Core Viewpoint - Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, has filed its Maiden Inferred Resource report for the Franklin Project in Texas, highlighting significant lithium and other mineral resources [1][3]. Resource Summary - The Franklin Project contains 2,159,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent with an average lithium concentration of 668 mg/L, along with 15,414,000 tonnes of potash and 2,638,000 tonnes of bromide [3]. - The project area spans approximately 80,000 acres, with over 46,000 acres leased to support the inferred resource, showcasing the highest reported lithium-in-brine grades in North America [4]. Production Goals - The ultimate goal is to achieve production of over 100,000 tonnes of lithium chemicals per year in Texas, supported by two additional projects that are expected to triple the size of the joint venture's portfolio in the state [5]. Next Steps - Recommendations include further refining the characteristics of the Upper and Middle Smackover Formation aquifers and conducting additional drilling to define a Preliminary Feasibility Study [6]. - Direct lithium extraction testing will be conducted using insights from Standard Lithium's Demonstration Plant in Arkansas [7]. Company Background - Smackover Lithium is a joint venture formed in May 2024, with Standard Lithium holding a 55% interest and Equinor 45%, focusing on developing multiple direct lithium extraction projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas [10]. - Standard Lithium is a leading lithium development company focused on sustainable production from high-grade lithium-brine properties in the U.S., particularly in the Smackover Formation [11].

Summary of Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. 3Q25 Earnings Call Company Overview - **Company**: Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. - **Ticker**: 1772.HK - **Industry**: Greater China Materials - **Market Cap**: Rmb121,495 million - **Current Share Price**: HK$47.20 (as of October 28, 2025) - **Price Target**: HK$43.30, indicating an 8% downside from the current price [4][4] Financial Performance - **3Q25 Results**: - Net profit of Rmb557 million, compared to Rmb120 million in 3Q24 and a loss of Rmb175 million in 2Q25 [1][1] - 9M25 net profit reached Rmb25.5 million, a significant recovery from a loss of Rmb640 million in 9M24 [1][1] - Recurring loss for 9M25 was Rmb942 million, with a smaller loss of Rmb29 million in 3Q25, down from Rmb671 million in 2Q25 [1][1] - **Gross Profit**: Improved to Rmb943 million in 3Q25 from approximately Rmb380 million in both 2Q25 and 3Q24 [2][2] - **Gross Profit Margin (GPM)**: Increased to 15.1% in 3Q25, up by 6.4 percentage points year-over-year and 6.9 percentage points quarter-over-quarter [2][2] Key Drivers and Outlook - **Lithium Price Hikes**: The company benefited from rising lithium prices since July, which contributed to improved gross profit and margins [2][2] - **Future Growth**: Anticipated growth in the Energy Storage System (ESS) industry is expected to positively impact Ganfeng's battery shipments and ESS business [2][2] Valuation and Estimates - **Earnings Per Share (EPS)**: - 2025e: Rmb0.19 - 2026e: Rmb0.94 - 2027e: Rmb1.52 [4][4] - **Revenue Estimates**: - 2025e: Rmb18,467 million - 2026e: Rmb21,868 million - 2027e: Rmb29,124 million [4][4] - **Valuation Ratios**: - P/E ratio for 2025e: 226.3 - P/B ratio for 2025e: 1.9 [4][4] Risks - **Upside Risks**: - Potential shortages of lithium raw materials could constrain production increases [8][8] - Higher-than-expected growth in the electric vehicle (EV) market could drive demand [8][8] - **Downside Risks**: - Demand for EVs may fall below expectations [8][8] - Faster-than-expected global lithium supply growth could impact profitability [8][8] Conclusion Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. has shown a strong recovery in its financial performance in 3Q25, driven by rising lithium prices and anticipated growth in the ESS market. However, the company faces risks related to raw material shortages and fluctuating demand in the EV sector. The current valuation suggests a cautious outlook, with a price target indicating potential downside from current levels.

Core Insights - Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, announced a maiden inferred resource for its Franklin Project in Texas, highlighting the project's significant lithium brine potential and aiming for over 100,000 tonnes of lithium chemicals production annually [1][3][20] Resource Highlights - The maiden inferred resource includes 2,159,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), 15,414,000 tonnes of potash, and 2,638,000 tonnes of bromide, contained within 0.61 km³ of brine volume [5][7] - The highest reported lithium brine concentration in North America of 806 mg/L was measured from the Pine Forest 1 well [5][7] Project Development - The Franklin Project covers approximately 80,000 acres, with over 46,000 acres leased to support the inferred resource [5][10] - Exploration activities included 2D seismic surveys and the completion of three exploration wells in 2023 to assess aquifer characteristics and brine chemistry [5][11] Future Plans - The joint venture plans to develop two additional projects in East Texas, which will significantly expand the portfolio area [1][3] - Recommendations from the inferred resource assessment include further drilling and characterization of the Upper and Middle Smackover Formation aquifers [15][16]

Summary of Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. - **Industry**: Lithium Chemicals - **Market Cap**: Rmb62,756 million - **Current Stock Price**: HK$21.70 (as of March 28, 2025) - **Price Target**: HK$27.00, indicating a 24% upside potential Key Financial Results - **2024 Net Loss**: Rmb2.1 billion, at the low end of the preliminary loss range of Rmb1.4-2.1 billion [10] - **4Q24 Net Loss**: Rmb1.6 billion, with a recurring loss of Rmb530 million [10] - **Revenue for 2024**: Rmb18,201 million, with an estimated increase to Rmb20,927 million in 2025 [7] - **Lithium Chemicals Shipment Volume**: Grew 27% YoY to 130kt LCE in 2024 [10] - **Lithium Gross Profit Margin (GPM)**: Decreased by 2.1 percentage points YoY to 10.5% due to lower prices [4] Production and Inventory - **Lithium Chemicals Production**: Increased by 25% YoY [4] - **EV/ESS Battery Production**: Remained flat, with shipments up 8% YoY; inventory increased by 3.2 GWh to 6.5 GWh, representing ~80% of sales [4] - **Battery Segment GPM**: Declined by 6.3 percentage points YoY to 11.7% [4] Upstream Resource Updates - **CO Project**: Produced 25.4kt LCE in 2024, with plans to produce 30-35kt LCE in 2025 [5] - **Mariana Project**: Commenced production in February 2025, expected to supply LiCl from 2H25 [5] - **Goulamina Project**: Phase 1 (506kt SC) has commenced and is ramping up [5] - **Gabus Project**: Expected to ramp up gradually in 2025 [5] - **Potassic Salt Ore Project in Congo**: Under construction, with production expected to start by 2027 [5] Market Conditions and Challenges - **Lithium Prices**: Remain weak, with 1Q25 average at Rmb76k/t, down 0.2% QoQ and 24.5% YoY [3] - **Investment in Pilbara**: Fair value change loss impacted 4Q24 results, despite risk mitigation strategies [3] - **Headwinds**: Expected to continue into 1Q25 due to declining share prices of Pilbara and ongoing low lithium prices [3] Analyst Ratings and Outlook - **Stock Rating**: Overweight [7] - **Industry View**: Attractive [7] - **EPS Estimates**: Expected to recover from a loss of Rmb0.11 in 2024 to Rmb0.82 in 2025 [7] - **Valuation Methodology**: Base case 2025 P/E of 30.6x, in line with average of China lithium peers [11] Risks - **Upside Risks**: Shortages of lithium raw materials could constrain production, and EV market growth may exceed expectations [13] - **Downside Risks**: EV market demand could fall below expectations, and faster-than-expected global lithium supply growth may impact profitability [13] Conclusion Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. is navigating a challenging market environment characterized by low lithium prices and production headwinds. However, the company is actively ramping up upstream resources, which may provide cost support in the future. The stock is rated as overweight, reflecting a positive outlook despite current challenges.

Core Insights - Arcadium Lithium plc has completed the acquisition by Rio Tinto, which is significant for its financial instruments, specifically the 4.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 issued by its subsidiary Livent Corporation [1] Company Overview - Arcadium Lithium is a leading global producer of lithium chemicals, focusing on sustainable practices to enhance lives and support the transition to clean energy [2] - The company operates globally with facilities and projects in multiple countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States [2] - Arcadium Lithium is vertically integrated, excelling in lithium extraction processes and manufacturing for high-performance applications [2]