CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IperionX Limited (IperionX) (NASDAQ: IPX, ASX: IPX) is pleased to announce a project with Carver Pump Company (Carver Pump), a leading U.S. manufacturer of mission-critical pumps for the U.S. Navy, to accelerate the production of critical long lead time titanium components for naval shipbuilding. Carver Pump has placed an initial purchase order with IperionX for prototype titanium components. Leveraging its low-cost titanium metal powder and integrated in-h ...

Core Points - U.S. stock futures are lower, with Dow futures down approximately 200 points [1] - Helmerich and Payne Inc reported a fourth-quarter loss of 1 cent per share, with quarterly sales of $1.012 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $973.678 million [1] - Helmerich and Payne shares fell 7% to $25.69 in pre-market trading [1] Company Movements - Alpha Technology Group Ltd shares decreased by 19% to $17.50 after a significant surge of 132% on Monday [4] - Invivyd Inc shares fell 13.4% to $2.46 following the announcement of a $125 million public offering [4] - Nice Ltd shares dropped 7.3% to $112.00 after a 9% decline on the previous day [4] - H World Group Ltd shares fell 6.7% to $41.95 despite reporting better-than-expected third-quarter results [4] - Fulcrum Therapeutics Inc shares decreased by 6.6% to $9.01 after a 12% gain on Monday [4] - Rocket Pharmaceuticals Inc shares declined 6% to $2.86 [4] - OBOOK Holdings Inc shares fell 5.6% to $7.53 [4] - Iperionx Ltd shares decreased by 5% to $33.00 [4] - Home Depot Inc shares slipped 2% to $351.01 after reporting worse-than-expected third-quarter adjusted EPS and lowering FY25 adjusted EPS outlook [4]

Core Viewpoint - IperionX Limited is responding to a short seller report from Spruce Point Capital Management, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and adherence to regulatory obligations while highlighting its advancements in titanium production and government support [1][3]. Government Support and Validation - IperionX's titanium technologies have received validation and support from various U.S. Government programs, including ARPA-E, DPA Title III, and a recent U.S. Army SBIR Phase III contract for procurement-ready titanium products [4][5]. - The company has secured significant funding, including US$12.7 million from the Defense Production Act to increase titanium production for defense supply chains and US$47.1 million under the IBAS program to develop a resilient titanium supply chain [9][10]. Production Capacity and Expansion - The Virginia Titanium Manufacturing Campus has completed commissioning, with an increased projected capacity from 125 metric tons per annum (tpa) to 200 tpa, and plans to scale up to approximately 1,400 tpa by mid-2027 [16][17]. - The Titan Critical Minerals Project is advancing towards 'shovel-ready' status, supported by U.S. Government funding, with a Definitive Feasibility Study expected by mid-2026 [11][20]. Customer Engagement and Revenue Generation - IperionX is actively working on SBIR Phase III task orders for titanium components, leveraging its advanced manufacturing technologies to meet U.S. military needs [18]. - The company has secured multiple commercial agreements, including a disclosed Ford program valued at approximately US$11 million over 45 months, and has delivered titanium fasteners for U.S. Army testing [29][24]. Feedstock Strategy and Technology Validation - IperionX aims to procure and upgrade underutilized titanium scrap feedstock using patented technologies, having already procured over 70 metric tons of titanium scrap for production requirements [26][28]. - The company's technologies have been validated by third parties, including the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, for their ability to upgrade titanium scrap into high-quality products [27]. Management and Operational Focus - IperionX's management team possesses extensive experience in natural resources and advanced manufacturing, with a focus on delivering major mineral developments and managing complex industrial programs [30]. - The company is committed to optimizing its processes to reduce unit costs and increase production yields, maintaining alignment with prior disclosures [19].

Market Overview - The Australian share market experienced modest gains across major indexes, with the S&P/ASX 200 closing at 8818.80, down 0.2% from 8835.90 [1][7] - The S&P/ASX 20, S&P/ASX 50, and S&P/ASX 100 also saw declines of 0.8%, 0.4%, and 0.3% respectively [1][7] - The broader S&P/ASX 300 fell 0.2% to finish at 8769.90 from 8784.60 [1][7] Top Gainers - Light & Wonder Inc. (LNW) led the S&P/ASX 200 gainers, rising $13.75, or 10.99%, to close at $138.82 [2][7] - Liontown Resources Limited (LTR) climbed $0.09, or 7.83%, finishing at $1.24 [2][7] - Pilbara Minerals Limited (PLS) added $0.24, or 7.50%, reaching $3.44 [2][7] - Bega Cheese Limited (BGA) advanced $0.35, or 6.55%, closing at $5.69 [2][7] - Mineral Resources Limited (MIN) rose $2.64, or 5.96%, ending at $46.92 [2][7] Top Decliners - Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited (BEN) saw the largest decline, dropping $1.08, or 8.49%, to $11.64 [3][7] - Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) fell $11.52, or 6.59%, closing at $163.40 [3][7] - Life360 Inc. (360) slid $2.52, or 5.22%, to $45.80 [3][7] - IperionX Limited (IPX) declined $0.19, or 3.20%, to $5.74 [3][7] - Breville Group Limited (BRG) slipped $0.69, or 2.28%, to $29.58 [3][7] Futures Market - The S&P/ASX 200 Futures for December 2025 fell 48.0 points, or 0.54%, to 8,843.5, indicating a softer market outlook [5][7]

Core Insights - Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. (IPX1031) celebrates "10-31 Day" on October 31st, promoting the benefits of 1031 Exchanges for real estate investors [2][4] - The company emphasizes that utilizing a 1031 Exchange allows investors to defer taxes, preserve wealth, and grow their portfolios, positioning it as a strategic move in real estate investing [3][4] Company Overview - IPX1031 is the largest and one of the oldest Qualified Intermediaries in the United States, providing security for exchange funds and expertise in facilitating 1031 Exchanges [5] - As a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial, a Fortune 500 company, IPX1031 has a nationwide staff of industry experts, attorneys, and accountants available to assist clients [5]

Core Insights - IperionX Limited has reported a successful quarter ending September 30, 2025, with operational advancements in titanium production and a strong financial position [1][4]. Commercial Operations - Production is online with increased capacity and reduced unit costs [1] - The company has commenced consumer-electronics scrap processing and has received initial purchase orders for fasteners for military and commercial applications [5] - IperionX is scaling titanium production capacity to 1,400 tonnes per annum (tpa), aiming to be the largest and lowest-cost titanium powder producer in the U.S. by mid-2027 [5] U.S. Government Funding - IperionX closed the quarter with US$79.2 million in cash, supported by a US$47.1 million award from the U.S. Department of War (DoW) for expansion [4][5] - The total capital for the expansion is approximately US$75 million, with US$42.5 million already obligated to IperionX [5] Growth Roadmap - The company is targeting market leadership in high-performance titanium components and aims to achieve cost competitiveness with stainless steel and aluminum by 2030 [3][5] - Technology-driven cost advantages are expected from patented titanium HAMR and HSPT technologies, which enhance manufacturing yields and reduce costs [5] Private Placement - In July, IperionX announced a private placement of 14 million new ordinary shares, raising A$70 million (approximately US$46 million), which will be used for scaling operations and R&D [8]

Financial Performance - The company incurred net losses of $35.3 million and $21.8 million for fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, respectively[50]. - Cash reserves at June 30, 2025, were $54.8 million, with net assets totaling $92.4 million[50]. - The company expects to continue incurring net losses until the commercial scale production of titanium metals ramps up[50]. - The company relies heavily on access to capital markets for funding future operations and expansions, with ongoing net cash outflows until commercial production is achieved[71]. - The company identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting for the audits of its 2023 and 2024 consolidated financial statements[92]. - As of June 30, 2025, the company remediated previously identified material weaknesses in its internal controls[92]. - The trading price of the company's ADSs ranged from $12.98 to $38.02 during fiscal 2025, indicating significant volatility[94]. - The company has never declared or paid cash dividends on its ordinary shares and does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future[97]. - The company has not declared any dividends during the last three fiscal years and does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future[117]. - The company intends to retain future earnings to finance business development, meaning returns on investment will depend on the appreciation of ADS prices[118]. Production and Technology - The company successfully commissioned its HAMR furnace in August 2024, marking a significant milestone in titanium production[54]. - IperionX aims to achieve first production of deoxygenated titanium in August 2024, with full system commissioning expected in 2025[139]. - The titanium manufacturing facility's nameplate capacity has increased from 125 tons per annum (tpa) to 200 tpa, with a planned scale-up to 1,400 tpa by 2027[140]. - IperionX targets global leadership in advanced manufacturing of high-performance titanium components, aiming for over 10,000 tpa by 2030[141]. - IperionX's patented technologies enable lower-cost titanium production with zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions, utilizing 100% renewable energy[138]. - The HAMR™ technology allows for low-energy, low-carbon titanium production, enhancing the potential for sustainable manufacturing[172]. - IperionX's technologies can produce high-quality titanium powders with yields increased by up to 50%, addressing cost challenges in additive manufacturing[176]. - IperionX's Titanium Manufacturing Campus has increased titanium powder capacity from 125 tons per annum (tpa) to 200 tpa, with plans for a seven-fold scale-up to 1,400 tpa by 2027[202]. - IperionX's patented HAMR™ technology offers a lower-energy process with energy consumption less than 50% compared to current industry standards, achieving zero direct carbon emissions[219]. - IperionX's sustainable titanium powders are produced using 100% renewable energy, with zero associated Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions[192]. Market and Demand - The global titanium fastener market is estimated at $4.3 billion annually, with potential for significant cost reductions of over 80% through IperionX's technologies[152][151]. - The premium consumer electronics market is projected to sell over 1.2 billion mobile phones and 180 million smartwatches annually, creating demand for titanium products[153]. - The U.S. currently relies on imports for nearly all titanium sponge, with Russia and China controlling approximately 75% of global production as of 2024[147]. - The Titan Project in Tennessee is expected to produce approximately 100,000 tons per annum of titanium minerals, supporting the production of 100% American-made titanium alloys[146]. Risks and Challenges - The company relies on federal funding for certain assets, which poses risks to operations and financial performance[66]. - There is no guarantee that the company's properties contain economically extractable mineral deposits[68]. - The company may face operational disruptions if the U.S. government decides not to transfer title of federally funded assets[69]. - The company faces operational risks in minerals extraction, including unexpected geological formations and natural disasters, which could lead to significant liabilities exceeding insurance coverage[70]. - Climate change poses risks to operations, potentially leading to increased costs and reduced productivity due to severe weather conditions[72]. - Cybersecurity threats could harm the company's competitive position and increase operational costs due to the need for enhanced security measures[73]. - The company depends on key management personnel, and loss of such personnel could adversely affect performance and growth[74]. - Relationships with local communities and stakeholders are crucial, as dissatisfaction could lead to legal challenges impacting financial performance[76]. - The company’s reputation is vital for success, and any damage could adversely affect business prospects and operations[77]. - The ownership of certain assets is held by the government, which poses risks related to operational continuity and financial performance[81]. - Compliance with extensive governmental regulations incurs significant costs and could lead to operational delays or increased capital expenditures[87]. - Fluctuations in mineral and metal prices, influenced by various external factors, could impact the economic viability of exploration properties[90]. Regulatory and Compliance - The company may face sanctions or investigations if it fails to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act due to material weaknesses in internal controls[93]. - The deposit agreement governing the ADSs includes a waiver of the right to a jury trial, which may limit legal recourse for ADS holders[102]. - The company is required to determine its status as a foreign private issuer annually, which could lead to increased compliance costs if it loses this status[115]. - The company prepares financial statements on an annual and semi-annual basis, not required to file quarterly financial information other than updates[113]. - The company may be classified as a Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC), which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. investors[125]. - The company is subject to different corporate requirements under Australian law compared to U.S. corporations, which may affect shareholder actions[123]. - The company is not required to comply with the SEC's Regulation FD, which restricts selective disclosure of material non-public information[112]. - The company may incur additional expenses due to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related regulations, which could impact its operational efficiency[116]. Strategic Partnerships and Projects - The Department of War obligated $5 million to expedite the Titan Critical Minerals Project to "shovel-ready" status, with a definitive feasibility study due in Q2 2026[213]. - A $47.1 million award in February 2025, matched with $23.6 million from IperionX, aims to develop a fully integrated, low-cost titanium supply chain[235]. - IperionX executed a sourcing contract with Ford Motor Company for titanium metal powder and components, expected to generate approximately $11 million in total revenues over 45 months[241]. - The company has received a task order valued at $1.3 million from the U.S. Army under a $99 million SBIR Phase III contract for titanium parts production[242]. - IperionX's partnership with Aperam aims to upcycle up to 12 metric tons of titanium scrap from the consumer electronics sector[240].

Core Insights - The U.S. Department of War has obligated an additional US$25 million to IperionX under a previously awarded US$47.1 million contract to enhance titanium production and manufacturing capacity [1][6] - This funding aims to scale up production to 1,400 metric tons per year at IperionX's Titanium Manufacturing Campus, contributing to a resilient domestic titanium supply chain [2][6] - Total obligations to date amount to US$42.5 million, with an additional US$4.6 million expected to be allocated over the contract term [3][6] Company Overview - IperionX is a leading American company specializing in titanium metal and critical materials, utilizing patented technologies to produce high-performance titanium alloys with lower energy consumption and carbon emissions [4] - The Titan Critical Minerals Project is noted as the largest JORC-compliant mineral resource of titanium, rare earth, and zircon mineral sands in the U.S. [4] Industry Significance - IperionX's products are crucial for various advanced U.S. industries, including space, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, hydrogen, automotive, and additive manufacturing [5]

Group 1 - IPX1031 announces Craig Brown as the new President of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA), starting his term on September 17, 2025 [1][3] - The FEA is the only national trade association representing 1031 professionals, focusing on ethical standards, education, and advocacy for Section 1031 [2] - Craig Brown emphasizes the importance of protecting and advancing 1031 Exchanges for economic growth and job creation [3][4] Group 2 - Craig Brown has over 25 years of experience in Tax-Deferred Exchanges and has held multiple leadership roles within IPX1031 and the FEA [4] - IPX1031 is the largest and most secure Qualified Intermediary in the U.S., providing unmatched service and expertise in facilitating 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchanges [6] - The company is a subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial, offering financial strength and advanced technology to protect Exchange funds [6]

Core Insights - Joanna Panagopoulos has been appointed as Vice President, Banking Operations Manager at IPX1031, bringing over a decade of experience in corporate finance and operations management [1][2] - Her role will focus on overseeing banking operations, reconciliation processes, financial reporting, and operational controls to ensure excellence in managing client 1031 Exchange funds [2] - The appointment reflects IPX1031's commitment to maintaining high standards of control and transparency in 1031 Exchanges, succeeding Ruth Ryczek, who set a high standard during her tenure [3] Company Overview - Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. (IPX1031) is the largest and one of the oldest Qualified Intermediaries in the United States, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial [3] - IPX1031 provides industry-leading security for exchange funds and has a nationwide staff of experts, including attorneys and accountants, to assist clients and their advisors [3]