Westwater Resources secures full Phase I graphite sales

Published 21/03/2025, 11:38
Westwater Resources secures full Phase I graphite sales

CENTENNIAL, Colo. - Westwater Resources, Inc. (NYSE American: WWR), a company specializing in energy technology and the development of battery-grade natural graphite, has reported securing contracts for 100% of its anticipated Phase I production from the Kellyton Graphite Plant. With a current market capitalization of $39.57 million and trading at $0.63 per share, InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently undervalued based on its Fair Value calculations. The company has also achieved a 10% reduction in estimated construction costs for the plant.

The contracts, referred to as offtake agreements, were signed with SK On on February 5, 2024, and with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) on July 18, 2024. These agreements ensure the sale of the entire Phase I production of Coated Spherical Purified Graphite (CSPG), a key component in lithium-ion batteries.

In addition to sales commitments, Westwater has managed to lower the projected capital cost for Phase I of the Kellyton Graphite Plant by $26 million, bringing the revised estimate to $245 million. This figure includes an 11% contingency and a 2% escalation factor.

As of December 31, 2024, Westwater has completed the construction of a qualification line at the plant, capable of producing approximately 1 metric tonne of CSPG per day for customer evaluations. The company has invested around $123 million in capital expenditures for Phase I construction to date.

Westwater is currently finalizing a $150 million debt financing deal with a lead lender to complete the plant’s construction. The deal’s progression is subject to customary conditions such as due diligence and syndication approval. Despite recent policy decisions by the federal government creating market uncertainty and affecting the timing and lender participation, Westwater remains focused on closing the debt facility. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a FAIR overall financial health score, though analysts have set an ambitious price target of $2.50 per share. For deeper insights into WWR’s financial health and growth potential, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively to InvestingPro subscribers.

The company’s financial summary for the year ended December 31, 2024, showed a net loss of $12.7 million, or $0.22 per share, an increase from the previous year’s net loss of $7.8 million, or $0.15 per share. The increase in net loss is attributed to certain one-time gains and write-offs in 2023, along with a decrease in interest income, partially offset by reduced product development expenses.

Westwater’s independent auditors have included a going concern qualification in their audit opinion for the year, which was filed with the SEC on March 20, 2025.

The company’s forward-looking statements indicate active customer engagement and a solid business foundation despite challenges in securing the necessary financing. Westwater continues to develop its primary project, the Kellyton Graphite Plant, and its Coosa Graphite Deposit in Alabama. Trading at a Price/Book ratio of just 0.3, InvestingPro identifies several key investment factors, including high price volatility and rapid cash burn rate. Subscribers can access 10+ additional ProTips and detailed financial metrics to make more informed investment decisions.

This article is based on a press release statement from Westwater Resources, Inc.

In other recent news, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has made a preliminary determination supporting the American Active Anode Materials Producers’ stance against Chinese graphite imports. The ITC’s findings indicate that these imports are significantly affecting the development of a domestic graphite industry in the United States. In response, the AAAMP filed a trade case in December 2024, requesting tariffs of up to 920% on these imports, with the Department of Commerce calculating dumping margins as high as 915%. Westwater Resources, a key player in the industry, anticipates that this decision will positively impact their natural graphite anode material business, potentially increasing interest in their off-take agreements. The company is currently developing the Kellyton Graphite Processing Plant in Alabama and has the Coosa Graphite Deposit, the largest natural flake graphite deposit in the contiguous United States. This preliminary decision by the ITC marks the start of an ongoing review process, with further updates expected in March and a preliminary determination on May 27th regarding the fairness of graphite pricing. Westwater Resources has issued a statement urging caution regarding forward-looking statements, noting that they involve risks and uncertainties beyond the company’s control. The company advises readers to refer to their Annual Report on Form 10-K for detailed information on potential risks.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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