Flash | 25 Nov 2025 05:52:11 ET │ 9 pages China Materials CITI'S TAKE We hosted the 2025 China Materials Tour and met with a lithium expert from SMM on 17th Nov. Mr. Zhou Zhicheng, Lithium Analyst at SMM, attended the meeting. Mr. Zhou is cautiously optimistic on lithium, forecasting lithium S/D dynamics to be largely balanced in FY26 vs the oversupplied dynamics in FY25. He also comments the Rmb100k/t is a key level to monitor, as most of the marginal capacity should be incentivized to come online when lit ...

Vancouver, Canada – TheNewswire - November 19th, 2025 – Arbor Metals Corp. (“Arbor” or the “Company”) (TSXV: ABR, FWB: 432) is pleased to announce that it has closed a non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) and has issued 5,000,000 units (each, a “Unit”) at a price of $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of $1,000,000.  Each Unit consists of one common share, issued as a “flow-through share” within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole warra ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a favorable pricing environment for lithium, with realized average prices increasing compared to the previous period [4][5] - The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) for 2025-2027 is estimated at $2.7 billion, reflecting a focus on increasing production capacity and maintaining low costs [7][44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lithium sales volumes reached the highest in SQM's history, supported by low costs and strong efficiencies at Atacama operations [5] - Iodine prices remained high, averaging close to $73 per kilogram, with a balanced supply-demand environment [6][7] - The specialty plant nutrition business showed sustainable growth in both volumes and revenues compared to the previous year [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global lithium demand is expected to exceed 1.5 million metric tons in 2025, representing over 25% growth, driven by strong EV sales and energy storage systems [11][51] - China is projected to maintain a significant lead in EV markets with a 30% year-on-year growth, accounting for over 60% of global EV sales [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on high-quality production, increasing volumes, and advancing cost reduction initiatives [4][5] - The construction of a seawater pipeline is over 80% complete, which will enhance iodine production capacity [6] - The company is expanding its iodine production capacity through a new operation in MarÃa Elena, adding 1,500 tons of iodine capacity [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the lithium market despite its volatility, expecting the positive pricing trend to continue [4] - The company anticipates robust commercial activity in the fourth quarter, with strong demand fundamentals for lithium [5] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet and commitment to investment-grade ratings [29] Other Important Information - The joint venture with Codelco received approval from China's Antitrust Authority, with expectations to advance the partnership by the end of the year [8] - The company is evaluating the expansion of production capacity in China, with plans to increase lithium sulfate production [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on lithium demand, particularly in China - Management noted improved demand expectations for 2025, driven by strong EV sales and energy storage systems, with China leading in EV markets [11] Question: Production expectations for lithium in Chile and Australia - The company expects to produce close to 230,000 tons of lithium from Atacama, with an increase in spodumene concentrate sales projected [15][16] Question: Impact of Kwinana Hydroxide Conversion Plant on pricing - Management indicated that the international price for lithium is expected to rise closer to the Chilean price as the Kwinana plant ramps up production [18][19] Question: Update on the Codelco joint venture - The agreement with Codelco is expected to be finalized soon, with a dividend to be paid based on the tonnage belonging to Codelco [24][61] Question: Expectations for iodine market conditions - Management expects tight supply and demand conditions for iodine to persist, with prices likely to remain above $70 per kilogram [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a favorable pricing environment for lithium, with realized average prices increasing compared to the previous period [4] - The total capital expenditure (CapEx) for 2025-2027 is estimated at $2.7 billion, reflecting a focus on increasing production capacity and maintaining low costs [7][44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lithium sales volumes reached the highest in SQM's history, supported by low costs and strong efficiencies at Atacama operations [5] - Iodine prices remained high, averaging close to $73 per kilogram, with revenues increasing by 5% year-on-year [6][7] - The specialty plant nutrition business showed sustainable growth in both volumes and revenues [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global lithium demand is expected to exceed 1.5 million metric tons in 2025, representing over 25% growth, driven by strong EV sales and energy storage systems [11][51] - China is projected to maintain a significant lead in EV markets with a 30% year-on-year growth [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on high-quality production, increasing volumes, and advancing cost reduction initiatives [5] - The construction of a seawater pipeline is over 80% complete, which will enhance iodine supply capabilities [6] - The company is expanding its iodine production capacity through a new operation in MarÃa Elena, adding 1,500 tons of iodine capacity [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the lithium market despite its volatility, expecting robust commercial activity in the fourth quarter [4][5] - The company anticipates strong demand fundamentals for electric vehicles and energy storage systems [5] Other Important Information - The joint venture with Codelco received approval from China's Antitrust Authority, with expectations to advance the partnership by year-end [8] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet and is committed to investment-grade ratings, indicating no immediate need for capital raises [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on lithium demand, particularly in China - Management noted improved demand expectations driven by stronger-than-expected EV sales, particularly in Europe and China [11] Question: Production expectations for lithium from Atacama and Mount Holland - Production in Chile is expected to be around 230,000 tons, with Mount Holland projected to produce between 23,000-24,000 tons [15][16] Question: Price differences between Chilean and international lithium - Management explained that price differences are due to conversion costs and refining expenses, which will be clarified in future reports [18][19] Question: Update on production capacity in China - The company expects to produce around 100,000 metric tons of lithium sulfate in China, with plans to expand capacity [25] Question: CapEx reduction implications - The CapEx reduction will not impact production capacity or projects, with a focus on maintaining ongoing initiatives [42][44] Question: Expectations for iodine market conditions - Demand for iodine is expected to grow by around 3% next year, with supply conditions remaining tight [56]

Core Viewpoint - Beyond Lithium Inc. is initiating a non-brokered private placement to raise up to C$600,000 through the sale of flow-through units, while also providing an update on its Rare One rare earths project in British Columbia [1][3]. Offering Details - The offering consists of up to 15,000,000 flow-through units priced at $0.04 each, with each unit comprising one common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant [2]. - Each warrant allows the holder to purchase one non-flow-through common share at an exercise price of $0.10 for 24 months from issuance [2]. Company Strategy and Focus - The funding from the offering will enable the company to refocus on its core business of rare earths and copper projects in British Columbia, following a period of reduced exploration activity [3]. - The company is committed to unlocking significant value for shareholders through its diversified portfolio, which includes advanced lithium properties in Ontario [3]. Rare One Project Update - The Rare One project spans over 5,900 hectares and is 100% owned by Beyond Lithium, with extensive work conducted from 2005 to 2017, including soil surveys and mapping [11]. - Historical sampling programs have identified targets with elevated levels of light rare earths such as lanthanum, praseodymium, cerium, and neodymium [11]. - The company plans to digitize past data and conduct follow-up programs in the upcoming field season to refine the potential sources of rare earth mineralization [11]. Participation and Exemptions - The offering may be conducted under the Existing Security Holder Exemption, allowing existing shareholders to subscribe for units [4][5]. - If subscriptions exceed the maximum number of units, allocations will be made on a pro rata basis [6]. Use of Proceeds - Gross proceeds from the offering will be allocated to eligible Canadian exploration expenses qualifying as flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures [9].

Summary of Conference Call on China Battery Materials Industry Overview - The lithium market is experiencing volatility due to potential supply disruptions from lepidolite mine suspensions and a stronger-than-expected battery production pipeline [1][2] - A demand-driven landscape is emerging, with expectations of a price and margin recovery in battery materials extending into 2026-27 [1] Key Insights - **Demand Growth Forecast**: Battery demand is projected to grow by 31% YoY in 2026, with Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Electric Vehicle (EV) demand expected to increase by 45% YoY and 26% YoY, respectively [2][9] - **Destocking Trends**: Lithium destocking is estimated at ~15,000 tons during November 2025, with expectations that this trend will continue, favoring average selling price (ASP) increases and margin recovery in the lithium sector [3][19] - **Price Projections**: Forecasts for lithium prices (including VAT) are set at Rmb85,000/ton and US$890/ton during FY26 [3] Company-Specific Updates Ganfeng Lithium - **Rating Upgrade**: Ganfeng Lithium's stock rating has been upgraded to Buy, with a target price of Rmb85.51, reflecting a strong outlook due to robust battery demand and improving cost competitiveness from low-cost upstream resources [4][26][28] - **Financial Model Update**: FY25 EPS has been revised down by 16%, while FY26-27 EPS is revised up by 17% and 20%, respectively, indicating a positive outlook for the company's performance [27][34] Tianqi Lithium - **Rating Upgrade**: Tianqi Lithium's stock rating has also been upgraded to Buy, with a target price of Rmb71.69, supported by anticipated ASP and margin recovery due to strong battery demand [37][39] - **Financial Model Update**: FY25 EPS has been revised down by 29%, while FY26-27 EPS is revised up by 2% and 14%, respectively, reflecting a cautious yet optimistic outlook [38][45] Market Dynamics - **Supply Concerns**: The JXW mine's suspension has led to a decrease in lithium carbonate supply, but the resumption of operations is not expected to significantly alter the current destocking pattern [22][23] - **Backward Integration**: Battery manufacturers are increasingly integrating backward into lithium supply chains, indicating a potential upcycle in the lithium market [25] Additional Considerations - **Economic Factors**: The improving economics of ESS, particularly in China, are expected to support demand growth, with ESS projected to account for ~30% of total battery demand by 2030 [9][11] - **Investor Sentiment**: There are concerns regarding the sustainability of ESS demand growth, but industry checks suggest robust demand is likely to continue, driven by significant capacity expansions from major battery manufacturers [16][17] Conclusion - The lithium market is poised for recovery, driven by strong demand from the battery sector, particularly in ESS and EVs. Both Ganfeng and Tianqi Lithium are well-positioned to benefit from these trends, with upgraded ratings reflecting positive market sentiment and financial outlooks.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $1.3 billion for Q3 2025, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $226 million, a 7% increase year-over-year, driven by cost and efficiency improvements despite lower lithium pricing [5][8] - Cash generated from operations was $356 million, marking a 57% year-over-year increase [5] - The company anticipates full-year 2025 results to be toward the upper end of the previously published $9 per kilogram lithium pricing scenario [5][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Energy storage sales volume growth is expected to be up 10% or more year-over-year, supported by record integrated production and higher spodumene sales [10] - The specialties segment delivered a 35% increase in adjusted EBITDA, largely due to cost improvements [9] - Ketjen is expected to see stronger Q4 performance due to higher CFT and FCC volumes [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global EV sales increased by 30% year-to-date, with significant growth in China and Europe [6][15] - Grid storage demand grew by 105% year-to-date, with China leading the market [15][16] - North America is the fastest-growing region for stationary storage, up almost 150% year-to-date [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on long-term value creation and financial flexibility through recent portfolio actions, including the sale of a controlling stake in Ketjen's refining catalyst business [6][7] - The strategy includes enhancing shareholder value and maintaining a strong competitive position while shifting focus to core businesses like energy storage and specialties [7][19] - The company aims to achieve full-year cost and productivity improvements of around $450 million, exceeding initial targets [6][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that global lithium consumption growth is up over 30% year-to-date, driven by robust demand from EVs and grid storage, while supply growth has slowed [15] - The company is optimistic about the lithium market tightening, with expectations for lithium demand to increase significantly by 2030 [15][84] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a cost-out mentality to navigate market volatility and capture growth opportunities [58][60] Other Important Information - The company closed the quarter with $1.9 billion in cash and plans to repay Eurobond debt maturing soon [14] - The anticipated cash proceeds from recent transactions related to Ketjen are approximately $660 million, enhancing financial flexibility [7][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Dynamics at Talison and spodumene pricing - Management indicated that they do not predict lithium prices but are optimistic about the market tightening, with margins potentially shifting between spodumene and lithium salts depending on pricing dynamics [22][23] Question: Current lithium pricing in China - Management noted that current pricing in China is closer to $10 per kilogram, with a full-year average expected around $9 to $9.50 [27][28] Question: Full-year Adjusted EBITDA margin potential - The potential for a 30% or greater Adjusted EBITDA margin at $15 per kilogram lithium pricing refers to the overall company, not just the energy storage segment [31] Question: EV demand versus energy storage - Management believes energy storage currently represents about a quarter of the market, with expectations for it to grow at a faster rate than EVs in the long term [35][36] Question: Impact of curtailments in Chinese lepidolite production - Management stated that about a third of lepidolite production has been impacted, but the overall effect on supply is minor [39][40] Question: Outlook for lithium demand by 2030 - Management indicated that while the demand forecast remains within the same range, it has likely moved up slightly due to stronger-than-expected demand [41][43] Question: Energy storage market growth - Management confirmed strong demand in the energy storage market, particularly in China, with full utilization of battery cell lines to meet demand [92][94]

Q3 2025 Financial Performance - Net sales were $1.3 billion, a decrease of 4% year-over-year[13, 18] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 7% year-over-year to $226 million, driven by cost and efficiency improvements offsetting lower lithium pricing[13, 18] - Q3 cash from operations increased by 57% year-over-year to $356 million, with year-to-date cash from operations up 29% year-over-year to $894 million[13] - The adjusted EBITDA margin was 17%, an increase of 150 basis points compared to the previous year[18] - Adjusted diluted loss per share attributable to common shareholders improved by 88% to ($0.19)[18] Outlook and Strategy - The company expects to achieve positive free cash flow of $300-400 million in 2025[13] - FY 2025 results are expected to be towards the higher end of the previously published $9/kg scenario ranges[13, 22] - FY 2025 capital expenditures outlook reduced to approximately $600 million[13] - Agreements to sell stakes in Ketjen and Eurecat JV for expected combined pre-tax cash proceeds of approximately $660 million[13, 17] Market Trends - Global EV sales increased by 30% year-over-year through September, led by China and Europe BEVs[13, 37] - ESS battery demand increased by 105% year-over-year through September, driven by strong growth in the US, Europe, and China[13, 42]

Summary of Tianqi Lithium Industries Inc. Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Tianqi Lithium Industries Inc. - **Ticker**: 002466.SZ, 9696.HK - **Industry**: Greater China Materials - **Market Cap**: US$11,528 million - **Stock Rating**: Equal-weight - **Price Target**: Rmb47.90, with a downside of 6% from the close price of Rmb50.77 on October 29, 2025 Key Financial Highlights - **3Q25 Performance**: - Net profit was Rmb95 million, a significant recovery from a loss of Rmb20 million in 2Q25 and Rmb496 million in 3Q24 - 9M25 net profit reached Rmb180 million, up 103% year-over-year - Recurring net profit for 3Q25 was Rmb70 million [1][2] - **Gross Profit**: Increased to Rmb964 million in 3Q25 from Rmb774 million in 2Q25, driven by higher lithium and spodumene prices - **Gross Profit Margin (GPM)**: Improved by 3.1 percentage points quarter-over-quarter to 37.6% in 3Q25 [2] Operational Developments - **Mid-Stream Expansion**: - Completion of 30kt LIOH capacity in Jiangsu by the end of July, with production of chemical-grade LIOH products starting in October [2] - **Lithium Price Outlook**: - Anticipated rising lithium prices, currently about 8% higher than the average in 3Q25, due to strong demand from electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage systems (ESS), expected to positively impact earnings in 4Q25 [2] Financial Projections - **Revenue Forecast**: - Projected net revenue for 2025 is Rmb10,575 million, with an increase to Rmb13,921 million by 2026 [4] - **Earnings Per Share (EPS)**: - Expected EPS for 2025 is Rmb0.44, with projections of Rmb1.18 for 2026 and Rmb2.40 for 2027 [4] Valuation and Risks - **Valuation Methodology**: - Base case DCF model with a WACC of 11.5% and a terminal growth rate for free cash flow of 2% applied beyond the forecast period of 2025-33 [6] - **Risks**: - Upside risks include higher-than-expected lithium prices and output growth in upstream and midstream resources - Downside risks involve lower-than-expected lithium prices and output growth [8] Market Context - **Stock Performance**: - 52-week range for the stock is Rmb52.20 to Rmb25.57, indicating volatility in the stock price [4] - **Average Daily Trading Value**: Approximately US$198 million, reflecting active trading [4] Analyst Insights - **Industry View**: Attractive, indicating a positive outlook for the materials sector in Greater China [4] - **Analyst Ratings**: The stock is rated as Equal-weight, suggesting it is expected to perform in line with the market [4] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call regarding Tianqi Lithium Industries Inc., highlighting its financial performance, operational developments, market outlook, and associated risks.

Core Insights - Brunswick Exploration Inc. has confirmed a historical spodumene pegmatite and discovered a second one at its Paamiut project in Greenland, making it the only company actively exploring for lithium in the region [1][2][3] Project Developments - The confirmed spodumene pegmatites at the Paamiut project are located approximately 26 kilometers from the coastal community of Paamiut, within a large shear zone in a greenstone belt measuring roughly 10 kilometers by 2 kilometers [3] - The pegmatites are approximately 3-6 meters wide and 40-60 meters long, with lithium mineralization primarily consisting of spodumene, which varies from 5-30% [4] - The company is planning a maiden drill program at the Nuuk project, alongside ongoing exploration at the Anatacau Main project and a forthcoming resource estimate at the Mirage project in Quebec [2][5] Exploration Strategy - During the summer campaign, the exploration team completed first-pass prospecting on all western Greenland licenses while advancing both Nuuk and Paamiut projects [5] - The company has not identified additional spodumene discoveries outside of the Nuuk and Paamiut areas during this period [5] Corporate Update - Mr. Mathieu Savard has resigned as a director to focus on his role as CEO of Vior Inc., and the company expressed gratitude for his contributions [6]