Core Viewpoint - ILC Critical Minerals Ltd. is conducting a non-brokered private placement to raise up to CAD$2,500,000 by issuing 100,000,000 common shares at CAD$0.025 per share, with proceeds aimed at expanding operations in Southern Africa and Canada, as well as general working capital [1][2]. Use of Proceeds - The proceeds from the private placement will be allocated as follows if the full amount is raised: - Final payment for acquiring Lepidico Mauritius (if option exercised): CAD$450,000 (18%) - Exploration expenditure in Namibia and Canada: CAD$950,000 (38%) - Management fees to non-arms length parties: CAD$440,000 (17.6%) - Working capital: CAD$660,000 (26.4%) [3]. Company Operations and Strategy - ILC Critical Minerals Ltd. focuses on exploration activities in Ontario, Canada, and aims to expand into Southern Africa, particularly through the Karibib project in Namibia, which contains lithium, rubidium, and cesium [7][9]. - The company is strategically positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for critical minerals driven by the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy [8][9]. - The primary focus for the next decade is to generate revenue from lithium and rubidium while contributing to environmental sustainability [10][16]. Project Highlights - The Raleigh Lake Project in Ontario is the most significant project, covering 32,900 hectares, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment indicating a post-tax NPV of CAD$342.9 million and a post-tax IRR of 44.3% based on a spodumene price of US$2,350 per tonne [14]. - The company has also applied for Exploration Permits in Zimbabwe, indicating a commitment to expanding its portfolio in Southern Africa [11][13]. Market Context - The demand for lithium and other critical minerals is expected to rise due to the growth of high-tech rechargeable batteries and the push for a greener economy [16]. - ILC aims to position itself as a preferred developer of lithium and critical minerals, capitalizing on the increasing global focus on self-sufficiency in critical mineral supplies [9][16].

DALLAS, Feb. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. (NASDAQ: USLM) today reported fourth quarter and full year 2025 results: The Company’s revenues in the fourth quarter 2025 were $87.9 million, compared to $80.1 million in the fourth quarter 2024, an increase of $7.9 million, or 9.8%. The increase in revenues in the fourth quarter 2025, compared to the fourth quarter 2024, resulted primarily from increased sales volumes, principally due to increased demand from the Company’s const ...

I focus on producing objective, data-driven research, mostly about small- to mid-cap companies, as these tend to be overlooked by many investors. From time to time, though, I also look at large-cap names, just to give a fuller sense of the broader equity markets.Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in ...

I focus on producing objective, data-driven research, mostly about small- to mid-cap companies, as these tend to be overlooked by many investors. From time to time, though, I also look at large-cap names, just to give a fuller sense of the broader equity markets.Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in ...

Core Viewpoint - Fitzroy Minerals Inc. has successfully graduated to the OTCQX® Best Market, enhancing its visibility and liquidity for U.S. investors while demonstrating its commitment to long-term shareholder value [1][2]. Company Overview - Fitzroy Minerals is focused on exploring and developing mineral assets with significant upside potential in the Americas, including projects in Chile, Argentina, and Canada [3]. - The company's current property portfolio includes the Buen Retiro Copper Project, Caballos Copper and Polimet Gold-Copper-Silver projects, Taquetren Gold Project, and Caribou Project [3]. Market Transition - The transition from OTCQB® Venture Market to OTCQX signifies an important milestone, as companies must meet high financial standards and adhere to best practice corporate governance to qualify [3]. - Trading on OTCQX under the symbol "FTZFF" began on February 2, 2026, allowing U.S. investors to access real-time financial disclosures [2].

Core Points - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. has received approval from the Canadian Securities Exchange to extend the expiry date of 2,241,668 common share purchase warrants from January 31, 2025, to February 22, 2026 [1][2] - The extension aligns with the end of the company's warrant incentive program, allowing holders additional time to participate before its conclusion on February 22, 2026 [2] - During the incentive program, the exercise price of the January Warrants is reduced to $0.05, and each holder who exercises their warrants will receive an additional common share purchase warrant at a price of $0.06 per share [2] Company Overview - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. is focused on the exploration and development of critical minerals essential for the clean-energy transition, primarily in Brazil [4] - The company controls a significant land position in Brazil's Lithium Valley, which is recognized for its lithium, gallium, and rare-earth potential [4] - The flagship Arapaima Project spans approximately 91,900 hectares and hosts multiple targets for lithium and gallium-REE mineralization [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full year sales for 2025 were $2.1 billion, consistent with the previous year [6][11] - Full year operating income was $287 million, with earnings per share at $5.52 [7][11] - Operating margin decreased to 13.9% from 14.9% in the prior year, primarily due to lower volume [12][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer and Specialties segment sales for Q4 were $274 million, with Household and Personal Care sales at $133 million, up 2% sequentially but down 1% year-over-year [13] - Specialty Additives sales were $142 million, down 2% from the prior year, impacted by lower residential construction demand [14] - Engineered Solutions segment sales grew 2% year-over-year to $245 million, with High Temperature Technologies sales at $178 million, up 1% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the Consumer and Specialties segment for the full year were $1.1 billion, with a 3% decline in Household and Personal Care sales overall [14] - Specialty Additives sales for the full year were $585 million, down 4% from the prior year, affected by a slowdown in residential construction [15] - Engineered Solutions segment sales for the full year were $975 million, with record operating income of $163 million and an operating margin of 16.7% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth through investments in higher growth markets, innovative products, and geographic expansion [7][8] - Significant investments were made in pet litter facilities, natural oil purification operations, and paper and packaging satellite plants [8][9] - The company aims to leverage regulatory changes to drive demand for local mineral supply and enhance revenue streams [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted a challenging year in 2025 due to geopolitical uncertainty and softer market demand [5][6] - For 2026, the company expects stable market conditions with potential growth driven by new business and investments made in 2025 [24][26] - Management expressed confidence in achieving mid-single-digit growth in 2026, supported by new product launches and market recovery [20][24] Other Important Information - The company returned $73 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases while maintaining a strong balance sheet [9][19] - Full-year free cash flow was $87 million, with expectations for 6%-7% of sales in 2026 [19][20] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Regarding the Consumer and Specialties segment's operating margin performance - Management indicated that the performance was in line with expectations, impacted by lower residential construction demand and fixed cost absorption issues [35][36] Question: Insights on the paper PCC business and market conditions - Management highlighted growth opportunities in Asia, with a focus on increasing market penetration and new technologies [40][41] Question: Capital deployment strategy for 2026 - The company plans to maintain a balanced approach, allocating 50% of free cash flow to shareholders while keeping some for organic and inorganic growth opportunities [46][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full year sales for 2025 were $2.1 billion, consistent with the previous year [4] - Operating income for the year was $287 million, with earnings per share at $5.52 [5][10] - Operating margin decreased to 13.9% from 14.9% in the prior year, primarily due to lower volume [11][19] - Fourth quarter sales were $520 million, reflecting a slight increase from the prior year, driven by a 2% growth in engineered solutions [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer and specialties segment sales for the fourth quarter were $274 million, with household and personal care sales at $133 million, showing a 2% sequential increase but 1% decline year-over-year [12] - Specialty additives sales were $142 million, down 2% from the prior year, impacted by a slowdown in residential construction [12][15] - Engineered solutions segment sales grew 2% year-over-year to $245 million, with high temperature technologies sales at $178 million, up 1% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the consumer and specialties segment for the full year were $1.1 billion, with household and personal care sales down 3% overall but improving by 5% in the second half [13] - Specialty additives sales for the full year were $585 million, down 4% from the previous year, affected by lower volumes in residential construction [15] - Engineered solutions segment sales for the full year were $975 million, with environmental and infrastructure product line sales up 2% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth through expanding into higher growth markets, positioning in faster growing geographies, and introducing innovative products [6][7] - Investments include upgrades to pet litter facilities, expansion of natural oil purification operations, and new paper and packaging satellite plants in Asia [7][26] - The company aims to leverage regulatory changes driving demand for sustainable products, particularly in edible oil and renewable fuel purification [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted that 2025 was a challenging year due to geopolitical uncertainty and softer market demand [3] - For 2026, the company expects stable market conditions with potential growth driven by investments made in 2025 [24][29] - Management expressed confidence in achieving mid-single-digit growth in 2026, supported by new business secured in cat litter and other consumer-oriented products [20][25] Other Important Information - The company returned $73 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases while maintaining a strong balance sheet with over $700 million in liquidity [8][19] - Free cash flow for the year was $87 million, with expectations for 2026 to be in the range of 6%-7% of sales [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Consumer and specialties segment margin performance - Management indicated that the fourth quarter margin was in line with expectations, impacted by lower residential construction demand and fixed cost absorption issues [35][36] Question: Growth in paper PCC business and market conditions - Management highlighted growth opportunities in Asia, with a focus on increasing market penetration and new technologies [39][40] Question: Capital deployment and share repurchase plans - The company plans to allocate 50% of free cash flow to shareholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet for potential acquisitions [46][48] Question: Visibility into fabric care and pet care markets - Management expressed optimism about volume growth in fabric care and a strong outlook for pet litter, expecting high single-digit growth [55][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full year sales for 2025 were $2.1 billion, consistent with the previous year [4] - Operating income for the year was $287 million, with earnings per share at $5.52 [5] - Fourth quarter sales were $520 million, reflecting a slight increase from the prior year, driven by a 2% growth in engineered solutions [9] - Operating margin for the full year was 13.9%, down from 14.9% in the prior year, primarily due to lower volume [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer and specialties segment sales for the fourth quarter were $274 million, with household and personal care products seeing a 2% sequential increase [12] - Engineered solutions segment sales grew 2% year-over-year to $245 million, with high temperature technologies sales at $178 million, up 1% [17] - Full year sales in consumer and specialties were $1.1 billion, with household and personal care sales down 3% overall but improved by 5% in the second half [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced challenges in key end markets, with many remaining flat or weakening throughout 2025 [5] - Sales to paper and packaging customers increased by 3% in the second half of the year compared to the first half, indicating a recovery [16] - The residential construction market showed softness, impacting sales in specialty additives [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth strategies, including expanding into higher growth consumer-oriented markets and introducing innovative, higher margin products [5] - Investments were made in various facilities to support growth, including upgrades to pet litter facilities and expansion of natural oil purification operations [6] - The company aims to maintain a balanced approach to capital deployment, returning $73 million to shareholders while supporting growth initiatives [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2025 was a challenging year due to geopolitical uncertainty and softer market demand, but expressed confidence in the growth investments made [3][4] - For 2026, the company expects stable market conditions with potential for mid-single-digit growth across segments [23] - Management highlighted the importance of volume growth in driving margin improvements and expressed optimism about new business opportunities in various product lines [37][72] Other Important Information - The company achieved a world-class safety performance in 2025, marking the best in its history [4] - Full-year cash from operations was $194 million, with free cash flow at $87 million [19] - The balance sheet remains strong, with over $700 million in liquidity and a net leverage ratio of 1.7x EBITDA [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Consumer and specialties segment margin performance - Management indicated that the fourth quarter margin was in line with expectations, impacted by lower residential construction demand and fixed cost absorption issues [36] Question: Paper PCC business growth and market conditions - Management noted that Asia presents significant growth opportunities, with ongoing consolidation in the paper market and new technologies driving demand [40][41] Question: Capital deployment strategy for 2026 - The company plans to maintain a balanced approach, returning 50% of free cash flow to shareholders while keeping some for inorganic growth opportunities [48][49] Question: Visibility into fabric care and pet care markets - Management expressed confidence in volume growth for fabric care and highlighted strong expectations for pet litter growth due to new business secured [60][65]

FOURTH QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL January 30, 2026 © 2026 Minerals Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved. Forward-Looking Statements and Non-GAAP Measures This presentation may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations and forecasts of future events such as new products, revenues, and financial performance, and are not limited to describing historical or current facts. Th ...