Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company achieved the highest first quarter lithium sales volumes in its history, with a 20% year-on-year increase, driven by strong demand from the electric vehicle market in China and Europe [6][8] - Average realized prices for lithium in Q2 2025 are expected to be lower than in Q1 due to recent price declines [7][59] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lithium sales volumes increased significantly, while iodine prices reached record averages amid tight supply and steady demand, particularly for X-ray contrast media applications [6][8] - Specialty Plant Nutrition (SPN) sales volumes grew healthily, with an upward trend in prices due to strong demand for potassium chloride and supply disruptions [9] - Potassium business volumes were significantly lower compared to the same period last year as part of a strategy to prioritize high lithium content brines [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintains a view that global lithium demand will grow by 17% in 2025, with SQM's sales expected to grow by 15% year-on-year, although this forecast remains unchanged amid current market conditions [29][64] - The lithium market is currently oversupplied, with prices under pressure, particularly in China [71][90] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding lithium production capacity to 240,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate and 100,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide [8] - Investment in operational efficiencies and capacity expansions is ongoing, with a commitment to sustainable high-quality growth [11] - The company is confident in its strategy and ability to generate cash flow despite current pricing pressures [17][88] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the current low price environment is unsustainable and expects prices to improve in the future [88][90] - The company is well-prepared to take advantage of market recovery due to its strong position as a low-cost producer [88][90] - There is optimism regarding long-term demand growth, particularly in the electric vehicle sector [64][90] Other Important Information - The company is advancing its seawater pipeline construction to expand iodine production capacity [8] - The dividend policy established a distribution of 30% of net income for 2025, with no interim dividends planned for the first quarter [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will operating cash flow be breakeven or positive per metric ton in lithium in Q2? - Management indicated they are far from breakeven costs and expect to be significantly above that in Q2 [14][15] Question: How will lower lithium prices affect capital structure and funding for future projects? - Management stated that the company has a strong balance sheet and cash generation capacity from other business lines, which will not constrain future projects [16][18] Question: What is the status of the Codelco joint venture in Chile? - Management described the situation as "noise" due to election year discussions but confirmed that the transaction is progressing as planned [20][26] Question: Will SQM's lithium sales grow by 15% this year? - Management has not updated the annual volume forecast but expects similar or slightly lower volumes in Q2 compared to Q1 [29] Question: How is SQM handling pricing dynamics in China? - Management noted that pricing mechanisms with customers are confidential and cannot provide specifics [36] Question: What is the outlook for Mt. Holland production? - Management confirmed that Mt. Holland is cash positive and ramping up as planned, despite facing higher costs during the ramp-up phase [84][97] Question: What is the company's dividend policy? - The company will distribute 30% of its net income for 2025, with no interim dividends planned for the first quarter [48]

Core Insights - Volcon ePowersports has launched a new floor plan financing and retail financing program through Dealer Direct Financial to enhance dealer inventory financing and access to electric off-road vehicles [1][2][3] Company Overview - Volcon is the first all-electric powersports company, focusing on sustainable electric vehicles for the outdoor community, emphasizing environmental benefits and near-silent operation [4][5] - The company’s product lineup includes motorcycles and UTVs, with notable products like the Grunt, Grunt EVO, and the Brat, which cater to both on-road and off-road markets [5] Financing Program Details - The new floor plan program aims to provide flexible financial solutions to support inventory acquisition and drive sales of Volcon's products, thereby expanding market presence [2][3] - The program is designed to empower dealers to grow their businesses and meet increasing customer demand for electric off-road vehicles [3][4] Strategic Goals - The initiative reflects Volcon's commitment to strengthening dealer relationships and accelerating the adoption of all-electric off-road vehicles [3] - The program is a significant step in Volcon's strategy to scale operations and support its growing dealer network [3]

Core Viewpoint - GreenPower Motor Company Inc. is announcing the second tranche of a secured term loan offering totaling U.S. $500,000 to support its operations and production costs [1][2]. Group 1: Loan Details - The second tranche of U.S. $500,000 is expected to be closed with companies associated with the CEO and a Director of the Company [2]. - The net proceeds from the Loans will be allocated towards production costs, supplier payments, payroll, and working capital [2]. Group 2: Inducements for Loans - As an inducement for the Loans, the Company will issue non-transferable share purchase warrants to one of the Lenders, with the number of warrants based on the principal amount divided by the Market Price [3]. - Two Lenders will receive Loan Bonus Shares, calculated as 20% of the principal amount of the Loans divided by the Market Price [3]. Group 3: Related Party Transactions - The Lenders are considered "related parties" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101, and the Loans and associated securities are classified as "related party transactions" but are exempt from formal valuation and minority approval requirements [4]. Group 4: Securities Regulations - All securities issued in connection with the Loans will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the closing of the Initial Loan [5]. Group 5: Company Overview - GreenPower designs, builds, and distributes a range of all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, shuttles, and cargo vans [6]. - The Company employs a clean-sheet design for its vehicles, ensuring they are purpose-built for battery power with zero emissions [6]. - GreenPower was founded in Vancouver, Canada, and has primary operational facilities in southern California, with a NASDAQ listing since August 2020 [6].

Tesla sales in Europe and the U.K. have fallen by nearly half, according to data released Tuesday by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. In April, Tesla sold 7,261 vehicles in the European Union, European Free Trade Association, and U.K., a 49% year-over-year decline.The fall in sales is particularly alarming considering Tesla recently launched a new Model Y vehicle, the kind of release that would typically attract more consumers. A closer look at car sales in the region shows that Tesla comp ...

The company launched an upgraded version of its Model Y sports utility vehicle this year, but its overall line-up of cars is still ageing, with no new mass market offering unveiled to date. At the same time, Tesla continues to battle rising competition from traditional automakers as well as aggressive Chinese players. Last week, separate data showed auto giant BYD sold more pure electric cars in Europe than Tesla for the first time. Elon Musk interviews on CNBC from the Tesla Headquarters in Texas. European ...

HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA - MAY 2: Tesla cars are seen parked and charging at a Tesla Supercharger on ... More May 2, 2025 in Hawthorne, California. (Photo by Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)Getty Images What became of Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) original mission - to catalyze the world's transition to sustainable energy and reinvent transportation from the ground up? What once sounded like a pipe dream became a bold, stepwise strategy: start with a sports car, use that money to build affordable EVs, and power it all wi ...

Group 1 - General Motors (GM) is facing significant challenges as it transitions to electric vehicles (EVs) amid regulatory changes and increased competition [1] - The company must prioritize advancements in battery technology to ensure its survival in the evolving automotive landscape [1] - The end of the EV tax credit and rising material costs due to tariffs are additional hurdles that GM must navigate [1] Group 2 - The automotive industry is shifting towards a future dominated by electric vehicles, necessitating that traditional automakers adapt or risk obsolescence [1] - GM's ability to compete with a growing list of EV-only manufacturers will be crucial for its long-term viability [1]

Core Points - GreenPower Motor Company Inc. held its Annual General and Special Meeting (AGM) on May 23, 2025, where significant corporate decisions were made [1] - Shareholders elected all management's director nominees and re-approved the Company's 2022 Equity Incentive Plan [2] - BDO Canada LLP was appointed as the Company's auditors for the upcoming fiscal year [2] - The Board of Directors appointed Fraser Atkinson as Chairman and CEO, Brendan Riley as President, and Michael Sieffert as CFO and Corporate Secretary for the next year [3] Company Overview - GreenPower designs, builds, and distributes a range of all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including transit buses, school buses, shuttles, and cargo vans [4] - The Company employs a clean-sheet design approach to manufacture zero-emission vehicles, integrating global suppliers for key components [4] - GreenPower was founded in Vancouver, Canada, with primary operational facilities in southern California, and it has been listed on the Toronto exchange since November 2015, completing its U.S. IPO and NASDAQ listing in August 2020 [4]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Mining - Silver industry is experiencing promising prospects due to rising silver prices and a projected demand of around 1.15 billion ounces, primarily driven by industrial use [1][4] - The industry comprises companies engaged in the exploration, development, and production of silver, with only 20% of silver coming from mining activities where silver is the primary revenue source [3] Demand and Supply Dynamics - Total silver demand is expected to dip slightly by 1% to 1.148 billion ounces in 2025, with industrial use projected at approximately 677.4 million ounces, accounting for about 59% of total demand [4] - The solar energy industry is a significant driver of silver demand, particularly in photovoltaic applications, alongside rising usage in 5G infrastructure and electric vehicles [4] - Global silver supply is projected to rise by 2% in 2025 to 1.031 billion ounces, but this will still result in a deficit of 117.6 million ounces, marking the fifth consecutive year of supply shortfall [5] Price Trends - Silver prices increased by approximately 22% in 2024 and 14.9% year-to-date, supported by economic uncertainties and solid demand amid tight supply expectations [5] - The industry's current valuation based on the forward 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio is 12.05X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 24.69X, indicating potential for growth [13] Company Performance - Avino Silver Mines produced 678,458 silver equivalent ounces in Q1 2025, an 8% year-over-year increase, and is on track to achieve a production range of 2.5 - 2.8 million silver equivalent ounces in 2025 [17] - Fresnillo produced 107 million silver-equivalent ounces in 2024 and expects a decline in total production for 2025, focusing on profit margins and optimizing its mining operations [23] - Endeavour Silver recently acquired Compañia Minera Kolpa S.A. for $145 million, which is expected to enhance its production profile by approximately 5 million silver equivalent ounces [25] Market Outlook - The Zacks Industry Rank for the Mining-Silver industry is 15, placing it in the top 6% of 245 Zacks industries, indicating bright prospects in the near term [8] - The industry has outperformed the Basic Materials sector but has lagged behind the Zacks S&P 500 composite over the past year, with a collective loss of 7.6% compared to the sector's 9.9% decline [10]

Chinese carmaker BYD Company ADR BYDDY might have stolen the April electric vehicle title in Europe, but markets didn’t bat an eyelid. Neither did Tesla TSLA shares.BYD sold 7,231 battery electric cars (BEVs) in Europe in April, edging out Tesla, which sold 7,165, new figures from JATO Dynamics show. Although the milestone represents a symbolic turning point in the European EV battle, it didn’t dent investor faith, as Tesla shares gained more than 2% on the day of the news.It's the first time a Chinese bran ...