Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund Today XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund $90.02 -1.01 (-1.11%) 52-Week Range $73.12 ▼ $97.87 Dividend Yield 1.89% Assets Under Management $5.45 billion Add to Watchlist The Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund NYSEARCA: XLB has provided decent returns of 9.8% year-to-date (YTD) in 2025, outperforming several other sector-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and the broader market as represented by the S&P 500. 12-Month Stock Price Forecast: $136.90 8.50% Upside Buy Based on ...

Core Insights - IperionX Limited has successfully completed the commissioning of its Titanium Manufacturing Campus in Virginia, with all major equipment operational and producing high-quality titanium [6] - The company is experiencing strong momentum in commercial and strategic partnerships, particularly in the automotive, defense, and aerospace sectors [2][6] - U.S. Government support is facilitating the establishment of a low-cost domestic titanium supply chain, with significant funding awarded to IperionX [3][5] Commercial Operations - All major equipment for titanium production is now online, with the Hydrogen Assisted Metallothermic Reduction (HAMR) furnace producing titanium that exceeds industry standards [6] - Customer engagement has increased, with various customers completing inspections and pre-qualifications at the manufacturing campus [6] - The company has initiated consumer-electronics scrap processing, validating a circular supply chain for recycled titanium [6] Expansion Plans - IperionX is fast-tracking its titanium production expansion plans, supported by a recent U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) award for the Titan Critical Minerals Project [4][5] - The company has received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract from the DoD, allowing for task order funding up to US$99 million [6] - A private placement announced on July 23, 2025, aims to raise approximately US$46 million to expedite production capacity and meet future schedules [6][10] Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, IperionX reported US$55 million in cash, with pro-forma cash expected to reach approximately US$100 million following the private placement [10] - The proceeds from the private placement will be used for scaling operations and increasing production capacity [10] - Directors have shown commitment by subscribing for A$2.2 million (~US$1.4 million) under the placement, reinforcing alignment with shareholders [10] Industry Context - IperionX is positioned as a leading American titanium metal and critical materials company, focusing on sustainable and low-cost production methods [8] - The Titan Project is recognized as the largest JORC-compliant mineral resource of titanium and rare earth minerals in the U.S., essential for various advanced industries [9][10] - The company aims to support a complete domestic magnet supply chain, particularly for high-performance defense systems, through its heavy rare earth resources [10]