The stock declined 13.6% following the earnings release, driven by disappointing margin compression and weak sales performance in key segments, which overshadowed stable revenue and a cautious outlook on near-term cost pressures.

• First quarter sales remained nearly flat at $6.8 million versus $7 million last year, with the Antimony segment down 2% and Zeolite segment down 7%.
• Gross profit declined by $1.3 million largely due to higher labor, factory, import, and freight costs incurred to support expected production ramp-up.
• Net loss widened to $11.3 million, impacted by $4.8 million in noncash stock compensation and a $4.1 million unrealized loss on an equity investment.
• Inventory increased by $9.5 million to $22 million as the company stockpiled resources ahead of anticipated growth.
• The company remains well-capitalized with $60.2 million in cash and equivalents, plus recent capital raises and government grants, but operational cost pressures and slow sales momentum weighed heavily on investor sentiment.