United States Antimony (UAMY) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for the first nine months of 2025 were $26.2 million, up $16.9 million, or 182% over the prior year, primarily due to price increases and some volume increase in the zeolite business [6][7] - Gross margin increased by 4 percentage points from 24% last year to 28% this year, although there will be pressure on gross margins in the fourth quarter due to declining antimony market prices [6][7] - Consolidated net loss was $4.1 million for the first nine months, including $5.2 million of non-cash expenses, but operating activities generated positive cash flow when excluding working capital changes [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Antimony sales volume increased in October, with consolidated sales of $5.6 million for the month compared to third quarter sales of $8.7 million [6][7] - The company secured a three-year supply agreement for antimony ore and a five-year sole source sales contract with the DLA, enhancing sales capabilities [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has developed and executed over 15 separate supply contracts for materials sourced from 10 different countries, with significant developments in Bolivia and Chad expected to support antimony production [28][29] - The market cap expanded almost fourfold from around $200 million to more than $1 billion since the start of 2025, with a significant increase in institutional ownership [35][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the preferred provider of critical minerals, focusing on growth, diversification, and sustainability [9][10] - Plans to duplicate antimony success in tungsten and cobalt, with ongoing discussions with the U.S. government for potential funding and support [24][30] - The company is expanding its processing facility in Montana, with completion expected in January 2026, which will significantly increase production capacity [32][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating a ramp-up in production from 100 tons to 500-600 tons per month, driven by new supply contracts and operational improvements [32][60] - The company highlighted the strategic importance of domestic antimony production in light of geopolitical tensions and reliance on foreign sources, particularly China [49][50] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress in securing long-term sales agreements, totaling $352 million, which is a substantial increase compared to previous revenues [41][42] - The company is the only vertically integrated antimony supplier outside of China and Russia, positioning itself uniquely in the market [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the difference between the two types of antimony? - The DLA contract is for metallic antimony in ingot form, while the commercial supply contract is for antimony trioxide, a white powder [51][54] Question: Is management considering building an additional smelter or processing facility? - The current expansion in Thompson Falls is the maximum possible due to land constraints, but there is potential for expansion in Mexico [56][58] Question: What is the expected production volume ramp for Montana and Mexico? - Production is expected to ramp up significantly in 2026, with a goal of reaching 500 tons per month, although there may be challenges along the way [59][60] Question: Can you quantify efficiencies or technological improvements in processing? - The expansion will include larger equipment and improved technologies, which should enhance efficiency, but the quality of feed material will also play a crucial role [61][64] Question: How close are current smelting operations to running at full capacity? - Montana operations are running near capacity, but quality issues with material from Madero have been a challenge [65][66] Question: What has been spent on expanding capacity at smelting operations? - Total CapEx is around $22 million, with approximately $12-13 million already spent [67][68]