Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 28% increase in production of Quintuple Zero Green Lithium, reaching over 77,000 tons, which is the highest quarterly production to date and exceeded previous guidance [11] - Sales rose sharply, increasing 29% quarter-on-quarter to 73,900 tons [11] - The all-in sustaining costs were reported at $592 per ton, demonstrating a significant quarterly cost decrease [14][26] - The company achieved a cash and operating margin of 42% and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 26% in the fourth quarter [15][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Greentech plant reached a lithium recovery efficiency of 70% at the DMS plant level, positioning the company as an innovator in lithium processing [7] - The company increased its mineral resources to 107 million tons with a lithium oxide content of 1.4%, ensuring a long operating life for the Greentech plant [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average CIF China realized price was $900 per ton in the fourth quarter, well above the spot price [12] - The company noted that demand for lithium remains robust despite high inventory levels, which are being absorbed in the market [70][71] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence and has plans to ramp up production to 270,000 tons by 2025, with an additional 30,000 tons expected from the early commissioning of Plant 2 [19][21] - The construction of Plant 2 is on schedule for commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2025, leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce costs and time [45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to generate cash flows even in the current price environment, highlighting a healthy liquidity position with $46 million in cash [15][38] - The company anticipates a sharp reduction in financial costs per ton once Plant 2 is operating at full capacity [41] Other Important Information - The company achieved over 600 days without a lost time injury, emphasizing its commitment to safety [12][17] - The company has successfully reduced short-term debt levels and maintained low financial costs [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: What happens to per ton costs if production is lower than 270,000 tons in 2025? - Management indicated that costs would revert to levels similar to the second quarter, primarily due to reduced short-term debt [60][62] Question: How does the interplay of carbon prices and spodumene pricing affect expectations? - Management noted that current pricing levels are influenced by inventory levels rather than demand, with robust demand expected to drive prices once inventories are depleted [70][71] Question: When is the first loan disbursement from BNDES expected? - Management expects the first disbursement around midyear, as it operates on a reimbursement basis [74] Question: Clarification on financial expenses per ton in the fourth quarter? - Management acknowledged a potential mismatch in numbers and offered to provide exact figures later, highlighting that interest payments in the third quarter affected the financial expenses [76][80] Question: Are there any trends in ocean freight costs? - Management noted opportunities for cost efficiencies in ocean freight by utilizing larger vessels, which reduce costs per ton compared to smaller vessels [84]

Company Performance - Sigma Lithium Corporation reported a quarterly loss of $0.08 per share, which was worse than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.06, and compared to a loss of $0.09 per share a year ago, indicating an earnings surprise of -233.33% [1] - The company posted revenues of $48.04 million for the quarter ended December 2024, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 20.58%, and this represents an increase from year-ago revenues of $37.69 million [2] - Over the last four quarters, Sigma Lithium has not surpassed consensus EPS estimates and has consistently missed revenue estimates [2] Stock Outlook - The immediate price movement of Sigma Lithium's stock will depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the sustainability of the stock's performance [3][4] - Despite underperforming in earnings, Sigma Lithium shares have increased by about 2.5% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of -5.1% [3] Earnings Estimates - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.14 on revenues of $73.85 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.79 on revenues of $336.49 million [7] - The trend for earnings estimate revisions for Sigma Lithium is currently unfavorable, resulting in a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), indicating expected underperformance in the near future [6] Industry Context - Sigma Lithium operates within the Zacks Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry, which is currently ranked in the bottom 40% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8]

Financial Performance - Sigma Lithium reported a cash operating margin of 42% in 4Q24 and an underlying margin of 41% for FY24, reflecting strong profitability and operational efficiency[3]. - Sigma Lithium's underlying revenue for FY24 was US$180.6 million, while reported revenue was US$151.4 million, with a significant increase in 4Q24 revenue of US$47.3 million, up 127% from 3Q24[7][8]. - Revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was CAD 208,747, with a gross profit of CAD 44,274[45]. - The net loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was CAD 69,981, resulting in an earnings per share of ($0.63)[45]. - For the three months ended December 31, 2024, the company reported revenues of CAD 67,206, with a gross profit of CAD 21,900, resulting in a gross margin of approximately 32.5%[54]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was CAD 23,955, representing an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11%[54]. - The company’s EBIT for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was CAD (6,187), indicating a challenging year for operational profitability[54]. Production and Capacity - The company achieved record production of 77,034 tonnes and sales of 73,900 tonnes of Quintuple Zero Lithium Concentrate in 4Q24, marking a 28% increase in production volumes[3][8]. - The company expects to produce at least 270,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate in 2025, averaging approximately 67,500 tonnes per quarter[9]. - Sigma Lithium currently produces 270,000 tonnes of lithium oxide concentrate annually, with plans to double production capacity to 520,000 tonnes[41]. - The company is constructing its second Greentech Industrial Plant, expected to double production capacity in 2025, with initial equipment deliveries anticipated in July 2025[6][25]. - Phase 2 is now expected to reach full ramp-up in 2026, with Phase 3 following in 2027, delaying previous projections[36]. Costs and Expenditures - CIF China cash operating costs decreased by 17% to US$427/t in 4Q24, with all-in sustaining costs (AISC) at US$592/t[3][15]. - Capital expenditures for 2024 totaled US$23.8 million, with expectations for 2025 capital expenditures to reach approximately US$100 million for the Phase 2 construction[28]. - Capital expenditures (Capex) for FY2024 were CAD 23,756, significantly lower than CAD 61,623 in FY2023, reflecting a strategic reduction in spending[54]. - The company reported a pro-forma cash increase of CAD 23,688 for the year, despite a foreign exchange impact on cash held in foreign currency of CAD (14,376)[54]. - The ending cash balance for the period was CAD 45,918, down from CAD 48,584 at the beginning of the period[54]. Resource and Valuation - Sigma Lithium's updated NI 43-101 Technical Report indicates an after-tax NPV8% of US$5.7 billion and validates 22 years of operational life with a mineral resource estimate of 107Mt[3]. - Sigma Lithium's mineral resource increased by 23% to 93.2 million tonnes, with proven and probable reserves rising 40% to 76.4 million tonnes[30]. - The updated after-tax NPV for Phases 1, 2, and 3 is estimated at US$5.7 billion, a decrease from US$15.3 billion in the previous report[33]. Operational Efficiency - The company reported a significant improvement in working capital efficiency, maintaining a short-term trade finance balance of US$59.6 million as of December 2024[27]. - The company experienced a net cash used in operating activities of CAD 18,146 for FY2024, compared to CAD 23,385 in FY2023, indicating improved operational efficiency[54]. - The company reported a net cash from operating activities of CAD (24,347) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024[47]. Environmental Commitment - The company’s operational strategy emphasizes environmental sustainability, producing net-zero carbon lithium[40]. - The company is constructing a second plant to enhance production capacity, reflecting its commitment to market expansion[41]. Debt and Financing - The company’s net borrowing for FY2024 was CAD 53,612, showing reliance on debt financing to support operations[54]. - Stock-based compensation expenses for FY2024 totaled CAD 11,172, which is a significant component of the overall expenses[54].

Core Viewpoint - Sigma Lithium Corporation reported strong financial results for the full year 2024, highlighting significant increases in production and sales volumes, improved operational efficiency, and a robust commercial strategy aimed at capitalizing on market trends in the lithium sector [3][4][5]. Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of US$151.4 million for FY24, with underlying revenues totaling US$180.6 million after excluding non-cash provisional price adjustments [9][10]. - For 4Q24, total revenues reached US$47.3 million, marking a 127% increase compared to 3Q24 [10]. - Adjusted EBITDA for FY24 was US$16.8 million, with an underlying adjusted EBITDA of US$46.0 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 25% [15]. Production and Sales - Sigma Lithium produced 240,828 tonnes of lithium oxide concentrate in FY24, with 77,034 tonnes produced in 4Q24, reflecting a 28% increase in production volumes [8][10]. - The company sold 236,811 tonnes of lithium concentrate in FY24, with 73,900 tonnes sold in 4Q24 [11]. Cost Management - The cash operating margin was reported at 42% for 4Q24, with CIF China cash operating costs decreasing by 17% to US$427 per tonne [5][17]. - All-in sustaining costs (AISC) for 4Q24 were US$592 per tonne, a significant improvement from the FY24 average of US$714 per tonne [18]. Strategic Developments - Sigma Lithium is in the process of constructing a second Greentech Industrial Plant, which is expected to double production capacity to 520,000 tonnes by 2025 [7][23]. - The company has secured a US$100 million development bank credit line from BNDES to fund the construction of the new plant [27]. Technical and Resource Updates - An updated NI 43-101 Technical Report indicated an after-tax NPV of US$5.7 billion for the Grota do Cirilo operations, with a validated operational life of 22 years and a mineral resource estimate of 107 million tonnes [29][34]. - The company's mining resource increased by 23% to 93.2 million tonnes of measured and indicated resources, with proven and probable reserves increasing by 40% to 76.4 million tonnes [31]. Future Outlook - The company expects to produce at least 270,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate in 2025, with a focus on optimizing its commercial strategy to align with seasonal demand [11][13]. - Sigma Lithium aims to maintain a conservative cost guidance for 2025, projecting CIF China cash costs of US$500 per tonne and AISC of US$660 per tonne [19].

Company Performance - Sigma Lithium Corporation's stock closed at $10.75, reflecting a +0.99% change from the previous day, outperforming the S&P 500's decline of 0.91% [1] - Over the past month, Sigma Lithium's shares have decreased by 4.87%, which is better than the Computer and Technology sector's loss of 10.57% and the S&P 500's loss of 7.38% [1] Upcoming Earnings - Sigma Lithium is expected to report earnings of $0.06 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 166.67% [2] - The consensus estimate for revenue is projected at $60.48 million, representing a 60.47% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] Analyst Estimates - Recent changes in analyst estimates for Sigma Lithium reflect positive sentiment regarding the company's business operations and profit generation capabilities [3] Zacks Rank and Valuation - Sigma Lithium currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), with a 19.39% decrease in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days [5] - The company has a Forward P/E ratio of 13.48, which is lower than the industry average Forward P/E of 19.59, suggesting it is trading at a discount [6] Industry Context - Sigma Lithium operates within the Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry, which is part of the Computer and Technology sector, currently ranked 129 out of over 250 industries, placing it in the bottom 49% [6][7]

Company Overview - Sigma Lithium Corporation is a leading global lithium producer focused on providing sustainable lithium concentrate for electric vehicles [8][9] - The company operates the world's fifth largest industrial-mineral complex for lithium oxide materials, producing Quintuple Zero Green Lithium, which emphasizes environmental and social sustainability [9] Leadership Changes - Junaid Jafar has been appointed as a new independent member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately [1] - Mr. Jafar is the Chief Investment Officer at Al Muhaidib Investment Office and brings nearly 30 years of investment management experience [4][5] - He replaces Bechara Azar, who stepped down for personal reasons, and the company expressed gratitude for Mr. Azar's contributions during his tenure [5] Strategic Initiatives - The company is in a transformational phase, aiming to become a major integrated industrial-mineral lithium oxide producer [5] - Sigma Lithium is constructing a second Greentech Industrial Plant to double its production capacity from 270,000 tonnes to 520,000 tonnes of lithium oxide by the fourth quarter of 2025 [5][10] - The company is also planning a third Greentech industrial production line to further enhance its production capabilities [5] Financial Performance - Sigma Lithium will release its audited financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2024, on March 31, 2025, and will host a conference call to discuss these results [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Sigma Lithium Corporation is advancing the construction of its second Greentech industrial plant to double its lithium oxide concentrate production capacity, aiming to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries [1][10]. Financial and Operational Metrics - For Q4 2024, the company expects production volumes of 77,000 tonnes, with unit operating cash costs at US$318 per tonne at the plant gate, US$367 FOB Brazil, and US$427 CIF China [3]. - For FY 2024, underlying revenue is projected at US$181 million, with a cash gross margin of 41% and underlying EBITDA of US$46 million, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 25% [3]. Production Outlook - Production volumes for FY 2025 are expected to reach 300,000 tonnes, with 270,000 tonnes from Plant 1 and 30,000 tonnes from Plant 2. By FY 2026, total production is projected to increase to 520,000 tonnes [4]. Cost Guidance - The company anticipates a unit operating cash cost of US$500 per tonne CIF China for FY 2025 [5]. Construction Update - Sigma Lithium is on track to double its production capacity by Q4 2025, having completed 100% of the foundation earthworks for the second plant and advanced to civil works [6][7]. - The company has a workforce of 100 currently, with plans to expand to 1,000 at peak construction [8]. Funding and Efficiency - Sigma Lithium has secured a US$100 million credit line from BNDES to fund construction, emphasizing its low capital expenditure intensity and existing infrastructure to control costs [9]. - As one of the world's lowest-cost producers, the company aims to leverage economies of scale to enhance cost efficiency as it expands capacity [10]. Sustainability Commitment - Sigma Lithium is committed to producing carbon-neutral lithium with a focus on environmental and social sustainability, operating at its Grota do Cirilo Operation in Brazil [12].

Core Insights - Sigma Lithium has successfully completed the 2024 business year, exceeding its fourth-quarter production target with approximately 75,000 tonnes produced, leading to a total of approximately 240,000 tonnes for the year [3] - The company is well-positioned to exceed its 2025 production target of 270,000 tonnes due to strong operational performance and commitment to sustainable growth [3][5] - Sigma Lithium operates at the forefront of environmental and social sustainability, producing "Quintuple Zero Green Lithium" with a focus on net zero carbon emissions and minimal environmental impact [2][9] Company Operations - Phase 1 of Sigma Lithium's operations entered commercial production in Q2 2023, with plans to double capacity to 520,000 tonnes through a Phase 2 expansion of its Greentech Plant [5] - The Greentech Industrial Plant utilizes innovative green industrialization technologies for lithium processing and dense media separation, aligning with the ethos of electric vehicle consumers [1][2] Stakeholder Engagement - The company has received significant support from various stakeholders, including local communities, government entities, and customers, which has contributed to its accomplishments in 2024 [8]

Core Insights - Sigma Lithium Corporation is a leading global lithium producer focused on providing carbon-neutral and sustainable lithium concentrate for electric vehicles [1][4][5] - The company has successfully loaded 22,650 tonnes of its Quintuple Zero Green Lithium for shipment to Abu Dhabi, demonstrating operational excellence [1][2] - Sigma Lithium has achieved a consistent monthly delivery schedule, producing lithium at an annual rate of 270,000 tonnes [2][3] Operational Achievements - The company has implemented advanced dense media separation technology, achieving a 70% recovery rate at its Greentech Industrial Plant [3] - Sigma Lithium has completed enhancements to its processing flowsheet, significantly increasing production and enabling two large monthly shipments [3][6] - Phase 1 of operations began commercial production in Q2 2023, with plans for a Phase 2 expansion to double capacity to 520,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate [6] Environmental and Social Responsibility - Sigma Lithium operates with a commitment to environmental sustainability, producing net zero carbon lithium with no carbon-intensive energy, potable water, toxic chemicals, or tailings dams [5] - The company emphasizes its role in the electric vehicle battery materials supply chain, focusing on social and environmental sustainability [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics - The company achieved a production target of 60,237 dry metric tons, surpassing the initial target of 60,000 tons [13] - Sales volume reached 57,483 GLT, with sales revenue of $44.2 million and operational cash flow of $34.5 million [12] - Cash costs were maintained at $449 per ton, with a CIF cost in China of $413 per ton [12] - The company generated a cash gross margin of 38% and maintained a cash balance of $65.7 million [12] - A provisional price adjustment of $23.3 million was recorded, related to the final settlement of open sales invoices [12] Business Line Performance - The company's Greentech plant achieved a record DMS recovery rate of 70%, with global recoveries at 55% [14] - The optimization project for Plant 1 was completed, potentially increasing production by 10% to 15% [9] - The company is advancing the construction of Plant 2, which will further enhance production capacity [9] Market Performance - The company successfully adapted its commercial strategy, achieving higher realized prices compared to industry benchmarks [8] - By shifting from selling to traders as principals to selling to traders as distributors, the company navigated market seasonality and strengthened its commercial position [27] - The company managed to price its shipments above benchmark prices, capturing more value during seasonal fluctuations [28][31] Strategic Direction and Industry Competition - The company aims to reach 100,000 tons per year of LCE equivalent production capacity by the end of 2026 [46] - A key part of the strategy is to build 20,000 tons of LCE concentration capability to integrate into a potential lithium sulphate chemical plant [46] - The company is leveraging its low-cost production and operational resilience to position itself as a leading global lithium producer [51] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The company demonstrated resilience to lithium price cycles, generating positive cash flow despite market volatility [24] - Management highlighted the importance of operational discipline and low-cost production in maintaining financial stability [23] - The company is confident in its ability to navigate future market cycles and deliver long-term value to stakeholders [6] Other Important Information - The company signed a $487 million loan agreement with BNDES, fully funding the construction of Phase 2 [20] - The loan has favorable terms, including a 16-year maturity, an 18-month grace period, and a fixed interest rate of 2.5% [21] - The company achieved net zero emissions one year ahead of its target, 27 years ahead of the industry average [6] Q&A Session Question: Changes in customer interest and order booking - The company observed increased interest from customers due to the metallurgical premium of its product, which offers cost savings of 20% to 30% [58] - The company has shifted its commercial strategy to better navigate seasonality, resulting in higher realized prices [59] - Orders are being booked throughout the year, with recent trades priced above benchmark indices [61] Question: Provisional pricing adjustments - The provisional price adjustment of $23.3 million was primarily related to shipments from Q4 2023, reflecting the impact of significant price drops during that period [68] - The company closed out open trades, resulting in a positive cash inflow of $7 million [69] Question: Phase 3 and 4 expansion plans - The company plans to build a third plant similar to the second, with an estimated cost of $100 million [73] - Additional infrastructure for Phase 4, including water treatment and power capacity, is expected to cost $15 million to $20 million [74] - The company is exploring partnerships for the construction of a lithium sulphate chemical plant, aiming to deliver globally competitive products [77][79] Question: Production and Phase 2 CapEx - The company achieved a production cadence of 22,000 tons per month, with plans to maintain this pace [85] - CapEx for Phase 2 is estimated at $20 million to $25 million, with the first BNDES disbursement expected to reimburse these costs [87] - The company has shifted to in-house project management for Phase 2 construction, leveraging its operational expertise [89] Question: Recovery improvements in Q4 and Q1 - The company expects global recoveries to increase to near 60% due to ongoing plant optimization [94] - Mobile crushers, which were temporarily used, will be decommissioned, leading to further cost savings and operational improvements [98]