• Total Cash: Approximately $4.1 million at the end of the quarter.
• Impairment Charge: $2.6 million related to vendor equipment deposits.
• Warrant Liability: Initially recorded at $986,000, remeasured to $1.5 million.
• Plant Operations Expense Increase: $931,000 or 15% increase for the year ended December 31, 2024.
• General and Administrative Expense Increase: $329,000 or 3% increase for the year ended December 31, 2024.
• Interest Expense: $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
• Net Loss: Approximately $24.6 million or a negative $3.83 per share for the year ended December 30, 2024.
• Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities: $5 million from ATM, $1.5 million from loan agreement, and $7.3 million from public offering.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with AQMS.

Release Date: March 31, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Aqua Metals Inc (NASDAQ:AQMS) successfully operated its lithium-ion refining pilot plant for over a year, demonstrating reliability and efficiency.
• The company produced over 600 lbs of battery-grade lithium carbonate at purity levels exceeding 99.5%, showcasing its capability to produce high-quality materials.
• Aqua Metals Inc (NASDAQ:AQMS) has formed strategic partnerships, such as with 6K Energy, to support closed-loop battery material supply chains.
• The company secured a $2.2 million tax abatement from the state of Nevada, reflecting its contribution to the local economy.
• Aqua Metals Inc (NASDAQ:AQMS) strengthened its financial position by raising approximately $15 million, with significant insider participation, indicating confidence in its strategic direction.

Negative Points

• The completion of the Sierra ARC facility remains on hold pending further financing, delaying potential expansion.
• Aqua Metals Inc (NASDAQ:AQMS) recognized an impairment of approximately $2.6 million related to vendor equipment deposits, impacting financial results.
• The company reported a net loss of approximately $24.6 million for the year, slightly higher than the previous year's loss.
• General and administrative expenses increased by 3% compared to the previous year, indicating rising operational costs.
• The warrant liability increased to $1.5 million, resulting in a non-cash expense that affected the income statement.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide additional comments on your plans for long-term financing and the options you're considering? A: Judd Merrill, CFO, explained that Aqua Metals is focused on project financing and debt financing for the Sierra ARC facility. They are engaged with lenders, discussing terms, and working towards meeting certain criteria to secure funds, though no specific timeline was provided.

Q: Could you elaborate on the updated plan for the Sierra facility and the timeline for commissioning phase one? A: Stephen Cotton, CEO, stated that the Sierra ARC facility is move-in ready, with much of the equipment already ordered. They plan to build an additional structure for feedstock processing and lithium carbonation, aiming to increase processing capacity from 3,000 to 7,000 tonnes. The timeline for commissioning depends on securing financing.

Q: How are discussions with customers for offtake agreements, co-locations, or potential licensing opportunities progressing? A: Stephen Cotton noted that the pilot plant's production of battery-grade materials has facilitated ongoing discussions with potential offtakers and OEMs. Despite market fluctuations, they are balancing feedstock and offtake agreements with financing efforts, aiming for contracts that align with their strategic goals.

Q: Can you provide insights into recent visits from industry leaders and government agencies and their outcomes? A: Stephen Cotton mentioned hosting several government and international visitors, including a Dutch contingent. They are engaging with the new US administration following an executive order on critical minerals, aiming to secure government funding alongside project finance or debt-based deals.

Q: How have the new Board Members contributed to Aqua Metals' strategic objectives? A: Stephen Cotton highlighted that Eric Gangloff and Steve Henderson bring valuable financing expertise and industry connections, respectively. Their involvement has opened new opportunities and added credibility to Aqua Metals' engagements with automotive and battery-related OEMs.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.