5E Advanced Materials(FEAM)
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5E Advanced Materials(FEAM) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-09-29 22:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal Year 2025 marked a transformative year for the company, moving from development to commercial readiness, with a robust after-tax NPV of $725 million and a 19% project IRR confirmed by the pre-feasibility study [2][3] - The after-tax NPV is approximately $469 million with a 16% project IRR, and free cash flow over the life of the mine is estimated at roughly $3.7 billion pre-tax [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company successfully qualified its high-purity boric acid with 14 customers across various industries, indicating strong demand for U.S.-based boron supply [5][6] - Phase one targets 130,000 short tons per year of boric acid, with all-in sustaining costs estimated at $555 per ton and initial capital at about $435 million [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a significant supply chain risk in the boron market, particularly due to disruptions from major producers, which has created a clear opportunity for new market entrants [10][11] - The second largest boric acid producer in the U.S. has seen costs increase approximately 60% since 2017, highlighting the need for new production sources [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing towards a final investment decision (FID) by mid-2026, with early FEED engineering activities already commenced [8][9] - The company aims to build a strong and resilient boric supply chain to support the U.S. industrial base for generations [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the fundamental need for a new market producer in the boron sector, especially in light of supply shortfalls expected to begin in 2026 [11] - The company is optimistic about progressing full-scale testing with multiple specialty glass manufacturers and securing additional qualifications and initial offtake agreements [11] Other Important Information - The company received a non-binding LOI from USXM for a potential $285 million project debt facility, which is a significant step towards funding phase one construction [3] - The company has submitted a formal response to the U.S. Geological Survey draft critical minerals list, advocating for boron to be included [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you review the comments you had about the disruption to the California boron mine? - Management explained that Rio Tinto has streamlined its business structure, placing its industrial minerals segment under strategic review, which includes borates [15] Question: To get boron on the U.S. Geological Survey critical minerals list, what needs to happen in terms of the review? - Management indicated that public comments are essential for the review process, and they submitted their comments along with other groups during the 30-day public comment window [16][17]
5E Advanced Materials(FEAM) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-09-29 22:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal Year 2025 marked a transformative year for the company, transitioning from development to commercial readiness, with a robust after-tax NPV of $725 million and a 19% project IRR confirmed in the pre-feasibility study [2][3] - The after-tax NPV is approximately $469 million with a 16% project IRR, and free cash flow over the life of the mine is estimated at roughly $3.7 billion pre-tax [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company successfully qualified its high-purity boric acid with 14 customers across various industries, including specialty glass and ceramics, indicating strong demand for U.S.-based boron supply [5][6] - Phase one targets 130,000 short tons per year of boric acid, with all-in sustaining costs estimated at $555 per ton and initial capital at about $435 million [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company highlighted a significant supply chain risk in the U.S. boron market, with the second-largest boric acid producer experiencing a 60% cost increase since 2017 [10] - The market is characterized as an oligopoly, with the U.S. potentially transitioning from a net exporter to a net importer of boron without new investments [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing towards a final investment decision (FID) by mid-2026, with early FEED engineering activities already commenced [8][9] - The company aims to build a strong and resilient boric supply chain to support the U.S. industrial base for future generations [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the fundamental need for a new market producer due to anticipated supply shortfalls beginning in 2026 [11] - The company is actively engaging with the U.S. Geological Survey to advocate for boron to be added to the critical minerals list, which is seen as essential for addressing supply chain concerns [10][18] Other Important Information - The company received a non-binding LOI from USXM for a potential $285 million project debt facility, a significant step towards funding phase one construction [3] - The company is in long-term offtake discussions and has completed logistics trials with a tier one specialty glass manufacturer [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you review the comments you had about the disruption to the California boron mine? - Management noted that Rio Tinto announced a strategic review of their industrial minerals segment, which includes borates, following a restructuring [16] Question: What needs to happen to get boron on the U.S. Geological Survey critical minerals list? - Management explained that public comments were submitted during a 30-day window following the release of the draft list, with expectations for boron to be included [17][18]
5E Advanced Materials(FEAM) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Report
2025-09-29 20:01
Financial Overview - The Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) indicates a capital estimate of approximately $435 million for the Phase 1 development of the Fort Cady Project, which includes a 15% contingency of about $55 million and owner's costs of approximately $13 million[393]. - The financial model in the PFS was based on a third-party market study evaluating future supply and demand for the boric acid market[393]. - The company reported a net loss of $31.56 million for the year ended June 30, 2025, a 49% improvement from a net loss of $62.01 million in 2024[432]. - Total costs and expenses for the year ended June 30, 2025, were $43.72 million, a 22% increase from $35.86 million in 2024[432]. - The gain on extinguishment of debt for the year ended June 30, 2025, was $17.3 million, resulting from the Exchange Transaction and the derecognition of $82.4 million in Convertible Notes[441]. - Interest income decreased by $149 thousand, or 59%, for the year ended June 30, 2025, corresponding to a decrease in average cash and cash equivalent balances[439]. - Interest expense increased by $0.3 million, or 4%, for the year ended June 30, 2025, primarily due to less interest capitalized to construction-in-progress and an increase in the principal balance of Convertible Notes[448]. - As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $3.8 million, with a working capital deficit of $1.8 million, compared to $4.9 million and a deficit of $2.9 million as of June 30, 2024[451]. - The company has not generated revenues since inception and has relied on equity financing and equity-linked instruments to fund operations[452]. Production and Development - The PFS established approximately 5.3 million short tons of boric acid reserves with an average grade of 8.03% (B2O3) and an initial life of mine of 39.5 years[392]. - The company optimized production rates of boric acid to one short ton per day at the small-scale facility (SSF) and improved the quality and consistency of production[397][398]. - The company plans to reach initial commercial production from Phase 1 in the second half of calendar year 2028[394]. - The company is targeting to install 27 horizontal wells for the proposed commercial-scale wellfield, with performance data expected to inform the final mine plan submitted to the EPA[396]. - The company aims to develop a commercial-scale facility for the production of borates, calcium chloride, and gypsum, aligning with its mission to support decarbonization and food security[391]. Financing Activities - The net proceeds from the August 2024 Equity Offering were approximately $3.0 million after deducting fees and expenses[411]. - The company issued new senior secured convertible notes totaling $5.0 million, with net proceeds of approximately $4.7 million after costs[413][414]. - The company raised approximately $6.4 million from the May 2025 Subscription, selling 1,984,709 shares at $3.55 per share[419]. - The August 2025 Equity Offering generated approximately $8.31 million before expenses, with 2,374,481 shares sold at $3.50 per share[420]. - The company completed multiple financing transactions, including the August 2024 Equity Offering and the March 2025 Subscription, aimed at strengthening its balance sheet[455]. - The company anticipates needing additional financing within the next 12 months to meet ongoing obligations and continue operations[464]. - The company plans to explore various financing strategies, including equity or debt financing and strategic alliances, to support business growth[465]. - The company is targeting a formal application to EXIM for a potential debt facility of up to $285 million for the Boron Americas Complex, expected in the second half of 2025[423][425]. Operational Efficiency - A strategic reduction in workforce reduced headcount by approximately 40%, saving about $1.1 million in operating expenditures during the second half of fiscal year 2025[407]. - For the fiscal year 2025, small-scale facility operating costs increased by $2.9 million, or 201%, compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased salaries and benefits, raw materials, and maintenance costs[434]. - General and administrative expenses decreased by $8.4 million, or 37%, for the year ended June 30, 2025, mainly due to the reclassification of salaries related to the small-scale facility and a reduction in headcount[436]. - Research and development expenses were $0 for the year ended June 30, 2025, compared to $45 thousand in the prior fiscal year, as engagements with Georgetown University and Boston College were completed[437]. - Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $14.8 million, or 286%, for the year ended June 30, 2025, due to the commencement of operations of the small-scale facility[438]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, net cash used in operating activities was $23.6 million, a decrease of 12% compared to the prior year[458]. - Cash flows used for investing activities decreased by 73% to $2.0 million, primarily related to engineering services for the FEL-2 program[459]. - Cash flows provided by financing activities increased by 32% to $24.5 million, driven by various equity offerings and note issuances[460]. - Material short-term cash requirements include general and administrative expenses, engineering costs for the commercial-scale facility, and working capital needs[463]. - There is substantial doubt regarding the company's ability to continue as a going concern without securing additional financing[466]. - The company anticipates needing additional financing to continue as a going concern for at least one year after the report date, with substantial doubt regarding its ability to secure such funding[422]. Stock and Compliance - The company executed a 1-for-23 reverse stock split on February 14, 2025, to regain compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements[426][427]. - The company has entered into an equity distribution agreement allowing for the sale of up to $15.0 million of common stock, which was terminated without penalties[468].
5E Advanced Materials to Host Fiscal Year 2025 Year-end Call
Accessnewswire· 2025-09-22 11:00
Core Insights - The company, 5E Advanced Materials, Inc., is focused on becoming a vertically integrated global leader in refined borates and advanced boron derivative materials [1] - A live webcast is scheduled for September 29, 2025, to review financial results, operational milestones, and fiscal year 2026 objectives [1] Financial and Operational Highlights - The fiscal year 2025 Year-end call will take place at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time [1] - The company is advancing its operational goals as part of its strategic plan [1]
5E Advanced Materials Completes Supply Chain Trial
Accessnewswire· 2025-09-16 10:00
Core Insights - 5E Advanced Materials, Inc. has successfully completed a logistics milestone in its commercial qualification process with a major global specialty glass manufacturer [1] - The logistics trial involved packaging and shipping boron-rich material from California to Taiwan, indicating progress in the company's supply chain capabilities [1] Company Summary - 5E Advanced Materials is focused on becoming a vertically integrated global leader in refined borates and advanced boron derivative materials [1] - The company operates in critical end-markets such as mobile electronics, advanced telecommunications, and life sciences applications [1] Industry Context - The successful logistics trial supports the commercial qualification pathway, which is essential for establishing partnerships with major manufacturers in the specialty glass sector [1] - The movement of boron-rich materials highlights the growing demand for advanced materials in high-tech industries [1]
5E Advanced Materials (FEAM) Update / Briefing Transcript
2025-08-12 22:00
Summary of 5E Advanced Materials (FEAM) Update / Briefing Company Overview - **Company**: 5E Advanced Materials (FEAM) - **Industry**: Boron mining and production Key Points and Arguments Pre-Feasibility Technical Report - The report is based on 18 months of mining data and 14-15 months of chemical plant data, indicating a strong foundation for the findings [5][8][9] - The report suggests a 40-year mine life, with 41% of the resource accounted for in the current estimates [8][9] - The company has made significant improvements in capital expenditure (CapEx) clarity, including the integration of cogeneration (cogen) systems [16][17] Financial Metrics - Initial capital investment is projected at $435 million, generating $3.75 billion in pretax free cash flow over the mine's life, equating to an 8,600% cash-on-cash return [16][17] - Operating cash flow is estimated at $100 million annually, with an operating margin of $800 per ton based on a production target of 130,000 tons [11][16] Cost Structure and Pricing - All-in sustaining cash costs are projected at approximately $5.54 per ton, with logistics costs included [11][12] - The average forecasted pricing for boric acid is $13.55 per ton, leading to a netback price of around $11.30 to $11.40 [14][15] - The market is characterized as an oligopoly with growing demand, supporting the sustainability of pricing [15] Market Position and Demand Dynamics - The company is expected to produce approximately 11% of the boric acid market from this single project, enhancing its pricing power and contract negotiation capabilities [28][29] - The boron supply-demand dynamic is favorable, with demand growing while supply struggles to keep pace, leading to potential pricing increases [28][31] Operational and Technical Advantages - The use of horizontal wells has improved recovery rates to 81.9% with minimal surface disturbance, enhancing operational efficiency [45][46] - The geology of the deposit is favorable, allowing for efficient extraction methods [46][48] Future Growth and Expansion Potential - The company has the potential to expand production significantly beyond the initial phase, with plans to explore higher-value boron derivatives [58][59] - There is a strong interest from private equity funds and infrastructure investors due to the project's strategic importance and long-term cash flow characteristics [26][28] Regulatory and Permitting Status - Existing permits allow for the production of 160,000 short tons of boric acid, positioning the company favorably in terms of regulatory compliance [68] - The company is actively working on additional permits and regulatory milestones to support future production [68][69] Capital Allocation Strategy - The focus will be on reinvesting cash flows into expansion and derivative projects rather than immediate shareholder returns [93][94] Lithium Extraction Potential - Initial analyses indicate the presence of lithium in the solution, which could be a future byproduct, although it is not currently factored into the economic model [95][96] Additional Important Insights - The company has established relationships with 14 global customers, indicating strong demand for its products [41][42] - The boron market is projected to grow at an average rate of 5.5%, driven by various applications including glass, ceramics, and specialty borates [74][75][76] - The management team has extensive experience in mining and processing, enhancing the company's operational capabilities [80][81] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the briefing, highlighting the company's strategic positioning, financial metrics, market dynamics, and future growth potential.
5E Advanced Materials (FEAM) Conference Transcript
2025-05-22 18:00
Summary of 5E Advanced Materials (FEAM) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: 5E Advanced Materials (Ticker: FEAM) - **CEO**: Paul Wiebel, who has been with the company for four years and in the CEO role for one year [3][4] Industry Insights - **Material Focus**: Boron, identified as a critical material with applications in defense, electronics, and construction [5][6] - **Market Position**: The boron market is characterized as a global oligopoly, with significant supply chain security concerns due to geopolitical factors [7] - **Supply Dynamics**: Current supply of boron is in a deficit, with only six known boron projects globally, and only two of those have permits [19][70] Project Details - **Location**: The boron project is situated between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, with a permitted capacity of 90,000 tons of boron oxide [8][12] - **Production Plans**: Initial phase targeting 30,000 tons of boric acid production, with a projected EBITDA run rate of $100 million [9][22] - **Mining Method**: Utilizes a solution mining method that is more environmentally sustainable compared to traditional open-pit mining [15][17] Financial Projections - **Cost Structure**: Targeting an operating cost of $525 per ton, with boron prices currently around $1,000 to $1,300 per ton [18][21] - **Investment Requirements**: Estimated capital expenditure for the project is between $420 million to $430 million, with plans for debt financing [23][24] - **IRR**: Projected internal rate of return (IRR) for phase one is around 20% [25] Strategic Goals - **Upcoming Milestones**: Focus on delivering a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and securing offtake agreements, which are critical for debt financing [26][45] - **Market Engagement**: Emphasis on public market engagement to build investor confidence and secure necessary funding [63] Challenges and Considerations - **Offtake Agreements**: Essential for securing debt financing; challenges exist in negotiating fixed-price agreements with potential buyers [46][48] - **Capital Structure**: The company has restructured its capital, with a clean balance sheet and no current debt, but convertible notes previously posed challenges [55][59] Conclusion - **Investment Proposition**: 5E Advanced Materials presents a compelling opportunity in the boron market, with strong fundamentals supporting supply and demand dynamics, and a clear path to commercial production [74]
5E Advanced Materials(FEAM) - 2025 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2025-05-15 20:30
Financial Performance - Total costs and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $10.2 million, a 143% increase compared to the same period in 2024[139]. - For the nine months ended March 31, 2025, project expenses increased by $114 thousand, or 3%, mainly due to increased wellfield development activity and site-related costs[141]. - General and administrative expenses increased by $268 thousand, or 9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to higher professional fees[144]. - General and administrative expenses decreased by $5.1 million, or 31%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2025, mainly due to reductions in base compensation and employee benefits[145]. - Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and by $14.8 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2025, due to the commencement of operations of the small-scale facility[147]. - Interest income decreased by $52 thousand, or 71%, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and by $147 thousand, or 68%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2025, reflecting lower average cash balances[149]. - Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025, increased by $1.0 million, or 127%, compared to the prior fiscal year, primarily due to capitalizing less interest expense to construction-in-progress[158]. - For the nine months ended March 31, 2025, interest expense increased by $2.1 million, or 48%, primarily due to a $17.0 million increase in the principal balance of Convertible Notes and a reduction in capitalized interest[159]. - Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2025, was $17.4 million, a decrease of approximately $2.2 million or 11% compared to the prior fiscal year[167]. - Cash flows used for investing activities decreased by approximately $4.5 million, or 76%, to $1.4 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2025, primarily related to engineering services for the commercial-scale facility[168]. - Cash flows provided by financing activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2025, totaled $17.9 million, an increase of 36% compared to the prior fiscal year, driven by various equity and debt financing transactions[169]. Project Development - The first phase of commercial production is expected to deliver 77,000 short tons of B2O3 with targeted capital expenditure between approximately $390 million and $430 million, and an unlevered internal rate of return ranging from 18% to 22%[121]. - The company successfully completed specialty glass trials, demonstrating that its boric acid performed as well as or better than competitors' products, advancing customer onboarding[120]. - The company plans to complete vendor equipment testing by June 2025, with a final investment decision anticipated in early 2026[122]. - The company is targeting completion of a pre-feasibility report with a robust final economic analysis in June 2025[121]. - The company received a non-binding letter of intent from the U.S. Export-Import Bank for a loan-backed guarantee on project debt financing of up to $285 million for its proposed commercial scale facility[135][136]. - The company had purchase order commitments of approximately $2.7 million as of March 31, 2025, primarily for raw materials and engineering services[177]. Financing and Capital Structure - The company raised an aggregate of $17 million from financing transactions, including the January 2025 Notes, March 2025 Subscription, and May 2025 Subscription, improving its cash position[130]. - The company issued 1,408,173 shares of common stock at a subscription price of $3.5507 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of $5 million in March 2025[128]. - The company extinguished all outstanding indebtedness under the Convertible Notes in March 2025, improving its cash position and eliminating the financial covenant requiring a minimum cash balance[164]. - The company plans to explore various financing strategies, including equity or debt financing, to support its business growth and operations over the next 12 months[180]. Compliance and Regulatory Matters - The company’s project is designated as Critical Infrastructure by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, highlighting its strategic importance[119]. - The company’s stock regained compliance with Nasdaq listing rules after the closing bid price was above $1.00 per share for 10 consecutive business days[133]. - There is substantial doubt regarding the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year after the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements[181]. - The company may need to curtail planned activities, discontinue certain operations, or sell assets if unable to raise additional capital or generate necessary cash flows[181]. Accounting and Reporting Changes - No significant changes in critical accounting policies were reported during the nine months ended March 31, 2025[182]. - The FASB issued ASU 2023-07, effective after December 15, 2023, enhancing segment reporting disclosure requirements[183]. - ASU 2023-09, effective after December 15, 2024, aims to improve income tax disclosures, including reconciliation items and disaggregation of income[184]. - ASU 2024-03 requires disaggregation of certain expenses in financial notes, effective after December 15, 2026[185]. - The company is evaluating the impact of ASU 2023-07, ASU 2023-09, and ASU 2024-03 on its consolidated financial statements[183][184][185]. - The company is classified as a smaller reporting company and is not required to provide certain market risk disclosures[186].
5E Advanced Materials to Present at the 15th Annual LD Micro Invitational Conference
Globenewswire· 2025-04-01 20:15
Company Overview - 5E Advanced Materials, Inc. is focused on becoming a vertically integrated global leader in boron specialty and advanced materials, with lithium co-product production [3] - The company's mission includes supplying critical materials for industries addressing global decarbonization, food, and domestic security [3] - The business strategy encompasses upstream extraction and product sales of boric acid and lithium carbonate, as well as downstream boron advanced material processing [3] Recent Developments - CEO Paul Weibel will present at the 15th Annual LD Micro Invitational Conference on April 9-10, 2025, in New York City [1] - Management will conduct one-on-one and group meetings with registered investors during the event [1] Event Information - A live webcast of the company's presentation is scheduled for April 10 at 3:00 PM EDT [2] - Associated materials for the event can be accessed through the investor section of the company's website [2]
5E Advanced Materials(FEAM) - 2025 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2025-02-13 21:30
Production and Operations - For the three months ended December 31, 2024, the company maintained boric acid production at one short ton per day, optimizing production rates and reducing operating costs [123]. - The company is currently in the process of FEL-2 engineering for Phase 1 of the Commercial Scale Facility, ensuring high-quality project scope [125]. - The company is negotiating contracts for initial boric acid production in commercial Phase 1 and has expanded its commercial program to cover over 80% of global borates demand [126]. - The company has made a strategic decision to pursue calcium chloride as a byproduct, which is expected to decrease capital expenditures for the Commercial Scale Facility [124]. Financial Performance - The company reported a net loss of $3.646 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, representing a 34% increase in loss compared to the previous year [132]. - Interest expense increased by $691 thousand, or 40%, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, primarily related to the Convertible Notes [149]. - For the six months ended December 31, 2024, interest expense rose by $1.1 million, or 30%, attributed to similar factors as the quarterly increase, including interest on $2.1 million and $3.4 million of paid-in-kind interest [151]. - The company experienced a derivative gain of $1.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to a decrease in stock price affecting the embedded conversion feature liabilities [148]. Cash Flow and Financing - The company improved its cash position by $5.0 million through the January 2025 Notes, but still requires additional financing to maintain a cash balance above the $7.5 million minimum covenant [129][130]. - As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $0.8 million, with a working capital deficit of $8.0 million, compared to $4.9 million in cash and a deficit of $2.9 million as of June 30, 2024 [153]. - Cash flows provided by financing activities totaled $8.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2024, significantly up from $20 thousand in the prior year, driven by proceeds from the August 2024 Equity Offering and September 2024 Notes [158]. - The company plans to require additional financing within the next twelve months to maintain a cash balance above the $7.5 million minimum cash covenant [176]. Workforce and Cost Management - A strategic reduction in workforce was undertaken in November 2024, reducing headcount by approximately 40%, expected to save about $2.2 million in operating expenditures during calendar year 2025 [127]. - General and administrative expenses decreased by $4.1 million, or 56%, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, mainly due to reduced professional fees and incentive compensation costs [139]. - Small-scale facility operating costs for the three months ended December 31, 2024, totaled $1.08 million, with salaries and benefits accounting for $0.8 million [135]. Regulatory and Accounting Standards - The FASB issued ASU 2023-07, effective after December 15, 2023, which enhances reportable segment disclosure requirements, including significant segment expenses [181]. - ASU 2023-09, effective after December 15, 2024, aims to improve income tax disclosures, including reconciliation items and disaggregation of income tax expenses [182]. - ASU 2024-03, effective after December 15, 2026, requires disaggregation of certain expenses in financial notes for enhanced transparency [183]. - ASU 2024-04 clarifies accounting for induced conversion of convertible debt instruments and is effective after December 15, 2025 [184]. Strategic Direction and Concerns - The company is focused on becoming a vertically integrated global leader in specialty boron and advanced boron derivative materials to support decarbonization and food security [115]. - There is substantial doubt regarding the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year after the issuance of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements [179]. - The company is exploring various financing strategies, including equity or debt financing, government funding, and strategic alliances, but there is no assurance of securing adequate financing in a timely manner [178].