ATI Grows 7% in Aerospace, Piedmont Eyes 126K dmt by 2024

Key Takeaway

• ATI Inc. reports a 7% growth in aerospace and defense sales, reaching $616 million, with significant financial achievements including $150 million in share repurchases.
• Piedmont Lithium aims for 126,000 dmt shipments by the second half of 2024, focusing on contract customers to avoid spot market volatility.
• American Battery Technology hires former Tesla executive as VP of financial planning and analysis, signaling strategic growth and investor relations focus.

Aerospace and Defense Sales Surge

ATI reported a significant 7% year-over-year growth in aerospace and defense sales, reaching $616 million. This growth was attributed to strong demand for specialty alloys. The company also highlighted its financial achievements, including an adjusted net income of $68.4 million, or 48 cents per share, and adjusted EBITDA of $151 million, representing 14.5% of sales. Additionally, ATI completed $150 million in share repurchases, underscoring its robust financial health and commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Lithium and Mining Sector Developments

Piedmont Lithium is targeting full-year shipments of approximately 126,000 dmt, with the bulk of shipments expected in the second half of 2024 as it ramps up to full production. The company's strategy focuses on contract customers to minimize exposure to the volatile spot market. In related mining sector news, Buenaventura reported a net income of $67.1 million, a slight decrease from $72.8 million. The company's cash position stood at $174 million, with a net debt of $525.3 million, resulting in a leverage ratio of 1.87x. Key developments for Buenaventura included receiving the final operating permit for the Yumpag mine, expected to produce 6.5 to 7.2 million silver ounces in 2024, and $29.4 million in dividends from Cerro Verde. The company's Q1 CAPEX for the San Gabriel project was $38.4 million.

Strategic Appointments and Investor Relations

American Battery Technology has appointed Smith as vice president of financial planning and analysis to support the company’s strategic growth and lead investor relations. Smith, formerly the head of financial planning and analysis at Tesla in Europe, brings extensive experience in financial operations and market expansions. This move is crucial for American Battery's expanding recycling and lithium manufacturing operations, indicating the company's focus on strategic growth and effective communication with investors.

Market Movements and Analyst Insights

The S&P 500 Index, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all experienced declines amid concerns over consumer confidence and high labor costs, just ahead of the Federal Reserve's decision. Notable movers in the market included ATI Inc., which saw a 14% rise after posting first-quarter profits that exceeded analyst estimates. Other companies such as Eli Lilly and Chegg also made headlines for their financial performances and forecasts. The market's reaction to these developments provides insights into investor sentiment and the potential impact of macroeconomic factors on stock performance.