Summary of International Battery Metals Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: International Battery Metals (IBAT) - **Stock Symbols**: IBAT on TSXV, IBAT.F on OTCQB [3][2] - **Headquarters**: Houston, Texas [3] - **Founded**: 2018 [3] - **Market Capitalization**: Approximately $36 million [3] - **Cash Balance**: Approximately $9 million as of December 31 [3] Industry Context - **Industry**: Lithium extraction and battery technology [3] - **Critical Mineral**: Lithium is classified as a critical mineral with diverse applications, primarily driven by the battery industry [4] - **Demand Growth**: Lithium demand is projected to grow from 1.6 million metric tons annually to between 4-6.5 million metric tons by 2035, representing a 3-5x increase over the next decade [9][17] Core Technology and Business Model - **Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE)**: The company specializes in DLE technology, which is modular and allows for lower capital intensity and faster execution times compared to traditional lithium extraction methods [3][7][8] - **Modular Technology**: Enables construction of plants off-site, reducing costs and allowing for staged development [7][8] - **Unique Media**: The proprietary media used in the DLE process is sourced and manufactured in the U.S., providing high selectivity and efficiency in lithium extraction [18][19] Market Dynamics - **Nearshoring Trend**: There is a global movement to secure critical mineral supply chains away from China, which dominates the lithium supply chain [5][14] - **Supply Chain Rebalancing**: The geopolitical landscape is driving a shift towards local sourcing of lithium, with increased focus on U.S. and allied nations [12][13] Financial and Operational Highlights - **Lithium Price Recovery**: Lithium prices have rebounded from lows of approximately $8,500 per metric ton to around $20,000 per metric ton, improving project economics [28][29] - **Project Deployment**: The company is focused on redeploying its existing plant, which has already generated over 25 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate [20][21] Future Outlook - **Growth Projections**: DLE technology is expected to account for 15%-20% of the lithium supply market over the next decade, potentially providing 1 million tons of lithium annually by 2035 [17] - **Strategic Partnerships**: The company is exploring various revenue models, including licensing, service models, and project participation, to align with customer needs [25][26][27] - **R&D and Commercial Readiness**: The company is currently commercial-ready and continues to improve its technology, focusing on larger columns to enhance efficiency [33][34] Key Challenges and Considerations - **Market Volatility**: The lithium market is subject to price fluctuations, and the company aims to be a low-cost operator to remain competitive [35][36] - **Skepticism Around DLE**: Addressing concerns about the viability of DLE technology is crucial for gaining customer and investor confidence [36][37] Conclusion - **Management Focus**: The management team is committed to executing the company's strategy and capitalizing on the growing lithium demand driven by electric vehicles and energy storage solutions [30][31] - **Positive Catalysts**: Key catalysts for the next 12 months include the deployment of the existing plant and potential new projects in various regions [30][32]

Core Viewpoint - The Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the Smackover Lithium project indicates robust economic potential, with a projected unlevered pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 20.2% and a Net Present Value (NPV) of $1.7 billion, confirming the project's status as a world-class asset for lithium production in the United States [4][6][9]. Project Overview - Smackover Lithium is a joint venture between Standard Lithium (55% ownership) and Equinor (45%), focused on developing a lithium extraction facility in southwestern Arkansas, covering approximately 30,000 acres of brine leases [5][64]. - The project aims to produce 22,500 tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-quality lithium carbonate, marking the first commercial lithium production in the Smackover Formation, with initial production targeted for 2028 [6][17]. Economic Highlights - The DFS estimates an unlevered pre-tax NPV of $1.7 billion and an IRR of 20.2%, based on a lithium carbonate price of $22,400 per tonne [6][9]. - Average cash operating costs are projected at $4,516 per tonne, with all-in costs estimated at $5,924 per tonne [31][33]. - Total capital expenditures (CAPEX) are estimated at $1.45 billion, including a 12.3% contingency [6][27]. Resource Assessment - The total Measured and Indicated Resource is estimated at 1,177,000 tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) at an average concentration of 442 mg/L, with Proven Reserves of 447,000 tonnes LCE at an average concentration of 481 mg/L [39][44][50]. - The project has a minimum operating life of 20 years, with potential for significant expansion based on resource modeling [6][8]. Development Timeline - The project is targeting a Final Investment Decision (FID) by the end of 2025, with construction expected to commence in 2026 and first production in 2028 [17][61]. Environmental and Regulatory Considerations - The project has received a $225 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, necessitating compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with an environmental assessment already initiated [57][59]. - The project has strong support from local communities and government entities, enhancing its prospects for timely permitting and development [59].

Core Points - International Battery Metals Ltd. (IBAT) has completed a private placement financing with Encompass Capital Advisors LLC, raising approximately US$5,000,000 through the issuance of 25,765,259 units at a deemed issue price of US$0.19406 per unit [1][3] - Each unit consists of one common share and one warrant, with the warrant allowing the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of C$0.355 until August 5, 2028 [2] - Proceeds from the offering will be utilized for preparing IBAT's modular direct lithium extraction plant and for general corporate purposes [3] Financing Details - The offering was conducted as a private placement and is not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, meaning the securities cannot be offered or sold in the U.S. without registration or an exemption [4] - The securities issued are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance under Canadian Securities laws [3] Warrant Amendments - The company has received approval from the TSXV for amendments to certain warrants issued in previous private placements, extending their expiration dates to August 5, 2028 [6][8] - The amendments include restrictions to prevent Encompass from becoming a control person through the exercise of these warrants [10][11] Related Party Transactions - The participation of Encompass in the offering and warrant amendments is classified as a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101, with the company relying on exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements [11]

Core Viewpoint - International Battery Metals Ltd. (IBAT) has entered into subscription agreements to issue US$5 million in units to Encompass Capital Advisors LLC, aimed at funding its modular direct lithium extraction plant and general corporate purposes [1][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering will consist of 25,765,258 units at a deemed issue price of approximately US$0.19406, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of US$5 million [3]. - Each unit will include one common share and one warrant, with the warrant allowing the holder to acquire one common share at an exercise price equal to the market price, valid for three years from issuance [2][3]. - The expected closing date for the offering is around August 8, 2025, pending approval from the TSX Venture Exchange [3]. Group 2: Additional Investment Rights - Encompass has the right to purchase up to US$2 million of additional units at its discretion until December 31, 2025, under terms at least as favorable as those in the initial subscription agreements [4]. Group 3: Use of Proceeds - Proceeds from the offering will be allocated to preparing IBAT's modular direct lithium extraction plant for future operations and for general corporate purposes [3]. Group 4: Related Party Transactions - The participation of Encompass in the offering constitutes a related party transaction, with the company relying on exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements [11]. Group 5: Warrant Amendments - Concurrently with the offering, the company will extend the expiration dates of existing warrants held by Encompass and EV Metals, aligning them with the new warrants issued in the offering [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - Stocks priced under $10 offer an attractive entry point for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and maximize growth potential without significant capital outlay [1] Group 1: Ford Motor Company - Ford Motor Company is currently trading at $9.98 with a dividend yield of 6.02% and a P/E ratio of 6.83, indicating strong value [2][3] - The company reported record revenue of $185 billion for the full year of 2024 and has a positive outlook for 2025, with significant investments in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure totaling up to $50 billion by 2026 [3] - Ford aims to achieve 2 million annual EV sales by 2026 while maintaining its internal combustion engine vehicle business [3] Group 2: Nokia Oyj - Nokia Oyj is trading at $5.14 with a dividend yield of 1.55% and a P/E ratio of 20.58, positioning it as a key player in telecommunications [5] - The company exceeded Q4 2024 earnings expectations and projects a Comparable Operating Profit between $2.1 billion and $2.7 billion for 2025, alongside strong free cash flow [6] - Nokia's leadership in 5G infrastructure and expansion into high-growth markets like data center networking enhances its revenue diversification [7] Group 3: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company - Goodyear is currently priced at $9.67 with a P/E ratio of 40.29, indicating potential undervaluation [8][9] - The company reported a full-year 2024 segment operating income of $1.318 billion, reflecting a $350 million year-over-year increase, driven by its "Goodyear Forward" transformation plan [11] - Goodyear aims to achieve $1.5 billion in annual run-rate benefits by the end of 2025 through cost reductions and margin expansion [10] Group 4: Standard Lithium Ltd. - Standard Lithium is trading at $1.23 with a P/E ratio of 2.08, representing a high-risk, high-reward investment opportunity in the EV battery supply chain [12] - The company focuses on innovative Direct Lithium Extraction technology and has received a conditional $225 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for its South West Arkansas Project [14] - Standard Lithium's projects in Arkansas position it well to meet the surging demand for lithium in EV batteries [13] Group 5: Mereo BioPharma Group - Mereo BioPharma is priced at $2.45 and focuses on developing drug candidates for rare diseases, presenting a high-risk, high-reward investment opportunity [15] - The company's pipeline includes late-stage candidates Setrusumab and Alvelestat, with Setrusumab receiving Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. FDA [16] - Mereo has a cash runway extending into 2027, providing financial stability for its clinical programs [17] Group 6: Investment Opportunities - The five identified companies, all priced under $10, present compelling investment opportunities for Q2 2025, with established firms like Ford and Goodyear offering potential value and dividends, while Nokia, Standard Lithium, and Mereo BioPharma represent higher-risk, higher-reward prospects [18]