Core Insights - The report by IndexBox highlights the production, consumption, and trade of nitrates in Africa, specifically excluding potassium nitrates [1] Production - South Africa is the largest producer of nitrates in Africa, with a production volume of 75,000 tons, accounting for approximately 42% of the continent's total production [1] - Egypt follows as the second-largest producer with 27,000 tons, while Algeria ranks third with 17,000 tons [1] - From 2013 to 2024, South Africa's nitrate production has grown at an average annual rate of 20.3%, significantly outpacing Egypt's 2.2% and Algeria's 2.0% [1] Exports - South Africa exports more than two-thirds of Africa's total nitrate exports and is the fastest-growing exporter, with an average annual growth rate of 19.3% from 2013 to 2024 [1] Imports - Morocco leads in nitrate imports with 25,000 tons, representing 38% of Africa's total imports, followed by South Africa with 13,000 tons and Zambia with 4,800 tons [1] - Morocco's nitrate procurement has increased at an annual rate of 29.7% from 2013 to 2024 [1] Consumption - Morocco has the highest per capita annual consumption of nitrates in Africa at 0.637 kg, with a total national consumption of 25,000 tons, second only to Egypt's 28,000 tons [1] Market Outlook - The report forecasts that the African nitrate market will continue to grow at an annual rate of 1.3% over the next decade [1]

Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz LLP is investigating potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices by Dow Inc. and its officers or directors, following a significant decline in the company's stock price after disappointing financial results were reported [1][3]. Financial Performance - Dow reported net sales of $10.1 billion for Q2 2025, which represents a 7% decrease year-over-year and a 3% decline sequentially [3]. - The decline in net sales was attributed to decreases across all operating segments, despite seasonally higher demand in Performance Materials & Coatings [3]. - Following the financial results announcement, Dow's stock price fell by $5.30 per share, or 17.45%, closing at $25.07 per share on July 24, 2025 [3]. Corporate Actions - Dow's CEO indicated that the company is adjusting its dividend to maintain a balanced capital allocation framework [3].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues decreased by more than 3% year on year due to lower lithium prices compared to earlier in the year [7] - Lithium sales volumes from the Salar De Atacama were almost flat compared to last year, impacted by lower prices triggering contract floors [8] - The company expects yearly sales volume from Chilean operations to increase by at least 10% versus 2024 [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Iodine was the most profitable segment in Q2 with an adjusted gross margin of 57%, contributing over 50% to total company gross profit [9] - The specialty plant nutrition business remained stable, reflecting resilient demand across key markets [10] - Potassium volumes were lower as guided, but prices remained firm [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong demand growth for lithium is observed from EV and BEST sectors, particularly in China and Europe [7] - Lithium carbonate prices in China have been recovering, with expectations for higher sales prices in Q3 compared to Q2 [33] - The company anticipates that sales in the second semester of the year will be higher than the first semester and higher than the second semester of last year [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is confident in capturing strong fundamentals of the lithium market while delivering solid results across all businesses [11] - The expansion decision for Mt. Holland will not be made in 2025, with periodic reviews planned for the following year [16] - The company aims to maintain production at full capacity and expand in line with expected market growth [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a change in market dynamics with recent price improvements and strong demand growth [7] - The iodine market is expected to see solid fundamentals, with demand growth anticipated next year if capacity is available [20] - The company remains optimistic about the business outlook, citing strong demand and a positive price environment despite volatility [70] Other Important Information - The Tijuana refinery is now complete and has delivered its first product on spec, on budget, and on time [8] - The company is working on the Salar Futuro project, with environmental studies expected to be submitted next year [43][44] - The company is investing significantly to increase iodine supply to meet customer needs [51] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the midterm or long-term goal for SPN? - The strategy involves growing volume and adding services and products to maintain a solid brand and pricing [14] Question: What is the current thinking on the Mt. Holland expansion? - The expansion decision will not be made in 2025, with ongoing engineering studies and approvals [16] Question: What will break iodine prices? - Demand is expected to grow, but supply constraints due to environmental restrictions may limit growth [52] Question: What is the current status of the deal with Codelco? - The process is moving positively, with expectations for completion in the next few weeks [66] Question: What is the current lithium inventory level? - The company expects to have close to 230,000 metric tons of lithium inventory, aligning with projected sales [68]

Group 1: Hawkins (HWKN) - Hawkins distributes, blends, and manufactures bulk and specialty chemicals and health and nutrition products across various industries [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a 0.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Hawkins' shares increased by 35.3% over the last three months, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 7.9%, and holds a Momentum Score of A [2] Group 2: Talen Energy Corporation (TLN) - Talen Energy owns and operates power infrastructure primarily in the United States [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a 7.6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Talen Energy's shares gained 52.6% over the last three months, significantly exceeding the S&P 500's gain of 7.9%, and has a Momentum Score of B [3] Group 3: Magic Software Enterprises (MGIC) - Magic Software develops, markets, and supports software development and deployment technology for enterprises [4] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a 10.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [4] - Magic Software's shares rose by 28.3% over the last three months, again outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 7.9%, and holds a Momentum Score of B [5]

Core Viewpoint - Gulf Resources, Inc. reported significant improvements in financial performance for the three months ended June 30, 2025, with a notable increase in net revenue and a reduction in net loss compared to the previous year [5][10]. Financial Performance - Net revenue increased by 250% to $8,343,785 from $2,383,169 in the previous year [5]. - Gross profits rose to $986,655 from a loss of $2,728,889 [5]. - The loss from operations was $750,686 compared to a loss of $5,146,997 in the previous year [5]. - The net loss was $773,777 versus a net loss of $33,097,918 in the previous period [5]. - Loss per share improved to $0.06 from $3.09 in the previous period [5]. - Negative cash flow for the first six months of 2025 was sharply reduced from $61,856,355 to $2,339,081 [5]. Segment Performance - Bromine sales increased by 313% to $7,676,374 from $1,859,234, with volume rising by 152% to 1,972 tonnes from 782 tonnes [5]. - Crude salt revenues increased by 27% to $667,411 from $523,935, with volume increasing by 4% to 25,934 tonnes from 24,852 tonnes [5]. Market Conditions - Bromine pricing showed significant volatility, with prices fluctuating from RMB 29,000 per tonne at the end of Q1 2025 to RMB 24,686 per tonne at the end of Q2 2025, before recovering to RMB 29,200 per tonne by August 12, 2025 [2]. - The company anticipates that the price recovery and increasing overall demand may represent a sustainable market trend [2]. Operational Updates - The chemicals segment operations remain suspended pending improved market conditions, with management deferring the completion of remaining chemical factory construction [3]. - Natural gas operations are inactive while awaiting completion of provincial planning initiatives in Sichuan Province [4]. - Development activities on crude salt fields acquired in the prior year have been initiated, expected to enhance production capacity [2]. Management Outlook - The CEO expressed optimism about the business, citing signs of stabilization in the Chinese economy and increasing demand for bromine and crude salt [6]. - The company is focused on generating profits and free cash flow from bromine and crude salt segments while exploring opportunities in chemicals and natural gas [6].

Core Insights - Celanese Corporation reported second-quarter 2025 earnings from continuing operations of $1.90 per share, an increase from $1.42 in the prior-year quarter, while adjusted earnings were $1.44 per share, down 39.5% from $2.38 a year ago, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.38 [1][8] - Revenues for the quarter were $2,532 million, a decrease of approximately 4.5% year over year, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,496.5 million, attributed to lower pricing and volumes, with prices falling 4% year over year [2][8] Segment Highlights - The Engineered Materials unit reported net sales of $1,442 million, down around 1.7% year over year, surpassing the estimate of $1,368.7 million, with an operating profit of $165 million and adjusted EBIT of $214 million [3] - The Acetyl Chain segment posted net sales of $1,115 million, down roughly 7.2% year over year, beating the estimate of $1,102.2 million, generating an operating profit of $154 million and adjusted EBIT of $196 million [4] Financials - Celanese ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $1,173 million, up approximately 23.3% sequentially, while long-term debt increased by 2.5% sequentially to $12,689 million [5] - Cash provided by operating activities was $410 million, and free cash flow was $311 million in the reported quarter [5] Outlook - The company anticipates a softer demand environment across most key end-markets for the second half of the year, expecting that slowing demand will partly offset the benefits of cost reduction initiatives, with adjusted earnings per share forecasted in the range of $1.10 to $1.40 for the third quarter [6] - Celanese reaffirms its expectation to generate $700 million to $800 million in free cash flow for 2025 [6] Price Performance - Celanese's shares have declined by 27.4% over the past six months, compared to a 2.3% decline in the industry [7]

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 12, 2025) - Black Swan Graphene Inc. (TSXV: SWAN) (OTCQX: BSWGF) (FSE: R960) ("Black Swan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non- exclusive distribution and sales agreement (the "Agreement") with Ferro South Africa (Pty) Ltd ("Ferro"). Based in South Africa, Ferro is a base material manufacturer specializing in polymers, additives, and industrial materials for manufacturing sectors including packaging, automotive, infrastructure, a ...

Financial Performance - Q2 2025 - The company reported a net loss of $106 million and a diluted EPS of negative $2.95[7] - Adjusted EBITDA was $42 million, which included a $10 million unfavorable net timing impact, and was $25 million lower than the previous year due to lower volumes and reduced equity income from Americas Styrenics[8] - Cash provided by operations was $7 million, and capital expenditures were $10 million, resulting in a negative Free Cash Flow of $3 million[10] Sales and Volume Analysis - Q2 2025 - Net sales were $784 million[15, 20] - Sales volume decreased year-over-year by 11% in Europe, 9% in the U S, 17% in Asia-Pacific, and 9% in the Rest of World[15] - Engineered Materials net sales were $293 million, down from $324 million in Q2 2024[23] - Latex Binders net sales were $204 million, a decrease from $252 million in Q2 2024[26] - Polymer Solutions net sales were $287 million, compared to $344 million in Q2 2024[29] Full Year 2025 Outlook - The company anticipates a net loss of approximately $320 million and an Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $200 million[11, 44] - Free Cash Flow is projected to be approximately negative $165 million[11, 44] Sustainability Initiatives - The company achieved five key sustainability goals, including increasing the share of electricity from non-fossil sources from 5% to 30% and reducing Scope 1 & 2 GHG Emissions intensity by 35%[11, 13] - The share of electricity coming from renewable sources increased to 22%, a 4% increase compared to 2023[13] Debt and Liquidity - The company had $139 million in cash at the end of the second quarter, with $2 million restricted, and total liquidity of $399 million[10]

Core Points - Kronos Worldwide, Inc. reported a net loss of $9.2 million, or $0.08 per share, in Q2 2025, a significant decline from a net income of $19.5 million, or $0.17 per share, in Q2 2024 [1] - For the first half of 2025, net income was $8.9 million, or $0.08 per share, compared to $27.6 million, or $0.24 per share, in the same period of 2024 [1] - The decrease in net income was primarily due to lower production volumes and higher unabsorbed fixed costs [1][2] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q2 2025 were $494.4 million, down $6.1 million, or 1%, from Q2 2024 [2] - For the first six months of 2025, net sales increased to $984.2 million, up $4.9 million, or 1%, compared to the same period in 2024 [2] - The decline in Q2 sales was attributed to lower average TiO2 selling prices and reduced sales volumes in export markets, partially offset by higher sales in North America [2] Segment Profit and Costs - TiO2 segment profit in Q2 2025 was $10.9 million, down from $41.1 million in Q2 2024 [3] - For the first half of 2025, segment profit was $52.5 million, compared to $64.5 million in the same period of 2024 [3] - Unabsorbed fixed production costs in Q2 2025 were approximately $20 million due to reduced operating rates [3] EBITDA - EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $22.2 million, a decrease from $56.2 million in Q2 2024 [4] - For the first six months of 2025, EBITDA was $73.4 million, down from $87.9 million in the same period of 2024 [4] Market Conditions - The TiO2 industry faced challenges due to global uncertainties related to U.S. trade policies and geopolitical tensions, affecting customer inventory levels and sales volumes [2] - Average TiO2 selling prices started 2025 at 2% higher than the beginning of 2024 but declined by 4% during the first half of 2025 [2]

Core Viewpoint - DuPont experienced significant growth in its second quarter, leading to a rise in share price, outperforming the S&P 500 index [1] Financial Performance - DuPont reported revenue of $3.26 billion for the second quarter, a 3% increase year-over-year, slightly exceeding the analyst estimate of $3.24 billion [2] - The company's non-GAAP net income reached $468 million, or $1.12 per share, which is nearly 15% higher than the previous year and above the forecast of $1.06 per share [5] Segment and Regional Growth - The electronics segment showed robust growth with a 6% increase in sales [4] - Regional performance highlighted a 4% increase in the Asia Pacific region, followed by 2% in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and 1% in North America [4] Future Outlook - DuPont raised its full-year guidance for adjusted net income to approximately $4.40 per share, anticipating around $12.85 billion in net sales [7] - CEO Lori Koch emphasized ongoing strength in electronics, healthcare, and water end-markets as key drivers of earnings growth [6]