Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Rio Tinto Ltd. with a 12-month price target of A$140.80, indicating an upside potential of 18.1% from the current price of A$119.22 [17]. Core Insights - Rio Tinto has entered a joint venture with Codelco to develop the Maricunga lithium project in Chile, which aligns with its growth and value creation strategy [1][4]. - The Maricunga project is expected to enhance Rio Tinto's lithium production significantly, potentially increasing its equity share to over 250ktpa by 2035 [10]. - The company is leveraging its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which offers higher lithium recoveries and lower capital expenditures compared to conventional methods [8][9]. Summary by Sections Joint Venture and Project Development - Rio Tinto will acquire a 49.99% interest in the Maricunga project for a total of US$900 million, with initial funding for studies and construction costs [2]. - The project aims for first production by the end of the decade, with potential additional payments contingent on production milestones [2]. Financial Projections and Valuation - The report forecasts that lithium will contribute approximately 6% of Rio Tinto's EBITDA by 2030, driven by the Rincon lithium project and the Maricunga joint venture [10]. - The company is expected to achieve a free cash flow yield of around 6% in 2025 and 7% in 2026, supported by bullish projections for copper and aluminum prices [16]. Production and Growth Outlook - Rio Tinto's copper equivalent production is projected to grow by approximately 20% and EBITDA by over 30% by 2030, primarily due to the ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine and improved productivity in the Pilbara region [16]. - The Pilbara region is anticipated to contribute significantly to the company's free cash flow improvements from 2025 to 2027 [16]. Market Position and Competitive Advantage - The report highlights Rio Tinto's strong market position, trading at approximately 0.7x NAV, which is competitive compared to peers [16]. - The company is recognized for its high-margin, low-emission aluminum production, which is powered by hydroelectric energy [16].

Core Viewpoint - American Salars Lithium Inc. has appointed Dr. Mark King, a leading expert in lithium brine, as a Technical Advisor and Qualified Person, enhancing the company's technical capabilities in lithium exploration [1][4]. Company Overview - American Salars Lithium Inc. is focused on exploring and developing high-value battery metals projects to cater to the growing electric vehicle market [4]. Expertise of Dr. Mark King - Dr. King has over 30 years of international experience in groundwater modeling and geochemistry, with a specialization in lithium brine projects for the past 15 years [2]. - His extensive background in chemistry and numerical modeling has made him a leading figure in brine exploration and resource estimation [2]. - Dr. King has been involved in resource and reserve estimation for multiple significant brine projects and has conducted due diligence on over 20 advanced brine projects and 100+ early-stage projects in South America and the southern US [3]. Technical Team Contributions - Dr. King's team at GWI possesses advanced expertise in geological modeling, GIS, data management, and 3D visualization, which will support American Salars in exploration and resource consulting [3]. Leadership Statement - R. Nick Horsley, CEO of American Salars, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. King's addition to the team, highlighting his global recognition and experience in lithium brine projects across North and South America [4].

VANCOUVER, BC, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMERICAN SALARS LITHIUM INC. ("AMERICAN SALARS" OR THE "COMPANY") (CSE: USLI, OTC: ASALF, FWB: Z3P, WKN: A3E2NY) announces the addition of Dr. Mark King PhD, PGeo, FGC, a world-renowned lithium brine expert, as a Technical Advisor and Qualified Person. Dr. King is a hydrogeologist with 30+ years of international experience in groundwater modeling and geochemistry. For the past 15 years, he has specialized in exploration and evaluation of lithium brine projec ...

Core Insights - Sigma Lithium Corporation reported its first net income of $4.7 million for Q1 2025, marking a significant milestone in its operational performance [5][17] - The company achieved production volumes of 68,308 tonnes, a 26% increase year-over-year, and sales volumes of 61,584 tonnes, a 17% increase year-over-year [6][9] - The company is strategically positioned to enhance cash generation while advancing the construction of Plant 2, which is expected to significantly increase production capacity [5][22] Financial Performance - Revenues for Q1 2025 reached $47.7 million, a 28% increase compared to Q1 2024, despite a slight decline in sales volumes from the previous quarter [9][11] - The cost of sales was reported at $34.2 million, reflecting a 19% increase year-over-year, with a cost of sales per tonne averaging $556 [11][12] - Cash gross margin for Q1 2025 was 35%, down from 42% in Q4 2024, primarily due to higher costs of sales [15] Operational Metrics - The company maintained a cash operating cost of $458 per tonne, which is 9% below the 2025 target of $500 per tonne [12][13] - All-in sustaining cash costs (AISC) averaged $622 per tonne, remaining below the full-year target of $660 per tonne [13] - The average revenue per tonne increased by 10% year-over-year to $774 [8] Production and Expansion Plans - Sigma Lithium expects to reach a total production of 270,000 tonnes for FY25, with ongoing construction of Plant 2 aimed at doubling production capacity to 520,000 tonnes [10][29] - The company is actively pursuing long-term prepayment and offtake agreements to secure financing and support the construction of Plant 2 [19][5] - Civil works at the Plant 2 site are ongoing, with initial equipment deliveries expected in Q3 2025 [22] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled $31.1 million, a 32% decrease from the previous quarter [18] - The total amount of short and long-term debts was reported at $165.3 million, with net interest paid in Q1 2025 totaling $1.1 million [18]

Core Insights - Lithium Argentina AG reported its first quarter 2025 results, highlighting a focus on cost discipline and operational optimization at the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium brine operation [1][2][3] Production and Operating Performance - Lithium carbonate production for Q1 2025 totaled 7,200 tonnes, a 15% decrease from Q4 2024, primarily due to planned maintenance [6] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 production guidance of 30,000 to 35,000 tonnes, expecting higher production volumes in the latter half of the year [6] - In April 2025, production capacity returned to over 85% following maintenance activities [6] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $58 million, with an average realized price of approximately $8,085 per tonne of lithium carbonate sold [6] - The company reported a net loss of $7.2 million for Q1 2025, an improvement from a net loss of $10.2 million in the same period last year [8] - Cash operating costs were approximately $6,634 per tonne, maintaining a competitive position as a low-cost producer [2][8] Strategic Initiatives - The company is developing a 5,000 tonnes per annum demonstration plant in China to confirm new processing technology [6] - A letter of intent has been executed with Ganfeng to jointly develop the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes projects, targeting a production capacity of up to 150,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent [6] - Cauchari-Olaroz is advancing a Stage 2 expansion plan, considering an additional production capacity of 40,000 tonnes per annum [6] Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $73.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and a $75 million undrawn credit facility with Ganfeng [11] - The company incurred $5 million in costs related to its corporate migration to Switzerland during Q1 2025 [11] - Minera Exar S.A. had approximately $218 million of net debt, with a new $150 million bank facility expected to close in Q2 2025 [11]

Core Viewpoint - Sigma Lithium Corporation has demonstrated strong operational performance in Q1 2025, exceeding production and cost targets despite a challenging lithium pricing environment [2][4]. Financial Performance - Production volumes reached 68,308 tonnes, exceeding the target of 67,500 tonnes and representing a 26% increase compared to Q1 2024 [3][4]. - Sales volumes were 61,584 tonnes, marking a 17% increase over Q1 2024 [3]. - Operating cash cost at the plant gate was US$349 per tonne, which is 12% lower than Q1 2024 and 8% better than the FY 2025 target [3][4]. - CIF China cash costs were US$458 per tonne, 17% lower than Q1 2024 and 6% better than the FY 2025 target [3]. - All-in sustaining cost (AISC) was US$622 per tonne, 20% lower than Q1 2024 and flat compared to Q4 2024 [3][4]. - Revenues reached US$47.7 million, a 28% increase over Q1 2024, despite lower lithium pricing [3][4]. - EBITDA was US$10 million, representing a 224% increase over Q1 2024 [3][4]. Community and Government Support - The company received overwhelming support from local communities, with over 2,000 supporters and 91% positive testimonials during public hearings on lithium production [4][6]. - Sigma Lithium has created over 1,700 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs, benefiting more than 21,000 people through social inclusion programs [4][6]. Strategic Positioning - Sigma Lithium operates one of the world's largest lithium production sites, with plans to double production capacity to 520,000 tonnes of lithium oxide concentrate [9]. - The company's strategic location in Brazil, a diplomatically neutral and investor-friendly country, has helped it navigate global trade disruptions [4].

Q1 2025 Earnings Snapshot - Piedmont shipped 27kt to customers, aligning with guidance[7] - Weather-related shutdowns led to reduced quarterly production at NAL, impacting mill utilization; actions were taken to mitigate future impacts and improve reliability[7] - Piedmont is advancing the proposed merger with Sayona Mining towards shareholder votes, with integration planning underway[7] NAL Production - NAL produced 43,261 dmt of concentrate in Q1 2025[12] - NAL remains on track to produce 190,000 – 210,000 dmt for the July 2024 - June 2025 period[12] - NAL achieved 69% global lithium recovery, driven by operational improvements[12] Demand Outlook - Lithium demand is projected to increase by 132% from 2024 to 2030[15] - Stationary Storage Lithium Demand is projected to increase by 143% from 2024 to 2030[16] Financial Highlights - Piedmont's Q1 2025 adjusted gross profit was $45 million[23] - Piedmont's Q1 2025 realized price per metric ton was $823[23] - Piedmont's Q1 2025 operating cash outflow was $19 million, primarily related to the timing of working capital and Q1 net loss[33] 2025 Outlook - Piedmont's 2025 shipment outlook is 113k – 130k dmt[36] Merger with Sayona Mining - Piedmont is advancing towards shareholder votes regarding the merger with Sayona Mining[39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company shipped approximately 27,000 dry metric tons for the quarter, generating $20 million in revenue, a decline from the previous quarter's shipment of approximately 55,700 dry metric tons and revenue of $45.6 million [14][15] - The GAAP net loss for the fourth quarter was $15.6 million, or a loss of $0.71 per share, while the adjusted net loss was $10.1 million, or a loss of $0.46 per share [14][15] - The cash balance decreased from $87.8 million at the start of 2025 to $65.4 million at the end of the first quarter [15][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American Lithium (NAL) produced a little over 43,000 tons, reflecting a 15% quarter-over-quarter decline due to variable weather conditions impacting mill utilization [6][7] - NAL is on track to meet the production guidance of 190,000 to 210,000 tons for the year ending June 30, 2025 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lithium market has experienced considerable volatility, with prices fluctuating due to shifts in global supply and demand, macroeconomic uncertainty, and evolving policy landscapes [5][10] - Demand fundamentals for lithium remain strong, driven by accelerating EV adoption and growing grid storage applications [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational and commercial excellence, maintaining capital discipline, and positioning for long-term success despite market volatility [6] - The merger with Sayona Mining is progressing, with regulatory clearances received and integration planning underway [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current challenges in the lithium market but remains optimistic about long-term demand growth and the strategic importance of North American projects [10][12] - The company expects cash balance stability in the second quarter of 2025, similar to the end of Q1 [17] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its full-year capital expenditure outlook from $6 million to $9 million down to $4 million to $6 million due to strategic land position decisions [19] - The merger is expected to create synergies of approximately $15 million to $20 million annually and secure committed funding of about $43 million from resource capital funds [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on North America - Management believes that North American projects are critical and positive in the long term, with tariffs potentially benefiting the Carolina Lithium project [30][32] Question: Reception to the Carolina Lithium Project - Management reports a neutral reception locally, focusing on completing the permitting process while acknowledging challenging lithium market conditions [34][36]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company shipped approximately 27,000 dry metric tons for the quarter, recognizing $20 million in revenue, down from 55,700 dry metric tons and $45.6 million in revenue in the previous quarter [13] - The GAAP net loss for the fourth quarter was $15.6 million, or a loss of $0.71 per share, while the adjusted net loss was $10.1 million, or a loss of $0.46 per adjusted share [13] - The cash balance decreased from $87.8 million at the start of 2025 to $65.4 million at the end of Q1 [14][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American Lithium (NAL) produced approximately 43,000 tons, a 15% quarter-over-quarter decline, but remains on track to meet the guidance of 190,000 to 210,000 tons for the year ending June 30, 2025 [6][8] - The operation achieved a record recovery rate of 72% in March due to process optimization [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lithium market has experienced considerable volatility, with prices fluctuating due to shifts in global supply and demand, macroeconomic uncertainty, and evolving policy landscapes [4][9] - Demand fundamentals for lithium remain strong, driven by the acceleration of EV adoption and growth in grid storage applications [9][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational and commercial excellence, maintaining capital discipline, and positioning for long-term success [5] - The merger with Sayona Mining is progressing, with regulatory clearances received and integration planning underway [19][20] - The company aims to develop a secure supply chain for critical minerals in North America, recognizing the growing demand and the need for local production [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current challenges in the lithium market but believes that the long-term fundamentals for lithium remain strong [25] - The company expects to ship between 113,000 to 130,000 dry metric tons for the full year 2025, with a back-end loaded shipping schedule [17] - The company anticipates cash contributions to joint ventures and capital expenditures to remain modest as it seeks to preserve balance sheet strength [16] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its full-year capital expenditure outlook from $6 million to $9 million down to $4 million to $6 million due to strategic land position decisions [18] - The merger is expected to create synergies of approximately $15 million to $20 million annually and has secured committed funding of approximately $43 million [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on North America - Management believes that North American projects are critical and positive in the long term, with tariffs potentially benefiting the Carolina Lithium project [28][30] Question: Reception to the Carolina Lithium Project - Management reports a neutral reception locally, focusing on completing the permitting process while acknowledging the challenging lithium market conditions [32][35]

Core Viewpoint - Sigma Lithium Corporation (SGML) is anticipated to report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues for the quarter ended March 2025, with the consensus outlook suggesting a significant impact on the stock price based on actual results compared to estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is scheduled for May 14, 2025, with expectations that better-than-expected results could lead to a stock price increase, while disappointing results may cause a decline [2]. - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is projected at $0.01 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +116.7%, with revenues expected to reach $50.75 million, up 35.7% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 126.67%, indicating a reassessment by analysts of their initial estimates [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Sigma Lithium aligns with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of 0%, suggesting no recent differing analyst views [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict the likelihood of actual earnings deviating from consensus estimates, with a positive ESP being a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a strong Zacks Rank [6][8]. - Sigma Lithium currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5, which complicates the prediction of an earnings beat [11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Sigma Lithium was expected to post earnings of $0.06 per share but instead reported a loss of $0.08, resulting in a surprise of -233.33% [12]. - The company has not achieved an earnings beat in any of the last four quarters [13]. Conclusion - While Sigma Lithium is not positioned as a compelling earnings-beat candidate, investors are advised to consider other factors when making decisions regarding the stock ahead of the earnings release [16].