Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group adjusted EBITDA increased by 120% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching ZAR 10 billion, and even excluding the 45X credits, it was still 51% higher [5][6] - Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 0.89 times, significantly below the market's earlier projections [6] - The total fair value of 45X credits is projected to increase to ZAR 12.6 billion by 2034, representing 32% of the acquisition value of the Stillwater operations [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - South African PGM operations produced 840,400 ounces, a 4% decrease year-on-year, with underground operations consistent at 750,000 ounces [59] - South African gold operations saw a 36% increase in average gold price received, reaching slightly more than ZAR 1.8 million per kilogram, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 118% to ZAR 4.8 billion [65][66] - U.S. PGM operations produced 141,000 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,207 per ounce, reflecting a 41% decrease in costs compared to pre-restructuring [74] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gold prices increased by 26% in the first half of the year, with average trading volumes reaching $329 billion per day, the highest for any half-year period on record [48] - PGM prices have rallied due to tight supply, with platinum prices outperforming driven by lower mine supplies [49] - Lithium market remains oversupplied, with average prices just over $9,000 per ton, affecting profitability for a third of lithium supply [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on commodity diversification, particularly in gold and lithium, to stabilize earnings during volatile market cycles [25] - A multipolarity strategy is being implemented to enhance local supply of critical minerals, including a petition for a palladium trade remedy [8][26] - The company is investing in brownfield projects with low capital intensity to improve competitiveness and efficiency [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's increasing earnings trend and decreasing leverage, indicating a positive outlook for future performance [9] - The company acknowledges the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and tariff impacts on market demand, particularly in the U.S. [46] - Future growth is anticipated in the PGM and lithium markets, despite current pressures, with a focus on sustainable practices and stakeholder engagement [30][57] Other Important Information - The company has launched a petition against unwrought palladium imports from Russia, addressing unfair trade practices [78] - The acquisition of Metalex is expected to enhance the company's recycling footprint and contribute to earnings [43] - The company is assessing the Burnstone project for potential future development [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for dividend payments? - The company has decided not to pay dividends at the interim stage but will review this at year-end, with confidence in returning to dividend-paying territory if commodity prices remain stable [41] Question: How is the company addressing safety concerns? - The company reported three fatalities during the reporting period but noted improvements in safety frequency rates and a commitment to eliminating fatal incidents [21][22] Question: What are the expectations for the lithium market? - The lithium market is currently oversupplied, but the company remains bullish on long-term demand driven by electrification, forecasting a healthy CAGR for battery electric vehicle production [57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved $275 million in revenue for Q4 2024 and $916 million for the full year, exceeding the midpoint of previously communicated guidance [12][52] - Q4 adjusted gross margin improved by 410 basis points year-on-year to 29.8%, while full year adjusted gross margin reached 34.1%, an increase of 680 basis points compared to 2023 [12][53] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $45.2 million, with a full year total of $173.6 million, down from $288.1 million in the prior year [12][54] - The net loss attributable to common shareholders for Q4 was $141.2 million, compared to a net income of $6 million in the prior year [51][54] - Free cash flow for the year was $135 million, ending with a cash balance of $364 million [12][55] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The order book ended the year at $2 billion, up 10% from 2023, with over 20% growth in the domestic portion [17] - The OmniTrack terrain following tracker contributed almost 10% of 2024 revenue, reflecting strong market traction [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utility scale solar remains the cheapest and fastest-growing energy source, with solar and solar plus battery storage representing 64% of new electricity deployment in the U.S. [21] - The U.S. market stabilized towards the end of 2024, with expectations for continued momentum in 2025 despite previous headwinds [22][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on supply chain resiliency, with a new manufacturing facility in Albuquerque aimed at reducing costs and risks [13] - Continued investment in innovation, including partnerships with companies like SWAP Robotics, to enhance operational efficiency and project cycle times [37][38] - The company aims to provide 100% domestic content trackers in the U.S. by the first half of 2025 [26][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the utility scale solar industry's value proposition and demand, expecting 20% top-line growth in 2025 [29][66] - The company is taking a conservative approach to forecasting for 2025, with expectations for revenue between $1.05 billion and $1.15 billion [59] Other Important Information - The company experienced significant impairment charges related to the 2022 STI acquisition, impacting operating expenses [49] - The company is actively monitoring developments regarding the Inflation Reduction Act and its implications for the solar industry [24][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the EBITDA margin in Q1 compared to the rest of the year? - Management indicated that Q1 EBITDA margins are expected to be lower due to the continuation of large shipments from Q4 and the roll-off of some amortization [70] Question: What initiatives are being taken to grow the backlog? - Management noted a strong win rate for new orders, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.5 in North America, despite some debookings in Brazil [78] Question: What pricing dynamics are expected in 2025? - Management stated that pricing remains disciplined, with commodity prices impacting ASPs rather than aggressive pricing strategies [82] Question: How does the competitive environment look after Soltec's exit in Europe? - Management acknowledged gaining market share in Brazil but noted legal constraints in Spain preventing immediate project takeovers [108] Question: Are there plans to sell off any 45X credits? - Management indicated that selling credits is not a near-term plan, as most credits are filed by vendors, but they would evaluate selling excess credits in the future [113]