Sign in

    Joel Jackson

    Managing Director and Senior Equity Research Analyst at BMO Capital Markets

    Joel Jackson is a Managing Director and Senior Equity Research Analyst at BMO Capital Markets specializing in the basic materials sector, with a particular focus on fertilizers, chemicals, agricultural equipment, and lithium producers. He actively covers companies such as Albemarle, Livent, Corteva, FMC, Sociedad Quimica y Minera, and Sigma Lithium, and has posted standout returns including a +172% gain on Albemarle, with an overall average success rate of approximately 57% from over 38 covered stocks. Jackson began his equity research career in the early 2000s and has been with BMO Capital Markets for several years, previously earning his P.Eng. and CFA designations, reflecting broad technical and financial expertise. In addition to his industry credentials, he maintains FINRA registrations and securities licenses relevant to research and investment advisory roles.

    Joel Jackson's questions to MOSAIC (MOS) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to MOSAIC (MOS) leadership •

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets requested granular detail on the ramp-down of the $50 million in extraordinary idle and turnaround costs, asking how these costs are expected to phase out in Q3 and Q4.

    Answer

    Bruce Bodine, CEO, President & Director, clarified that while Mosaic does not provide quarterly guidance on this specific line item, the costs are not expected to repeat at Q2 levels. He provided context that normalized annualized turnaround costs for the phosphates segment are typically in the $100-$110 million range. Luciano Pires, EVP & CFO, also directed investors to historical data provided in the earnings presentation.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to MOSAIC (MOS) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson questioned the expectation of a potash supply decrease from Belarus, noting that recent export volumes were high, and asked about Mosaic's strategy in response.

    Answer

    EVP, Commercial Jenny Wang acknowledged that Belarusian shipment reductions haven't materialized as announced. However, she highlighted that production cuts from China and Chile, combined with lower imports, have driven Chinese port inventories to critically low levels, creating a favorable setup for future contract negotiations.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to MOSAIC (MOS) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Speaking on behalf of Joel Jackson, an analyst asked what Mosaic's maximum potential potash production could be in 2025 if global demand were to surprise to the upside, relative to the company's current guidance.

    Answer

    Bruce Bodine, President and CEO, stated there is limited upside to maximum production from Mosaic, as key mines are already running at full rates. He identified the primary constraint as the Canadian supply chain, including rail and port capacity. EVP of Commercial Jenny Wang added that there is no significant spare production capacity available elsewhere in the world.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to MOSAIC (MOS) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson inquired about the 2025 potash market outlook, specifically regarding supply and demand growth, and questioned how many incremental tons Mosaic could supply next year.

    Answer

    Jenny Wang, EVP of Commercial, projected 2025 demand growth driven by affordability, with supply increases expected from Russia and Laos. President and CEO Bruce Bodine added that Mosaic's Hydrofloat project at Esterhazy will add 400,000 tons of capacity by mid-2025, bringing the Esterhazy and Belle Plaine mines to a combined 9 million-ton production capability. He noted the Colonsay mine would be used flexibly to meet additional demand or cover turnarounds.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to DEERE & (DE) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to DEERE & (DE) leadership • Q3 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson asked for more detail on farmer caution, specifically how they are weighing lower crop prices against large yields, alongside uncertainties from tariffs and other macro factors.

    Answer

    Cory Reed, President of the Ag & Turf Division, stated that customers are in a 'wait and see' mode, delaying major purchases until there is more clarity on trade deals. While a large harvest creates near-term needs, broader investment decisions are being deferred. He reiterated that long-term fundamentals from trade, tax policy, and renewable fuels remain positive, but the timing of a demand recovery is uncertain.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to CHEMICAL & MINING CO OF CHILE (SQM) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to CHEMICAL & MINING CO OF CHILE (SQM) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson from BMO Capital Markets asked for details on Mt. Holland's Q3/Q4 volumes to meet its 2025 target, the Kwinana refinery's ramp-up progress, and how recent lithium price volatility has affected customer discussions and contracts.

    Answer

    Mark Fones, CEO of the International Lithium Division, clarified that the 20,000-ton target will be met with spodumene sales heavily weighted to H2 and noted Kwinana's successful first production was due to extensive planning. Felipe Smith, Commercial VP of Lithium, added that Q3 lithium sales volumes and prices are expected to be higher than Q2, with realized prices closely tracking spot market levels.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to CHEMICAL & MINING CO OF CHILE (SQM) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson from BMO Capital Markets asked for clarification on the Mt. Holland/Kwinana sales volume composition for 2025, the progress of the Kwinana refinery ramp-up compared to other Australian plants, and how customer discussions have evolved with recent lithium price volatility.

    Answer

    Mark Fones, CEO of the International Lithium Division, clarified that the 20,000-ton LCE guidance for 2025 is primarily from spodumene concentrate sales weighted to H2. He expressed confidence in the Kwinana ramp-up, citing rigorous planning and strong partnerships. Felipe Smith, Commercial VP of Lithium, noted that Q3 sales volumes and prices are expected to be higher than Q2, with realized prices closely tracking the spot market recovery.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to CHEMICAL & MINING CO OF CHILE (SQM) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson from BMO Capital Markets questioned if SQM maintains its 15% sales volume growth forecast for 2025, asked about pricing dynamics in China where customers might be pushing back on contracts, and challenged the strategy of expanding capacity in an oversupplied market.

    Answer

    Felipe Smith, Senior Commercial VP of Lithium, stated that SQM has not updated its annual volume forecast due to market uncertainty but expects Q2 volumes to be similar to or slightly lower than Q1. He declined to comment on specific confidential customer pricing mechanisms in China. Carlos Díaz Ortiz, General Manager of the Lithium Potassium Division, defended the expansion strategy, emphasizing SQM's confidence in long-term demand and its position as the industry's lowest-cost producer, viewing the current oversupply as a short-term issue.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to CHEMICAL & MINING CO OF CHILE (SQM) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson from BMO Capital Markets asked if SQM maintains its 15% lithium sales volume growth target for 2025, questioned how the company is handling customer pushback on contract pricing in China, and challenged the rationale for capacity expansion in an oversupplied market.

    Answer

    Felipe Smith, Senior Commercial VP of Lithium, stated that SQM has not updated its annual volume forecast due to market uncertainty but expects Q2 volumes to be similar to or slightly below Q1. He declined to comment on specific contract negotiations in China, citing confidentiality. Carlos Díaz Ortiz, General Manager of the Lithium Potassium Division, defended the expansion strategy, emphasizing SQM's low-cost leadership and confidence in long-term demand despite the short-term oversupply.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to COMPASS MINERALS INTERNATIONAL (CMP) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to COMPASS MINERALS INTERNATIONAL (CMP) leadership • Q3 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets questioned if the 2% to 4% deicing price increase would lead to higher netbacks after inflation. He also asked for commentary on why the bid season wasn't stronger and about the drivers behind the significant Q3 improvement in Plant Nutrition costs and the guided increase for Q4.

    Answer

    CEO Edward Dowling explained the company's 'value over volume' strategy and deferred margin guidance, noting it takes two years for the market to clear. CCO Ben Nichols added that last winter was merely average. Regarding Plant Nutrition, Mr. Dowling cited the multi-year recovery plan is ahead of schedule, while COO Patrick Merrin noted that projections for higher KCL input costs are impacting future cost guidance.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to COMPASS MINERALS INTERNATIONAL (CMP) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson questioned the decision to lower full-year salt volume guidance despite strong recent snowfall and asked for an update on progress in reducing SG&A expenses, which appeared flat year-over-year.

    Answer

    President and CEO Edward Dowling explained the revised guidance is a cautious approach, reflecting the Q1 sales shortfall with only a partial recovery from January's strength factored in, as the company avoids forecasting future weather. Regarding SG&A, Dowling stated that while headcount has been reduced by about 20%, progress has been offset by rising legal costs, though it remains a key focus for management.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to COMPASS MINERALS INTERNATIONAL (CMP) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets inquired about the drivers of the expected Salt EBITDA margin contraction in fiscal 2025, the potential for normalized margins in 2026, and the company's stance on recent market rumors about a potential sale. He also asked for clarification on what constitutes a 'normal' salt sales volume and questioned an observed historical trend of weaker December quarter sales.

    Answer

    CFO Jeffrey Cathey attributed the 2025 margin pressure to higher inventory costs from the Goderich mine curtailment. CEO Edward Dowling addressed the sale rumors by stating a policy of not commenting on speculation, emphasizing the board's focus on improving the business. Regarding volumes, an executive estimated the normal North American highway deicing market at 7.5 to 8.5 million tons, while CSO Ben Nichols acknowledged the trend of weaker December quarters, suggesting a possible but unconfirmed shift in winter weather patterns.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to CF Industries Holdings (CF) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to CF Industries Holdings (CF) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets asked for clarification on a report suggesting a temporary halt in loading at the Donaldsonville facility, questioning if it was due to strong demand depleting inventory or a production issue.

    Answer

    EVP & COO Christopher Bohn clarified the report was incorrect and there were no operational issues. He explained that strong demand led to extremely low urea inventory (2,000 tons vs. 7,500 tons/day production). The team made a management decision to pause loading over a weekend to rebuild inventory for more seamless and safe operations.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to CF Industries Holdings (CF) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets asked about the dynamics of the spring fertilizer market and how CF Industries is mitigating capital inflation and labor risks for the Blue Point project.

    Answer

    EVP Bert Frost described the spring market as very positive with a strong order book, driven by low inventories and strong demand, which he expects to continue into Q3. CEO Tony Will addressed the project risk, explaining that Blue Point will use modular construction with large components built overseas on a fixed-price, lump-sum turnkey basis to dramatically reduce on-site labor and protect against inflation.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to CF Industries Holdings (CF) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson asked about CF Industries' natural gas hedging strategy for 2025 amid price volatility and questioned the year-over-year change in the company's EBITDA sensitivity grid.

    Answer

    EVP Bert Frost stated that the company has been more opportunistic, hedging front-month gas for commitments and weather volatility. CEO W. Will added that the EBITDA grid is a heuristic based on the prior year's actual product price differentials and cost structure, which included heavy Q1 maintenance in 2024, as noted by EVP & COO Christopher Bohn.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to CF Industries Holdings (CF) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets asked about the Q4 sales outlook versus Q3, the status of the greenfield blue ammonia project, and whether its economics are viable even without new clean energy demand.

    Answer

    EVP Bert Frost explained that sales patterns vary yearly and the Q4 order book is healthy. CEO Tony Will confirmed the project's estimated $4 billion cost is reasonable and that it can generate a solid return based on traditional ammonia demand and 45Q credits alone, given the tightening global market. EVP & COO Christopher Bohn added that potential partners are comfortable with these capital parameters.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to Nutrien (NTR) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to Nutrien (NTR) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets questioned if the positive outlook for North American fall demand is more dependent on favorable weather than affordability. He also asked about confidence in returning the Brazil retail business to a significant positive EBITDA run rate by 2026.

    Answer

    President & CEO Ken Seitz agreed that an open fall application window (good weather) is the primary determinant for fall demand, where they expect volumes to be up 5% from last year's compressed season. Regarding Brazil, Seitz stated the company's improvement plan is on track to achieve breakeven or slightly positive EBITDA in 2025 and that he expects this positive trend to continue into 2026, market conditions permitting.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to Nutrien (NTR) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson asked if Nutrien's earnings outlook has improved compared to three months ago, given the mark-to-market increase in commodity prices and a strong U.S. spring season.

    Answer

    President and CEO Kenneth Seitz confirmed the outlook has strengthened. He cited robust demand across all fertilizer products, noting that global potash supply is constrained, leading to price increases in every market. Seitz highlighted that Nutrien has raised its domestic potash price three times since the winter fill program and that Canpotex is fully committed through Q2, signaling a constructive view for the rest of the year.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to Nutrien (NTR) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson asked about Nutrien's Henry Hub natural gas forecast, which appears low given recent price surges, and questioned why ammonia seems to be underperforming other nitrogen products.

    Answer

    CEO Kenneth Seitz highlighted the significant cost advantage of North American gas over European prices. Executive Trevor Williams explained the gas forecast, attributing recent high prices to extreme weather but expecting normalization later in the year. Executive Christopher Reynolds addressed the ammonia market, acknowledging a recent price decline due to a weak fall application season and new supply prospects. However, he noted that unapplied ammonia will likely boost demand for urea and UAN, and the overall nitrogen market remains tight.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to Nutrien (NTR) leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson asked how to reconcile the $150 million reduction in Retail EBITDA guidance with the optimistic growth targets presented at the Investor Day less than two months prior, questioning if the company still stood by those targets.

    Answer

    CEO Kenneth Seitz reaffirmed Nutrien's commitment to its 2026 targets. He attributed the near-term guidance cut primarily to a slower-than-expected market stabilization in Brazil and, to a lesser extent, a wet spring in North America that delayed applications. He emphasized that a clear margin improvement plan is in place for Brazil and that the long-term growth strategy remains intact.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to Corteva (CTVA) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to Corteva (CTVA) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson from BMO Capital Markets questioned the drivers behind the significant free cash flow guidance increase and asked if the strong first-half performance represented a pull-forward of earnings from 2026.

    Answer

    EVP & CFO David Johnson attributed the higher cash flow guidance to increased earnings and lower cash taxes from recent legislation. CEO Chuck Magro asserted there was no pull-forward from 2026, stating that performance is on track with the company's long-term framework, driven by growth platforms and strong execution on cost savings.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to Corteva (CTVA) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson asked for quantification of the risks and potential upside or downside to Corteva's second-half EBITDA guidance, noting that a large percentage of the full-year earnings is expected in the first half.

    Answer

    CEO Chuck Magro stated that the strong Q1 performance has derisked the second half compared to the original February guidance. He identified Crop Protection (CP) pricing, now expected to be down low-single digits for the full year, as a key variable that is already factored into the current guidance range. CFO David Johnson added that the first half is now expected to be up 4-5% versus the original flat expectation, and the second half still implies a significant 40% year-over-year EBITDA increase.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to Corteva (CTVA) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson asked for details on the expected cadence of earnings and earnings growth throughout 2025, whether it would be even across quarters or weighted to one half of the year.

    Answer

    CFO David Johnson stated that Corteva expects earnings growth to be weighted towards the second half of the year. He projected the first half to be up slightly versus the prior year, with a stronger year-over-year improvement in the back half. This is driven by Crop Protection pricing pressure being more pronounced in H1 and the benefits of lower seed costs in Brazil being realized in Q4.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to Corteva (CTVA) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson questioned if the 2025 guidance for seed and crop protection cost deflation, totaling a couple hundred million dollars, might be conservative and have potential for upside.

    Answer

    CEO Chuck Magro stated that this is an early look at 2025 and that deflation represents about half of the $600 million in gross benefits from controllables. He emphasized that seed cost deflation is a three-year journey (2025-2027) that is just beginning. CFO David Johnson confirmed that the benefits are roughly split between productivity actions and cost deflation.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to METHANEX (MEOH) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to METHANEX (MEOH) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson asked about the operating rates of the G3, Beaumont, and Natgasoline facilities, and sought clarification on a $50 million downward revision to the company's run-rate EBITDA guidance.

    Answer

    President, CEO & Director Rich Sumner confirmed that the G3, Beaumont, and Natgasoline assets are all operating at high rates. He clarified the $50 million EBITDA guidance reduction is entirely due to a lower production forecast for New Zealand (down 600,000 tonnes) and is unrelated to the OCI acquisition's performance.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to METHANEX (MEOH) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson inquired about the operational confidence in the G3 plant, asking if its unique configuration might lead to lower long-term reliability. He also asked for an update on the OCI assets' ramp-up and questioned if the implied 40% discount to posted price in Q2 is a good baseline for the rest of the year.

    Answer

    Executive Rich Sumner expressed high confidence in the G3 plant's sustained reliability, noting a recent smooth start-up with new, validated conditions. On the OCI assets, he said more details would be available post-closing but noted they recently completed turnarounds. Regarding pricing, he was hesitant to confirm a specific discount rate, instead emphasizing the premium realized over China spot prices.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to METHANEX (MEOH) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson sought clarification on the Q1 2025 sales volume outlook relative to Q4 2024 production and inventory levels. He also asked how a $400 methanol price, versus the company's $350 assumption, would accelerate debt repayment and potential share buybacks post-OCI deal.

    Answer

    President and CEO Rich Sumner explained that the Q4 inventory build was of produced methanol, not an overall inventory increase, and that Q1 sales should normalize closer to Q4's higher production levels. He added that at current pricing, Q1 free cash flow could exceed $150 million, significantly accelerating the deleveraging timeline ahead of the OCI acquisition closing.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to METHANEX (MEOH) leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets asked for clarity on the firmness of the 7 million tonne annual production guidance, the timing of the Egypt repair insurance settlement, and the key signposts for resuming share buybacks.

    Answer

    President and CEO Rich Sumner expressed confidence in the 7 million tonne guidance. He stated that insurance proceeds from the Egypt repair are expected in Q3 but are not included in guidance. Regarding capital allocation, the top priority is repaying the $300 million bond in December, after which share repurchases will be considered.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to FMC (FMC) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to FMC (FMC) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets questioned the timing and rationale for excluding the India business from guidance, noting the added complexity and asking why a similar approach wasn't used for the GSS divestiture.

    Answer

    EVP and CFO Andrew Sandifer explained that the GSS business was a collection of product lines across geographies, making it more difficult to carve out, unlike the discrete India commercial unit. He added that operating a business for sale involves different decisions than long-term ownership, making forecasts unreliable. Chairman and CEO Pierre Brondeau simplified the impact, stating it's a removal of ~$70 million in H2 sales with a breakeven EBITDA effect, leaving core guidance intact and providing a clearer view of go-forward earnings.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to FMC (FMC) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson from BMO Capital Markets questioned the confidence behind the historically back-loaded forecast, asking for a breakdown of the drivers for the strong expected growth in the second half of the year.

    Answer

    CEO Pierre Brondeau expressed 'very high' confidence, citing three key drivers: strong, known demand for new products; a new direct-to-grower route to market in Brazil; and a mathematical $50 million EBITDA uplift from the absence of a prior-year negative variance. He emphasized that these factors are largely within FMC's control and supported by a much healthier channel inventory position entering H2.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to FMC (FMC) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets asked for an update on the preliminary 2025 financial outlook, specifically questioning the previously guided 6% revenue growth, pricing assumptions, and cost-saving targets.

    Answer

    Pierre Brondeau, Chairman and CEO, confirmed the company still anticipates approximately 6% revenue growth in 2025, though the pricing environment remains uncertain. He noted that cost savings are now expected to be at the higher end of the prior range, trending closer to $200 million.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to ALBEMARLE (ALB) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to ALBEMARLE (ALB) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets sought clarification on the timing for initial volumes from the Greenbushes CGP3 expansion and asked about the strategic importance of the Kings Mountain project and potential for U.S. government partnerships.

    Answer

    CEO Kent Masters projected that initial volumes from Greenbushes would likely be seen in early 2026. He affirmed the strategic value of Kings Mountain and expressed encouragement about the U.S. government's focus on critical minerals, noting Albemarle has been in discussions about the need for public-private partnerships.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to ALBEMARLE (ALB) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Joel Jackson from BMO asked about pressure on long-term contract pricing floors and whether the market has been surprised more by excess supply than by demand weakness.

    Answer

    CEO Jerry Masters asserted that Albemarle's contracts are holding as expected, though they evolve over time. He acknowledged that the supply side is difficult to predict, with some unprofitable assets remaining online longer than expected, but reiterated that long-term prices must rise to incentivize needed investment.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to ALBEMARLE (ALB) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson from BMO Capital Markets inquired about the contract structure for 2026, particularly regarding floor price renegotiations, and asked how Albemarle navigates a market with potentially irrational actors.

    Answer

    CEO Jerry Masters explained that contracts are typically adjusted over time rather than having hard renewal dates and noted the portfolio has become more spot-oriented due to growth in China. He stated that Albemarle's strategy is to focus on its own cost structure to ensure competitiveness at the bottom of the cycle, allowing it to pivot to growth when the market recovers.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to ALBEMARLE (ALB) leadership • Q3 24

    Question

    Joel Jackson asked if more supply needs to exit the market for prices to recover and requested comments on media speculation about potential asset sales, such as the Greenbushes stake.

    Answer

    CEO Kent Masters agreed that more supply needs to come offline for a price recovery and expects it will if low prices persist. On asset sales, he confirmed that the Ketjen business remains non-core and for sale. He explicitly refuted rumors about selling the Greenbushes stake, stating, 'Greenbushes, not something that we're thinking about selling.'

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to AGCO CORP /DE (AGCO) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to AGCO CORP /DE (AGCO) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson asked about the durability of European margins, questioning if the sharp Q3 decline was transient and how to think about H1 2025 performance. He also asked management to reconcile maintaining its full-year market outlook while year-to-date market contraction data for Europe and North America had worsened.

    Answer

    Damon Audia, SVP & CFO, noted that while it's too early for a 2025 outlook, European markets are historically less volatile. Greg Peterson, an executive, added that Q4 European margins are expected to rebound to first-half levels. Peterson also clarified the market outlook, stating they are now at the high end of the forecasted decline range and that the South American outlook is based on wholesale data, which differs from retail.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to Sigma Lithium (SGML) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to Sigma Lithium (SGML) leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets asked for clarification on a potential land dispute and its impact on the Phase 2 expansion. He also questioned the company's SG&A expenses, noting they remain elevated despite cost-cutting goals, and asked what market conditions would trigger more aggressive cost reductions.

    Answer

    CEO and Co-Chairperson Ana Cabral Gardner characterized the land issue as a 'non-issue' stemming from a personal matter that does not affect Phase 2 operations. Executive Matthew DeYoe explained that SG&A is elevated because the company is building a scalable platform for future growth, which will provide operating leverage as production doubles. Ana Cabral Gardner added that Phase 2 is proceeding regardless of market prices due to its high capital efficiency, though the construction is being 'paced' over 12-15 months to manage liquidity, unlike the 'raced' approach for Phase 1.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to Sigma Lithium (SGML) leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Joel Jackson asked for clarification on a potential land dispute and its impact on the Phase 2 expansion. He also questioned the elevated SG&A costs relative to prior targets and asked about plans for cost reduction in the current depressed price environment.

    Answer

    CEO Ana Cabral Gardner stated there is no land dispute affecting Phase 2, dismissing it as a non-issue unrelated to the project's ore body. Executive Matthew DeYoe addressed SG&A, explaining that current spending is building a platform for future growth and that per-ton costs will decrease significantly as production scales. Ana Cabral Gardner added that Phase 2 is proceeding due to its high capital efficiency, but on a 'paced' 12-month timeline to manage costs, unlike the 'raced' approach for Phase 1.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to LAAC leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to LAAC leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Questioned the pricing assumptions for maintaining positive operating cash flow, the project's margins at current spot prices, potential design changes after recent optimizations, and whether partner Ganfeng's investment strategy has changed amid market conditions.

    Answer

    The company confirmed its cash flow projections are based on current low spot prices (around $11,000/ton). They are confident margins will improve as costs decrease with higher production volumes and realized prices increase with better quality. No major plant design changes are planned, only minor optimizations. Partner Ganfeng remains committed to its long-term investment strategy, focusing on high-quality, low-cost assets.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to LAAC leadership • Q1 2024

    Question

    Asked for updates on inventory levels, the price-quality relationship for lithium carbonate, the strategy regarding production volume versus quality, and key learnings from the recent plant downtime.

    Answer

    The company confirmed a substantial build in finished product inventory and noted significant quality improvements leading to better pricing, which will be reflected in Q2. The priority remains increasing production volume, which in turn improves quality. The April downtime was planned to address known issues, and the team's effectiveness in managing it was a key positive outcome.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to ALTM leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to ALTM leadership • Q2 2024

    Question

    Questioned the economic sense of the Nemaska conversion project given industry challenges with ex-China conversion, and asked a big-picture question about what will break the cycle of 'irrational' overproduction in the lithium industry.

    Answer

    The Nemaska project's economics are sound due to its specific customer contract, and there will be a shortage of ex-China hydroxide. The broader market oversupply will resolve as demand growth eventually outpaces the supply from new sources like lepidolite and African spodumene, but the industry's reaction time is slow, and single-asset producers are reluctant to curtail production.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to ALTM leadership • Q1 2024

    Question

    Questioned the significant drop in the company's cash balance during the first quarter and asked for more detail on future production volumes associated with the 2026 capacity target, as well as a breakdown of the 2025-2026 capital expenditure plan.

    Answer

    The Q1 cash burn was attributed to significant one-time merger-related costs (transaction, integration, severance), tax payments, and an investment, and is not indicative of future quarters. Specific production forecasts for 2026 are premature due to ramp-up variability, but full run-rates are expected in 2027. A detailed CapEx breakdown will be provided at the September Investor Day after methodologies are standardized.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to ALTM leadership • Q4 2023

    Question

    Asked about the company's short-term order book visibility for the coming months and commented on the general opaqueness of market data from China and the fragmentation of pricing indices, asking how the company navigates this environment.

    Answer

    The company has good visibility on contracted hydroxide volumes but less on pricing for uncommitted volumes and carbonate, which is more market-dependent. The executive agreed that the market is the most opaque it has been in a decade, with conflicting data from China and immature pricing indices, making it difficult for everyone to get clear information.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to ICL Group (ICL) leadership

    Joel Jackson's questions to ICL Group (ICL) leadership • Q2 2023

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets asked for the potash pricing outlook for Q3, the production run rate for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024, and the current profitability and long-term viability of the polysulphate business.

    Answer

    President and CEO Raviv Zoller projected an average potash price of around $340 per ton for the second half of the year, with 2023 production expected to be approximately 4.7 million tons. He described the polysulphate business as profitable, though less so than in 2022, and expects it to achieve double-digit EBITDA margins this year. CFO Aviram Lahav added that stabilizing Russian supply contributes to a more constructive pricing environment.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to ICL Group (ICL) leadership • Q4 2022

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets sought clarification on the 2022 specialties EBITDA calculation, questioning the $500 million difference between segment totals and the reported figure. He also asked about the 2023 potash volume outlook and the timeline for major contract settlements in India.

    Answer

    President and CEO Raviv Zoller clarified that the specialties EBITDA calculation excludes the Phosphate Commodities business, which accounts for the difference. He guided for 2023 potash production and sales of 4.8 million tonnes and stated the 5.1 million tonne target is for 2026. Regarding contracts, he would only comment that he expects a settlement in India 'soon'.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    Joel Jackson's questions to ICL Group (ICL) leadership • Q2 2022

    Question

    Joel Jackson of BMO Capital Markets questioned whether the full-year EBITDA guidance was conservative, pointing to the lower second-half forecast. He also asked for details on expected margins for Industrial Products, growth drivers for Innovative Ag Solutions, and Q3 potash margins.

    Answer

    CEO Raviv Zoller clarified the guidance is not conservative, with the second-half moderation attributed to softer Q3 potash prices and typical Q4 seasonality in specialty businesses. He expects Industrial Products to maintain high margins due to a favorable product mix. For Innovative Ag Solutions, growth is organic, driven by strong performance in Brazil. CFO Aviram Lahav added that the guidance reflects significant uncertainty in Q4.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI