Bolivia is rethinking lithium deals with China and Russia as it pivots to the US https://t.co/4WyS6xWg84 ...

Core Insights - SES AI's stock surged by 77.7% during the week, driven by investor anticipation of potential U.S. government investment [1][2] - The company launched an AI-powered software for battery material discovery, which has attracted significant investor interest [2][3] Company Developments - SES AI specializes in using AI to discover electrolyte materials and develop lithium-metal and lithium-ion batteries, applicable in electric vehicles, energy storage, drones, and robotics [3][4] - The company is set to launch an advanced version of its software, Molecular Universe 1.0 (MU-1), on October 20, which will cover a broader range of electrolytes and target new markets such as oil and gas, specialty chemicals, and personal care [5][6] - SES AI aims to transition to a subscription-based model for MU-1, with positive initial responses and revenue generation from joint development customers [6] Market Context - The combination of AI and lithium has captivated the market, particularly in light of recent strategic moves by the U.S. government in critical materials [7] - Despite investor hopes for a strategic investment from the U.S. government, the company's operations are primarily outside the U.S., which may limit such opportunities [8] - SES AI projects significant revenue growth, estimating an increase of 7 to 13 times this year, driven by subscription revenue from MU-1 [8]

In this issue of Forbes Daily:- Meet Shayne Coplan, the world’s youngest self-made billionaire- How the U.S. could become a major supplier of lithium for batteries- The IRS released its annual inflation adjustments for the tax year 2026Read more: https://t.co/q0O8wBBg2r ...

Industry Overview - Argentina holds significant reserves of lithium, copper, and rare earth minerals, which are crucial for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defense systems [1] - Securing Argentina's mineral trade provides leverage in the clean energy and tech sectors [1]

Chinese authorities green light reserve reports from two major lithium producers operating in the mining hub of Yichun https://t.co/LaZWdPaFST ...

Core Perspective - Chevron is pursuing a dual strategy of expanding traditional fossil fuel operations while investing in low-carbon technologies to address global energy demand [1][2] Oil and Gas Operations - Chevron plans to continue growing its oil and gas business, having pumped a record 3.4 million barrels of oil per day last quarter [3] - The company emphasizes its role in meeting energy demand rather than creating it, highlighting the necessity for new investments to offset natural depletion [2] Investment in Low-Carbon Initiatives - Chevron is allocating $10 billion towards lower-carbon initiatives from 2021 to 2028, focusing on hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, lithium, and renewable fuels [4][5] Corporate Developments - The company recently completed a $53 billion acquisition of Hess, enhancing its position in Guyana's Stabroek Block, a significant new oil frontier [6] - Chevron has relocated its headquarters from California to Texas, while maintaining that its corporate culture is based on values rather than location [7] Workforce and Competitiveness - The company plans to lay off up to 20 percent of its workforce by the end of 2026 as a necessary measure to remain competitive in the commodity business [7] Political Landscape - The Trump administration's policy changes, including regular lease sales for offshore drilling in the Gulf of America, have been viewed positively for the industry [8]

Core Viewpoint - ExxonMobil's shares have declined approximately 10% from their 52-week high due to lower oil prices, but the company's robust growth strategy and potential for shareholder returns position it as a compelling long-term investment opportunity [1][11] Growth Strategy to 2030 - ExxonMobil has a plan that could generate an additional $20 billion in earnings and $30 billion in cash flow by 2030, translating to a 10% compound annual growth in earnings and 8% in cash flow over the next several years [3] - The foundation of this strategy includes an investment of about $140 billion into major capital projects and the Permian Basin development program, expected to yield returns exceeding 30% over the investment's life [4] High-Margin Energy Products - The company is investing in projects to expand high-margin energy products, including renewable diesel, thermoset resin, and graphite, with expectations that these new businesses could contribute $3 billion to annual earnings by 2030, potentially growing to $13 billion by 2040 [5] Cost Management - ExxonMobil has achieved $13.5 billion in structural cost savings since 2019, aiming for a total of $18 billion by 2030, which will enhance its earnings capacity [6] Cash Flow Generation - The company estimates it will generate a cumulative $165 billion in surplus cash by 2030, assuming oil prices average $65 per barrel, providing more cash for shareholder returns [7] Shareholder Returns - ExxonMobil returned an industry-leading $18.4 billion in cash to shareholders in the first half of the year, with plans to repurchase $20 billion in stock this year and a similar amount next year, contingent on market conditions [8] - The company has a strong track record of increasing dividends, having raised its payment for 42 consecutive years, the longest streak in the oil sector [9] Financial Strength - ExxonMobil ended the second quarter with $15.7 billion in cash and an ultra-low net leverage ratio of 8%, leading the oil industry, which provides flexibility for continued investment and shareholder returns even in declining oil price scenarios [10]

Market Trends - Investors speculate China is reining in oversupply of lithium [1]