TMC the metal company (US:TMC)2025-11-13 22:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported a net loss of $184.5 million, or $0.46 per share, compared to a net loss of $20.5 million, or $0.06 per share for the same period in 2024 [25] - Free cash flow for Q3 2025 was negative $11.5 million, compared to negative $5.9 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to higher environmental, personnel, and corporate payments [28][29] - The company has approximately $165 million of liquidity, with potential additional proceeds from in-the-money warrants exceeding $50 million [6][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Exploration and evaluation expenses decreased to $9.6 million in Q3 2025 from $11.8 million in Q3 2024, while general and administrative expenses increased to $45.7 million from $8.1 million in the same period [26] - The revenue mix is expected to be 45% from nickel products, 28% from manganese, 17% from copper, and 9% from cobalt during steady-state production [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company highlighted that America is critically dependent on foreign sources for metals, with imports for manganese, cobalt, and nickel at roughly 100% [7][8] - The U.S. government is taking steps to address vulnerabilities in rare earths and base metals, indicating a strategic shift towards domestic resource development [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a U.S. pivot aimed at achieving a commercial recovery permit by 2027, with ongoing discussions with NOAA and the U.S. government [5][6] - The strategy includes building a comprehensive ecosystem around the nodule resource, emphasizing partnerships and technological advancements [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the U.S. pivot leading to a commercial recovery permit and highlighted the importance of national security and energy independence [5][8] - The company is optimistic about its regulatory path and the potential for significant cash inflows from warrant exercises [6][33] Other Important Information - The company has achieved several industry firsts, including the first SEC-compliant resource statements and the first production of nodule-derived manganese sulfate [13][18] - The pre-feasibility study indicates a combined project net present value of $23.6 billion, with a clear path to first production [22][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on potential incoming cash from warrants - Management confirmed that total potential proceeds from warrants could exceed $432 million, with a strong liquidity position of $165 million [33] Question: Financial benefits from the Hidden Gem vessel's deployment to Japan - Management clarified that TMC will receive financial benefits from the contract between Allseas and the foundation funding the program, indicating it is not pro bono work [34] Question: Streamlining of NOAA's regulation process - Management explained that the combination of exploration and commercial recovery licenses is intended to facilitate the regulatory process, as TMC already has a prepared application for a commercial recovery permit [36][37] Question: Timing of exploration and production permit grants - Management indicated that the timeline for the exploration permit is aligned with the anticipated production start date of Q4 2027, regardless of whether the permits are granted sequentially [41][42]