The Canadian stock market has been experiencing a robust year, with the TSX up over 17%, mirroring the positive trends seen in other major indices like the S&P 500. As investors navigate these buoyant conditions, attention often turns to identifying stocks that can leverage current economic strengths. Penny stocks, though an older term in investment circles, still represent a compelling area for those seeking growth opportunities in smaller or newer companies with strong financial foundations.

Top 10 Penny Stocks In Canada

Name	Share Price	Market Cap	Financial Health Rating
PetroTal (TSX:TAL)	CA$0.67	CA$620.84M	★★★★★★
Findev (TSXV:FDI)	CA$0.42	CA$11.75M	★★★★★☆
Winshear Gold (TSXV:WINS)	CA$0.18	CA$5.18M	★★★★★★
Mandalay Resources (TSX:MND)	CA$3.34	CA$304.56M	★★★★★★
Pulse Seismic (TSX:PSD)	CA$2.37	CA$116.65M	★★★★★★
Amerigo Resources (TSX:ARG)	CA$1.80	CA$298.44M	★★★★★☆
Foraco International (TSX:FAR)	CA$2.37	CA$236.62M	★★★★★☆
East West Petroleum (TSXV:EW)	CA$0.04	CA$3.17M	★★★★★★
Newport Exploration (TSXV:NWX)	CA$0.115	CA$12.14M	★★★★★★
NamSys (TSXV:CTZ)	CA$1.11	CA$29.82M	★★★★★★

Click here to see the full list of 948 stocks from our TSX Penny Stocks screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Questerre Energy

Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: ★★★★☆☆

Overview: Questerre Energy Corporation is an energy technology and innovation company focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing non-conventional oil and gas projects in Canada, with a market cap of CA$117.84 million.

Operations: The company’s revenue is generated from its Oil & Gas – Exploration & Production segment, amounting to CA$34.25 million.

Market Cap: CA$117.84M

Questerre Energy, with a market cap of CA$117.84 million, is focused on non-conventional oil and gas projects in Canada. Recent developments include the initiation of new drilling programs at Kakwa North and Central, which could impact future production levels. Although currently unprofitable, Questerre has managed to reduce its losses over the past five years by 2.4% annually. The company maintains a strong balance sheet with short-term assets exceeding both short- and long-term liabilities, and it holds more cash than total debt. However, its share price remains highly volatile compared to most Canadian stocks.

• Unlock comprehensive insights into our analysis of Questerre Energy stock in this financial health report.

• Examine Questerre Energy’s past performance report to understand how it has performed in prior years.

TSX:QEC Debt to Equity History and Analysis as at Oct 2024Santacruz Silver Mining

Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: ★★★★★★

Overview: Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. is involved in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of mineral properties in Latin America, with a market cap of CA$140.56 million.

Operations: The company’s revenue is derived from its operations at Porco ($31.21 million), Bolivar ($75.81 million), Zimapan ($67.26 million), SAN Lucas ($76.09 million), and the Caballo Blanco Group ($62.69 million).

Market Cap: CA$140.56M

Santacruz Silver Mining, with a market cap of CA$140.56 million, has recently become profitable, supported by operations across several Latin American sites. The company’s financial health is bolstered by short-term assets exceeding both short- and long-term liabilities. Despite a large one-off gain impacting recent earnings, Santacruz’s return on equity remains outstanding at 101.4%. However, the share price has been highly volatile over recent months. A recent executive change saw Andres Bedregal appointed as interim CFO following Gregg Orr’s resignation, potentially influencing future strategic directions and financial management practices within the company.

• Navigate through the intricacies of Santacruz Silver Mining with our comprehensive balance sheet health report here.

• Assess Santacruz Silver Mining’s previous results with our detailed historical performance reports.

TSXV:SCZ Financial Position Analysis as at Oct 2024Taranis Resources

Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: ★★★★★★

Overview: Taranis Resources Inc. is an exploration stage company focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing precious and base metal deposits in Canada with a market cap of CA$47.82 million.

Operations: Taranis Resources Inc. currently does not report any revenue segments as it is in the exploration stage, focusing on precious and base metal deposits in Canada.

Market Cap: CA$47.82M

Taranis Resources Inc., with a market cap of CA$47.82 million, remains pre-revenue as it focuses on exploration activities in Canada. The company has strengthened its financial position through recent private placements totaling CA$299,999.9, enhancing its cash runway beyond a year despite being unprofitable. Short-term assets exceed both short- and long-term liabilities, indicating stable financial health. However, shareholder dilution occurred over the past year with shares outstanding increasing by 5.3%. Recent challenges include resuming exploration at the Thor deposit after a wildfire affected operations but left core infrastructure intact and ready for continuation.

• Jump into the full analysis health report here for a deeper understanding of Taranis Resources.

• Review our historical performance report to gain insights into Taranis Resources’ track record.

TSXV:TRO Financial Position Analysis as at Oct 2024Turning Ideas Into Actions

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include TSX:QEC TSXV:SCZ and TSXV:TRO.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 22, 2024 / Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp. (TSXV:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF)(FSE:J0G) (the "Company" or "Stillwater") is pleased to announce that it has been invited to present at the Emerging Growth Conference on October 30th, 2024.

This live, interactive online event will give existing shareholders and the investment community the opportunity to interact live with the Company's President & CEO, Michael Rowley.

Starting at 3:00pm ET, Mr. Michael Rowley will provide an update on the Company and its flagship Stillwater West Ni-PGE-Cu-Co + Au project in Montana, USA, followed by Q&A. Participants are invited to submit questions in advance to Questions@EmergingGrowth.com or ask questions during the event.

To register, click here or the thumbnail.

An archived webcast will also be made available on EmergingGrowth.com and on the Emerging Growth YouTube Channel, http://www.YouTube.com/EmergingGrowthConference following the event.

About the Emerging Growth Conference

The Emerging Growth conference is an effective way for public companies to present opportunities and communicate major announcements to the investment community in a time efficient manner.

Conference focus and coverage includes companies in a wide range of growth sectors with strong management teams, focused strategy and execution, and overall potential for long-term growth. The audience includes individual and institutional investors, as well as investment advisors and analysts.

About Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.

Stillwater Critical Minerals (TSXV:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF)(FSE:J0G) is a mineral exploration company focused on its flagship Stillwater West Ni-PGE-Cu-Co + Au project in the iconic and famously productive Stillwater mining district in Montana, USA. With the addition of two renowned Bushveld and Platreef geologists to the team and strategic investments by Glencore plc, the Company is well positioned to advance the next phase of large-scale critical mineral supply from this world-class American district, building on past production of nickel, copper, and chromium, and the on-going production of platinum group, nickel, and other metals by neighboring Sibanye-Stillwater. An expanded NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, released January 2023, positions Stillwater West with the largest nickel resource in an active US mining district as part of a compelling suite of nine minerals now listed as critical in the USA.

Stillwater also holds the high-grade Black Lake-Drayton Gold project adjacent to Nexgold Mining's development-stage Goliath Gold Complex in northwest Ontario, currently under an earn-in agreement with Heritage Mining, and the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co critical minerals project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinum‘s Wellgreen deposit in Canada‘s Yukon Territory.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Michael Rowley, President, CEO & Director – Stillwater Critical MineralsEmail: info@criticalminerals.comPhone: (604) 357 4790Toll Free: (888) 432 0075Web: http://criticalminerals.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Stillwater Critical Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Stillwater Critical Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

Highlights include 112m at 1.19g/t PGM+Au, including 16m at 2.76g/t PGM+Au and, 156m at 1.01g/t PGM+Au, including 5m at 5.24g/t PGM+Au

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 16, 2024 /CNW/ – Bravo Mining Corp. (TSXV: BRVO) (OTCQX: BRVMF), ("Bravo" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has received assay results from eight trenches in the Central and North Sectors at its 100% owned Luanga palladium + platinum + rhodium + gold + nickel project ("Luanga" or "Luanga PGM+Au+Ni Project"), located in the World Class Carajás Mineral Province, state of Pará, Brazil.

"Trenching has uncovered a wider lateral extent of oxide PGM+Au mineralization at surface, which includes areas with higher grades. These findings suggest a potential increase in the volume of oxide mineralization at Luanga. Additionally, the higher-grade zones within these sections align with or enhance the grades observed in the drilling below the trench lines, supporting our interpretation of supergene enrichment," said Luis Azevedo, Chairman and CEO of Bravo.

Highlights Include:

• Trenching across the strike of the Luanga PGM+Au+Ni deposit continues to be successful, with work to date almost complete in the North and Central Sectors. Results highlight significant expansion in the lateral extent of shallow oxide mineralization, which extends across the topographic highs, along the entire 8.1km strike length of the Luanga deposit tested to date.

• Results confirm the presence of enrichment in the saprolite zone, while encountering grades that are on par or better than the grade of the oxide mineralization and often improve upon intersections encountered by drilling in the underlying fresh rock.

• In the North Sector, trench TRC24LU043, where more pronounced topography again provides clearer evidence of supergene enrichment, returned 156.5m @ 1.01g/t PGM+Au, including 5m @ 5.24g/t PGM+Au.

• This "mushrooming" of oxide mineralization in the supergene zone demonstrates the potential for volumetric growth in future volumes of oxide mineralization.

• Drilling continues at the T5 target, with assays pending for six drill holes, all of which have all intersected copper sulphide mineralization on the eastern end of T5.

TRENCH-ID	From (m)	To (m)	Width (m)	Pd (g/t)	Pt (g/t)	Rh (g/t)	Au (g/t)	PGM + Au (g/t)	TYPE
TRC24LU030	51.25	249.45	198.20	0.48	0.22	0.03	0.08	0.81	Ox
TRC24LU031B	17.40	129.75	112.35	0.69	0.40	0.03	0.07	1.19	Ox
Including	39.50	56.10	16.60	1.79	0.70	0.12	0.16	2.76	Ox
TRC24LU032	216.30	329.85	113.55	0.69	0.38	0.02	0.02	1.12	Ox
TRC24LU043	30.15	186.65	156.50	0.56	0.37	0.06	0.02	1.01	Ox
Including	38.00	43.00	5.00	2.87	2.00	0.28	0.09	5.24	Ox

Notes:	All 'From', 'To' depths, and 'Thicknesses' are along the topographic surface.
	Type: Ox = Oxide. Recovery methods and results will differ based on the type of mineralization.

Luanga Trenching ProgramTrenching across the strike of the Luanga PGM+Au+Ni deposit aims to improve the interpretation of near surface mineralization and to reduce the distance/spacing between assay data points with the objective of supporting mineral resource classification to the indicated category. The program continues to be successful in meeting Bravo's objectives, with trenching almost complete in the North and Central Sectors and only eight trenches remaining to be completed this year.

Trenches TRC24LU030, 031A+B, 032, 035 and 036 (Figure 1) cover the southern extent of the Central Sector, while trenches TRC24LU043 and 044 are at the southern extent of the North Sector. Trenching continues in the Central Sector, with only 1 trench to complete before commencing in the Southwest Sector. Figure 3 shows the location of trenches in the Central Sector reported in this news release.

Figure 1: Trenching in the Central Sector. (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)

Trenching results continue to highlight significant expansion in the lateral extent of shallow oxide mineralization, which extends across the topographically elevated areas, along the entire 8.1km strike length of the Luanga PGM+Au deposit. Results also continue to confirm the presence of enrichment in the saprolite zone (above the base of oxidation), but to lesser degree in the Central Sector where the topographic highs are less exaggerated (see the plan view in Figure 1 and Section 1 in Figure 2), encountering grades that are equal or better than average grades of oxide mineralization in surrounding drill holes. In the North Sector, trench TRC24LU043, where more pronounced topography demonstrates clearer evidence of supergene enrichment, returned a result of 156m @ 1.01g/t PGM+Au, including 5m @ 5.24g/t PGM+Au.

Figure 2 (Section 1) illustrates the extent of surface oxide mineralization compared to underlying narrower zones of primary (fresh rock) mineralization observed in drilling below the trench. This "mushrooming" of oxide mineralization in the supergene zone demonstrates the potential for volumetric growth in future oxide mineralization that it was not possible to define by drilling alone.

Trenching continues along the entire 8.1km strike length of the Luanga deposit, with work finalizing the Central Sector and progressing to completion in the Southwest Sector.

Figure 2: Central Sector (Section 1 on Figure 3) – Trenching showing the extent of surface mineralization in comparison to drilling below. (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)

The same sampling, assay laboratory procedures and QAQC protocols as applied to drill core sampling are applied to trench samples.

Luanga Drilling & Trenching Status

A total of 332 drill holes have been completed by Bravo to date, for 70,577.75 metres, including eight metallurgical holes (not subject to routine assaying). Results have been reported for 267 Bravo drill holes to date. Assay results for 57 Bravo drill holes that have been completed are currently outstanding (excluding the metallurgical holes). A total of 37 trenches have been completed to date (for 7,623.08 metres), with results for 36 trenches reported and results for 1 trench pending.  

T5 Target – Exploration UpdateDrilling continues at the T5 target, located 1km east of the Luanga PGM+Au Deposit. Assays are pending for drill holes DDH2405T012, 013, 014, 015, 016, and 017, all of which have intersected copper sulphide mineralization on the eastern end of T5.

Complete Table of Recent Intercepts – Trenching

TRENCH-ID	From (m)	To (m)	Thickness (m)	Pd (g/t)	Pt (g/t)	Rh (g/t)	Au (g/t)	PGM + Au (g/t)	TYPE
TRC24LU030	8.00	15.00	7.00	0.49	0.18	0.01	0.07	0.74	Ox
And	22.65	34.65	12.00	0.56	0.17	0.01	0.11	0.85	Ox
And	51.25	249.45	198.20	0.48	0.22	0.03	0.08	0.81	Ox
Including	159.45	328.20	68.75	0.24	0.22	0.01	0.01	0.48	Ox
TRC24LU031A	36.10	51.50	15.40	0.48	0.19	<0.01	0.29	0.97	Ox
And	127.00	133.00	6.00	0.30	0.13	0.08	0.11	0.62	Ox
TRC24LU031B	0.00	4.50	4.50	0.34	0.15	0.07	0.27	0.83	Ox
And	17.40	129.75	112.35	0.69	0.40	0.03	0.07	1.19	Ox
Including	39.50	56.10	16.60	1.79	0.70	0.12	0.16	2.76	Ox
And	135.75	171.40	35.65	0.23	0.38	0.04	0.03	0.68	Ox
And	182.40	205.40	23.00	0.24	0.64	0.03	0.01	0.92	Ox
TRC24LU032	88.20	91.20	3.00	0.63	0.34	<0.01	0.06	1.03	Ox
And	124.60	141.60	17.00	0.32	0.10	0.01	0.12	0.54	Ox
And	145.6	149.60	4.00	0.50	0.22	0.03	0.04	0.79	Ox
And	'65.60	199.30	33.70	0.55	0.22	0.04	0.12	0.93	Ox
And	216.30	329.85	113.55	0.69	0.38	0.02	0.02	1.12	Ox
TRC24LU035	86.10	100.60	14.50	0.24	0.13	0.02	0.12	0.51	Ox
And	108.60	112.60	4.00	0.21	0.12	0.02	0.05	0.40	Ox
And	116.05	135.75	19.70	0.41	0.18	0.02	0.02	0.62	Ox
And	139.75	178.95	39.20	0.61	0.22	0.02	0.01	0.86	Ox
TRC24LU036	No Significant Result
TRC24LU043	30.15	186.65	156.50	0.56	0.37	0.06	0.02	1.01	Ox
Including	38.00	43.00	5.00	2.87	2.00	0.28	0.09	5.24	Ox
TRC23LU044	8.60	75.20	66.60	0.58	0.34	0.06	0.08	1.06	Ox
And	152.05	182.25	30.20	0.71	0.23	0.07	0.02	1.03	Ox

Notes:	All 'From', 'To' depths, and 'Thicknesses' are along the topographic surface.
	Type: Ox = Oxide. FR = Fresh Rock. Recovery methods and results will differ based on the type of mineralization.

Bravo Mining Corp. Logo (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)

About Bravo Mining Corp.Bravo is a Canadian and Brazil-based mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its PGM and copper-gold Luanga Project in the world-class Carajás Mineral Province, Para State, Brazil.

Bravo is one of the most active explorers in Carajás. The team, comprising of local and international geologists, has a proven track record of PGM, nickel, and copper discoveries in the region. They have successfully taken a past IOCG greenfield project from discovery to development and production in the Carajás.

The Luanga Project is situated on mature freehold farming land and benefits from being located close to operating mines and a mining-experienced workforce, with excellent access and proximity to existing infrastructure, including road, rail, and hydro grid power. A fully funded +70,000m infill, step out and exploration drilling and trenching program is well advanced for 2024. Bravo's current Environmental, Social and Governance activities includes planting more than 30,000 trees in and around the Project area, hiring and contracting locally, and working to ensure protection of the environment during its exploration activities.

Technical DisclosureTechnical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Simon Mottram, F.AusIMM (Fellow Australia Institute of Mining and Metallurgy), President of Bravo Mining Corp. who serves as the Company's "qualified person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mr. Mottram has verified the technical data and opinions contained in this news release.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "Expand", "significant", "greater", "high-grade", "validate", "improve", "enrichment", "successful", "expansion", "clearer evidence", "potential", "growth", "aims", "highlight", "better", variants of these words and other similar words, phrases, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "will" occur. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the Company's ongoing trenching program; the interpretation of the results of trench data, including that the mineralization thickens in the saprolite, is locally supergene enriched, and the impact on future mineral resource estimates thereof; the potential that similar thickening and supergene enrichment may be present along the entire strike length of the Luanga deposit and the impact on mineral resource estimates thereafter; the potential future economics of the saprolite material, including the recoverability of PGMs and Au therein; the results of planned additional trenching; and the Company's plans in respect thereof. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, unexpected results from exploration programs, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage; and other risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to results from trenching reasonably reflect consistent zones of oxide mineralization and that future results from additional trenching will continue to see similar broad distribution of oxides with higher grades that the current MRE; that activities will not be adversely disrupted or impeded by regulatory, political, community, economic, environmental and/or healthy and safety risks; that the Luanga Project will not be materially affected by potential supply chain disruptions; and general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

Schedule 1: Trench Location Details

HOLE-ID	Company	East (m)	North (m)	RL (m)	Datum	Length (m)	Azimuth	Dip	Sector
TRC23LU030	Bravo	658585.030	9340680.410	329.000	SIRGAS2000_UTM_22S	330.45	330.00	0.00	Central
TRC24LU031A	Bravo	658492.930	9340644.180	284.250	SIRGAS2000_UTM_22S	133.00	330.00	0.00	Central
TRC24LU031B	Bravo	658429.546	9340753.902	257.074	SIRGAS2000_UTM_22S	205.40	330.00	0.00	Central
TRC24LU032	Bravo	658455.671	9340506.294	284.139	SIRGAS2000_UTM_22S	382.95	330.00	0.00	Central
TRC24LU035	Bravo	658191.791	9340365.885	249.945	SIRGAS2000_UTM_22S	257.45	330.00	0.00	Central
TRC24LU036	Bravo	658080.962	9340321.578	251.552	SIRGAS2000_UTM_22S	215.70	330.00	0.00	Central
TRC24LU043	Bravo	659850.135	9342569.586	278.419	SIRGAS2000_UTM_22S	186.65	90.00	0.00	North
TRC24LU044	Bravo	659823.827	9342659.840	272.184	SIRGAS2000_UTM_22S	199.35	90.00	0.00	North

Schedule 2: Assay Methodologies and QAQCSamples follow a chain of custody between collection, processing, and delivery to the SGS laboratory in Parauapebas, state of Pará, Brazil. The drill core is delivered to the core shack at Bravo's Luanga site facilities and processed by geologists who insert certified reference materials, blanks, and duplicates into the sampling sequence. Drill core is half cut and placed in secured polyurethane bags, then in security-sealed sacks before being delivered directly from the Luanga site facilities to the Parauapebas SGS laboratory by Bravo staff. Additional information about the methodology can be found on the SGS Geosol website (SGS) in their analytical guides. Information regarding preparation and analysis of historic drill core is also presented in the table below, where the information is known.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control ("QAQC") is maintained internally at the lab through rigorous use of internal certified reference materials, blanks, and duplicates. An additional QAQC program is administered by Bravo using certified reference materials, duplicate samples and blank samples that are blindly inserted into the sample batch. If a QAQC sample returns an unacceptable value an investigation into the results is triggered and when deemed necessary, the samples that were tested in the batch with the failed QAQC sample are re-tested.

Bravo SGS Geosol
Preparation	Method	Method	Method
For All Elements	Pt, Pd, Au	Rh	Trace Elements
PRPCLI (85% at 200#)	FAI515	FAI30V	ICP40B

Figure 3: Location of Bravo Trenches and Section 1 Reported in this News Release (CNW Group/Bravo Mining Corp.)

SOURCE Bravo Mining Corp.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2024/16/c9123.html

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 16, 2024 / Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp. (TSXV:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF)(FSE:J0G) (the "Company" or "Stillwater") is pleased to announce the completion of a property-wide geophysical airborne survey and a breakthrough in 3D geologic modeling of the lower Stillwater Igneous Complex. This new data will drive continued advancement of the project including drill campaigns and the expansion of mineral resources, among other objectives at its flagship Stillwater West Ni-PGE-Cu-Co + Au project in Montana.

Highlights

• Property-wide geophysical surveys completed in September 2024 informed the first-ever detailed 3D geologic model of the lower Stillwater Igneous Complex;

• The model demonstrates continuity of mineralization across the 9.5-kilometer length of lower Stillwater Igneous Complex which hosts the Company's current resources in five deposits at Stillwater West project;

• Historically, continuity of mineralization across the entire surface expression of the magmatic layers of the Stillwater Igneous Complex has been demonstrated primarily by Sibanye-Stillwater's J-M Reef deposit, a high-grade PGE-bearing nickel-copper sulphide deposit that spans more than 40km and supports the highest-grade palladium-platinum mines in the world, and;

• Stillwater's current resources of 1.6 billion pounds of nickel, copper and cobalt, and 3.8 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium, and gold are hosted in five deposits that remain open for expansion along trend and at depth across 9.5-kilometers at the center of the 61-square-kilometer Stillwater West project, which is adjacent to Sibanye-Stillwater along approximately 32km of strike within the Stillwater Igneous Complex.

Stillwater's President and CEO, Michael Rowley, said "The team's work this year regarding both the airborne survey and also the detailed geologic model confirm the expansion potential we see in several possible mining scenarios at Stillwater West and inform our campaigns to reach that objective. Together we have successfully leveraged a substantial database including approximately 40,000 meters of drilling to date to complete the first ever geologic model of the lower part of this famously productive and metal-rich American mining district, with a focus on magmatic nickel-copper sulphide mineralization. That wealth of data, combined with Glencore plc's backing and in-house expertise from similar geology in South Africa's Bushveld Igneous Complex, has positioned us exceptionally well with robust inventories of nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum group elements and chromium in an active American mining district at a time when the US is aggressively looking to diminish the current heavy import reliance of nine of the commodities we have inventoried."

"We look forward to further announcements with a focus on continued expansion at Stillwater West while also turning our attention to various studies relating to potential production scenarios. Updates on other initiatives, including pursuit of government funding, monetization of non-core assets, CO2 sequestration and geologic hydrogen studies are also expected."

Property-Wide Airborne Geophysical SurveyExpert Geophysics Ltd. has completed the geophysical surveys over the Stillwater West project as announced July 18, 2024. The surveys, designed and executed in collaboration with Glencore plc via the Stillwater West technical committee, totaled approximately 1,170 line-kilometers and included test surveys over the Chrome Mountain resource area for the purpose of comparing the TargetEM26 time-domain electromagnetic ("EM") survey with the MobileMTm magneto-telluric ("MMT") survey. Evaluation of these test surveys alongside the first generation DIGHEM airborne EM survey flown over the project in 2000, together with smaller surveys and extensive ground-based Induced Polarization ("IP") and magnetic/VLF by the Company, resulted in the decision to fly the property-wide survey using the MMT system. The decision was based on the MMT system's demonstrated ability to better distinguish and define multiple conductive targets, and to greater depths.

Stillwater, along with input from Glencore, is now fine-tuning multiple large-scale priority conductive drill targets across the 12-kilometer main resource area in addition to ranking additional large, untested conductive targets across the broader 61-square-kilometer property based on preliminary results of the 2024 survey. Detailed results of the approximately 178 and 992 line-kilometer EM and MMT (respectively) surveys, plus related VLF and magnetic surveys completed by Expert, will be the subject of a subsequent news release as final results become available.

Geologic ModelThe development of a new 3D geologic model of Stillwater West is a major milestone in the advancement of the project as it is the first time the lower portion of the iconic Stillwater Igneous Complex has been modeled in detail. Developed by the Company from over 40,000 meters of drill data in addition to recent mapping and geophysical surveys, it effectively connects the east and west ends of a large and world-class district and provides a roadmap to expansion of the Company's resources and advancement of the overall project, which is focused on the lower Stillwater Igneous Complex.

Figure 1 presents a long section view of the 3D model, focused on 9.5 kilometers in area of the current resources, within the core of the 32-kilometer-long Stillwater West project. The highly prospective Peridotite Zone is shown hosting all deposits from the January 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate and demonstrating the expansion potential that remains untested to date in all directions: between deposits, down dip, and along strike. Strong correlations are shown between the Peridotite Zone, geophysical anomalies, and geochemical soil anomalies across the Stillwater West project, demonstrating exceptional expansion potential.

The surface expression of the J-M Reef deposit is also shown. In production since 1986, the J-M Reef deposit is a 40-kilometer-long high-grade PGE-bearing nickel and copper sulphide reef-type deposit that is located stratigraphically above Stillwater West. Currently mined in three locations by Sibanye-Stillwater, the J-M Reef is known as the highest-grade palladium-platinum deposit in the world. It has been drilled and mapped extensively since its discovery in the early 1970s and is an indicator of the continuity of mineralization across the parallel magmatic layers of the Stillwater Igneous Complex, including the adjacent Stillwater West project.

Vice-President of Exploration Dr. Danie Grobler, said, "Recent breakthroughs in our detailed geological model show pronounced continuity of the mineralized zones along strike in the layered Stillwater Igneous Complex. This is further enhanced by our understanding of the geometry and orientation of these units at depth, improving our confidence in completing successful intersections in future drill campaigns. Preliminary results from the latest geophysical airborne survey – which was designed to provide comprehensive coverage of the prospective lower Stillwater Igneous Complex – indicates strong electromagnetic anomalies along the footwall contact zone of the Stillwater West project which are consistent with the massive sulphide and contact-style Ni-Cu sulphide-rich bodies that we targeted with the survey. These anomalies form important Platreef-contact-style targets for testing in planned upcoming drill campaigns."

Dr. Grobler continued, "It is further anticipated that the survey will open the remainder of the strike length held by the Company for exploring high confidence discovery targets in the future. This season also included a follow-up confirmatory investigation by our technical advisor, Professor Wolfgang Maier, who is in the process of completing a detailed collaborative scientific paper on the Peridotite Zone of the Stillwater Igneous Complex, as first author. This work has enhanced our understanding of the geochemistry and mineralization styles and controls of the lower Stillwater Igneous Complex stratigraphy."

Government FundingThe Company is now partner to USD 2.75M in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") via two grants under the Advanced Research Projects Agency program via collaborations with Cornell University and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as announced February 14, 2023, and August 15, 2024, in addition to work with the US Geological Survey and state organizations.

The Company has been partnered with the US Geological Survey at Stillwater West for over six years, continuing their multi-decade interest in the Stillwater Igneous Complex.

Stillwater is pursuing additional US government funding, including recent applications in response to announced opportunities available through the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense.

Parallels With the South Africa's Bushveld ComplexThe Stillwater Igneous Complex is well-known to parallel South Africa's Bushveld Igneous Complex, and developments at the Stillwater complex have generally paralleled those at the Bushveld, highlighting their significant geologic similarities. For example, Sibanye-Stillwater's high-grade J-M Reef deposit was discovered by the direct application of geologic models developed during discovery of the high-grade Merensky reef deposit in the Bushveld.

More recent developments on the Bushveld have focused on the Platreef deposits, in the northern limb of the Bushveld, which depart from the conventional narrow reef-type mines that dominate global platinum group element mining with the occurrence of thick mineralized horizons that support bulk mining techniques and include much higher battery metal content. The mines of the Platreef are among the largest and most profitable in the world, and their mix of commodities offers an attractive internally hedged suite of in-demand critical minerals that is globally very rare. Starting with 1 Anglo American's PGE-Ni-Cu Mogalakwena mines in 1993 and continuing today with 2 Ivanhoe's underground Platreef mine, these mines have demonstrated the world-class nature of these bulk-tonnage, critical mineral systems within the Bushveld complex. With more than 20 billion pounds of nickel and copper in sulphide mineralization, and over 200 million ounces of platinum group metals and gold, these two mines are known primarily as platinum group element mines yet are also the largest nickel mines in South Africa.

Platreef-style deposits also compare very favorably in an environmental sense as they contain nickel sulphide mineralization that is capable of producing nickel metal with a much smaller footprint than nickel recovered from laterite deposits, which currently provides the majority of global nickel supply. Additional environmental benefits are possible through reaction of atmospheric carbon dioxide with certain ultramafic rocks present in Platreef-style deposits, and the production of hydrogen from those rocks. Testwork is underway to evaluate the potential for commercial-scale carbon sequestration and hydrogen production during a possible mining operation Stillwater West.

Footnote 1. Anglo American Mineral Resources and Reserves Report 2022: Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources: 1,665.40 MT at 2.29 4E g/t, Inferred Mineral Resources: 423.8 MT at 2.18 4E g/t.

Footnote 2. Ivanhoe Mines Ltd, Platreef Feasibility Study, March 2022: Indicated Mineral Resources; 2 g/t Cut-off 3PE+Au 346 MT at 1.68 g/t Pt, 1.70 g/t Pd, 0.28 g/t Au, 0.11 g/t Rh, 0.16% Cu, 0.32% Ni Inferred Mineral Resources; 2 g/t Cut-off 3PE+Au 506 MT at 1.42 g/t Pt, 1.46 g/t Pd, 0.26 g/t Au, 0.10 g/t Rh, 0.16% Cu, 0.31% Ni.

Upcoming EventsStillwater's President and CEO, Michael Rowley, will be available for meetings and presenting at the following events:

Red Cloud Fall Mining Showcase – Toronto, ON, October 16-17. To register, click here.

Commodities Global Expo 2024 – Fort Lauderdale, FLA, October 20-21. For more information and registration, click here.

Precious Metals Summit – Zurich, CH, November 11-12, 2024. For more information, click here.

121 Mining Events – London, UK, November 14-15. For more information, click here.

About Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.Stillwater Critical Minerals (TSXV:PGE)(OTCQB:PGEZF)(FSE:J0G) is a mineral exploration company focused on its flagship Stillwater West Ni-PGE-Cu-Co + Au project in the iconic and famously productive Stillwater mining district in Montana, USA. With the addition of two renowned Bushveld and Platreef geologists to the team and strategic investments by Glencore plc, the Company is well positioned to advance the next phase of large-scale critical mineral supply from this world-class American district, building on past production of nickel, copper, and chromium, and the on-going production of platinum group, nickel, and other metals by neighboring Sibanye-Stillwater. An expanded NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate, released January 2023, positions Stillwater West with the largest nickel resource in an active US mining district as part of a compelling suite of nine minerals now listed as critical in the USA. To date, five Platreef-style nickel and copper sulphide deposits host a total of 1.6 billion pounds of nickel, copper and cobalt, and 3.8 million ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium, and gold at Stillwater West. All of these deposits remain open for expansion along trend and at depth.

Stillwater also holds the high-grade Black Lake-Drayton Gold project adjacent to Nexgold Mining's development-stage Goliath Gold Complex in northwest Ontario, currently under an earn-in agreement with Heritage Mining, and the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu-Co critical minerals project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinum‘s Wellgreen deposit in Canada‘s Yukon Territory.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Michael Rowley, President, CEO & Director – Stillwater Critical MineralsEmail: info@criticalminerals.com Phone: (604) 357 4790Web: http://criticalminerals.com Toll Free: (888) 432 0075

Quality Control and Quality AssuranceMr. Mike Ostenson, P.Geo., is the qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, and he has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Stillwater Critical Minerals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Stillwater Critical Minerals and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

The long-suffering lithium sector is enjoying a rare boom after mining giant Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) announced an all-cash $6.7 billion deal for Arcadium Lithium Plc (NYSE:ALTM), good for a hefty 90% premium to the Oct. 4 closing price. Both company boards unanimously approved the merger, with the deal expected to close mid-2025. Arcadium Lithium was formed in January 2024 following the US$10.6 billion merger of equals between U.S.-based Livent and Australia’s Alkem. 

Arcadium Lithium’s shares have nearly doubled since the merger was announced; Albemarle Corp. (NYSE:ALB), the world’s largest lithium producer, gained 9.4%, SQM (NYSE: SQM) went up 7.9%%, Standard Lithium (TSXV: SLI, NYSE: SLI) gained 39.2% while Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC, NYSE:LAC) was up 6.7%.

The acquisition is seen as a major win for Rio Tinto, with the company having struggled to get traction in the lithium market after its Jadar project in Serbia ran into local opposition. This means that Rio Tinto now owns the world’s third-largest lithium reserves, behind only Corporacion Minera de Bolivia, also known as COMIBOL, and SQM.

But it’s Albemarle that the markets will be looking at much more closely now. Its strong Q2 performance was impressive, given the extremely fragile nature of the lithium market. Despite these conditions, ALB managed to increase lithium sales volumes and the outlook has been highly optimistic, with ALB forecasting $15-per-kilogram prices. Under pressure from falling lithium prices, a weakening EV market and Chinese oversupply, ALB has taken a beating, shedding 45% year-to-date. That makes this stock a potential buy-on-the-dip opportunity, particularly in the wake of the Rio Tinto developments.

We could be in the middle of a lithium turning point here, and if that is the case, Albemarle has its ducks lined up in a neat row.

Turning Point

That said, the broad-based lithium rally kicked in well before the Rio Tinto merger. The Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (NYSEARCA:LIT) has jumped nearly 30% after sinking to a 3-year low exactly 30 days ago.

The rebound coincides with growing predictions that lithium prices could have bottomed out. A month ago, Citi analysts raised their near-term price target for lithium carbonate to $14K/metric ton and for lithium hydroxide to $14.2K/ton, from a prior forecast of $10K/ton for both products, predicting a near-term rally in lithium prices as investors cover their short positions. However, Citi  added that over the next 6-12 months "does not expect the rally to have 'follow through' as higher prices could very well trigger a supply response, potentially leading to loosening of lithium balances."

Lithium carbonate edged higher to CNY 75,500 ($10.663) per tonne after steadying at the three-year low of CNY 71,500 ($10,098)  through September, as economic stimulus from the Chinese government momentarily countered persistent oversupply concerns. Lithium carbonate prices have declined 21% in the year-to-date, adding to an 80% plunge in 2023 driven by the flood of new supply relative to dwindling demand for new electric vehicles, the main use for lithium. Still, market players expect global supply to soar by nearly 50% this year, as hopes of eventual balance in the market drove the race to secure battery metals drove China to expand projects in Africa while Chile signaled it would aim to double output over the next decade.

Adding to the bearish pressure are growing tariffs on China’s renewable energy products. Recently, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) finalized its plan to raise tariffs on a slew of Chinese goods, largely adopting hikes it first proposed in May. The expanded tariffs mainly target strategic product categories, including electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, semiconductors and critical minerals.

The final tariff structure covers thousands of items under 14 product categories, with the first tariff hikes set to go into effect on Sept. 27 and the rest over the next two years. And, they are just as punitive as those of the Trump era: Chinese EVs have been slapped with a hefty 100% tariff; a 25% tariff on lithium-ion EV batteries, and a 50% tariff on photovoltaic solar cells. Meanwhile, a 50% tariff on China-made semiconductors will go into effect in 2025.

However, other lithium bulls are hanging on. BMI, a Fitch Solutions research unit, has predicted a lithium shortage could hit as early as 2025 largely due to China’s lithium demand exceeding supply.

“We expect an average of 20.4% year-on-year annual growth for China’s lithium demand for EVs alone over 2023-2032,” the report stated. In contrast, BMI sees China’s lithium supply growing at a much slower 6% annual clip over the same period, pointing out that that rate is not enough to meet even one-third of forecast demand.

BMI is not the only lithium bull here. “We do fundamentally believe in a shortage for the lithium industry. We forecast supply growth of course, but demand is set to grow at a much faster pace,” Corinne Blanchard, Deutsche Bank’s director of lithium and clean tech equity research, has told CNBC. Blanchard sees a “modest deficit” of around 40,000 to 60,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent by the end of 2025, but has forecast a much wider deficit to the tune of 768,000 tonnes by the end of 2030.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

 

And here are a number of other miners to keep an eye on this autumn:

BHP Group (NYSE:BHP), a global resources giant, showcases a diversified portfolio encompassing iron ore, copper, coal, nickel, and energy operations. With a substantial presence in Australia and the Americas, BHP’s operational scale is impressive. The company’s commitment to sustainable practices, including environmental impact reduction and community engagement, further solidifies its position as a responsible and forward-thinking leader in the global resources sector.

FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) Based in Philadelphia, FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company delivering innovative technology to growers worldwide and has a significant stake in lithium for rechargeable batteries and other high-tech applications. The company’s agricultural products contribute to increased crop yield and quality, addressing global food security issues. FMC’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has driven robust demand for its crop protection products, supported by higher commodity prices and strong agricultural market fundamentals.

Lithium Americas (NYSE:LAC) has emerged as a significant player in the lithium market, driven by the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and renewable energy. The company’s Thacker Pass project in Nevada holds the potential to be one of the world’s largest lithium sources, positioning Lithium Americas as a major contributor to the global lithium supply chain. Strategic investments and partnerships with established industry players further enhance the company’s prospects for growth and expansion.

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) stands as a global specialty chemicals leader, distinguished by its position as the world’s largest lithium producer. This prominence in the lithium market aligns with the surging demand for electric vehicle batteries, a key growth driver for the company. Albemarle’s diversified portfolio, encompassing bromine, catalysts, and pharmaceuticals, showcases its adaptability and commitment to innovation across various sectors.

Piedmont Lithium Limited (NASDAQ:PLL) is an Australian mining company focused on developing lithium resources in the United States. Its flagship Piedmont Lithium Project in North Carolina is projected to produce a substantial amount of lithium hydroxide annually, catering to the increasing demand for lithium-based products. Piedmont Lithium’s strategic partnerships with industry leaders like LG Chem highlight its commitment to building a robust supply chain for the burgeoning electric vehicle market.

MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP) holds a unique position as the sole operator of a fully integrated rare earth mining and processing facility in the United States. The company’s focus on producing rare earth oxides and metals, critical components in various technologies, is particularly significant given the growing demand for these materials in emerging sectors like renewable energy and electronics. MP Materials’ vertical integration model ensures quality and consistency in its products, further strengthening its market position.

Rare Element Resources Ltd. (TSX:RES) is dedicated to the exploration and development of rare earth elements (REEs), crucial components in clean energy technologies. The company’s flagship Bear Lodge project in Wyoming, recognized as one of the world’s largest undeveloped REE deposits, holds immense potential to contribute to the global supply of REEs. REE’s commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices underscores its dedication to ethical resource extraction and environmental stewardship.

Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX:AVL) is a Canadian company specializing in developing and manufacturing specialty materials for diverse industries. With expertise in high-purity metals and alloys used in electronics, aerospace, and biomedical applications, Avalon plays a vital role in advancing various technological fields. The company’s focus on developing materials for energy storage solutions, particularly lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, demonstrates its commitment to innovation and addressing the evolving needs of the market.

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (TSX:FM) is a Canadian mining and metals company with a diverse global portfolio. The company’s operations span multiple countries and encompass the production of copper, nickel, gold, and zinc. First Quantum’s commitment to responsible mining practices and community engagement is evident in its efforts to create economic opportunities and minimize environmental impact in the regions where it operates.

Allkem Limited (TSX:AKE), an Australian mining company, is a significant player in the lithium market. Its diverse portfolio of lithium projects in Australia, Argentina, and Canada, including a substantial presence in the lithium-rich Salar de Atacama, positions it as a major contributor to the global lithium supply chain. Allkem’s integrated approach to lithium production, spanning exploration, production, and refining, solidifies its role in meeting the growing demand for lithium in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

Teck Resources Limited (TSX:TECK), a Canadian mining powerhouse, is a leading producer of zinc and copper. Its extensive operations in Canada, the United States, Chile, and Peru contribute significantly to the global supply of these essential metals. Teck’s zinc production is particularly noteworthy due to its critical role in various battery technologies, aligning with the increasing demand for energy storage solutions across multiple industries.

Read this article on OilPrice.com

FMC Corporation FMC is benefiting from efforts to expand its product portfolio through new product launches and its restructuring actions. FMC, which is among the prominent players in the chemical space along with Dow Inc. DOW, Celanese Corporation CE and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. APD, delivered better-than-expected results in the second quarter on the back of higher volumes. It saw improved demand in the quarter, leading to an increase in sales volumes, especially in the United States and Brazil.The company is investing in technologies as well as new product launches to enhance value to the farmers. New products launched in Europe, North America and Asia are gaining significant traction. Product introductions are expected to support FMC’s results this year.FMC generated $590 million in sales in 2023 from new products launched in the past five years. It sees revenues from new products to grow by roughly $200 million in 2024. It expects a significant amount of volume growth to come from new products in the second half of 2024. FMC is seeing strong gains in new products including Coragen eVo and Premio Star insecticides and the Onsuva fungicide in Latin America.The acquisition of BioPhero ApS, a Denmark-based pheromone research and production company, also adds biologically produced state-of-the-art pheromone insect control technology to the company’s product portfolio and R&D pipeline, highlighting FMC's role as a leader in delivering innovative and sustainable crop protection solutions.FMC is also expected to benefit from reduced input costs, a favorable product mix and its cost-control actions. It benefited from favorable input costs in the second quarter of 2024. FMC is also making progress with its global restructuring and cost-reduction program. It sees benefits from restructuring to contribute $75-$100 million to full-year 2024 adjusted EBITDA, net of inflation.FMC, on its second-quarter call, updated its revenue outlook for full-year 2024. It now sees revenues between $4.30 billion to $4.50 billion, indicating a 2% decline at the midpoint compared to 2023. Adjusted EBITDA is now expected in the range of $880 million and $940 million, suggesting a 7% decline at the midpoint compared to the prior year. Adjusted earnings are now forecast between $3.02-$3.64 per share, reflecting a 12% year-over-year decline at the midpoint. Another prominent chemical maker, Dow updated its third-quarter 2024 earnings guidance last month. It sees revenues of roughly $10.6 billion and operating EBITDA of about $1.3 billion. DOW stated that its revised outlook is mainly prompted by a major unexpected incident in late July at one of its ethylene crackers in Texas. The company is also dealing with higher input costs and margin pressures in Europe.Celanese expects adjusted earnings in the range of $2.75-$3 per share for the third quarter of 2024. Based on the impact of the second-quarter force majeure and ongoing demand issues, CE forecasts full-year adjusted earnings per share in the range of $10.25 to $10.75.Air Products, on its fiscal third-quarter call, maintained its fiscal 2024 full-year adjusted earnings per share projection of $12.20 to $12.50, suggesting a 6-9% increase from the previous year. The company’s adjusted earnings per share guidance for the fiscal fourth quarter is $3.33-$3.63.

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Zacks Investment Research

As an investor its worth striving to ensure your overall portfolio beats the market average. But the risk of stock picking is that you will likely buy under-performing companies. Unfortunately, that's been the case for longer term FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) shareholders, since the share price is down 30% in the last three years, falling well short of the market return of around 26%. On top of that, the share price is down 6.1% in the last week.

With the stock having lost 6.1% in the past week, it's worth taking a look at business performance and seeing if there's any red flags.

Check out our latest analysis for FMC

There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

During the unfortunate three years of share price decline, FMC actually saw its earnings per share (EPS) improve by 38% per year. This is quite a puzzle, and suggests there might be something temporarily buoying the share price. Alternatively, growth expectations may have been unreasonable in the past.

Since the change in EPS doesn't seem to correlate with the change in share price, it's worth taking a look at other metrics.

We think that the revenue decline over three years, at a rate of 4.4% per year, probably had some shareholders looking to sell. And that's not surprising, since it seems unlikely that EPS growth can continue for long in the absence of revenue growth.

The image below shows how earnings and revenue have tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

earnings-and-revenue-growth

We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. So we recommend checking out this free report showing consensus forecasts

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of FMC, it has a TSR of -25% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

A Different Perspective

FMC provided a TSR of 1.7% over the last twelve months. Unfortunately this falls short of the market return. On the bright side, that's still a gain, and it is certainly better than the yearly loss of about 3% endured over half a decade. It could well be that the business is stabilizing. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand FMC better, we need to consider many other factors. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for FMC (of which 2 make us uncomfortable!) you should know about.

FMC is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find lesser know companies this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Highlights:

• Commerce Resources confirms significant niobium mineralization with 122.5m at 0.62% Nb2O5 from near surface at the Mallard Prospect, Eldor Property, located within 2 km of the Company's globally significant Ashram Rare-Earth and Fluorspar Deposit, Quebec, Canada.

• Core assay results from the first seven (7) drill holes of the 2024 program, which targeted the Mallard Prospect and Spoke Target, are reported herein:

Mallard Prospect:

• 122.5 m at0.62% Nb2O5and 6.4% P2O5 (EC24-208), including,

  • 12.0 m at 0.82% Nb2O5and 7.5% P2O5

  • 7.5 m at 1.01% Nb2O5and 12.3% P2O5

  • 15.5 m at 0.62%Nb2O5, 360 ppm Ta2O5, and 6.6% P2O5 (EC24-211), including,

    • 8.1 m at 0.79% Nb2O5, 439 ppm Ta2O5, and 7.7% P2O5

  • 42.9 m at 0.60% Nb2O5and 7.1% P2O5 (EC24-211), including,

    • 2.9 m at 1.13% Nb2O5and 12.7% P2O5

  • 24.0 m at 0.69% Nb2O5and6.2% P2O5 (EC24-210)

Spoke Target:

• 27.5 m at 0.60% Nb2O5and 8.7% P2O5 (EC24-212)

• 17.9 m at 0.66% Nb2O5and 5.2% P2O5 (EC24-213)

• 21.3 m at 0.60% Nb2O5and 5.8% P2O5 (EC24-213)

• The 2024 drill program of twenty-nine (29) NQ-size drill holes totalling 8,253 m has now concluded, with remaining drill core assays anticipated within Q4 of 2024.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 10, 2024 / Commerce Resources Corp. (TSXv:CCE)(FSE:D7H0)(OTCQX:CMRZF) (the "Company" or "Commerce") is pleased to confirm a significant niobium intercept of 122.5 m at 0.62% Nb2O5 from near surface at the Eldor Property, located within 2 km of the globally significant Ashram Deposit in Quebec, Canada. The 2024 summer-fall drill program at the Eldor Property has concluded, with a total of twenty-nine (29) NQ-size diamond drill holes, for approximately 8,253 m completed between early-July to mid-September 2024. The program had two main objectives; 1) follow-up on the known niobium (±tantalum & phosphate) mineralized carbonatites at the Mallard and Miranna Prospects, and 2) initial drill testing of several geophysical anomalies characteristic of niobium-mineralized occurrences at the Property (Figure 1). Assay results from the first seven drill holes, which targeted the Mallard Prospect and Spoke, returned strong niobium mineralization. This adds to Commerce's portfolio of critical element occurrences at the Eldor Property, including the globally significant rare-earth Ashram Deposit, which has 73.2 million tonnes (Mt) at 1.89% TREO (total rare-earth oxide) (indicated), and 131.1 Mt at 1.91% TREO (inferred) (see MRE news release dated May 22, 2024).

Ross Carroll, President and CEO of Commerce, comments: "The Company remains focused on the development of the Ashram Deposit and its pending Preliminary Economic Assessment. However, the potential for the Property to hold a significant mineral resource of niobium is something that has been recognized by the Company for many years. Thanks to our experienced exploration team, we continue to deliver highly successful niobium drilling results at the Property, with impressive grades and widths of mineralization providing confidence that a stand-alone niobium project is possible. Additional drilling in support of a maiden mineral resource estimate and subsequent studies for the niobium at Eldor are the logical next steps to unlock the value of this potential, which is situated proximal to Ashram."

Patrik Schmidt, Vice President of Exploration of Commerce, comments: "The 2024 drill program was highly successful in accomplishing both of our primary objectives. All drill holes testing the geophysical anomalies intersected carbonatite, confirming that Nb-mineralization exists beyond the known targets. Additionally, we are also very pleased with the first batch of results that followed up on known targets. The assays continue to deliver very strong results with substantial intersections of 0.5 to 0.7% Nb2O5 at Mallard and Spoke".

The niobium (±tantalum & phosphate) targets at the Eldor Property are situated proximal (typically < 2 km) to the Company's Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit. Therefore, the discovery of a substantial niobium deposit in this area would present a significant opportunity for joint infrastructure development and use.

Figure 1. 2024 drill assay highlights from drill holes EC24-208 to EC24-214

One of the main objectives for the 2024 drill program was to focus on completing several follow-up drill holes at the Mallard Prospect to further delineate along-strike mineralization potential of carbonatite in this target area. The first drill hole of the 2021 drill program at Mallard – EC21-175 – returned the best niobium intercept to-date from the Property at 1.00% Nb2O5 over 17.1 m (and 136 ppm Ta2O5), within a larger interval of 0.82% Nb2O5 over 42.3 m (and 153 ppm Ta2O5; see news release dated November 1st, 2021). The first drill hole of the 2024 campaign (EC24-208) was therefore aimed at testing the extent of down-dip mineralization adjacent to hole EC21-175, and the nearby EC19-174A, which returned similar niobium-mineralized carbonatite intercepts during the 2019 drill program (0.80% Nb2O5 over 31.5 m, including 1.36% Nb2O5 over 4.5 m; see news release dated June 11th, 2019). Drill hole EC24-208 successfully demonstrated the down-dip continuity of niobium-enrichment within carbonatite intersected at Mallard, with notable high-grade intercepts of 0.82% Nb2O5 over 12.0 m and 1.01% Nb2O5 over 7.5 m, all within a broad interval of 122.5 m of 0.62% Nb2O5 (Table 1; Figure 1). Subsequent drill holes at Mallard (EC24-209 to EC24-211) were designed as step-outs both to the northwest and southwest of previously drill-tested areas of the Mallard Prospect (Figure 1).

The Company also followed-up on the initial drill testing that targeted an anomalous magnetic high known as "Spoke" during the Company's inaugural drilling campaign at the Property in 2008. Two (2) holes drilled at the Spoke Target (EC24-212 and EC24-213) returned promising results with niobium-mineralized intercepts, including an interval of 27.5 m at 0.60% Nb2O5 starting from 133 m depth in EC24-212 and two intervals in EC24-213 of 17.9 m at 0.66% Nb2O5 starting from 247.7 m in addition to a wider interval of 21.3 m at 0.60% Nb2O5 starting at 278.5 m depth. Although further drill-testing is required at Spoke, these deeper mineralized intercepts could indicate a continuation of the Mallard niobium-enrichment trend in carbonatites, extending the mineralization trend to the northwest beyond Mallard.

The geological team has completed all core processing for the 2024 drill program, and all core samples for the program have now been received by Activation Laboratories Ltd. located in Ancaster, ON, for preparation and analyses. Core assay results for twenty-one (21) drill holes from the 2024 drill program are still pending (Table 2).

Table 1. 2024 initial drilling assay highlights from Mallard and Spoke Target AreasTable 2. Summary of 2024 drill hole attributes for results reported and results pending

Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC)

A Quality Assurance & Quality Control protocol following industry best practices was incorporated into the program and included systematic insertion of quartz blanks and certified reference materials into sample batches at a rate of approximately 5%. All core samples collected were shipped to Activation Laboratories Ltd. in Ancaster, ON, Canada, for sample preparation (code RX1) which includes crushing up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 µm. The samples were homogenized and subsequently analyzed for multi-element using fusion with lithium metaborate /tetraborate in platinum crucibles and analysis by fusion XRF (codes 8-Nb-Ta, Majors + REE). Fluorine (F) assay was requested based on visual presence of fluorspar by lithium metaborate/tetraborate fusion and acid dissolution with analysis by Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) with a detection limit of 0.01%

NI 43-101 Disclosure

Patrik T. Schmidt, M.Sc., P.Geo., Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., a Permit holder with the Ordre des Géologues du Québec and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release.

About Commerce Resources Corp.

Commerce Resources Corp. is a junior mineral resource company focused on the development of the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit located within their Eldor Property, in northern Quebec, Canada. The Ashram Deposit is characterized by simple rare earth (monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime) and gangue (carbonates) mineralogy, a large tonnage resource at favourable grade, and has demonstrated the production of high-grade (more than 30 – 45% TREO) mineral concentrates at high recovery (more than 60 – 75%) in line with active global producers. The Ashram Deposit also has a fluorspar component which makes it one of the largest potential sources of fluorspar in the world and could be a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar markets. The Company is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth producers globally, with a specific focus on being a long-term supplier of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or NdPr oxide to the global market. Additionally, Commerce is committed to exploring the potential of other high-value commodities on the Property such as niobium and phosphate minerals, which may help advance Ashram by reducing costs through shared development.

For more information, please visit the corporate website at www.commerceresources.com or email info@commerceresources.com.

On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsCOMMERCE RESOURCES CORP."Ross Carroll"Ross CarrollCEO and PresidentTel: 604.484.2700Email: rcarroll@commerceresources.comWeb: http://www.commerceresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which includes any information about activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements regarding Eldor's potential to hold significant mineral resources of niobium; statements regarding the confidence that Eldor possesses a stand-alone niobium project with a reasonable potential for development; that Ashram has the potential to become one of the largest fluorspar sources in the world and a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar markets; that the Company is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth element producers globally, with a focus on being a long-term global supplier of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or NdPr oxide; and that the Company may explore the potential of other high-value commodities on the Eldor property. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these events, activities or developments from coming to fruition include: that the Company may not be able to fully finance any additional exploration on the Ashram Project; that even if the Company is able raise capital, costs for exploration activities may increase such that the Company may not have sufficient funds to pay for such exploration or processing activities; the timing and content of the proposed drill program and any future work programs may not be completed as proposed or at all; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information; potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumptions based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered analogous deposits that, with further test work, may not be comparable; testing of our process may not prove successful or samples derived from the Ashram Project may not yield positive results, and even if such tests are successful or initial sample results are positive, the economic and other outcomes may not be as expected; the anticipated market demand for rare earth elements and other minerals may not be as expected; the availability of labour and equipment to undertake future exploration work and testing activities; geopolitical risks which may result in market and economic instability; and despite the current expected viability of the Ashram Project, conditions changing such that even if metals or minerals are discovered on the Eldor Property, the project may not be commercially viable. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Commerce Resources Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

SQM's Role in Global Markets

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE:SQM), based in Chile, has established itself as one of the world's leading producers of lithium, iodine, and potassium derivatives. Their global sales and production presence is spanned across multiple continents, with numerous Commercial Offices, Joint Ventures, Production Plants, and Mining Operations across North America, Europe, South America, with the bulk of sales being generated from Asia, and Oceania.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 8 Warning Sign with SQM.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Among their products it is worth clarifying that the potassium-based products are key to the development of fertilizers that support agricultural productivity worldwide.

While their overall Potassium global market Share may only be 1%, this figure turns out to be a misleadingly mainly due to the fact that this segment includes Potassium Chloride, with SQM only accounting for 1% of the global share when compared to their hyper-specialized Potassium Chloride producing competitors taking up a much bigger share with higher volumes: Nutrien, 21%; Uralkali, 15%; Belaruskali, 10% and Mosaic, 13%; therefore diluting SQM's global Potassium Share as a whole.

Despite SQM's lower market share within this segment, SQM's potassium production contributes greatly to their overall Industrial Chemicals, (IC) and Specialty Plant Nutrition, (SPN) segments which respectively make up 62% and 42% of the global market share largely due to their heavy presence in production of, and the global demand for Industrial Potassium and Sodium Nitrate products, which they accounted for 62% and 44% of the Global Market Share respectively in accordance to the breakdown provided in SQM's 2023 Sustainability Report.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

These sodium and potassium nitrate products are dual purpose as they not only act as key ingredients of fertilizers, pesticides, and preservatives, benefiting their SPN segment, likewise, these nitrates drive their IC segment primarily attributed to demand for Thermo-Solar Salts, a molten salt used by Concentrated Solar Plants, (CSPs) to power their turbines and produce energy.

This process works by taking solar radiation and concentrating it onto an array of mirrors which are then focused onto a central tower where the salts are stored, this heats up the salts to a molten state which then produces the steam required to drive the turbines and produce electricity. Molten salts are in high demand for this use-case due to their excellent ability to withstand high temperatures without breaking down paired with their excellent ability to both absorb and transfer heat. This makes them an ideal choice not only for steamgeneration in CSPs but also as coolants for Nuclear Molten Salt Reactors.

In recent history there has been an international initiative to fund green energy projects. Among those, CSPs projects have benefited greatly from this funding and has significantly contributed to the trend of YoY increases in Concentrated Solar Power electricity generation:

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: IRENA

The above chart shows the YoY trends of Concentrated Solar Power electricity generation, which has seen trend of growth since 2012 that turned exponential in 2014, largely sparked by the opening of Ivanpah, the world's largest CSP at that time, with a capacity of 392 MW, enough to power 140,000 homes.

The construction was financed with $1.6 billion in risk free loans by the Department of Energy and $300 million in Venture Capital. The total construction cost amounted to $2.2 billion and has proven to a successful venture for its owners: (NRG), BrightSource Energy, and Google. The success of this venture aligned with innovations of technology and served as a proof of concept which opened the door for many more such projects being funded in the subsequent years with Concentrated Solar Power Electricity Generation eventually surpassing 14,000 MW/hs.in 2019 where it continues to hold near today.

According to the IEA and SolarPACES, CSP Operational Capacity reached 6618 MW worldwide with an additional 1564 MW of capacity remaining under construction as of the end of 2023. Like with the Ivanpah project, much of this construction has been government funded and is part of an international initiative to securing a sustainable source of environmentally friendly energy.

The IEA and SolarPACES offers a project map detailing global capacity of Operating and Non-operating CSPs which I have provided below.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

The size of the global solar salt market between 2022 and 2023 was approximately $4.5 billion, with SQM alone making up a combined total of $2.8 billion in revenue across their Potassium and Industrial Chemical segments in the year of 2023. This further illustrates SQM's dominance within the industry and further exposes it to all future benefits and growth prospects within the global solar sector. Federal Government thus far has set aside a $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), under this fund 60 US-based nonprofits, and municipalities were awarded $7 billion under as part of Biden's Solar For All program aimed at delivering solar to more than 900,000 low-income US households.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: Jessica Russo/NRDC

This government initiative is just one of many worldwide initiatives, which have continued to drive more demand for SQM's Solar-based products, thus likely further securing SQM's continued growth within the sector.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: SQM 2023, Annual Report

As shown in the Q2, 2024 Earnings Presentation, we've seen sales volume take a notable dive between 2023 and now;

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: Q2, 2024 Earnings Presentation

This is likely due to economic declines experienced within the Asian Markets, namely-China. In early-2021, the Chinese Consumer Confidence Index peaked at an all-time high of 127 points; this peak was followed by a sharp decline in late-2022, dropping to a record all-time low of 85.50 points, far below the happy mean of the low 100s the Chinese economy has normally enjoyed:

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: TradingEconomics.com

This downward shift in consumer confidence was in alignment with the collapse of Evergrande Group; China's biggest property giant who went bankrupt and began a long liquidation process of all of their assets in late 2021, a process that has continued into the current day. This failure of Evergrande sent ripple effects throughout the property sector and resulted in Enterprise Investment within the sector falling greatly during the same period;

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: MacroMicro.me

I suspect that it is this economic failure in China, especially within its property sector, has greatly contributed to the falling volumes the Industrial Chemicals segment has experienced.

However, it is once again worth emphasizing that the average sale prices within the IC segment have remained higher while nearly doubling during the same period, growth which has been fuel primarily by rising North American and European demand. This has allowed the company to expend less while still making a profit during this intermittent period of economic decline.

Both the SPM and Potassium Segments also experienced notable shortfalls during this time, likely driven by the decline in the Chinese Consumer and Chinese Commercial Investment.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source, SQM 2023 Annual Report

However, it should be noted that the ongoing trend across these segments show promising demand strength in sales volumes, which is primarily due to the fact that North America and Other markets have largely stepped up to fill in for the void of demand left by the declining Chinese Markets.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

This dynamic as highlighted by their Q2, 2024 Earnings Presentation, has led to exponentially rising sales volumes in both segments well into current year and has thus resulted in prices remaining stable and earnings growth being projected higher as the year of 2024 concludes.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Moving over to SQM's Iodine segment, it is made apparent that SQM are responsible for running the majority of Chile's iodine operations, mainly from Caliche Ore Deposits located in Northern Chile.

SQM estimates that it was responsible for 35% global iodine sales by volume for the year of 2023 and detailed that it produced record-breaking amounts, approximately 13,900 Metric Tons, with 13,100 Metric Tons in sales volume.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: SQM 2023 Annual Report

SQM's Iodine segment spills over into various fields, ranging from being used as contrast agents for X-rays, and CT scans in the medical field, to being used in fertilizers and safe disinfecting agent at low concentrations in agricultural fields such as in iodized salts; and even in widely-used technologies such as LCDs where it is used in the production process of polarizing filters, these are used to add contrast and improve the viewing angles for LCD screens such as those used on monitors, TVs, smartphones, and other devices.

According to a 2023 survey conducted by the US Department of Interior, Chile account for about 65% of the world's Iodine Production excluding US Production; when factoring in US production the figure still managed to be more than half. Additionally, between 2019 and 2022; 89% of US Iodine Imports were sourced from Chile. The continued exclusive support provided by high US demand has greatly shielded this segment from economic declines stimming from China; resulting in not only higher sales volumes, but higher average prices as well.

Based off the recent Q2, 2024 earnings presentation, SQM's Iodine segment is expected to continue to see higher volumes at higher prices as the year concludes, this combination should have a positive effect on theEBITDA of the overall segment.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: Q2, 2024 Earnings Presentation

Lastly is their Lithium segment, so far the segments we have covered are those in which SQM hold majority market share, but however impressive their performance in those sectors may be still only represent just lessthan half of the company's total yearly revenue. The core of their business lies in the lithium segment, and while the company has continued to make a profit within this sector, it has experienced significant YoY declines, falling 36.5% from the $8.1529 billion high of 2022 down to $5.1801 billion in 2023. This was mainly attributed to lower average lithium prices over the course of the year but was partially offset by record high sales volumes.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: SQM 2023 Annual Report

The lithium segment is one that has seen explosive demand growth over the last few years and is a great beneficiary the EV Boom, China's contribution within this sector has been especially high with it consistently contributing to just under 50-65% of electric car registrations since the 2020 EV boom, but following China's economic slump in 2022, we've seen China's contribution to EV stocks begin to stagnate, gradually going from a trend of exponential growth, to linear growth by 2023.

This trend can be visualized in this chart of global electric car stocks provided by the EIA:

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: EIA

In this chart we can see Chinese Plug-in Hybrid EV, (PHEV), and Battery EVs (BEVs) represented by the top and bottom blue shades respectively. While the overall global market has grown, China's dominance within this growth has seen significant stagnation, particularly within the BEVs. This was followed by substantial declines in lithium pricing following 2022 as illustrated in SQM's Q2, 2024 Earnings Presentation:

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

It is worth mentioning that in spite of YoY pricing and revenue declines between 2022 and 2023, both revenues and sales volumes remain at record highs compared to years prior, with revenues only reaching just under $1billion in 2021 and sales volume nearly doubling over the course of subsequent years. SQM's Lithium Segment makes up approximately 69% of the company's overall total revenue, this is revenue share has been rising exponentially since 2021 in alignment with the EV boom.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: SQM 2023 Annual Report

This trend of growing sales volume has continued into 2024 with QoQ sales volume growing exponentially over the last twelve months, sales growth that has been aligned with stabilizing prices. It is by my assessment that these rising sales volumes signal rising demand which should eventually result in lithium prices rising once more. Given that SQM is positioned to have already made $1.1 billion in Gross Profit within the sector over the last 12 months in spite of the falling profits leads me to believe that the company will be well positioned to assume the exponential growth within the segment as lithium prices presumably begin to rise.

Additionally, it can be seen here that prior to 2021, SQM's biggest revenue stream came from their SPN Segment, but in 2021 they started to see substantial rises in all segments, especially in Lithium, primarily drivenby the EV sector, a trend that has in aggregate continued into current-day.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: TradingView.com

At the start of 2024, SQM raised their FY2024 guidance, projecting a higher sales volume of lithium carbonate, (LCE) to 200 Kilometric Tons due to higher than expected Q1 volumes. So far, as of the Q2 report the company has sold 95 Kilometric Tons of LCE, bringing it halfway toward the raised projections, putting it on track to meat, if not beat their goals.

SQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source Q2, 2024 Earnings Presentation

As reported in the Q2, 2024 report LTM Revenues amounted to $5.5 billion while LTM adjusted EBITDA remained strong at $2.0 billion, during this period, the Net Financed Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio sat at 1.1x, representing perfectly safe and acceptable leverage ratio within the company.

In summary, SQM has extensive involvement in the exploration, production, and trade of numerous critical minerals commodities. These commodity minerals are key to the proper function and operation of several key industries spanning across, Electric Vehicles, Consumer and Enterprise Technologies, Renewable Energy, and Agriculture, over the last few years SQM has greatly scaled up their operations, which has allowed them to continuously capitalize on booms as they spanned across differing industries. SQM's massive internal revenue shift from dominating the in the SPN Segment to then dominating in the Lithium Segment as a result of the EV highlights the company's ability to adapt to changing economic conditions while also displaying their ability to continue to operate and maintain their high and stale global market share even in other non-boomingsectors.

Technical OutlookSQM: A Diversified Minerals Portfolio, Driving Growth Across Energy, Tech, and Agriculture

Source: TradingView.com

Over the course of the last 10 years we've seen SQM enter complete intermittent cycles of exponential growth, followed by subsequent cycles of intermittent cool downs. These cycles have been reflected over the same period in the pricing of the stock through cycles of intermitted rises and declines in share prices. However, the underlying trend throughout all of it has consistently been higher lows and higher highs. The 200-month Simple Moving Average has acted at a bottoming level for this stock during the previous two cycle lows and now as it aligns with a price support/resistance level, the 200-month SMA appears to be acting as support again with negative momentum on the MACD declining, and the PPO Oscillator stagnating at oversold extremes, now pointing upwards and presenting a potential buy signal.

If history is to repeat, we should see shares of SQM begin a new Bullish Cycle, taking it from the current level of $41.68, to reunite with the previous cycle high of $106.16 and beyond.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 9, 2024 – Today, Zacks Equity Research DuPont de Nemours, Inc. DD, FMC Corp. FMC and Cabot Corp. CBT.

Industry: Chemicals – Diversified

Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2347240/3-diversified-chemical-stocks-to-escape-industry-challenges

The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry is plagued by sluggish demand in certain markets, including consumer durables and building & construction, and some residual impacts of consumer inventory destocking. Lower consumer spending due to inflationary pressures in Europe and a slow recovery in China are impacting demand.

Industry players like DuPont de Nemours, Inc., FMC Corp.  and Cabot Corp. are banking on strategic measures, including operating cost reductions and aggressive price hikes, to tide over the challenging environment.

About the Industry

The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry consists of manufacturers of basic chemicals, plastics, specialty chemicals and agricultural chemicals. Companies in this space serve a host of end markets, such as automotive, building & construction, transportation, electronics, aerospace and agriculture.

Basic chemicals are produced in large quantities and include petrochemicals and intermediates (such as ethylene, propylene and benzene), polymers (including plastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride), and inorganic chemicals (such as chlorine, caustic soda and titanium dioxide). Specialty chemicals that include catalysts, specialty polymers and coating additives are used in specific fields based on their performance. Agricultural chemicals include herbicides, fungicides and insecticides that are used to protect crops from disease, pests and weeds.

What's Shaping the Future of the Chemicals Diversified Industry?

Demand Headwinds From End-market Softness: Companies in the chemical-diversified space remain challenged by demand weakness in certain key markets. The sluggishness in the building & construction and consumer electronics markets are the key concerns. In North America, uncertainties surrounding the U.S. housing market are weighing on building & construction.

Softer demand in industrial and consumer durables is hurting chemical volumes. Weaker global economic activities have led to a higher level of uncertainties, which may affect chemical volumes over the near term. While the unprecedented customer inventory destocking that started in late 2022 and weighed heavily on the industry through the first half of 2024 is nearing completion, some lingering impacts of the same are expected to continue in the near term.

Slowdown in Europe and China a Concern: A slower recovery in economic activities in China is hurting chemical demand in that country. China is seeing slower economic growth and a sluggish real estate market. A weak property market and a slowdown in infrastructure investments have led to softer demand.

The real estate sector has taken a hard hit amid a decline in new home prices, property investment and housing sales. The slowdown in Europe, resulting from the war in Ukraine and weaker consumer spending due to high levels of inflation and high interest rates, has also led to softer demand in that region. The energy and feedstock inflation has resulted in reduced industrial production and consumer spending in Europe. The ongoing weakness in these key regions is likely to impact the demand for chemicals over the short haul.

Strategic Actions to Aid Results: The companies in this space are taking a host of strategic measures, including cost-cutting and productivity improvement, operational efficiency improvement and actions to strengthen the balance sheet and boost cash flows. In particular, the industry participants are aggressively implementing actions to bring down costs. These include the reduction of discretionary spending. The industry participants are also raising selling prices to counter cost inflation. Such moves are likely to help the industry sustain margins amid the prevailing challenges.

Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bleak Prospects

The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry is part of the broader Zacks Basic Materials sector. It carries a Zacks Industry Rank #190, which places it at the bottom 25% of more than 250 Zacks industries.

The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates a gloomy near term. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperforms the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

Before we present a few stocks that you may want to consider for your portfolio, let’s take a look at the industry’s recent stock-market performance and valuation picture.

Industry Underperforms Sector & S&P 500

The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry has underperformed both the Zacks S&P 500 composite and the broader Zacks Basic Materials sector over the past year.

The industry has gained 4.5% over this period compared with the S&P 500’s rise of 32.4% and the broader sector’s increase of 13.1%.

Industry's Current Valuation

On the basis of the trailing 12-month enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio, which is a commonly used multiple for valuing chemical stocks, the industry is currently trading at 11.43X, below the S&P 500’s 19.20X and the sector’s 11.99X.

Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 13.15X, as low as 5.33X and at the median of 8.96X.

3 Chemicals Diversified Stocks to Keep a Close Eye On

FMC: Pennsylvania-based FMC is an agricultural sciences company offering innovative solutions to farmers globally. It benefits from efforts to expand its product portfolio through new product launches. FMC is investing in technologies as well as new product launches to enhance value to the farmers.

New products launched in Europe, North America and Asia are gaining significant traction. The company is also expected to benefit from reduced input costs, a favorable product mix and its cost-control actions. FMC is also making progress with its global restructuring and cost-reduction program, which is expected to contribute to its adjusted EBITDA.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FMC’s earnings for 2024 has been revised upward by 0.6% over the last 60 days. It has delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of roughly 6.2%. FMC sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

DuPont: Delaware-based DuPont provides technology-based materials and solutions to markets including electronics, transportation, construction and water. DuPont is expected to gain from its productivity and pricing actions. It continues to implement strategic price increases to offset cost inflation. These actions are likely to support its margins.

DD remains focused on driving growth through innovation and new product development. Its innovation-driven investment focuses on several high-growth areas. It remains committed to driving returns from its R&D investment.

DuPont, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), has a projected earnings growth rate of around 7.5% for 2024. DD also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, the average being 11.9%.

Cabot: Massachusetts-based Cabot is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company. CBT’s Performance Chemicals division is seeing strong growth driven by higher volumes and a favorable product mix, particularly in specialized carbons and fumed metal oxides. This growth is supported by robust demand across the automotive, infrastructure and semiconductor markets.

The Reinforcement Materials segment is also benefiting from higher volumes in Europe and Asia Pacific, improved pricing and a stronger product mix in 2024 customer agreements. CBT’s strong cash generation also facilitates a balanced capital allocation approach that emphasizes strategic investments, long-term earnings growth and shareholder returns while preserving a solid investment-grade balance sheet.

Cabot, a Zacks Rank #2 stock, has expected earnings growth of 31.4% for fiscal 2024. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CBT’s earnings for fiscal 2024 has been revised upward by 4.3% over the last 60 days.

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance  for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

 

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The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry is plagued by sluggish demand in certain markets, including consumer durables and building & construction, and some residual impacts of consumer inventory destocking. Lower consumer spending due to inflationary pressures in Europe and a slow recovery in China are impacting demand.Industry players like DuPont de Nemours, Inc. DD, FMC Corporation FMC and Cabot Corporation CBT are banking on strategic measures, including operating cost reductions and aggressive price hikes, to tide over the challenging environment.

About the Industry

The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry consists of manufacturers of basic chemicals, plastics, specialty chemicals and agricultural chemicals. Companies in this space serve a host of end markets, such as automotive, building & construction, transportation, electronics, aerospace and agriculture. Basic chemicals are produced in large quantities and include petrochemicals and intermediates (such as ethylene, propylene and benzene), polymers (including plastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride), and inorganic chemicals (such as chlorine, caustic soda and titanium dioxide). Specialty chemicals that include catalysts, specialty polymers and coating additives are used in specific fields based on their performance. Agricultural chemicals include herbicides, fungicides and insecticides that are used to protect crops from disease, pests and weeds.

What's Shaping the Future of the Chemicals Diversified Industry?

Demand Headwinds From End-market Softness: Companies in the chemical-diversified space remain challenged by demand weakness in certain key markets. The sluggishness in the building & construction and consumer electronics markets are the key concerns. In North America, uncertainties surrounding the U.S. housing market are weighing on building & construction. Softer demand in industrial and consumer durables is hurting chemical volumes. Weaker global economic activities have led to a higher level of uncertainties, which may affect chemical volumes over the near term. While the unprecedented customer inventory destocking that started in late 2022 and weighed heavily on the industry through the first half of 2024 is nearing completion, some lingering impacts of the same are expected to continue in the near term.Slowdown in Europe and China a Concern: A slower recovery in economic activities in China is hurting chemical demand in that country. China is seeing slower economic growth and a sluggish real estate market. A weak property market and a slowdown in infrastructure investments have led to softer demand. The real estate sector has taken a hard hit amid a decline in new home prices, property investment and housing sales. The slowdown in Europe, resulting from the war in Ukraine and weaker consumer spending due to high levels of inflation and high interest rates, has also led to softer demand in that region. The energy and feedstock inflation has resulted in reduced industrial production and consumer spending in Europe. The ongoing weakness in these key regions is likely to impact the demand for chemicals over the short haul.Strategic Actions to Aid Results: The companies in this space are taking a host of strategic measures, including cost-cutting and productivity improvement, operational efficiency improvement and actions to strengthen the balance sheet and boost cash flows. In particular, the industry participants are aggressively implementing actions to bring down costs. These include the reduction of discretionary spending. The industry participants are also raising selling prices to counter cost inflation. Such moves are likely to help the industry sustain margins amid the prevailing challenges.

Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bleak Prospects

The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry is part of the broader Zacks Basic Materials sector. It carries a Zacks Industry Rank #190, which places it at the bottom 25% of more than 250 Zacks industries.The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates a gloomy near term. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperforms the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.Before we present a few stocks that you may want to consider for your portfolio, let’s take a look at the industry’s recent stock-market performance and valuation picture.

Industry Underperforms Sector & S&P 500

The Zacks Chemicals Diversified industry has underperformed both the Zacks S&P 500 composite and the broader Zacks Basic Materials sector over the past year.The industry has gained 4.5% over this period compared with the S&P 500’s rise of 32.4% and the broader sector’s increase of 13.1%.

One-Year Price Performance

Industry's Current Valuation

On the basis of the trailing 12-month enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio, which is a commonly used multiple for valuing chemical stocks, the industry is currently trading at 11.43X, below the S&P 500’s 19.20X and the sector’s 11.99X.Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 13.15X, as low as 5.33X and at the median of 8.96X, as the chart below shows.

Enterprise Value/EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) RatioEnterprise Value/EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) Ratio

3 Chemicals Diversified Stocks to Keep a Close Eye on

FMC: Pennsylvania-based FMC is an agricultural sciences company offering innovative solutions to farmers globally. It benefits from efforts to expand its product portfolio through new product launches. FMC is investing in technologies as well as new product launches to enhance value to the farmers. New products launched in Europe, North America and Asia are gaining significant traction. The company is also expected to benefit from reduced input costs, a favorable product mix and its cost-control actions. FMC is also making progress with its global restructuring and cost-reduction program, which is expected to contribute to its adjusted EBITDA.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FMC’s earnings for 2024 has been revised upward by 0.6% over the last 60 days. It has delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of roughly 6.2%. FMC sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

 Price and Consensus: FMC

 

 

DuPont: Delaware-based DuPont provides technology-based materials and solutions to markets including electronics, transportation, construction and water. DuPont is expected to gain from its productivity and pricing actions. It continues to implement strategic price increases to offset cost inflation. These actions are likely to support its margins. DD remains focused on driving growth through innovation and new product development. Its innovation-driven investment focuses on several high-growth areas. It remains committed to driving returns from its R&D investment.DuPont, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), has a projected earnings growth rate of around 7.5% for 2024. DD also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, the average being 11.9%.

Price and Consensus: DD

 

 

Cabot: Massachusetts-based Cabot is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company. CBT’s Performance Chemicals division is seeing strong growth driven by higher volumes and a favorable product mix, particularly in specialized carbons and fumed metal oxides. This growth is supported by robust demand across the automotive, infrastructure and semiconductor markets. The Reinforcement Materials segment is also benefiting from higher volumes in Europe and Asia Pacific, improved pricing and a stronger product mix in 2024 customer agreements. CBT’s strong cash generation also facilitates a balanced capital allocation approach that emphasizes strategic investments, long-term earnings growth and shareholder returns while preserving a solid investment-grade balance sheet.Cabot, a Zacks Rank #2 stock, has expected earnings growth of 31.4% for fiscal 2024. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CBT’s earnings for fiscal 2024 has been revised upward by 4.3% over the last 60 days.

 

Price and Consensus: CBT

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DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / October 8, 2024 / Solitario Resources Corp. ("Solitario") (NYSE American:XPL)(TSX:SLR) is pleased to report President and CEO Chris Herald will provide a live webcast presentation at the John Tumazos Very Independent Research, LLC on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, at 2:45 pm EDT. Mr. Herald plans to review the Golden Crest's maiden drilling program in South Dakota. and will also provide an update on its advanced-stage Florida Canyon and Lik high-grade zinc projects. To access the live presentation, please register in advance here.

About Solitario

Solitario is a natural resource exploration company focused on high-quality Tier-1 gold and zinc exploration projects. The Company is traded on the NYSE American ("XPL") and on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("SLR"). In addition to its South Dakota property holdings, Solitario holds a 50% joint venture interest (Teck Resources 50%) in the high-grade Lik zinc deposit in Alaska and a 39% joint venture interest (Nexa Resources 61%) in the high-grade Florida Canyon zinc project in Peru. At Florida Canyon, Solitario is carried to production through its joint venture arrangement with Nexa. Solitario's Management and Directors hold approximately 8.4% (excluding options) of the Company's 81.6 million shares outstanding. Solitario's cash balance and marketable securities stand at approximately US$7.8 million. Additional information about Solitario is available online at www.solitarioresources.com.

Solitario has a long history of committed Environmental, Social and Responsible Governance ("ESG") of its business. We realize ESG issues are also important to investors, employees, and all stakeholders, including communities in which we work. We are committed to conducting our business in a manner that supports positive environmental and social initiatives and responsible corporate governance. Importantly, we work with joint venture partners that not only value the importance of ESG issues in the conduct of their business on our joint venture projects but are leaders in the industry in this important segment of our business.

For More Information Please Contact:Chris Herald, President & CEO303-534-1030 ext. 1

SOURCE: Solitario Resources Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FMC Corporation’s FMC stock looks promising at the moment. It benefits from efforts to expand its product portfolio through new product launches and its restructuring actions. Let's see what makes FMC stock a compelling investment option at the moment.

FMC Stock Outperforms Industry

FMC has outperformed the industry it belongs to over the past three months. The company’s shares have gained 13.8% compared with a 7.7% rise of its industry.

 

Zacks Investment Research

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

FMC’s Valuation Looks Attractive

FMC’s attractive valuation should lure investors seeking value. The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 14.52X, representing a roughly 12.4% discount when stacked up with the industry average of 16.58X. FMC also has a Value Score of B.

FMC’s Earnings Estimates Going Up

Earnings estimates for FMC have been going up over the past 60 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 has increased by 0.6%. The consensus estimate for 2025 has also been revised 3.5% upward over the same time frame.

New Products, Restructuring Actions Aid FMC Stock

FMC remains focused on strengthening its product portfolio. It is investing in technologies as well as new product launches to enhance value to the farmers. New products launched in Europe, North America and Asia are gaining significant traction. Product introductions are expected to support the company’s results this year.FMC generated $590 million in sales in 2023 from new products launched in the past five years. It expects revenues from new products to grow by roughly $200 million in 2024. It expects a significant amount of volume growth to come from new products in the second half of 2024. FMC is seeing strong gains in new products including Coragen eVo and Premio Star insecticides and the Onsuva fungicide in Latin America.The acquisition of BioPhero ApS, a Denmark-based pheromone research and production company, also adds biologically produced state-of-the-art pheromone insect control technology to the company’s product portfolio and R&D pipeline, highlighting FMC's role as a leader in delivering innovative and sustainable crop protection solutions.The company is also expected to benefit from reduced input costs, favorable product mix and its cost-control actions. It benefited from favorable input costs in the second quarter of 2024. FMC is also making progress with its global restructuring and cost-reduction program. It sees benefits from restructuring to contribute $75-$100 million to full-year 2024 adjusted EBITDA, net of inflation.

FMC Corporation Price and ConsensusFMC Corporation Price and Consensus

FMC Corporation price-consensus-chart | FMC Corporation Quote

FMC’s Zacks Rank & Other Key Picks

FMC currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).Other top-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials space are IAMGOLD Corporation IAG, Cabot Corporation CBT and Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. AXTA. While IAMGOLD sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Cabot and Axalta Coating carry a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IAMGOLD’s current-year earnings has increased by 45.4% in the past 60 days. IAG beat the consensus estimate in each of the last four quarters with the average surprise being 200%. Its shares have shot up roughly 132% in the past year.The consensus estimate for Cabot’s current fiscal year earnings is pegged at $7.07 per share, indicating a year-over-year rise of 31.4%. The consensus estimates for CBT’s current-year earnings has increased by 4.3% in the past 60 days. The company's shares have rallied roughly 61% in the past year.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Axalta Coating’s current year earnings is pegged at $2.07, indicating a rise of 31.9% from year-ago levels. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AXTA’s current year earnings has increased 2.5% in the past 60 days. The stock has gained around 32% in the past year.

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Canada Carbon Inc.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

Toronto, ON, Canada , Oct. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canada Carbon Inc. (the "Company") (TSX-V : CCB) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of up to 7,500,000 units (each, a “Unit”) at a price of $0.02 per Unit for agg­regate gross proceeds of up to $150,000 (the “Offering”). Each Unit shall be comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company and one (1) common share purchase warrant (each, a “Warrant”). Each whole Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one (1) common share at a price of $0.06 per share for a period of 60 months from the date of issuance.

All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation. The proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for corporate and general working capital purposes. The closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Insiders of the Company may subscribe for up to 25% of the Offering. The insider private placements are exempt from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”) by virtue of the exemptions contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in that the fair market value of the consideration for the securities of the Company which will be issued to the insiders does not exceed 25% of its market capitalization.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

CANADA CARBON INC. “Ellerton Castor”

Chief Executive Officer and DirectorContact InformationE-mail inquiries: info@canadacarbon.comP: (905) 407-1212

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” (“forward-looking information”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Offering and use of proceeds from the Offering. In disclosing the forward-looking information contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking information will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: compliance with extensive government regulations; domestic and foreign laws and regulations adversely affecting the Company’s business and results of operations; and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking information or otherwise.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FMC Corporation FMC recently entered into an agreement with Ballagro Agro Tecnologia Ltda., a leader in fungi-based biosolutions, to provide growers in Brazil with a diverse range of biological solutions. The arrangement is part of FMC's strategy plan to expand its biologicals platform in major markets, including Brazil. As part of the agreement, FMC Brazil will license and market Ballagro's leading biosolutions. The deal combines the firms' extensive scientific experience – FMC in microbial and Ballagro in fungi-based solutions – to boost the biosolutions business in Brazil by providing farmers with greater access to superior crop protection technologies.This partnership marks a significant move forward in FMC's global Plant Health business, which aims to promote growth, differentiation and strong market positioning through innovation. FMC and Ballagro present a high level of portfolio differentiation and technology to growers, providing innovative, science-backed biological solutions. FMC's investment in expanding its Plant Health portfolio to include complementary solutions to its biological, synthetic and precision agriculture technologies promotes an integrated pest management strategy for more sustainable agricultural production. FMC and Ballagro will be able to offer growers a full suite of biological solutions to boost productivity, efficiency and sustainability.FMC has a significant presence in Brazil and has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture by offering a comprehensive portfolio of biological solutions to complement its synthetic and precision agriculture technologies. This includes the introduction of biofungicides Ataplan and Provilar, bionematicides Quartzo and Presence Full, as well as biostimulants Seed+ and Seed+CoMo. FMC has launched approximately 50 biological products in 42 countries over the last five years. The company will continue to invest in its Plant Health business by conducting in-house research and development, forming strategic alliances and commercializing its unique pheromones platform.Shares of FMC have gained 0.9% over the past year compared with a 4.1% rise of its industry.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

FMC, on its second-quarter call, updated its outlook for full-year 2024 and now sees revenues between $4.30 billion to $4.50 billion, indicating a 2% decline at the midpoint compared to 2023. Adjusted EBITDA is now expected in the range of $880 million and $940 million, suggesting a 7% decline at the midpoint. Adjusted earnings are now forecast between $3.02-$3.64 per share, reflecting a 12% year-over-year decline at the midpoint. Full-year free cash flow is anticipated to be $400-$500 million.FMC also forecasts third-quarter revenues to be between $1 billion to $1.09 billion, indicating a 6% increase at the midpoint compared to the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA is forecast in the band of $165-$195 million, indicating a 3% rise versus the prior-year period’s level. Adjusted earnings are expected in the range of 39-67 cents for the third quarter, implying a 20% rise at the midpoint year over year.

FMC Corporation Price and Consensus

FMC Corporation price-consensus-chart | FMC Corporation Quote

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

FMC currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space include Carpenter Technology Corporation CRS, IAMGOLD Corporation IAG and Centrus Energy Corp. LEU. Carpenter Technology currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). CRS beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 15.9%. The company's shares have soared 144.8% in the past year. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IAG’s current-year earnings is pegged at 48 cents, indicating a year-over-year rise of 433.3%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IAG's current-year earnings has been going up in the past 30 days. IAG, a Zacks Rank #1 stock, beat the consensus estimate in each of the last four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 200%. The company's shares have rallied roughly 147.5% in the past year.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Centrus’ current-year earnings is pegged at $3.06 per share. LEU, a Zacks Rank #1 stock, beat the consensus estimate in three of the last four quarters while missed once, with the average earnings surprise being 107.1%. LEU has rallied around 17.8% in the past year.

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Processing of run-of-mine ore from underground operations has commenced

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 3, 2024 /CNW/ – Eastern Platinum Limited (TSX: ELR) (JSE: EPS) ("Eastplats" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has been advancing the commissioning activities of its platinum group metals ("PGM") processing plant at the Company's flagship Crocodile River Mine ("CRM") located within the Bushveld Complex, host to approximately 80% of the world's PGM-bearing ore, in northeastern South Africa.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Commissioning of the processing plant (Circuit B) is ongoing and the plant has begun processing Run-of-Mine ("ROM") UG2 ore from the Zandfontein underground operations at the CRM;

PGM concentrate production in the Circuit B plant at the Crocodile River Mine (CNW Group/Eastern Platinum Ltd.)

• A total of 75,000 tons of ROM ore was blasted up to October 1, 2024, with approximately 22,000 tons of the ROM ore processed in September. This produced a concentrate containing approximately 1,300 ounces of PGM (Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Au) 6E metals, which was delivered to Impala Platinum Limited ("Impala") under the existing offtake agreement between the Company's subsidiary, Barplats Mines Limited ("Barplats") and Impala. 30,000 tons of ROM ore is expected to be processed in October, producing concentrates containing 2,000 to 2,500 ounces of PGM 6E metals to be delivered to Impala. Metallurgical chrome concentrates have been produced as a by-product when the UG2 ROM ore is being processed for PGMs;

• Zandfontein underground operations will produce 40,000 tons of ROM ore per month by the end of 2024, as previously guided. The next ramp up phase will increase production to 70,000 tons of ROM ore per month by the end of 2025. Eastplats' Circuit B has a ROM ore processing capacity of 1,000,000 tons annually; and

• Up to 185,000 tons of underground ROM ore from Zandfontein is expected to be blasted and processed in 2024.

"We are excited to announce the commissioning of our PGM processing facility at the Crocodile River Mine," commented Wanjin Yang, Chief Executive Officer and President of Eastplats. "This operational milestone marks our transition from a tailings storage facility chrome recovery operation to a growing PGM concentrate and metallurgical chrome concentrate producer, and we look forward to reporting PGM and metallurgical chrome revenues from the Zandfontein underground section as ROM ore tonnages ramp up."

The Company will continue to process historical tailings to recover chrome from its chrome retreatment project, at the Crocodile River Mine, but expects this to winddown in the early part of 2025. Following the conclusion of this project, Eastplats expects to complete the second phase of its tailings storage facility program to recover chrome and PGMs from tailings generated from the newly operating Zandfontein underground. By 2026, PGM revenue is expected to account for 65% or more of Eastplats' total revenue.

About Eastern Platinum Limited

Eastplats owns directly and indirectly a number of PGM and chrome assets in the Republic of South Africa. All of the Company's properties are situated on the western limb (Crocodile River Mine) and eastern limb (Kennedy's Vale, Spitzkop, Mareesburg) of the Bushveld Complex, the geological environment that hosts approximately 80% of the world's PGM-bearing ore.

Operations at the Crocodile River Mine currently include re-mining and processing its tailings resource from the Barplats Zandfontein tailings dam and mining and processing ore from the Zandfontein underground section to both produce PGM and chrome concentrates.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation.  Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company.  Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "will", "plan", "intends", "may", "will", "could", "expects", "anticipates" and similar expressions. Further disclosure of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and other forward-looking statements are discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form available under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to: the monthly ROM ore tonnage ramp up at the Zandfontein underground operations, the timing of expected monthly production rates of ROM ore, the expected percentage PGM revenue of Eastplats' total revenue in 2026, and the timing and actions of the Company.  These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect.  By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements.  These factors include, but are not limited to, commodity prices, economic conditions, currency fluctuations, competition and regulations, legal proceedings and risks related to operations in foreign countries.

All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, the "Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information" section contained in the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis available under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com.  The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date they are given and, except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation, and does not undertake, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Eastern Platinum Ltd. (Eastplats) logo (CNW Group/Eastern Platinum Ltd.)

SOURCE Eastern Platinum Ltd.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2024/03/c3946.html

FMC Corporation’s FMC shares have shot up 18% over the past three months, outperforming the broader chemical – diversified industry's rise of 8.7%. FMC has also topped the S&P 500’s roughly 5.2% rise over the same period.Let’s dive into the factors behind FMC stock’s price appreciation.

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FMC Stock Gains on New Products & Restructuring Actions

FMC delivered better-than-expected results in the second quarter on the back of higher volumes. It saw improved demand in the quarter, leading to an increase in sales volumes, especially in the United States and Brazil. FMC is gaining from efforts to expand its product portfolio through new product launches and restructuring actions. The company is investing in technologies as well as new product launches to enhance value to the farmers. New products launched in Europe, North America and Asia are gaining significant traction. Product introductions are expected to support the company’s results this year. FMC generated $590 million in sales in 2023 from new products launched in the past five years. It sees revenues from new products to grow by roughly $200 million in 2024. It expects a significant amount of volume growth to come from new products in the second half of 2024. FMC is seeing strong gains in new products including Coragen eVo and Premio Star insecticides and the Onsuva fungicide in Latin America.The acquisition of BioPhero ApS, a Denmark-based pheromone research and production company, also adds biologically produced state-of-the-art pheromone insect control technology to the company’s product portfolio and R&D pipeline, highlighting FMC's role as a leader in delivering innovative and sustainable crop protection solutions.FMC is also expected to benefit from reduced input costs, a favorable product mix and its cost-control actions. It benefited from favorable input costs in the second quarter of 2024. FMC is also making progress with its global restructuring and cost-reduction program. It sees benefits from restructuring to contribute $75-$100 million to full-year 2024 adjusted EBITDA, net of inflation.

FMC Corporation Stock Price and ConsensusFMC Corporation Price and Consensus

FMC Corporation price-consensus-chart | FMC Corporation Quote

FMC’s Zacks Rank & Other Key Picks

FMC currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials space are IAMGOLD Corporation IAG, Eldorado Gold Corporation EGO and Hawkins, Inc. HWKN. While IAMGOLD sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Eldorado Gold and Hawkins carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IAMGOLD’s current-year earnings has increased by 45.4% in the past 60 days. IAG beat the consensus estimate in each of the last four quarters with the average surprise being 200%. Its shares have shot up roughly 148% in the past year.

Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.The consensus estimate for Eldorado Gold’s current year earnings is pegged at $1.40 per share, indicating a year-over-year rise of 145.6%. EGO beat the consensus estimate in each of the last four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 430.3%. The company's shares have rallied roughly 103% in the past year.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Hawkins’ current fiscal-year earnings is pegged at $4.14, indicating a rise of 15.3% from year-ago levels. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HWKN’s current fiscal-year earnings has increased 12.8% in the past 60 days. The stock has rallied around 115% in the past year.

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PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —

FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), a leading global agricultural sciences company, today announced an agreement with Ballagro Agro Tecnologia Ltda., a pioneer and leader in fungi-based biosolutions, to provide growers in Brazil with a broad portfolio of differentiated biological solutions. The agreement is part of FMC's strategic plan to grow its biologicals platform in key markets like Brazil.

As part of the agreement, FMC Brazil will license and distribute key leading biosolutions from Ballagro. The partnership brings together the companies' deep technical expertise – FMC in microbial and Ballagro in fungi-based solutions – to strengthen the biosolutions business in Brazil by expanding growers' access to superior crop protection technologies.

"This agreement is an exciting step forward in FMC's global Plant Health business to drive growth, differentiation and strong market positioning through innovation," said Dr. Bénédicte Flambard, vice president, FMC Plant Health. "FMC and Ballagro bring a high level of portfolio differentiation and technologies to deliver novel, science-backed biological solutions to growers. By joining knowledge and forces, we can redefine the landscape of biosolutions in Brazil."

FMC's investment in growing its Plant Health portfolio with complementary solutions to its biological, synthetic and precision agriculture technologies supports an integrated approach to pest management for more sustainable agricultural production. Together, FMC and Ballagro will be able to provide growers a comprehensive portfolio of biological solutions to improve their productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

"Growers across Brazil are eager for new technologies to help them sustainably protect their crops as they face new and evolving pest pressure, a changing climate and a more challenging regulatory environment," said Renato Guimarães, vice president and president of FMC Latin America. "Partnering with Ballagro enhances our go-to-market strategy in Brazil with innovative biosolutions that meet growers' evolving needs."

"Brazil has become a role model for the application of biological control, and this agreement is an important step in delivering advanced technologies and expertise to Brazilian farmers," said Arnelo Nedel, commercial director of Ballagro. "With a shared focus on innovation and knowledge, Ballagro and FMC are poised to accelerate the development of cutting-edge solutions that promote sustainable agriculture."

FMC has a significant presence in Brazil and has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture with a diverse portfolio of biological solutions that complement its synthetic and precision agriculture technologies. This includes product launches such as Ataplan® and Provilar® biofungicides, Quartzo® and Presence® Full bionematicides, and Seed+ and Seed+CoMo biostimulants. Globally, FMC has launched nearly 50 biological products in 42 countries in the past five years. The company will continue to invest in growing its Plant Health business through in-house research and development, strategic partnerships and commercialization of its proprietary pheromones platform.

About FMC

FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC's innovative crop protection solutions – including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture – enable growers, crop advisers and turf and pest management professionals to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. With approximately 5,800 employees at more than 100 sites worldwide, FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Visit fmc.com to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn®.

FMC, the FMC logo, Ataplan® and Provilar® biofungicides, Quartzo® and Presence® Full bionematicides, and Seed+ and Seed+CoMo biostimulants are trademarks of FMC Corporation and/or an affiliate. Always read and follow all label directions, restrictions and precautions for use. Products listed here may not be registered for sale or use in all states, countries or jurisdictions.

Cision

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SOURCE FMC Corporation

Just because a business does not make any money, does not mean that the stock will go down. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. But the harsh reality is that very many loss making companies burn through all their cash and go bankrupt.

So should Stillwater Critical Minerals (CVE:PGE) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? In this report, we will consider the company's annual negative free cash flow, henceforth referring to it as the 'cash burn'. We'll start by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves in order to calculate its cash runway.

Check out our latest analysis for Stillwater Critical Minerals

When Might Stillwater Critical Minerals Run Out Of Money?

A company's cash runway is calculated by dividing its cash hoard by its cash burn. When Stillwater Critical Minerals last reported its June 2024 balance sheet in August 2024, it had zero debt and cash worth CA$3.4m. Importantly, its cash burn was CA$6.3m over the trailing twelve months. That means it had a cash runway of around 7 months as of June 2024. That's quite a short cash runway, indicating the company must either reduce its annual cash burn or replenish its cash. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

debt-equity-history-analysisHow Is Stillwater Critical Minerals' Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Because Stillwater Critical Minerals isn't currently generating revenue, we consider it an early-stage business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. In fact, it ramped its spending strongly over the last year, increasing cash burn by 192%. It's fair to say that sort of rate of increase cannot be maintained for very long, without putting pressure on the balance sheet. Stillwater Critical Minerals makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. We prefer most of the stocks on this list of stocks that analysts expect to grow.

How Easily Can Stillwater Critical Minerals Raise Cash?

Given its cash burn trajectory, Stillwater Critical Minerals shareholders should already be thinking about how easy it might be for it to raise further cash in the future. Generally speaking, a listed business can raise new cash through issuing shares or taking on debt. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.

Since it has a market capitalisation of CA$27m, Stillwater Critical Minerals' CA$6.3m in cash burn equates to about 23% of its market value. That's not insignificant, and if the company had to sell enough shares to fund another year's growth at the current share price, you'd likely witness fairly costly dilution.

So, Should We Worry About Stillwater Critical Minerals' Cash Burn?

We must admit that we don't think Stillwater Critical Minerals is in a very strong position, when it comes to its cash burn. While its cash burn relative to its market cap wasn't too bad, its increasing cash burn does leave us rather nervous. Once we consider the metrics mentioned in this article together, we're left with very little confidence in the company's ability to manage its cash burn, and we think it will probably need more money. On another note, we conducted an in-depth investigation of the company, and identified 6 warning signs for Stillwater Critical Minerals (3 shouldn't be ignored!) that you should be aware of before investing here.

If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

• While the Company's fully permitted German Lithium Converter approaches full financing, Rock Tech's engineers have confirmed the economic and operational viability of a large Lithium conversion facility in North America with post-tax NPV(8) of CAD 2.3b and IRR of 22.2%.

• The study affirms Rock Tech's leading role in establishing the first Lithium processing capacities to produce sustainable, local, and high-quality Lithium products in Ontario, Canada.

• The proposed Lithium Converter will produce up to 32 ktpa LCE using Rock Tech's and third-party feedstock, leveraging Rock Tech's merchant Lithium refining flowsheet thereby providing Lithium mines in the province and Canada a local processing destination.

TORONTO, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSXV: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) ("Rock Tech", or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of an engineering study ("Scoping Study") that confirms the economic viability and operational feasibility for the construction and operation of a Lithium conversion facility ("Converter") in Ontario, Canada.

Red Rock Converter as seen from the north-east on the proposed site in Red Rock, ON, CAN (CNW Group/Rock Tech Lithium Inc.)

Rock Tech's CEO Dirk Harbecke comments: "The Scoping Study supports our North American plans with a strong business case. We believe in the tremendous opportunity our projects will bring for the region. Our experience also shows that world-class partners and strong political support are critical for the success of Lithium projects. This is essential in challenging markets."

Building on its proven success in Europe, where Rock Tech's engineering team has advanced a fully permitted Converter in Germany with €100 million in secured government funding and is moving towards a Financial Investment Decision (FID) at the end of this year, the team has now completed a Scoping Study for a second Converter to be built in Ontario, Canada. The study confirms that Rock Tech can transfer a substantial portion of its technical expertise from the German Converter to Canada. It is estimated that up to 80% of basic engineering can be applied, resulting in significant cost saving and an accelerated timeline. Considering Canadian and Ontario jurisdictional, environmental, and operational aspects, the Company has developed a robust CAPEX and OPEX model based on the fully permitted Guben Converter, as well as a strong project execution strategy and time schedule. This approach of replicating Rock Tech's proven strategy from the Guben Converter not only accelerates project development, but also provides a competitive advantage to constructing the first Converter in Ontario.

Specifically, the Company proposes to build and operate a Converter with a capacity of up to 32 ktpa LCE in Red Rock, Ontario, located 110 km northeast of Thunder Bay. The lithium raw material (spodumene concentrate) will be locally sourced from the Company's Georgia Lake Project ("Georgia Lake") and other Lithium mining projects in Ontario and Canada. The project benefits from Rock Tech's advanced merchant refining competencies and is prepared to become a regional Lithium refining hub. The proposed Converter will be designed to produce Lithium Carbonate or Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate A final decision on output material will be made in the coming months based on market needs.

Jennifer Main, COO for the Ontario Converter Project adds: "We successfully validated our knowledge transfer capabilities and have laid out a realistic path to bringing Lithium conversion to Ontario. Our proven experience in Guben provides Rock Tech with a strong competitive edge and demonstrates our leadership in advancing lithium processing in Ontario before the end of the decade."

Highlights of the study include:

Life-of-project (LOP)	25 years
Nameplate capacity	32 ktpa LCE
Post-tax IRR	22.2 %
Post-tax NPV (8%)	CAD 2.3b
CAPEX	CAD 1.6b
Conversion OPEX (excluding raw materials)	CAD 6.2k
Price Spodumene Concentrate (SC5.75) over LOP*	USD 1.8k
Sales Price LCE over LOP*	USD 31k

* Source: Price forecasts for LCE and Spodumene as of Q2 2024. Consensus pricing: Wood Mackenzie, Benchmark Minerals

ABOUT ROCK TECH

Rock Tech's vision is to supply the electric vehicle and battery industry with sustainable, locally produced lithium, targeting a 100% recycling rate. To ensure resilient supply chains, the company plans to build lithium converters at the doorstep of its customers, beginning with the Company's proposed Lithium Hydroxide Converter in Guben, Brandenburg, Germany. The second Converter is planned to be built in Red Rock, Ontario, Canada. Rock Tech Lithium plans to source raw material from its own Georgia Lake spodumene project in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario, Canada, and procure from other ESG-compliant mines. Ultimately, Rock Tech's goal is to create a closed-loop lithium production system. Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry to close the most pressing gap in the clean mobility story. The Company has adopted strict environmental, social and governance standards and is developing a proprietary refining process to increase efficiency and sustainability further.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws and are referred to herein as "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. When  used in this news release, words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "predicts", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "projects", "forecasts", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could" or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to expectations concerning the North American Converter, including the design and features of the North American Converter, as well as the expected costs, capital expenditures, timing and outcomes thereof; statements regarding the Company's future plans, estimates, and schedules relating to the North American Converter, including the anticipated timing of future activities taken in support of the development thereof;; Rock Tech's potential financing arrangements; the expected economic performance of the North American Converter and anticipated production of Lithium chemicals and related processing methods employed; the estimated capital and operating costs of the North American Converter; the anticipated timing and outcomes of a final investment decision, construction activities and commissioning of the North American Converter; statements regarding the Company's sustainability and ESG related goals and strategy, including the benefits and achievement thereof and future actions taken by the Company in relation thereto; expected regulatory processes and final outcomes; expectations regarding the electric vehicle industry, including the demand for and pricing of battery-grade lithium chemicals and the benefits therefrom, and the development of political and regulatory frameworks especially in Canada ; Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects; and plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties. Forward-looking statements by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis and annual information form filed with the applicable securities regulators. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, and the Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

 

Cision

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SOURCE Rock Tech Lithium Inc.

Most readers would already be aware that FMC's (NYSE:FMC) stock increased significantly by 14% over the past three months. Given that the market rewards strong financials in the long-term, we wonder if that is the case in this instance. Particularly, we will be paying attention to FMC's ROE today.

Return on equity or ROE is a key measure used to assess how efficiently a company's management is utilizing the company's capital. In simpler terms, it measures the profitability of a company in relation to shareholder's equity.

View our latest analysis for FMC

How Is ROE Calculated?

The formula for return on equity is:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) ÷ Shareholders' Equity

So, based on the above formula, the ROE for FMC is:

32% = US$1.5b ÷ US$4.6b (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2024).

The 'return' is the profit over the last twelve months. One way to conceptualize this is that for each $1 of shareholders' capital it has, the company made $0.32 in profit.

Why Is ROE Important For Earnings Growth?

We have already established that ROE serves as an efficient profit-generating gauge for a company's future earnings. Depending on how much of these profits the company reinvests or "retains", and how effectively it does so, we are then able to assess a company’s earnings growth potential. Assuming everything else remains unchanged, the higher the ROE and profit retention, the higher the growth rate of a company compared to companies that don't necessarily bear these characteristics.

FMC's Earnings Growth And 32% ROE

To begin with, FMC has a pretty high ROE which is interesting. Secondly, even when compared to the industry average of 9.6% the company's ROE is quite impressive. This likely paved the way for the modest 17% net income growth seen by FMC over the past five years.

We then compared FMC's net income growth with the industry and we're pleased to see that the company's growth figure is higher when compared with the industry which has a growth rate of 13% in the same 5-year period.

past-earnings-growth

Earnings growth is an important metric to consider when valuing a stock. What investors need to determine next is if the expected earnings growth, or the lack of it, is already built into the share price. This then helps them determine if the stock is placed for a bright or bleak future. If you're wondering about FMC's's valuation, check out this gauge of its price-to-earnings ratio, as compared to its industry.

Is FMC Efficiently Re-investing Its Profits?

With a three-year median payout ratio of 34% (implying that the company retains 66% of its profits), it seems that FMC is reinvesting efficiently in a way that it sees respectable amount growth in its earnings and pays a dividend that's well covered.

Moreover, FMC is determined to keep sharing its profits with shareholders which we infer from its long history of paying a dividend for at least ten years. Our latest analyst data shows that the future payout ratio of the company is expected to rise to 43% over the next three years. Consequently, the higher expected payout ratio explains the decline in the company's expected ROE (to 14%) over the same period.

Summary

Overall, we are quite pleased with FMC's performance. In particular, it's great to see that the company is investing heavily into its business and along with a high rate of return, that has resulted in a sizeable growth in its earnings. That being so, according to the latest industry analyst forecasts, the company's earnings are expected to shrink in the future. Are these analysts expectations based on the broad expectations for the industry, or on the company's fundamentals? Click here to be taken to our analyst's forecasts page for the company.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

• 26.4 Meters Averaging 2.6 g/t Gold; including 14.4 Meters at 4.2 g/t

• 32.0 Meters Averaging 1.7 g/t Gold; including 14.2 Meters at 3.1 g/t

DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / September 16, 2024 / Solitario Resources Corp. ("Solitario") (NYSE American:XPL)(TSX:SLR) is pleased to announce the results of the first three core holes ever drilled on its Golden Crest Project. All three holes intersected significant thicknesses of mineralization, with two of the holes displaying high-grade intercepts. Cross sections of the three holes can be viewed here. This zone, although currently limited in size due to the lack of offset drilling, is laterally open in all directions. Highlights include:

DDH Hole	Interval	Thickness	Grade
Number	(meters)	(meters)	(grams/tonne)
GC-001	9.1 to 41.1	32.0	1.68
including	10.7 to 24.9	14.2	3.10
GC-002	7.9 to 17.8	9.9	0.72
	23.3 to 33.2	9.9	1.88
	40.2 to 46.3	6.1	0.55
GC-003	5.0 to 31.4	26.4	2.56
including	11.4 to 25.8	14.4	4.18
including	19.8 to 21.8	2.0	13.13
	38.9 to 50.6	11.7	0.60
Estimated true thickness of reported intervals: GC-001: 75% +/-10%; GC-002: 90% +/-10%; GC-003: 90% +/-10%

Chris Herald, President and CEO of Solitario, stated: "These core holes represent a true new gold discovery that are potentially part of a major new district-scale extension of the Homestake-Wharf super giant gold district. Considering that these are the first holes ever drilled on our huge 35,000-acre property, they are truly outstanding. Significant gold mineralization over substantial widths with excellent continuity was intersected in all three holes. Importantly, these results also confirm that the multiple high-quality surface anomalies we have generated during the past three years have the potential to have sizable subsurface roots in both grade and size.

We also firmly believe the best is yet to come. This year's program is only testing two of our ten best high-potential target areas. The other eight are still undergoing various stages of permitting with drilling planned on four more in 2025. We are also encouraged that other potential gold horizons below the mineralized Downpour zone are returning anomalous gold and trace element values.. With additional drilling, we will have the ability to vector into significant mineralization in structures and multiple stratigraphic horizons that have been very productive in the historic Homestake-Wharf mining district. All mineralization encountered to date is oxidized."

What Do These Results Mean and Drilling Details

Gold mineralization at Downpour occurs within an intensely brecciated evaporite stratigraphic horizon that has undergone significant silicification and hydrothermal alteration. This favorable zone is sub-horizontal and appears to occur throughout Solitario's land position. Solitario has identified a number of other high-priority prospects in this favorable horizon. Besides the excellent grade and thickness of mineralization encountered in drilling, the potential for high-grade feeder structures is considered excellent.

All three core holes were drilled at the Downpour prospect from the same platform near exceptional gold assay results in trenches (previously reported). Total meterage for the first three holes is 963.5 meters. We expect drilling to continue well into November. Remaining drilling consists of widely spaced holes over Solitario's vast 35,000-acre land holding. We are on track to complete about a dozen core holes totaling up to 5,000 meters.

Golden Crest Future Drill Hole Plans

Solitario has identified ten high priority surface targets as shown in the table below. Two of the targets, Downpour and Eleventh Hour, will be drilled this year. Four new targets are currently being permitted and are scheduled to be drilled in 2025. The other four high-priority targets may undergo future permitting after further review. Besides the ten currently defined high-priority targets, Solitario has identified another dozen promising target areas that require additional surface exploration work. Three years of concentrated exploration surface work has defined approximately 80-square kilometers of gold bearing hydrothermal alteration.

Permitting Still at Early Stage for Priority Targets

Solitario's 100%-owned Golden Crest properties in South Dakota constitute strategic land holdings along the western and southwestern extensions of the Homestake-Wharf mining district that has produced approximately 52 million ounces of gold and contains another 30 million ounces in historical resources (not SK-1300 or NI-4301 compliant and not on Solitario's property). The project area is in a safe jurisdiction with highly developed infrastructure, an unbroken 150-year record of continuous gold mining, a skilled mining workforce, and a history of high-grade, underground mineable gold deposits.

Sample Type, Sampling Methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Control and Assurance

All Golden Crest exploration core samples have been prepared and analyzed at the American Assay Laboratories in Reno, Nevada, which is independent from Solitario. Thorough QA/QC protocols are followed on the Project, including insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in the assay stream for all drill holes. The samples are collected directly from the drill rig, logged, photographed, split into two samples, and half of each sample submitted directly to American Assay Labs through secure chain of custody protocols. All activities prior to shipment are directly supervised by Solitario geologists. Samples are pulverized from a 250g sample to 85% passing 75 mesh. Approximately 225g of pulp sample is used for fire assay. Assays are based on a 30g fire assay aliquot for gold with Atomic Absorption finish. If the gold value from Atomic Absorption is >10g/t, an additional 30g of pulp sample is fire assayed for gold using a gravimetric finish.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Sandor Ringhoffer, CPG, SME RM, a geologic consultant of Solitario, who is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Solitario

Solitario is a natural resource exploration company focused on high-quality Tier-1 gold and zinc exploration projects. The Company is traded on the NYSE American ("XPL") and on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("SLR"). In addition to its South Dakota property holdings, Solitario holds a 50% joint venture interest (Teck Resources 50%) in the high-grade Lik zinc deposit in Alaska and a 39% joint venture interest (Nexa Resources 61%) in the high-grade Florida Canyon zinc project in Peru. At Florida Canyon, Solitario is carried to production through its joint venture arrangement with Nexa. Solitario's Management and Directors hold approximately 8.4% (excluding options) of the Company's 81.6 million shares outstanding. Solitario's cash balance and marketable securities stand at approximately US$8.3 million. Additional information about Solitario is available online at www.solitarioresources.com.

Solitario has a long history of committed Environmental, Social and Responsible Governance ("ESG") of its business. We realize ESG issues are also important to investors, employees, and all stakeholders, including communities in which we work. We are committed to conducting our business in a manner that supports positive environmental and social initiatives and responsible corporate governance. Importantly, we work with joint venture partners that not only value the importance of ESG issues in the conduct of their business on our joint venture projects but are leaders in the industry in this important segment of our business.

For More Information Please Contact:

Chris Herald, President and CEOSolitario Resources Corp.Tel. 303-534-1030 ext. 1

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (and the equivalent under Canadian securities laws),that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. They are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and address activities, events or developments that Solitario expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, and are based on current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Solitario's Golden Crest land position does not cover any of the areas of historical gold production or historical unmined resources. Certain historical information concerning exploration and gold production in the Black Hills region has been obtained through both public and private sources and are believed to be substantially factual, but Solitario can give no assurances of the accuracy of such information. The existence of historic mines and resources adjacent to Solitario's land position do not necessarily support the existence economic mineral deposits on Solitario's land position. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's expectation of the projected timing and outcome of engineering studies; expectations regarding the receipt of all necessary permits and approvals to implement a mining plan, if any, at any of its mineral properties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, risks relating to risks that Solitario's and its joint venture partners' exploration and property advancement efforts will not be successful; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of zinc, gold, lead and silver; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; uncertainties concerning reserve and resource estimates; availability of outside contractors, and other activities; uncertainties relating to obtaining approvals and permits from governmental regulatory authorities; the possibility that environmental laws and regulations will change over time and become even more restrictive; and availability and timing of capital for financing the Company's exploration and development activities, including uncertainty of being able to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; risks relating to the impacts of Covid-19 or similar variants; as well as those factors discussed in Solitario's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") including Solitario's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other SEC filings (and Canadian filings) including, without limitation, its latest Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company does not intend to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Solitario Resources Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. Having said that, unprofitable companies are risky because they could potentially burn through all their cash and become distressed.

So should Bravo Mining (CVE:BRVO) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? In this report, we will consider the company's annual negative free cash flow, henceforth referring to it as the 'cash burn'. The first step is to compare its cash burn with its cash reserves, to give us its 'cash runway'.

See our latest analysis for Bravo Mining

How Long Is Bravo Mining's Cash Runway?

A company's cash runway is calculated by dividing its cash hoard by its cash burn. When Bravo Mining last reported its June 2024 balance sheet in August 2024, it had zero debt and cash worth US$28m. In the last year, its cash burn was US$13m. So it had a cash runway of about 2.1 years from June 2024. Arguably, that's a prudent and sensible length of runway to have. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

debt-equity-history-analysisHow Is Bravo Mining's Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Bravo Mining didn't record any revenue over the last year, indicating that it's an early stage company still developing its business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. Over the last year its cash burn actually increased by 4.2%, which suggests that management are increasing investment in future growth, but not too quickly. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but investors should be mindful of the fact that will shorten the cash runway. While the past is always worth studying, it is the future that matters most of all. For that reason, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at our analyst forecasts for the company.

Can Bravo Mining Raise More Cash Easily?

While its cash burn is only increasing slightly, Bravo Mining shareholders should still consider the potential need for further cash, down the track. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate).

Bravo Mining has a market capitalisation of US$197m and burnt through US$13m last year, which is 6.8% of the company's market value. Given that is a rather small percentage, it would probably be really easy for the company to fund another year's growth by issuing some new shares to investors, or even by taking out a loan.

Is Bravo Mining's Cash Burn A Worry?

On this analysis of Bravo Mining's cash burn, we think its cash burn relative to its market cap was reassuring, while its increasing cash burn has us a bit worried. Considering all the factors discussed in this article, we're not overly concerned about the company's cash burn, although we do think shareholders should keep an eye on how it develops. Its important for readers to be cognizant of the risks that can affect the company's operations, and we've picked out 1 warning sign for Bravo Mining that investors should know when investing in the stock.

Of course Bravo Mining may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks with high insider ownership.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Solitario Resources Corp. ("Solitario") (NYSE American:XPL)(TSX:SLR) is pleased to report President and CEO Chris Herald will provide a live webcast presentation at the 36th Annual Gold Forum Americas/XPL-Dev conference on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 3:10 pm Mountain Time. Mr. Herald plans to present the assay results for the first three drill holes from the company's maiden drilling program at its Golden Crest gold project in South Dakota. Mr. Herald will also provide an update on its other Golden Crest exploration activities as well as a brief review of the advanced-stage Florida Canyon and Lik high-grade zinc projects. To access the live presentation, please click Gold Forum Americas.

About Solitario

Solitario is a natural resource exploration company focused on high-quality Tier-1 gold and zinc projects. Solitario's 100%-owned Golden Crest properties in South Dakota constitute strategic land holdings along the western and southwestern extensions of the Homestake-Wharf mining district that has produced approximately 52 million ounces of gold (not a part of the Company's land holdings). The project area is located in a safe jurisdiction with highly developed infrastructure, an unbroken 150-year record of continuous gold mining, a skilled mining workforce, and a history of high-grade, underground mineable gold deposits.

The Company is traded on the NYSE American ("XPL") and on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("SLR"). In addition to its South Dakota property holdings, Solitario holds a 50% joint venture interest (Teck Resources 50%) in the high-grade Lik zinc deposit in Alaska and a 39% joint venture interest (Nexa Resources holds the remaining 61% interest) on the high-grade Florida Canyon zinc project in Peru. Solitario is carried to production through its joint venture arrangement with Nexa. Solitario's Management and Directors hold approximately 9.1% (excluding options) of the Company's 81.6 million shares outstanding. Solitario's cash balance and marketable securities stand at approximately US$8.3 million. Additional information about Solitario is available online at www.solitariozinc.com.

For More Information Please Contact:

Chris Herald, President & CEO303-534-1030 ext. 1

SOURCE: Solitario Resources Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FMC Corporation’s FMC shares have gained 9.6% over the past three months. The company has also outperformed its industry’s decline of 7.8% over the same time frame. FMC has also topped the S&P 500’s roughly 2.9% rise over the same period.Let’s dive into the factors behind this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock’s price appreciation.

 

Zacks Investment Research

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

 New Products, Restructuring Actions Aid FMC Stock

FMC delivered better-than-expected results in the second quarter on the back of higher volumes. It saw improved demand in the quarter, leading to an increase in sales volumes, especially in the United States and Brazil. The company is gaining from efforts to expand its product portfolio through new product launches and restructuring actions. FMC is investing in technologies as well as new product launches to enhance value to the farmers. New products launched in Europe, North America and Asia are gaining significant traction. Product introductions are expected to support the company’s results this year. The company generated $590 million in sales in 2023 from new products launched in the past five years. It expects revenues from new products to grow by roughly $200 million in 2024. It expects a significant amount of volume growth to come from new products in the second half of 2024. FMC is seeing strong gains in new products including Coragen eVo and Premio Star insecticides and the Onsuva fungicide in Latin America.The acquisition of BioPhero ApS, a Denmark-based pheromone research and production company, also adds biologically produced state-of-the-art pheromone insect control technology to the company’s product portfolio and R&D pipeline, highlighting FMC's role as a leader in delivering innovative and sustainable crop protection solutions.FMC is also expected to benefit from reduced input costs, a favorable product mix and its cost-control actions. It benefited from favorable input costs in the second quarter of 2024. FMC is also making progress with its global restructuring and cost-reduction program. It sees benefits from restructuring to contribute $75-$100 million to full-year 2024 adjusted EBITDA, net of inflation.

 

FMC Corporation Price and Consensus

 

FMC Corporation Price and Consensus

FMC Corporation price-consensus-chart | FMC Corporation Quote

 Stocks to Consider

Better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials space are Newmont Corporation NEM, Element Solutions Inc ESI and Eldorado Gold Corporation EGO, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Newmont’s current-year earnings is pegged at $2.82, indicating a rise of 75.2% from year-ago levels. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NEM’s earnings has increased 16% in the past 60 days. The stock has rallied around 29% in the past year. The consensus estimate for Element Solutions’ current-year earnings has increased by 0.7% in the past 60 days. ESI beat the consensus estimate in three of the last four quarters while delivering in-line results on the other occasion. In this timeframe, it delivered an earnings surprise of around 3.8%, on average.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Eldorado Gold’s current year earnings is pegged at $1.35 per share, indicating a year-over-year rise of 136.8%. EGO beat the consensus estimate in each of the last four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 430.3%. The company's shares have rallied roughly 61% in the past year.

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Element Solutions Inc. (ESI) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Newmont Corporation (NEM) : Free Stock Analysis Report

FMC Corporation (FMC) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Eldorado Gold Corporation (EGO) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 5, 2024 /CNW/ – Northern Shield Resources Inc. ("Northern Shield" or the "Company") (TSXV: NRN) is pleased to announce results from the recently completed trenching / prospecting program at the Conquest Zone, Root & Cellar Property ("Root & Cellar" or the "Property"), on the Burin Peninsula in southeastern Newfoundland.  The Property is being explored for epithermal gold mineralization and associated porphyry copper systems and includes 5 gold zones over a 6-kilometre strike-length. Tellurium (Te), a critical metal, is associated with 4 of the showings and also with some of the copper mineralization.

The visible gold (VG) bearing grab sample, exposed in outcrop by trenching in the Discovery Trench area of the Conquest Zone, returned 78.5 g/t Au. The sample contained 4 patches of fine-grained visible gold hosted in quartz-hematite veins associated with intense chlorite alteration, coarse pyrite and fine marcasite (see Company news release August 13, 2024). Three other grab samples, from a strongly silicified and brecciated unit adjacent to the quartz hematite vein, returned 5.0, 4.9 and 2.5 g/t Au with 14 of 23 additional samples from throughout the Property, returning 0.13 to 1.3 g/t Au. Grab samples by their nature are single selected samples and may not be representative of all mineralization expected to be found on the Property.

A high-resolution drone magnetic and LiDAR survey was also completed by RPM Aerial Services of Holyrood, Newfoundland and the data is currently being processed. The survey results will be used to fine-tune the positioning of drill holes planned for this fall.

Early results of the innovative application of geochemistry by an M.Sc. thesis student from Memorial University of Newfoundland, have strongly reinforced the interpretation of the Discovery Trench area as marking an up-flow zone within an epithermal system. Potassium / Aluminum (K/Al) ratios were used as a proxy for alteration minerals with higher K/Al ratios indicating the hottest portion of the hydrothermal alteration as would be expected near the main epithermal veins. The spatial distribution of high K/Al samples also suggests that the Conquest vein system continues 750 m westward from the Discovery Trench area. Case studies utilizing K/Al ratios at the Waihi epithermal gold deposit in New Zealand have highlighted the up-flow zones and the proximity to gold-bearing veins (Barker et al; New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 2019)

"We are very happy with the way everything is coming together. We have been very diligent over the summer at squeezing all the information we can out of the rocks, the geophysical data and the geochemistry, and the M.Sc. research being conducted by Mr Kaine Johnson has now added to that body of evidence. The integration of those datasets all pointing in the same direction gives us great confidence heading into drilling. We look forward to the processed magnetic data to fine-tune the drill targets."

– Ian Bliss, President and CEO, Northern Shield

Samples were analyzed by ALS Global in Vancouver, BC, for Au by Fire Assay and multi-elements by four acid digestion and ICP-AES. All standards and duplicates by ALS Global meet targeted values. Technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Christine Vaillancourt, P.Geo., the Company's Chief Geologist and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

Northern Shield Resources

Northern Shield Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based company known as a leader in generating high-quality exploration targets that views greenfield exploration as an opportunity to find a Tier 1 asset, near surface, and at relatively low cost. We implement a model driven exploration approach to reduce the risk associated with early-stage projects for ourselves, our shareholders, and the environment. This approach led us to option the Root & Cellar Property from a Newfoundland prospector, who discovered the mineralization, and then its advancement to a large gold-silver-tellurium system.

Forward-Looking Statements Advisory

This news release contains statements concerning the exploration plans, results and potential for epithermal gold deposits, and other mineralization at the Company's Root & Cellar Property , geological, geophysical and geometrical analyses of the properties and comparisons of the properties to known epithermal gold deposits and other expectations, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions, information or statements about future, conditions, results of exploration or performance that may constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities legislation.  Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect.

Although Northern Shield believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward‑looking statements because Northern Shield can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.  Forward-looking statements or information are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by Northern Shield and described in the forward‑looking statements or information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with geological, geometrical and geophysical interpretation and analysis, the ability of Northern Shield to obtain financing, equipment, supplies and qualified personnel necessary to carry on exploration and the general risks and uncertainties involved in mineral exploration and analysis.

The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and Northern Shield undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward‑looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Northern Shield Resources Inc.

Cision

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2024/05/c8205.html

We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Battery Stocks To Buy Now According to Short Sellers. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE:SQM) stands against the other battery stocks.

Electric vehicles are the latest trend in the automotive market which is revolutionizing the whole industry. According to Grand View Research, the global electric vehicle (EV) market was valued at $1.07 trillion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.6% from 2024 to 2030 and reach $8.85 trillion by the end of the forecast.

The growth is driven by government policies, incentives, and advancements in battery technology, which are making EVs more affordable and appealing. The transportation and logistics sectors are increasingly adopting EVs due to their lower emissions and operational costs, with companies like Amazon integrating electric trucks into their fleets.

Similarly, Grand View Research believes that the global EV battery market was valued at $44.69 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 21.1% from 2023 to 2030. Strategic collaborations among battery manufacturers, e-mobility providers, and energy suppliers are improving battery durability and lifespan, while the increasing production of EVs in countries like China, Germany, and Japan, along with government investments in EV charging infrastructure, is further accelerating the market. However, fluctuating raw material prices, such as lithium-ion, could impact production costs.

The Growing Importance of Critical Minerals in Energy Transition

According to BP’s Energy Outlook 2024, the transition to a low-carbon energy system will require a substantial increase in the use of critical minerals, such as copper, lithium, and nickel, essential for supporting the infrastructure and assets needed for this transition. According to the report, the rapid expansion of electric vehicles is projected to reach 1.2 billion (current trajectory) to 2.1 billion (goal to reach Net Zero) by 2050, which will significantly increase the demand for batteries and in turn, higher demand for minerals like lithium and nickel.

Copper demand is expected to rise by 75-100% by 2050, mostly due to its use in EVs and the extension of electricity networks. Lithium demand could grow 8 to 14 times by 2050, mainly driven by its use in EV batteries, which will account for about 80% of total lithium demand by 2050. Lastly, nickel demand is projected to increase two to three times by 2050, with most of this growth linked to lithium-ion batteries in EVs.

How Competitive Pricing and Leasing Are Shaping the EV Market

In an interview at CNBC Power Lunch, Erin Keating, Cox Automotives executive analyst, explored the factors shaping the EV market. She noted that Tesla and Chevy initially dominated EV sales, which is why a growing supply of used cars from the former is now available. These used EVs have become more affordable, partly due to tax credits of up to $4,000. This is helping to drive sales in the used EV market and making it a more attractive option for consumers.

However, the lease market is offering deals that compete with used EV prices. According to Keating, while this puts downward pressure on used EV prices, she emphasized the benefit of the situation and said that more leased vehicles today will enter the used market in a few years, which will ensure a steady supply of affordable used EVs in the future.

Keating also addressed the issue of buyer’s remorse, as some people are frustrated with the slower development of EV infrastructure and range anxiety. Despite this, she reassured consumers that the batteries in used EVs are holding up well with minimal degradation.

It means consumers can trust the longevity of these vehicles, and automakers are committed to supporting them. Although some challenges remain, she believes that as infrastructure improves, consumer confidence and adoption of EVs will continue to grow.

Our Methodology

For this article, we used stock screeners and ETFs including Amplify Lithium & Battery Technology ETF and Lithium & Battery Tech ETF to identify companies involved in the EV battery market. We then selected 10 stocks with the smallest short interest and listed them in descending order of their short interest. We also mentioned the hedge fund sentiment around each stock which was taken from Insider Monkey’s database of over 900 elite hedge funds.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A laboratory technician pouring a specialty blend of industrial chemicals into a beaker.

Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE:SQM)

Short Interest as % of Shares Outstanding: 2.27%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 9

Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE:SQM) is a leading Chilean company recognized globally for its production of lithium, iodine, and specialty plant nutrients. It is the world’s largest lithium producer. The company was founded in 1968 and over the years, it has expanded its operations internationally.

The company has become a key player in the global supply chain for essential minerals like lithium, which is vital for the production of batteries used in EVs and renewable energy storage. It is among our best battery stocks to buy now according to short sellers.

The company has operations in 110 countries across 5 continents. It has a unique advantage due to its exclusive access to the world's largest and richest deposits of caliche and brine, located in the Atacama Desert between Chile's First and Second Regions. These resources provide the company with extensive reserves of essential minerals, including the largest reserves of iodine and nitrate, along with the highest concentrations of lithium and potassium ever recorded.

Additionally, starting in 2017, Sociedad Química (NYSE:SQM) began expanding its geographic reach, particularly in lithium production. This expansion includes acquiring new lithium resources from spodumene in Western Australia through a partnership with Kidman Resources, further strengthening its global presence in the lithium market.

According to its 2023 annual report, the company continued expanding its production capacity across its main business lines. In the lithium sector, the company increased its Lithium Chemical Plant's capacity to 200,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate by the end of 2023 and aims to reach 210,000 metric tons in 2024. It also began operations at its Mt. Holland mining and concentrator facilities and is on track to complete refining capacity in Kwinana, Perth, by 2025. Additionally, the company refurbished a lithium hydroxide plant in China and began production using lithium sulfate from the Salar de Atacama.

As of 2023, Sociedad Química (NYSE:SQM) sold lithium products to 207 customers across 39 countries, with 92% of sales going to Asia. The company’s largest customers accounted for about 67% of its revenues. In 2023, the company held an 18% market share in lithium production.

As of August 9, Goldman Sachs sees long-term potential in the company. The firm’s analyst, Marcio Farid, upgraded the stock from a Neutral to a Buy rating, while keeping the price target at $46.50 per share, as reported by The Fly. Farid believes that the potential rewards of investing in the stock outweigh the risks. The analyst noted that the company is strategically positioned to benefit from an anticipated improvement in the lithium supply and demand dynamics by 2027.

In Q2, 9 hedge funds had stakes in Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE:SQM), at a combined value of $44.8 million. Kopernik Global Investors initiated a position with 640,997 shares, worth $26.12 million in the company and is the biggest shareholder of the company, as of June 30.

Overall SQM ranks 3rd on our list of the best battery stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of SQM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than SQM but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

 

Read Next: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA ‘Has Become A Wasteland’.

 

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. SQM posted a profit of $213.6 million or 75 cents per share in second-quarter 2024. The figure marks a decline from the $580.2 million or $2.03 per share registered in the year-ago quarter. Quarterly earnings also fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 99 cents per share.

SQM generated revenues of $1,293.6 million in the quarter, down around 37% year over year. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,260.7 million.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

 

Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. Quote

 Segment Highlights

Revenues from the Lithium and Derivatives segment fell nearly 55% year over year to $664.7 million in the reported quarter. Despite a near 21% increase in sales volumes, the downside was caused by a sharp 63% reduction in average sales prices.

The Specialty Plant Nutrients (SPN) segment generated revenues of $260.5 million, up 5% year over year. This upside was primarily driven by higher sales volumes, though it was tempered by lower average sales prices.

The Iodine and Derivatives segment posted revenues of $269.2 million, up around 22% from the prior year’s levels, benefiting from higher sales volumes and increased sales prices.

Revenues from the Potassium business rose 10% year over year to $73.1 million, supported by higher sales volumes, though partially offset by lower average sales prices.

The Industrial Chemicals unit recorded sales of $20.5 million, down around 56% year over year. The figure was partially dented by significantly lower sales volumes despite higher average sales prices.

Financials

The company’s cash and cash equivalents were $1,033.1 million at the end of the quarter, down around 22% sequentially. Long-term debt was $2,946.2 million, flat sequentially.

Outlook

SQM’s production guidance remains unchanged from earlier this year, with expectations to produce approximately 210,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent from its production facilities. Sales volumes in the second half of the year are anticipated to be similar to those reported in the first half of 2024.

Positive trends have been observed in the potassium nitrate market during the first half of this year, driven by strong demand growth and stable market prices. The firm projects that total market demand for potassium nitrate could rise by nearly 13% compared with 2023 levels. As a result, its sales volumes are expected to outpace this demand growth, increasing by close to 20% in 2024 from the previous year’s tally. Price stability seen in the first half of 2024 is expected to continue through the remainder of the year, assuming market conditions remain consistent.

In the iodine market, stronger-than-anticipated demand growth was seen in the first half of the year, a trend the company believes could extend into the second half. Total iodine demand growth in 2024 is projected to reach approximately 7% year over year, primarily driven by applications in X-ray contrast media and LCD/LED screen segments. Given these favorable trends, SQM expects its iodine sales volumes in 2024 to exceed 14,500 metric tons, surpassing the levels reported for 2023. Iodine prices have shown a slight increase since the first quarter, with the potential for further price gains in the second half due to robust demand and limited supply.

Global demand growth for potassium remained robust in the first half of 2024, with total demand projected to exceed 70 million metric tons by the year-end. The company expects its sales volumes to reach 650,000 metric tons in 2024.

Quarterly sales volumes for industrial chemicals are anticipated to remain steady throughout the year, with market prices likely to stay stable for the remainder of 2024.

Price Performance

SQM’s shares have plunged 41.8% over a year compared with the industry’s decline of 22.1%.

Zacks Investment Research

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

SQM currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

Some better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials space are Newmont Corporation NEM, Element Solutions Inc ESI and Barrick Gold Corporation GOLD. Newmont and ElementSolutionssport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while Barrick Gold carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Newmont’s current-year earnings is pegged at $2.82, indicating a rise of 75% from the year-ago levels. The consensus for NEM’s earnings has increased 16% in the past 60 days.The stock has gained nearly 34.4% in the past year.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ESI’s current-year earnings is pegged at $1.42, indicating a rise of 10% from the year-ago levels. ESI beat the consensus estimate in three of the last four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 3.8%. The stock has rallied nearly 36.8% in the past year.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GOLD’s current year earnings is pegged at $1.21, indicating a year-over-year rise of 44%. GOLD’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all of the last four quarters, the average earnings surprise being 21.2%. The company’s shares have increased 30.2% in the past year.

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Element Solutions Inc. (ESI) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Newmont Corporation (NEM) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (SQM) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Barrick Gold Corporation (GOLD) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research

As the S&P 500 approaches a new record, buoyed by optimism surrounding potential interest rate cuts and strong earnings reports, investors are keenly watching for opportunities in an increasingly bullish market. In this environment, identifying undervalued stocks can be particularly rewarding, as these equities may offer significant upside potential when their intrinsic value is recognized.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In The United States

Name	Current Price	Fair Value (Est)	Discount (Est)
Kaspi.kz (NasdaqGS:KSPI)	$127.08	$252.16	49.6%
Owens Corning (NYSE:OC)	$163.36	$316.48	48.4%
Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (NYSE:SQM)	$38.45	$76.18	49.5%
Fluence Energy (NasdaqGS:FLNC)	$18.32	$35.79	48.8%
American Superconductor (NasdaqGS:AMSC)	$20.65	$40.94	49.6%
Vitesse Energy (NYSE:VTS)	$24.58	$48.59	49.4%
MaxLinear (NasdaqGS:MXL)	$12.79	$24.91	48.7%
QuinStreet (NasdaqGS:QNST)	$17.45	$34.44	49.3%
Cytek Biosciences (NasdaqGS:CTKB)	$5.38	$10.61	49.3%
Zillow Group (NasdaqGS:ZG)	$53.11	$104.15	49%

Click here to see the full list of 176 stocks from our Undervalued US Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener.

Here we highlight a subset of our preferred stocks from the screener.

Corning

Overview: Corning Incorporated operates in display technologies, optical communications, environmental technologies, specialty materials, and life sciences sectors across the United States and internationally, with a market cap of approximately $34.85 billion.

Operations: Corning’s revenue segments include $3.86 billion from Optical Communications, $3.73 billion from Display Technologies, $1.99 billion from Specialty Materials, $1.76 billion from Environmental Technologies, and $957 million from Life Sciences.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 19.1%

Corning, trading at US$42.08, is undervalued based on discounted cash flow analysis with a fair value estimate of US$52. Despite significant insider selling and a high level of debt, Corning’s earnings are forecast to grow significantly at 27.8% annually, outpacing the market average. Recent strategic moves include an extended distribution agreement with Axion BioSystems and substantial share buybacks totaling 5.57% for US$1.81 billion since July 2019, indicating confidence in its financial position and future growth prospects.

• The analysis detailed in our Corning growth report hints at robust future financial performance.

• Delve into the full analysis health report here for a deeper understanding of Corning.

NYSE:GLW Discounted Cash Flow as at Aug 2024Palantir Technologies

Overview: Palantir Technologies Inc. develops and implements software platforms for intelligence and counterterrorism operations across the United States, the United Kingdom, and globally, with a market cap of $72.38 billion.

Operations: Palantir’s revenue segments include $1.14 billion from commercial operations and $1.34 billion from government contracts.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 37.7%

Palantir Technologies, trading at US$32.54, is significantly undervalued based on discounted cash flow analysis with a fair value estimate of US$52.24. The company recently became profitable and forecasts earnings growth of 22.78% per year, outpacing the market average. Despite past shareholder dilution, Palantir’s strategic partnerships with Microsoft and Wendy’s QSCC highlight its expanding AI capabilities and potential for future revenue growth in various sectors including defense and supply chain management.

• Our growth report here indicates Palantir Technologies may be poised for an improving outlook.

• Click to explore a detailed breakdown of our findings in Palantir Technologies’ balance sheet health report.

NYSE:PLTR Discounted Cash Flow as at Aug 2024Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile

Overview: Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. is a global mining company with a market cap of $10.65 billion.

Operations: The company’s revenue segments include Potassium ($255.75 million), Industrial Chemicals ($131.14 million), Iodine and Derivatives ($892.61 million), Lithium and Derivatives ($4.08 billion), and Specialty Plant Nutrition ($900.72 million).

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 49.5%

Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM), trading at US$38.45, is highly undervalued based on discounted cash flow analysis with a fair value estimate of US$76.18. Despite recent declines in revenue and net income, SQM’s earnings are forecast to grow significantly at 36% per year over the next three years, outpacing the US market average. However, its debt is not well covered by operating cash flow and its dividend yield of 28.45% is unsustainable based on free cash flows.

• The growth report we’ve compiled suggests that Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile’s future prospects could be on the up.

• Click here to discover the nuances of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile with our detailed financial health report.

NYSE:SQM Discounted Cash Flow as at Aug 2024Seize The Opportunity

• Delve into our full catalog of 176 Undervalued US Stocks Based On Cash Flows here.

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Searching for a Fresh Perspective?

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:GLW NYSE:PLTR and NYSE:SQM.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

Highlights

•          SQM reported total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 of US$2,378.1 million compared to total revenues of US$4,315.6 million for the same period last year.

•          Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2024 of (US$655.9) million or (US$2.30) per share, compared to net income of  US$1,330.1 million or US$4.66 per share for the same period last year.

•          Strong sales volumes growth in lithium, iodine and fertilizer businesses.

•          Record-high quarterly sales volumes in lithium and iodine businesses, surpassing 52,000 metric tons and 4,000 metric tons, respectively.

•          Signed definitive partnership agreement with Codelco to jointly develop and operate lithium assets in the Salar de Atacama until 2060.

•          Signed a long-term agreement with Hyundai Motors Co. Ltd. and Kia Corporation.

•          Launched SQM International Lithium to develop our lithium business outside of Chile.

SQM will hold a conference call to discuss these results on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 12:00pm ET (12:00pm Chile time).

Participant Dial-In (Toll Free): 1-844-282-4852

Participant International Dial-In: 1-412-317-5626

Webcast: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=FRfGBEBZ

SANTIAGO, Chile, Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) (NYSE: SQM; Santiago Stock Exchange: SQM-B, SQM-A) reported today net loss(1) for the six months ended June 30, 2024, of (US$655.9) million or (US$2.30) per share, compared to US$1,330.1 million or US$4.66 per share reported for the same period last year.

(PRNewsfoto/Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile, S.A. (SQM))

Gross profit reached US$752.5 million (31.6% of revenues) for the six months ended June 30, 2024, lower than US$1,920.7 million (44.5% of revenues) recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Revenues totaled US$2,378.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, representing a decrease of 44.9% compared to US$4,315.6 million reported for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

The Company also announced net income for the second quarter of 2024 of US$213.6 million or US$0.75 per share, a decrease of 63.2% compared to US$580.2 million or US$2.03 per share for the second quarter of 2023. Gross profit for the second quarter of 2024 reached US$383.9 million, 55.1% lower than the US$855.1 million reported for the second quarter of 2023. Revenues totaled US$1,293.6 million for the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of 37.0% compared to US$2,051.7 million for the second quarter of 2023.

SQM's Chief Executive Officer, Ricardo Ramos, stated, "We are very pleased to highlight that during the second quarter, we entered into a partnership agreement with Codelco to extend our operations in the Salar de Atacama until 2060. Together with Codelco, we are working to fulfill the remaining conditions for the partnership to take effect in 2025. The most pivotal of these is the consultation process with the communities surrounding the Salar de Atacama. We are committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement with the Atacameño communities founded upon the most rigorous standards, transparency and promotion of the human rights of these communities."

He continued by saying, "In the second quarter, we continued to see positive sales volumes growth in the lithium, iodine and fertilizer businesses. While sales volumes in the lithium and iodine businesses again reached record levels, increasing by more than 20% and 11%, respectively, compared to the same period last year, sales volumes in the fertilizer business confirmed the strong demand recovery trends anticipated since the beginning of the year, increasing by more than 20% compared to the same period last year."

Mr. Ramos further stated, "The strong sales volumes growth in the lithium business in the second quarter was offset by significantly lower average realized lithium prices, as a result of lower market prices when compared to the same period last year. We see this pricing trend continuing in the second half of this year, with current lithium price indices in China nearly 20% lower than the average lithium price indices in the second quarter of 2024. This trend could have a negative impact on our realized prices, which reflect the prevailing market price trends, in the second half of the year. Given current price levels, we anticipate that some lithium producers may reduce their output, as many projects, especially greenfield, are not economically viable at these prices. In our situation, while we continue to advance our previously announced expansions, we are currently reevaluating specific markets and initiatives that may be less attractive in the near term under these conditions."

Mr. Ramos closed by saying, "In light of our confidence in the long-term growth of the lithium industry, we launched SQM International Lithium to focus on developing SQM's lithium business outside of Chile. Leveraging our expertise in exploration, project development, M&A and innovation, SQM International Lithium's objective is to expand the portfolio of lithium assets we have with various partners outside of Chile, allowing us to increase SQM's production volumes by at least 100,000 metric tons of LCE per year by the end of this decade."

About SQM

SQM is a global company that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Santiago Stock Exchange (NYSE: SQM; Santiago Stock Exchange: SQM-B, SQM-A). SQM develops and produces diverse products for several industries essential for human progress, such as health, nutrition, renewable energy and technology through innovation and technological development. We aim to maintain our leading world position in the lithium, potassium nitrate, iodine and thermo-solar salts markets.

For further information, contact:

Gerardo Illanes / gerardo.illanes@sqm.comIrina Axenova  / irina.axenova@sqm.comIsabel Bendeck / isabel.bendeck@sqm.com

For media inquiries, contact:

Maria Ignacia Lopez / ignacia.lopez@sqm.comPablo Pisani / pablo.pisani@sqm.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "plan," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make concerning the completion and implementation of the proposed partnership with Codelco, the development of Salar Futuro Project, Company's capital expenditures, financing sources, Sustainable Development Plan, business and demand outlook, future economic performance, anticipated sales volumes and sales prices, profitability, revenues, expenses, or other financial items, anticipated cost synergies and product or service line growth.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are estimates that reflect the best judgment of SQM management based on currently available information. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in such statements, including our ability to successfully implement the Sustainable Development Plan. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Readers are referred to the documents filed by SQM with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent annual report on Form 20-F, which identifies other important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to SQM on the date hereof and SQM assumes no obligation to update such statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

(1) Includes the net effect of accounting adjustments for the payments of the specific tax on mining activities for the exploitation of lithium for the six months ended June 30, 2024, in a total amount of US$1,106.9 million. For more detail, please refer to Note (1) to this Earnings release.

 

Cision

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SOURCE Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile, S.A. (SQM)