Investment Rating - The report provides a recommendation for the industry [5] Core Insights - In Q2 2025, the nickel ore production decreased by 9% year-on-year to 7.08 million wet tons, while the NPI production increased by 20% year-on-year to 7,900 tons [1][2] - The lithium production at the Centenario plant was 270 tons, with a significant increase in sales to 480 tons compared to the previous quarter [3] - Manganese ore production was 1.76 million tons, showing an 11% year-on-year increase, while manganese alloy production decreased by 6% year-on-year [4][7] - The adjusted turnover for H1 2025 was €1.528 billion, reflecting a 7% decrease compared to H1 2024 [9][20] - The adjusted EBITDA for H1 2025 was €191 million, a 45% decline year-on-year, primarily due to lower nickel grades and operational challenges [10][11] Summary by Sections Nickel - Nickel ore production in Q2 2025 was 7.08 million wet tons, a 9% decrease year-on-year, while sales were 5.64 million wet tons, a 6% decrease year-on-year [1] - NPI production was 7,900 tons, a 20% increase year-on-year, with sales of 3,500 tons, a 21% increase year-on-year [2] Lithium - Lithium production (in LCE) was 270 tons in Q2 2025, down from 440 tons in Q1 2025, while sales increased significantly to 480 tons [3] - The Centenario plant is expected to reach its design capacity of 24,000 tons/year, with production delays impacting EBITDA [3][15] Manganese - Manganese ore and sinter production was 1.76 million tons, an 11% increase year-on-year, while sales were 1.43 million tons, a 2% decrease year-on-year [4] - Manganese alloy production was 160,000 tons, a 6% decrease year-on-year [7] Financial Performance - The adjusted turnover for H1 2025 was €1.528 billion, a 7% decrease from H1 2024, while adjusted EBITDA was €191 million, down 45% year-on-year [9][10] - The net income attributable to the group was -€152 million, reflecting a significant decline compared to the previous year [11][20] 2025 Outlook - Nickel production targets for 2025 have been revised to 36 to 39 million wet tons, with expectations of continued price premiums due to supply constraints [14] - Lithium production is projected to be between 4,000 and 7,000 tons for 2025, with increased capital expenditures anticipated [15] - Manganese transportation targets have been adjusted to 6.5 to 7 million tons for 2025, with cash cost targets revised to $2.1 to $2.3 per ton [16]

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]

Investment Rating - The report recommends a positive outlook for the industry [5]. Core Insights - In Q1 2025, nickel ore production increased by 3% year-on-year to 9.169 million wet tons, while carbonated lithium production at the Centenario plant reached 440 tons [1][4]. - The nickel sales volume for Q1 2025 was limited to 5.399 million wet tons, reflecting a significant decrease compared to the previous quarter and year [2]. - The NPI production remained stable at 9,100 tons, with a year-on-year increase of 23% [3]. - The Centenario plant's lithium production is expected to reach its rated capacity by the end of 2025, despite some delays in equipment commissioning [4][14]. - Manganese ore production in Q1 2025 was 1.785 million tons, showing a 44% increase quarter-on-quarter, although it decreased by 7% year-on-year [7]. - The report highlights a strong demand for titanium iron ore, with production increasing by 13% year-on-year to 130,000 tons [9]. Summary by Sections Nickel - Nickel ore production for Q1 2025 was 9.169 million wet tons, a 3% increase year-on-year, but a 34% decrease quarter-on-quarter [1]. - The external sales volume of nickel ore was limited to 5.399 million wet tons, reflecting a 68% decrease from the previous quarter and an 11% decrease year-on-year [2]. - The average grade of nickel ore sold decreased significantly, impacting reference prices negatively, although a premium of nearly 50% was maintained due to limited domestic supply [2]. Lithium - The Centenario plant achieved its first lithium carbonate production in December 2024, with Q1 2025 production reaching 440 tons and a purity exceeding 99.5% [4][6]. - The plant is expected to reach its full design capacity once all equipment is operational, with a focus on improving the concentration process [14]. Manganese - Manganese ore and sinter production in Q1 2025 was 1.785 million tons, a 44% increase quarter-on-quarter but a 7% decrease year-on-year [7]. - The average cash cost for manganese ore was $2.4 per ton, reflecting a 7% increase year-on-year due to decreased sales volume [7]. Mineral Sands - Mineral sands production in Q1 2025 was 226,000 tons, a 4% increase quarter-on-quarter and a 23% increase year-on-year [9]. - Titanium iron ore production increased by 13% year-on-year to 130,000 tons, driven by strong demand from the US and China [9]. Financial Performance - The adjusted revenue for Q1 2025 was €742 million, remaining flat year-on-year, with negative effects from sales volume and product mix offset by positive price and currency effects [10]. 2025 Outlook - Nickel production and sales are expected to be limited to 32 million tons, with external sales targeted at 29 million tons [12]. - The lithium production target for 2025 is expected to be at the lower end of the guidance range due to delays in equipment commissioning [14]. - Manganese ore transport is projected between 6.7 million and 7.2 million tons for 2025, with cash costs expected to be at the upper end of the guidance range [15].

Core Viewpoint - The company, Wukuang Development, reported a positive performance in Q1 2025 despite challenges in the steel industry, focusing on stability and operational efficiency [1][2]. Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Wukuang Development achieved revenue of 12.357 billion yuan and a net profit of 67 million yuan, an increase of 175 million yuan year-on-year [1]. - The operating cash flow also improved, indicating strong operational resilience and risk management capabilities [1]. Business Segments - The raw materials segment saw significant growth, with iron ore sales reaching approximately 3.74 million tons (up 32% year-on-year), coke sales at about 230,000 tons (up 53%), manganese ore sales at around 400,000 tons (up 29%), manganese alloy sales at 140,000 tons (up 120%), and scrap steel sales at 360,000 tons (up 7%) [1]. - The steel segment reported a supply of approximately 1 million tons of steel for engineering projects (up 6%) and a total steel sales volume of about 1.94 million tons [1]. Supply Chain and Logistics - The company accelerated its digital transformation in the supply chain, enhancing the integration of warehousing, transportation, and distribution systems [2]. - The logistics park processed about 290,000 tons (up 4%) and achieved a throughput of approximately 3.48 million tons (up 20%) [2]. - Other business areas, including logistics, bidding, and insurance brokerage, maintained steady growth [2]. Outlook - The company anticipates improved steel demand in Q2 2025 due to the traditional construction peak season and the effects of growth-stimulating policies [2]. - Despite ongoing risks in the black metal circulation sector, Wukuang Development plans to control business risks while accelerating turnover, expanding upstream and downstream channels, and seizing market opportunities to ensure stable operations [2].