Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of Q2 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $2.6 million, up from $0.9 million as of June 30, 2024 [31] - The company incurred a net loss of $3.7 million in Q2 2025, which was an increase of $1 million year-over-year [32] - The accumulated deficit increased to $60.1 million in Q2 2025 from $52.6 million in Q2 2024 [32] - Loss per share improved to $0.06 for Q2 2025 compared to $0.07 in the prior year quarter [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company remains pre-revenue, with significant operating losses due to ongoing capital expenditures and operational investments [31][32] - Net cash used in operating activities increased to $4.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $2.1 million in the prior year [33] - Net cash used in investing activities was $2.2 million for the same period, driven by initial capital investments for the refinery [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lithium carbonate spot prices have stabilized, with a rebound of over 7% in July 2025, supported by tightening global supply expectations and stronger downstream investment [7] - The demand for lithium is driven by electric vehicles and energy storage systems, reinforcing long-term demand fundamentals [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become a leading US refiner of battery-grade lithium, addressing the gap in domestic refining capacity [10][11] - The strategic focus includes centralizing and converting multiple streams of lithium brine into high-purity products on US soil [10] - The company is advancing efforts to secure inputs from multiple lithium brine developers across North and South America [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment for lithium is strengthening, with the US prioritizing energy independence and domestic supply chain resilience [6] - Recent geopolitical developments, including export controls from China, are reshaping the global lithium landscape and increasing the urgency for domestic capabilities [12][13] - The company is optimistic about federal support for strategic lithium infrastructure, which is crucial as lithium demand accelerates [17] Other Important Information - The company successfully raised $4.52 million in gross proceeds through a public offering in June 2025, which was used to fund the FEL III engineering study [29] - The company is actively evaluating options to address NASDAQ compliance matters, including potential reverse stock splits [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact on brine supply availability for Phase One plant - Management acknowledged changes in the market, noting that while some projects have not advanced, there remain ample opportunities for upstream supply [38][40] Question: Conversations with the US government regarding financing - Management confirmed ongoing engagement with the government and applications for federal and state opportunities, expressing confidence in achieving material results [41][43] Question: Plans to address NASDAQ listing issues - The CFO indicated that there is about a month left to address the initial deficiency and mentioned the approval for a reverse stock split as one of the options [44][45]
Stardust Power Inc.(SDST) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript