SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / February 10, 2026 / Elektros Inc. (OTC PINK:ELEK) today emphasized the growing strategic importance of lithium and rare earth minerals as historic cold weather events continue to strain energy systems across the globe and push demand for reliable power solutions to new highs. As extreme winter conditions place unprecedented pressure on electrical grids, heating infrastructure, and emergency services, the need for dependable energy storage and backup generation ...

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corporation is a leading player in specialty chemicals, particularly in lithium production for energy storage and electric vehicle batteries, with significant competition from SQM and Livent Corporation [1] Financial Performance - Albemarle is expected to report a quarterly earnings per share (EPS) loss of $0.40, with revenue projected at approximately $1.35 billion, reflecting a 9.6% increase year-over-year driven by growth in the Energy Storage segment [2][6] - The anticipated EPS loss for the quarter ending December 2025 shows a 54.1% improvement compared to the same period last year, indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates [3] Stock Performance - Albemarle's stock has increased by 113.5% over the past year, significantly outperforming the Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry, which has seen a decline of 17.4% [4][6] - The company has exceeded earnings expectations in three of the last four quarters, achieving an average earnings surprise of 35.3%, with a notable surprise of 79.4% in the most recent quarter [4] Strategic Initiatives - Strategic cost and productivity initiatives, along with a recovery in lithium prices, have positively impacted Albemarle's performance [5][6] - Financial metrics indicate a price-to-sales ratio of 3.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, reflecting the company's valuation and financial health, although a negative price-to-earnings ratio suggests ongoing financial challenges [5]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Chemicals Specialty industry is experiencing demand weakness primarily due to sluggishness in Europe, a slow economic recovery in China, and disruptions from tariffs [1] - The industry includes manufacturers of specialty chemical products used in various end-use markets such as textiles, automotive, electronics, and agriculture [3] Current Challenges - Companies in the chemical specialty space are facing headwinds from demand softness in building and construction and industrial end markets, particularly in Europe and China, due to economic slowdowns [4] - Elevated borrowing costs and inflation are negatively impacting the residential construction industry, while manufacturing activities have weakened amid softer demand for goods [4] - Specialty chemical makers are dealing with raw material and energy cost inflation, supply-chain disruptions, and elevated logistics and labor costs, which are pressuring margins [5] Strategic Responses - Industry players are implementing strategic measures such as cost-cutting, productivity improvements, and expansion into high-growth markets to navigate the challenging environment [6] - Companies are focusing on operational efficiency and strengthening their balance sheets to boost cash flows amid ongoing headwinds [6] Market Performance - The Zacks Chemicals Specialty industry has underperformed the S&P 500 and the broader Zacks Basic Materials sector over the past year, gaining only 0.4% compared to the S&P 500's 16.7% and the sector's 38% increase [9] - The industry currently trades at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 12.75X, below the S&P 500's 18.97X and the sector's 16.71X [12] Company Highlights - **Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM)**: This company is benefiting from being a low-cost producer of potassium chloride and lithium, with strong demand driven by electric vehicle sales. SQM has an expected earnings growth of 180.6% for 2026, with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [15][16] - **Element Solutions Inc (ESI)**: ESI is positioned for growth in the electronics sector, with strong organic growth offsetting weakness in industrial markets. The company has an expected earnings growth of 15.6% for 2026 and carries a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [20][21] - **Flexible Solutions International Inc (FSI)**: FSI specializes in biodegradable products and has an expected earnings growth rate of 212.5% for 2026, maintaining a Zacks Rank of 3 [23][25]

Core Insights - Eramet Grande Côte has achieved the IRMA 50 performance level, marking a significant milestone in responsible mining practices within the Eramet Group [1][6][9] Group 1: IRMA Standard and Evaluation - The IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining is recognized as one of the most comprehensive evaluation frameworks in the mining sector, distinguishing four performance levels: IRMA Transparency, IRMA 50, 75, and 100 [2] - The IRMA 50 level indicates compliance with critical requirements across four principal areas: social responsibility, environmental responsibility, business integrity, and planning for positive legacies [2] Group 2: Audit Results and Transparency - The audit of Eramet Grande Côte revealed strong environmental, social, and governance practices, with specific performance levels: Business integrity at 74%, Social responsibility at 74%, Environmental responsibility at 67%, and Planning for positive legacies at 67% [7][9] - The audit process is voluntary and based on independent external evaluation, with full publication of the audit report to ensure transparency [4][6] Group 3: Continuous Improvement and Stakeholder Engagement - Follow-up audits will be conducted every 18 months to verify ongoing compliance with the IRMA standard, with results made publicly available [5][6] - Areas for improvement have been identified, focusing on best practices, stakeholder engagement, grievance management, resettlement processes, and water quality monitoring [10][11] Group 4: Commitment to Responsible Mining - The achievement of the IRMA 50 level aligns with the State of Senegal's goals for economic sovereignty and responsible development in the mining sector [8] - The Eramet Group aims to leverage this responsible mining approach to engage stakeholders in adopting higher environmental and social standards [9]

Pharmaceuticals: Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Outlook StrongPharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk (NVO) is poised for a significant milestone as its CEO confirms that FDA approval for the high-dose version of its popular weight-loss drug, Wegovy, remains on track for the first quarter of 2026. This comes on the heels of positive early signs from the high-dose Wegovy launch in the UK, suggesting strong international demand for the treatment. The anticipated approval could further solidify Novo Nordisk's position in the ...

Core Insights - SAGA Metals Corp. has commenced the 2026 phase of its maiden Mineral Resource Estimate drill program at the Trapper Zone within the Radar Titanium-Vanadium-Iron Project in Labrador, Canada [1][2] Drilling Program Details - The current drilling phase aims to expand and confirm extensive oxide zones identified in previous drilling, with the first hole, R-0016, initiated on Section S8 [2] - A total of 30 drill holes are planned, with the initial 10 expected to be completed within approximately five weeks, transitioning to the central portion of Trapper South thereafter [2][3] - All drill holes are designed with a -45° dip and 38° N-NE azimuth, targeting a prospective zone of rhythmic banding expected to range from 125 to 200 meters in width [3] Previous Drilling Results - Previous drilling in Q4 2025 demonstrated consistent high-grade titanium-vanadium-iron mineralization, with significant oxide concentrations across multiple zones [3] - Confirmed mineralization in 15 out of 15 drill holes completed in two primary zones, with notable intercepts including: - R-0010: 135.50 m grading 50.03% Fe₂O₃, 7.87% TiO₂, and 0.352% V₂O₅ - R-0011: 95.15 m grading 39.49% Fe₂O₃, 6.49% TiO₂, and 0.220% V₂O₅ - R-0009: 87.20 m grading 50.67% Fe₂O₃, 10.15% TiO₂, 0.339% V₂O₅ - R-0008: 67.60 m grading 46.15% Fe₂O₃, 9.21% TiO₂, 0.311% V₂O₅ - R-0007: 57.70 m grading 27.09% Fe₂O₃, 5.31% TiO₂, 0.365% V₂O₅ [11] Project Highlights - The Radar Property spans 24,175 hectares and hosts the entire Dykes River intrusive complex, with geological mapping confirming oxide layering across more than 20 km of strike length [10] - The project is positioned as a potential strategic supplier of titanium, vanadium, and iron to North American markets, comparable to global Fe–Ti–V systems [12] Infrastructure and Accessibility - The Radar Project is well-serviced by road access, a deep-water port, nearby hydro-electric power, and an airstrip, enhancing its operational viability [11] Investor Relations and Marketing - The company has engaged multiple firms for investor relations and marketing services, including GMN for European marketing at a fee of $6,800 per month, and i2i Marketing Group with an increased budget of US$250,000 for corporate marketing services [16][17]

January 29, 2026 DISCLAIMER POSCO HOLDINGS 2025 2024 2023 2025 2024 2023 | (KRWbillion) | | Revenue | | | Operating Profit | | | Net Profit | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | | Consolidated Income | 77,127 | 72,688 | 69.095 | 3,531 | 2,174 | 1.827 | 1,846 | 948 | 5043) | | Steel | 63,539 | 62,201 | 59,411 | 2,557 | 1,637 | 1,960 | 1,241 | 691 | 1,154 | | POSCO1) | 38,972 | 37,557 | 35,011 | 2,083 | 1,473 | 1,78 ...

Core Viewpoint - Lithium Royalty Corp. has filed a management information circular for a special meeting of shareholders to approve a plan of arrangement with Altius Minerals Corporation, which includes options for shareholders to receive either shares or cash as consideration for their shares [1][2]. Group 1: Arrangement Details - The arrangement allows shareholders to choose between receiving 0.240 common shares of Altius, C$9.50 in cash, or a combination of 0.160 common shares of Altius and C$3.166666 in cash, with aggregate cash consideration capped at approximately C$174 million and share consideration capped at 11,500,000 common shares of Altius [1]. - The proposed arrangement represents a premium of approximately 29.6% and 41.4% to the closing price and the 30-day volume weighted average trading price of LRC shares as of December 19, 2025 [1]. Group 2: Board Recommendation and Strategic Review - The Board of Directors, following a review by an independent committee, unanimously recommends that shareholders vote in favor of the arrangement, deeming it fair and in the best interests of LRC [1]. - The arrangement is the result of a strategic review process that assessed various alternatives, concluding that this option is more favorable than maintaining the status quo or executing the current strategic plan [1]. Group 3: Meeting and Approval Process - The special meeting for shareholders is scheduled for February 26, 2026, where a special resolution approving the arrangement will be voted on [1]. - Approval requires at least two-thirds of the votes cast by shareholders and a simple majority from common share holders, excluding certain votes as per regulatory requirements [1]. Group 4: Company Overview - Lithium Royalty Corp. is a lithium-focused royalty company based in Canada, with a diversified portfolio of 38 royalties related to the electrification and decarbonization of the global economy, particularly in the battery supply chain [2].

Core Insights - The 21st century is being shaped by rare earths and critical minerals, which are essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and military applications, with China controlling a significant portion of the supply chain [2][3] Company Summaries - **Rio Tinto**: A diversified mining conglomerate with a market cap of $180 billion, producing iron ore, aluminum, copper, and diamonds. It has maintained a 19% profit margin and generates $18 billion in EBITDA annually, with a forward P/E of 13x and a dividend yield of 4.3%. Revenue for the trailing twelve months reached $53.7 billion, and analysts target a price of $87, indicating a 12% upside [4][5] - **Vale**: A Brazilian company with a market cap of $69 billion, producing nickel and copper alongside iron ore. It has a profit margin of 14% and a dividend yield of 17%. Q3 2025 revenue was $10.4 billion, up 7% year over year, with a net income of $2.68 billion. The company faces risks from the 2019 Brumadinho dam disaster, which resulted in significant fines [6][7] - **Lithium Americas**: Currently not producing, but developing the Thacker Pass project in Nevada, the largest lithium deposit in the U.S. The company has a high beta of 3.5, indicating it is more volatile than the market. General Motors has invested in the project, and government support is present [8][9] - **MP Materials**: Operates the only significant rare earth mine in North America, reporting Q3 revenue of $53.6 million with a net loss of $41.8 million [9] - **Albemarle**: Survived a significant drop in lithium prices from $80,000 to $10,000 per ton, with margins collapsing from 42% to 1.6%, but recovering to 14.8% [9]

Core Insights - Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC) is recognized as one of the top lithium and battery stocks to invest in currently [1] - Scotiabank has reaffirmed its Sector Perform rating for LAC and increased the price target from $5 to $7, indicating a positive outlook despite a shortfall in EV demand projections [2] - The company has received significant support from the U.S. Administration and General Motors for large-scale lithium manufacturing, with the first DOE loan drawdown completed [3] Company Developments - LAC has capitalized $145.9 million in construction costs during the last quarter, bringing total capitalized costs to $720.0 million [3] - The engineering design of the project is over 80% complete, with the mechanical completion of the Phase 1 processing plant expected by late 2027 [3] - Key milestones include the installation of steel columns, completion of plant roads, and fabrication of pipe-rack sections, which are critical for project advancement [3] Market Position - While LAC shows potential as an investment, there are suggestions that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]