Ferroglobe (GSM) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - Ferroglobe plc is a major producer of metallurgical products including silicon metal, ferrosilicon, and manganese alloys, with a market cap of approximately $800 million and 3,300 employees globally [2][4] - The company was formed in 2015 through a merger between Ferro Atlantica in Spain and Globe Specialty Materials in the U.S. [4] Financial Performance - Ferroglobe reported $1.6 billion in sales [4] - The company has significantly reduced its debt from $550 million in 2021 to about $100 million currently, indicating a strong balance sheet [5][24] - The company has a net cash position and began paying dividends in Q1 2024, increasing the dividend by 8% in 2025 [9][28] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue sources: - Silicon metal: ~50% - Ferrosilicon and silicon-based alloys: ~25% each [6][7] - Geographic revenue distribution: - North America: 35% - Europe: 40% - Rest of the world: 25% [7] Market Dynamics - The company faces challenges in the solar market due to a lack of subsidies and trade turmoil, but sees long-term opportunities in electric vehicles (EVs) [8][9] - Ferroglobe is involved in a partnership with CorShell to enhance silicon use in EV battery anodes, which offers significant advantages over graphite [8][15] - The company is the largest producer of silicon metal in Europe and the U.S., and is vertically integrated in quartz mining [10][40] Trade and Regulatory Environment - The company is affected by Chinese dumping of silicon metal into Europe, which has driven prices down by approximately 30% in the last six months [42] - Trade measures are being implemented in the U.S. and EU to protect domestic producers, with preliminary decisions expected in September and November 2025 [19][22] - The EU's internal production market share has decreased from 40% to 15% over the last five years, with a goal to return to 40% [21] Operational Efficiency - Ferroglobe has focused on operational excellence and working capital management, with a significant reduction in working capital planned [12][34] - The company has a hiring freeze in place and is focused on maintaining efficiency without sacrificing sales opportunities [56][59] Future Outlook - The company anticipates growth in the U.S. market for silicon, while Europe is expected to remain stagnant [23] - Ferroglobe is optimistic about the impact of trade measures on market share and economic metrics [38][39] - The company is positioned to benefit from the long-term growth in solar and EV markets despite current challenges [39][40] Additional Insights - Ferroglobe has invested $10 million in CorShell and $60 million in maintenance CapEx annually [29][30] - The company has flexibility in production, allowing it to switch between silicon and ferrosilicon based on market conditions [27] - The company is actively managing energy costs, with contracts covering 75% of energy needs in most countries, except Spain [12][13]

Investment Rating - The report assigns a positive investment rating, suggesting subscription to the IPO based on the anticipated demand and market conditions [10]. Core Insights - Jaxin International (3858.HK) is a tungsten mining company focused on the Bakuta tungsten mine in Kazakhstan, which is one of the largest tungsten resources globally [1][3]. - The company plans to dual-list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Astana International Exchange [1]. - The Bakuta project is expected to commence commercial production in April 2025, with a target mining and processing capacity of 3.3 million tons of tungsten ore in 2025, and an anticipated increase to 4.95 million tons per year by Q1 2027 [1]. Company Overview - Jaxin International is primarily engaged in the development of the Bakuta tungsten mine, which is noted for its significant tungsten oxide (WO3) resources [1]. - The company has established sales agreements for white tungsten concentrate with Jiangxi Copper and Jiangxi Tungsten for 2025 and 2026 [1]. Financial Performance - The company is projected to have no revenue before 2025, with an expected revenue of HKD 126 million by June 2025 [2]. - The net losses for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 are reported at HKD 93.661 million, HKD 78.92 million, and HKD 172.97 million respectively, with a reduced loss of HKD 5.996 million by June 2025 [2]. Industry Status and Outlook - China is the largest tungsten resource country, holding over 50% of global reserves, but its tungsten production has decreased from 69,000 tons in 2019 to 67,000 tons in 2024 [3]. - The demand for tungsten is increasing in various sectors, with consumption rising from 47,300 tons in 2019 to 55,300 tons in 2024, and projected to reach 65,500 tons by 2029 [3]. Advantages and Opportunities - The Bakuta tungsten mine is strategically located and benefits from the Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing its market potential [4]. - The company has a strong management team with valuable industry experience, which supports its growth and expansion [4]. Use of Proceeds - Approximately 55% of the net proceeds (HKD 598.3 million) will be allocated to the development of the Bakuta project, with 10% for ammonium paratungstate (APT) capacity development, and 25% for repaying bank loans [6]. IPO Details - The IPO is set to launch on August 28, 2025, with an issue price of HKD 10.92 and a total fundraising amount of HKD 1.199 billion [8]. - The post-IPO market capitalization is estimated at HKD 47.96 billion [8].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 26% increase in sales for Q2, reaching $387 million, while raw material costs only increased by 6%, leading to improved margins with raw material costs as a percentage of sales declining from 78% to 66% [25] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 improved significantly to $22 million from a loss of $27 million in Q1, marking an improvement of $48 million [25][26] - The company maintained a net cash positive position at the end of the quarter with a balance of $10 million, down from $19 million at the end of Q1 [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Silicon metal revenue increased by 24% to $130 million, driven by a 23% increase in shipments [26][27] - Silicon-based alloys revenue rose 23% to $112 million, supported by a 24% increase in shipments, while pricing slightly decreased by 1% [29] - Manganese-based alloys saw the strongest improvement with revenue up 43% to $106 million, driven by a 31% increase in volumes and a 9% increase in average selling prices [30][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - European silicon metal prices declined by approximately 20% in the past month due to a substantial increase in imports from China, which pressured the market and reduced EU producers' market share from 40% to about 15% [9] - The U.S. market experienced a significant increase in ferrosilicon sales, with the highest volume recorded in the past eight quarters, supported by trade actions against imports from Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and Malaysia [12][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operational efficiency and cost control while navigating a challenging market environment, with plans to optimize production by switching furnaces from silicon metal to ferrosilicon [10][15] - The company aims to leverage its vertical supply chain integration to benefit from trade restrictions in the U.S. and Europe, enhancing its competitive position [16] - The company is optimistic about 2026, expecting improvements from trade decisions and supply curtailments, which should enhance the operating environment [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about the elevated uncertainty in global trade policies and tariffs, leading to the withdrawal of the 2025 guidance [5][34] - The company is optimistic about the potential benefits from EU safeguard measures and U.S. trade actions, which are expected to improve market dynamics [11][35] - Management highlighted the importance of NATO's increased defense spending, which is anticipated to bolster the steel and aluminum industries, benefiting the company [14] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 600,000 shares for $2 million during the quarter and paid $2.6 million in dividends [10][32] - The company joined the Russell 2000 and 3000 indexes, increasing visibility among institutional investors [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why was the annual EBITDA guidance withdrawn? - Management indicated that the extreme uncertainty in global trade tariffs and the significant import of silicon metal from China at low prices made it difficult to project future volumes and prices, leading to the decision to withdraw guidance [39][41] Question: Is there a risk that EBITDA could revert negative before the end of the year? - Management stated that while they cannot predict the exact amount of EBITDA, they have been able to deliver positive EBITDA despite the current uncertainties [42] Question: Can you discuss the exposure to U.S. tariffs and implications for the supply chain? - Management confirmed that there are currently no impacts on the Becancour facility from U.S. tariffs, and they have secured supply for critical raw materials [44] Question: What is the expected impact of EU safeguards on volumes? - Management noted that they are engaged with the European community regarding safeguards and expect a preliminary decision in August and a final decision in November, but they refrained from speculating on the specific impacts at this stage [51][52] Question: What is the volume impact of switching furnaces from silicon metal to ferrosilicon? - Management confirmed that the switch was made due to increased demand for ferrosilicon in the U.S., positively impacting EBITDA [56] Question: Any updates on the Coorshell investment? - Management highlighted that the new pilot plant for Coorshell has started operating smoothly, with promising results in cycle efficiency, and they are in the process of assembling cells for major OEMs [60]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is that Xiamen Tungsten Co., Ltd. has been recognized for its outstanding performance in sustainable development by being included in the "Sustainable Development Yearbook (China Edition) 2025" and awarded the title of "Best Progress Company" in the metals and mining industry by S&P Global [1][2] - S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) is one of the most influential and recognized sustainability assessment systems globally, evaluating over 1,600 Chinese companies across more than 60 industries in 2024 [1] - Only 160 companies were selected for the yearbook, with only 44 receiving the "Best Progress Company" title, which is awarded to companies that improved their CSA scores by 5% or more compared to the previous year and achieved the largest increase in their industry [1] Group 2 - The recognition from an international authority highlights the significant achievements of Xiamen Tungsten in sustainable development practices over the past year [2] - The company has embedded sustainable development into its core strategy, focusing on environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance, contributing to global climate change mitigation and the achievement of national "dual carbon" goals and UN sustainable development goals [2]

Group 1 - The S&P 500 index is considered overvalued based on all valuation metrics tracked by Bank of America, but this is seen as a characteristic of the high-quality, tech-driven index rather than a flaw [1] - The expected price-to-earnings ratio of the S&P 500 is 21 times, approximately 35% higher than its historical average, with all 20 valuation metrics monitored by Bank of America indicating overvaluation [1] - The composition of the S&P 500 has evolved significantly, with nearly 70% of its constituents being capital-intensive manufacturing stocks in 1980, now reduced to less than 20% [1] Group 2 - The valuation premium of about 40% for the U.S. compared to Europe and Asia is justified due to superior balance sheets, higher corporate transparency, and stronger long-term growth potential [2] - U.S. leverage is only half that of other global regions, with lower earnings volatility compared to Europe and higher free cash flow per share than Asia and Europe [2] - Structural advantages such as the dollar's status as a reserve currency, energy independence, and dominance in technology suggest that the valuation gap is unlikely to narrow [2] Group 3 - Bank of America's tactical model suggests investors focus on U.S. sectors such as communication services, utilities, and technology, identifying interactive media and services, metals and mining, and independent power and renewable energy as the most "investable" industries [3] - Outside the U.S., it is recommended to prioritize U.S. utility companies over Asian counterparts, choose Asian communication service companies over European ones, and consider European non-essential consumer goods companies over U.S. companies [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record first quarter margins with EBITDA margins improving by 130 basis points year over year [6] - Sales increased by approximately 4% from the prior year, excluding the PMI inventory correction, with total sales up about 1% [7] - Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter were $1.13, an increase of 18% from the prior year [15] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $48.7 million, representing 18.8% of value-added sales, up 8% with margin expansion of 130 basis points [16][18] - Free cash flow improved by $35 million year over year, with inventory levels $27 million lower than the previous year [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Performance Materials**: Value-added sales were $160 million, up 3% year over year, with EBITDA of $40.9 million or 25.6% of value-added sales, up 15% [16][17] - **Electronic Materials**: Value-added sales were $77.8 million, slightly up from the prior year, with EBITDA of $13.3 million or 17.1% of value-added sales, down 8% [19][20] - **Precision Optics**: Value-added sales decreased by 13% to $21.5 million, with EBITDA showing a loss of $100,000 compared to a profit of $400,000 in the prior year [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace market grew by more than 30% in the quarter, driven by commercial aerospace and space applications [8] - The automotive market saw a decline of 13% year over year due to lower customer build rates and inventory destocking [10] - The semiconductor market showed signs of gradual improvement, particularly in data storage and advanced logic applications, although power semiconductor shipments remained sluggish [7][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve a 20% plus EBITDA margin for the year while focusing on operational excellence and structural cost improvements [13] - There is a commitment to minimize tariff impacts and drive cash generation through working capital improvements and pacing capital investments [14][24] - The company is actively working with customers to identify opportunities for sales growth in the U.S. market [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged uncertainty due to tariffs and potential impacts on the second quarter and beyond, but remains focused on performance improvement [11][30] - The company expects continued strength in aerospace and defense markets, with operational performance and cost improvements driving strong bottom-line results [18][62] - Management remains optimistic about the semiconductor market's long-term growth despite short-term challenges [48] Other Important Information - The company has a net debt position of approximately $436 million and $172 million of available capacity on its existing credit facility [22] - The company is monitoring the potential impact of unresolved global tariff situations on its performance expectations for 2025 [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on tariff impacts and EBITDA margin targets - Management confirmed the commitment to achieve a 20% plus EBITDA margin despite potential tariff impacts, emphasizing the need for continuous performance improvements [28][30] Question: Impact of freezing orders from buyers in China - Approximately half of the $100 million in annual sales to China is from the semiconductor market, with the rest spread across automotive and consumer electronics [33][34] Question: Details on expected tariff impacts - The anticipated $0.10 to $0.15 headwind in Q2 is primarily related to sales going into China, with ongoing efforts to mitigate these impacts through operational and cost containment actions [36][38] Question: Customer CapEx plans in the semiconductor sector - Generally, semiconductor customers are viewing the current situation as a short-term impact, with no significant changes in long-term CapEx plans expected [47][48] Question: Product development efforts amid uncertainty - Management reported no significant impact on product development efforts, with ongoing strong relationships with customers and continued collaboration on projects [56][58] Question: Outlook for aerospace and defense markets - Aerospace remains a strong market, while defense is expected to continue growing, despite some lumpiness in order timing [61][64]