Core Insights - Cabot Corporation has launched LITX 95F, a new conductive carbon additive designed for lithium-ion batteries in energy storage systems (ESS), enhancing conductivity, cycle life, and processability [1][2][4] Company Overview - Cabot Corporation is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company based in Boston, Massachusetts, known for its range of products including reinforcing carbons and battery materials [5] Industry Context - The global ESS market is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing demand for grid flexibility, renewable energy transition, and reliable power across various sectors [2] - Advanced lithium-ion batteries are essential for meeting the evolving needs of the ESS market, requiring superior cycle life and long-term reliability [2] Product Features - LITX 95F is engineered to improve cycle life and energy density, demonstrating excellent capacity retention in pouch cell performance testing [3] - The product's high structure morphology enhances conductivity and stability during charge-discharge cycles, allowing for thick cathode designs that reduce material costs without sacrificing performance [3] Market Response - The launch of LITX 95F reflects Cabot's commitment to providing innovative solutions that support the energy transition and accelerate the adoption of ESS applications [4]

Financial Performance - SQM reported net income of US$137.5 million or US$0.48 per share for Q1 2025, a significant recovery from a net loss of US$(869.5) million or US$(3.04) per share in Q1 2024 [2][5] - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were US$1,036.6 million, down 4.4% from US$1,084.5 million in Q1 2024 [3][5] - Gross profit for Q1 2025 was US$304.7 million, representing 29.4% of revenues, compared to US$368.5 million or 34.0% of revenues in Q1 2024 [3] Market Dynamics - Lithium sales volumes increased approximately 27% year-on-year, driven by strong demand from the electric vehicle market, particularly in China, and energy storage systems [4] - Despite stable average prices in Q1 2025, lower prices have been observed recently due to an oversupplied market, leading to expectations of lower realized prices in Q2 2025 [4] - The iodine business is performing well, with steady market growth and upward pressure on prices, while global supply remains limited [4] Production and Capacity - The commissioning of the Mount Holland refinery plant is on track to deliver its first product in the upcoming months, with ongoing sales of spodumene concentrate [4] - SQM aims to reach a total capacity of 240,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate and 100,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide in Chile [4] - Construction of a seawater pipeline is progressing, which will be crucial for unlocking additional production capacity in the future [4]