the Company's operations, with inflation potentially affecting consumer spending habits [231].

Core Viewpoint - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. has successfully closed a brokered private placement financing of approximately C$18.65 million to advance its rare earth and lithium projects in Canada, positioning itself as a key player in the critical minerals supply chain [2][4][7]. Financing Details - The financing involved the issuance of 133,218,180 non-flow-through units and 30,769,231 flow-through units, resulting in total gross proceeds of $18,653,999.83 [2][3]. - Each non-flow-through unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, while each flow-through unit includes one common share qualifying as a "flow-through share" and one warrant [3]. Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be utilized for several purposes, including: - Preparing an updated feasibility study for the Nechalacho Rare Earths & Zirconium project [5]. - Conducting a feasibility study for the planned Thunder Bay lithium refinery [5]. - Repaying outstanding convertible notes [5]. - General working capital and corporate purposes [5]. Strategic Positioning - The financing is seen as a transformative milestone for Avalon, enabling the company to accelerate the advancement of its rare earth and lithium assets and strengthen its balance sheet [4]. - Avalon aims to play a significant role in the global shift towards secure critical minerals supply chains, as nations prioritize resilience and independence in sourcing these materials [4][7]. Regulatory and Advisory Information - The offering was completed under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption and is not subject to a hold period under Canadian securities laws, pending final approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange [6]. - Canaccord Genuity Corp. acted as the lead agent and sole bookrunner for the offering [4][8].

Core Insights - Premarket trading is showing notable activity with significant price movements indicating potential trading opportunities before the market opens [1] Premarket Gainers - Qualigen Therapeutics, Inc. (QLGN) increased by 69% to $6.00 - Inhibrx Biosciences, Inc. (INBX) rose by 62% to $46.04 - MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. (MOFG) gained 33% to $37.87 - Neuphoria Therapeutics Inc. (NEUP) up by 31% to $5.32 - Nextracker Inc. (NXT) increased by 13% to $102.44 - Avalon Holdings Corporation (AWX) rose by 11% to $2.98 - Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND) up by 9% to $3.12 - SLM Corporation (SLM) increased by 8% to $29.00 - Reborn Coffee, Inc. (REBN) rose by 7% to $2.40 - Oriental Culture Holding LTD (OCG) increased by 5% to $3.55 [3] Premarket Losers - Picard Medical, Inc. (PMI) decreased by 70% to $3.89 - Fusemachines Inc. Common stock (FUSE) down by 17% to $3.29 - American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (AREB) fell by 16% to $3.14 - Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ARMP) down by 13% to $6.16 - Coya Therapeutics, Inc. (COYA) decreased by 13% to $6.01 - Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK) down by 12% to $90.00 - Safe & Green Holdings Corp. (SGBX) fell by 12% to $2.58 - Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. (BBGI) decreased by 8% to $5.55 - Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (BAH) down by 7% to $92.73 - Brera Holdings PLC (SLMT) decreased by 6% to $10.67 [4]

Core Viewpoint - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. has announced an amended offering to raise up to C$21 million to advance its rare earth and lithium projects in Canada [1][4]. Offering Details - The company has entered into an agreement with Canaccord Genuity Corp. for a brokered private placement of up to 154,545,455 non-flow-through units at a price of $0.11 per unit, aiming for gross proceeds of approximately $17 million [2]. - Additionally, the offering includes up to 30,769,231 flow-through units at a price of $0.13 per unit, targeting gross proceeds of approximately $4 million [2]. - An option is granted to the agents to sell up to 27,272,727 additional non-flow-through units, potentially raising an additional $3 million [3]. Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering are expected to fund the preparation of updated feasibility studies for the Nechalacho Rare Earths & Zirconium project and the planned Thunder Bay lithium refinery, repayment of outstanding convertible notes, and general corporate purposes [10][14]. Company Overview - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. is focused on developing critical minerals essential for Canada's future, including advancing the Nechalacho Rare Earth Elements and Zirconium Project and establishing a lithium hydroxide processing facility in Ontario [12]. - The company aims to strengthen the North American critical minerals supply chain, particularly for advanced technologies in various sectors [4][12].