Item 1A. Risk Factors.
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully all of the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before making a decision to invest in our securities. Any one of these risks and uncertainties has the potential to cause material adverse effects on our business, financial condition and operating results which could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements expressed by us and a significant decrease in the value of our common stock. Refer to “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
We may not be successful in preventing the material adverse effects that any of the following risks and uncertainties may cause. These potential risks and uncertainties may not be a complete list of the risks and uncertainties facing us. There may be additional risks and uncertainties that we are presently unaware of, or presently consider immaterial, that may become material in the future and have a material adverse effect on us. You could lose all or a significant portion of your investment due to any of these risks and uncertainties.
Risks Related to EM&T’s Financial Condition and Results of Operations
EM&T has a limited operating history as a consolidated company following the Business Combination, which makes it difficult to evaluate its business, prospects, and future operating results.
EM&T was formed as the result of the business combination completed in January 2026, and its historical financial information does not reflect the operations of EM&T as a consolidated public company. While EM&T conducts its business through EM and other operating subsidiaries that have varying operating histories, EM&T itself has a limited operating history in its current structure, scale, and scope. As a result, investors have limited historical information upon which to evaluate EM&T’s business, prospects, and future performance.
Although certain of EM&T’s operating subsidiaries have been engaged in activities related to critical materials processing, recycling, and magnet manufacturing prior to the Business Combination, these businesses were not previously operated or managed as part of a single, vertically integrated platform. Accordingly, EM&T’s historical results may not be indicative of its future performance as a consolidated enterprise.
EM&T may encounter risks, uncertainties, expenses, and difficulties commonly associated with companies transitioning to a larger, integrated operating model, including, among others:
limited operating history at the scale and integration level contemplated following the Business Combination, making it difficult to predict future financial performance;
the need to raise and deploy substantial additional capital to fund growth initiatives, capital expenditures, and working capital requirements;
the possibility of continued operating losses as EM&T invests in scaling operations, integrating subsidiaries, and expanding production capacity;
challenges in forecasting and responding to changes in demand, pricing, and regulatory conditions in the critical materials, battery metals, and rare earth magnet markets;
risk that customers may delay, reduce, or decline adoption of EM&T’s battery metals, magnet, or related products;
limited experience operating EM&T as a single, consolidated public company with centralized governance, reporting, and controls;
competition from larger, more established, and better-capitalized companies with greater financial, technical, and operational resources;
difficulties in attracting, integrating, and retaining skilled management, engineering, technical, and operational personnel necessary to execute EM&T’s growth strategy; and
dependence on key executive, technical, and operational personnel, the loss of whom could adversely affect EM&T’s ability to execute its business plan.
Due to these risks and uncertainties, investors may have difficulty evaluating EM&T’s business and prospects, and EM&T’s actual results may differ materially from expectations or projections.
EM&T has incurred operating losses and may be unable to achieve sustained, long-term profitability and commercial success.
Since the completion of the Business Combination, EM&T has incurred operating losses and expects to continue to incur significant expenses as it integrates its operating subsidiaries, scales production capacity, and expands its vertically integrated critical materials platform. EM&T has not yet generated revenues at levels sufficient to offset its operating expenses, and there can be no assurance that it will achieve or maintain profitability in the future.
EM&T anticipates incurring substantial operating costs, including research and development (“R&D”) expenses, capital expenditures, and integration-related costs, as it seeks to ramp up revenues from the sale of concentrates, oxides, metals, carbonates, sulfates, precursor cathode active materials (“pCAM”), magnets, and their related products. These expenditures are expected to continue until EM&T is able to achieve sufficient scale, operational efficiency, and market adoption of its products.
To achieve sustained profitability and long-term commercial success, EM&T must successfully execute its growth and integration strategy, including, among other things:
integrating acquired and future operating businesses into a cohesive, efficient, and scalable platform;
expanding production capacity and scaling operations to meet anticipated demand for battery metals, rare earth elements, and related products;
reducing unit manufacturing costs through the implementation of automation, robotics, and AI-enabled smart factory technologies;
pricing its products competitively while increasing market penetration across end markets such as automotive, aerospace, defense, healthcare technologies, renewable energy, and consumer electronics;
commercializing and scaling its recycling processes and manufacturing technologies to capture additional market opportunities; and
securing reliable, long-term sources of feedstock, including spent lithium-ion batteries, e-scrap, and other recyclable materials, to support its multi-feedstock processing facilities.
If EM&T fails to execute one or more of these initiatives effectively or within expected timeframes, EM&T may be unable to achieve sustained profitability or generate sufficient cash flows to support its operations.
As EM&T transitions from an integration and scale-up phase to a more mature commercial operating phase, its future revenue growth will depend on factors both within and outside its control. Adverse developments such as reduced global demand for critical materials, pricing pressure, increased competition, regulatory changes, or delays in customer adoption could materially limit EM&T’s revenue growth. In addition, EM&T’s reliance on third-party suppliers for spent lithium-ion batteries and other feedstock exposes it to sourcing volatility, price fluctuations, quality variability, and potential supply disruptions, any of which could adversely affect production yields, operating efficiency, and downstream product output.
If EM&T is unable to generate sufficient revenues, achieve operational efficiencies, or raise additional capital as needed, its ability to continue operations and execute its business plan could be materially and adversely affected, including the risk that EM&T may not be able to continue as a going concern.
EM&T’s future success depends on its ability to execute its growth and go-to-market strategies effectively.
EM&T’s success hinges on its ability to implement its growth and go-to-market strategies, particularly in expanding its production of critical materials, scaling its recycling operations, and integrating its planned acquisitions. EM&T’s future management team must execute these strategies to increase sales, bring new products to market, and capitalize on its proprietary technologies in areas such as AI-driven automation and material recycling. The success of EM&T’s strategy depends on its ability to develop and operate both its planned battery recycling facility and its multi-feedstock processing facility. The battery recycling facility is expected to convert spent lithium-ion batteries into black mass, specifically designed to integrate with its downstream multi-feedstock processing operations. This black mass, along with other third-party sourced material, is expected to then be processed at the multi-feedstock facility into battery-grade carbonates, sulfates, and precursor cathode active materials (pCAMs). Separately, the multi-feedstock facility is expected to also recover rare earth elements, precious metals, and non-ferrous materials from e-scrap such as printed circuit boards (PCBs). If EM&T is unable to secure consistent volumes of spent lithium-ion batteries or high-quality e-scrap at competitive prices, or if the facilities fail to meet downstream product specifications or customer offtake requirements, its ability to generate revenue from these operations could be materially and adversely affected.
However, the success of EM&T’s strategy is subject to several uncertainties, including potential delays in completing acquisitions, longer-than-expected timelines to generate projected revenues, and challenges in developing or commercializing new products. Moreover, EM&T’s growth and go-to-market strategies may prove ineffective due to factors such as unforeseen market conditions, increased competition, or challenges in customer adoption of its products.
If EM&T cannot execute its strategies in a timely or cost-effective manner, it could face significant challenges to its business, financial condition, and ability to achieve profitability. Ineffective execution of these strategies could negatively impact EM&T’s results of operations and its ability to meet its long-term growth objectives.
EM&T’s failure to execute its strategic plans would have a material adverse effect on its operating results and business, harm its reputation and could result in substantial liabilities that exceed its resources.
The estimated costs and timelines developed by EM&T for the large-scale integration, assembly, and production of its concentrates, oxides, metals, carbonates, sulfates, precursor cathode active materials (pCAM), magnets, and their related products are subject to the risks and uncertainties inherent in transitioning from an early-stage company to full commercial operations. EM&T’s growth strategy, which includes the acquisition of multiple businesses and the expansion of its AI-driven smart factory capabilities, is dependent on the successful integration of these acquisitions, scaling its operations, and managing complex manufacturing processes.
EM&T has not yet secured contractual relationships with all component suppliers needed to scale its production capacity. Additionally, EM&T may face challenges in accurately estimating demand for its products, which could lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, or delays in generating revenue. If EM&T fails to properly predict supply and demand for its materials and manufacturing requirements, or if it is unable to invest in the necessary infrastructure, people, and capital equipment in a timely manner, EM&T could experience production delays and higher costs.
In addition, EM&T’s ability to secure sufficient volumes of feedstock — including lithium-ion batteries and e-scrap — will be critical to supporting its planned operations. Volatility or disruptions in the availability, pricing, or quality of these inputs could materially impact its commercial execution.
The success of EM&T’s strategic plans must be considered in light of these risks, complications, and the highly competitive environment in which it operates. There is no assurance that EM&T’s business plan will succeed. Moreover, as a capital-intensive business, EM&T will likely continue to incur substantial operating expenses without generating sufficient revenue to cover these expenditures, which may impact its ability to achieve profitability in the near term.
As a result, any investment in EM&T carries significant risk, and there is a possibility that investors could lose the entirety of their investment.
EM&T’s ability to secure reliable and cost-effective volumes of spent lithium-ion batteries for its planned battery recycling facility is critical to generating black mass feedstock, which is expected to be further refined at its planned multi-feedstock processing facility into downstream battery materials. Failure to secure sufficient battery supply or successfully operate either facility may materially and adversely affect the Company’s operations, financial results, and ability to meet customer demand.
EM&T plans to establish a vertically connected battery recycling facility that will process end-of-life lithium-ion batteries into black mass — a critical intermediate product used in the production of carbonates, sulfates, and precursor cathode active materials (pCAM) at its separate planned multi-feedstock processing facility, specifically designed to integrate with its downstream multi-feedstock processing operations. The success of this two-stage model is dependent on the Company’s ability to secure large volumes of spent lithium-ion batteries from third parties, particularly automotive OEMs, battery manufacturers, fleet operators, and aggregators, and we do not currently have any agreements in place for spent lithium-ion batteries.
However, many high-volume suppliers of spent batteries engage in structured bid or tender processes for disposal and recycling contracts. These competitive procurement processes often prioritize recyclers with proven track records, existing capacity, or vertically integrated logistics — areas where EM&T, as a new market entrant with non-operational facilities, may face significant disadvantages. Inability to win bids or enter into favorable long-term supply contracts may prevent the Company from achieving the scale needed to support downstream processing or meet customer offtake requirements.
Additional risks stem from variability in battery chemistries, degradation levels, and contamination across supplier batches. This inconsistency can reduce black mass yields, affect product purity, increase processing costs, or require costly pre-treatment stages to ensure quality specifications are met at the multi-feedstock facility.
Moreover, as a substantial portion of global battery scrap is generated outside the United States, EM&T’s supply chain may also be exposed to evolving international trade restrictions, export controls, or geopolitical disruptions. Since the Company does not plan to collect or dismantle batteries in-house, it is structurally reliant on external counterparties across this entire supply chain.
If EM&T is unable to secure a stable, scalable, and cost-effective supply of spent lithium-ion batteries through competitive channels, or if its recycling and multi-feedstock processing facilities underperform or face delays, the Company may be unable to fulfill offtake agreements, realize projected margins, or establish itself as a competitive player in the battery materials market. These sourcing and execution risks may significantly impair its financial performance and long-term growth prospects.
EM&T’s ability to secure reliable and cost-effective supplies of e-scrap is critical to its recycling strategy, and failure to do so could materially impair its operations, profitability, and customer relationships.
EM&T intends to process e-scrap — including printed circuit boards (PCBs), hard disk drives, and magnet-containing electronic devices — as a key source of critical materials such as rare earth elements (REEs), precious metals, and other non-ferrous inputs. This recycling strategy supports EM&T’s broader midstream and downstream production plans by providing recovered inputs for use in alloys, magnets, and other advanced materials. However, the Company does not currently operate a formal collection or dismantling infrastructure and will rely entirely on third-party suppliers for access to e-scrap.
As of the date of this Report, EM&T has not entered into long-term supply contracts with e-scrap aggregators or material recovery partners. The Company may be unable to secure such agreements on acceptable terms or may face heightened competition from established processors and new entrants, which could limit feedstock availability or increase procurement costs. Inconsistent or insufficient access to high-grade e-scrap could lead to underutilized processing capacity, lower production volumes, and reduced operating margins.
E-scrap feedstock presents inherent variability in material composition, quality, and recoverable value. Inputs can differ significantly based on device type, origin, and prior usage, and may require additional sorting, pre-treatment, or refinement to meet processing standards. These steps can drive up cost and reduce overall recovery efficiency. In some cases, incoming material may fall below the economic threshold for recovery.
In addition, global e-waste generation and trade flows are subject to export regulations, environmental restrictions, and geopolitical risks. Because EM&T does not control the upstream collection network, it may be exposed to fluctuations in international policy, supply chain disruptions, or force majeure events that impact the availability or pricing of feedstock.
If EM&T is unable to consistently procure high-quality e-scrap at scale and at competitive prices, it may not be able to support its recycling operations, fulfill customer demand, or achieve its targeted operating efficiencies. These challenges could delay commercialization, impair profitability, and materially and adversely impact EM&T’s business and strategic objectives.
Development and future operation of EM&T’s planned lithium-ion battery recycling facility may expose the Company to significant safety, environmental, and regulatory risks, including but not limited to thermal events, fire hazards, explosions, chemical exposure, and electrical accidents.
EM&T intends to construct and operate a lithium-ion battery recycling facility, specifically designed to integrate with its downstream multi-feedstock processing operations as part of its broader battery materials strategy. The facility, which remains in the planning and pre-development stage, is expected to process end-of-life lithium-ion batteries into black mass, which will then be further refined into battery-grade materials at EM&T’s anticipated multi-feedstock processing facility.
While no operations have commenced, lithium-ion battery recycling poses well-documented industrial hazards, particularly during battery discharging, dismantling, shredding, and thermal or chemical processing. The recycling of lithium-ion batteries involves handling volatile materials and operating at elevated temperatures, increasing the risk of thermal runaway, fire, explosion, or release of hazardous substances such as heavy metals and toxic gases. These risks are compounded by the variability in battery chemistries, physical damage to incoming batteries, or the presence of residual charge — all of which may create unsafe working conditions or mechanical instability during processing.
Additionally, the Company may be exposed to risks related to electrical shock or equipment failure due to the high energy density of lithium-ion batteries. These operational risks may require sophisticated safety systems, specialized equipment, environmental controls, and adherence to evolving regulatory standards issued by local, state, and federal authorities, including the EPA and OSHA. The failure to adequately mitigate these hazards could result in material harm to personnel, damage to equipment or property, regulatory enforcement actions, permitting delays, reputational harm, or material financial loss.
Although EM&T intends to implement best-in-class safety systems, fire suppression infrastructure, and standard operating protocols, there can be no assurance that these measures will be sufficient to prevent or contain incidents. Moreover, given the facility has not yet been constructed, the Company faces additional execution risks in designing, permitting, and commissioning a complex industrial operation capable of safely processing spent batteries at commercial scale.
Any material incident at the future recycling facility — whether during development, construction, or operations — could delay the facility’s timeline, increase costs, trigger regulatory scrutiny, or adversely affect EM&T’s ability to deliver downstream products or meet customer commitments.
EM&T may not be able to successfully integrate the business and operations of the subsidiaries that it recently acquired into its future business operations, which may result in EM&T’s inability to fully realize the intended benefits of these acquisitions, or may disrupt EM&T’s current operations, which could have a material adverse effect on EM&T’s business, financial position and/or results of operations.
EM&T will need to integrate the business and operations of the subsidiaries that it recently acquired. This process involves complex operational, technological and personnel-related challenges, which are time-consuming and expensive and may disrupt our ongoing business operations. Furthermore, integration involves a number of risks, including, but not limited to:
difficulties or complications in combining the operations of the subsidiaries that it recently acquired;
differences in controls, procedures and policies, regulatory standards and business cultures among the combined companies;
the diversion of management’s attention from EM&T’s other core business operations;
increased exposure to certain governmental regulations and compliance requirements;
the potential increase in operating costs;
the potential loss of key personnel;
the potential loss of key customers or suppliers who choose not to do business with the combined business;
difficulties or delays in consolidating the technology platforms of the subsidiaries that it recently acquired, including implementing systems designed to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting for the combined company and enable EM&T to continue to comply with GAAP and applicable U.S. securities laws and regulations;
unanticipated costs to successfully integrate operations, technologies, personnel of the Operating Companies and other assumed contingent liabilities;
difficulties related to comparing financial reports due to differing financial and/or internal reporting systems;
making any necessary modifications to internal financial control standards to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and/or
possible tax costs or inefficiencies associated with integrating the operations of the combined company.
These factors could cause EM&T to not fully realize the anticipated financial and/or strategic benefits of the acquisitions of the Operating Companies, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and/or results of operations.
Even if EM&T is able to successfully operate the Operating Companies, EM&T may not be able to realize the revenue and other synergies and growth that EM&T anticipates from these acquisitions in the time frame that EM&T currently expects, and the costs of achieving these benefits may be higher than what EM&T currently expects, because of a number of risks, including, but not limited to:
the possibility that the acquisition may not further EM&T’s future business strategy as EM&T expected;
the possibility that EM&T may not be able to expand the reach and customer base for the Operating Companies’ current and future products as expected;
the possibility that EM&T may have entered a market with no prior experience and may not succeed in the manner expected; and
the possibility that the carrying amounts of goodwill and other purchased intangible assets may not be recoverable.
As a result of these risks, the acquisitions and integration may not contribute to EM&T’s earnings as expected, EM&T may not achieve expected revenue synergies or EM&T’s return on invested capital targets when expected, or at all, and EM&T may not achieve the other anticipated strategic and financial benefits of the acquisitions of the Operating Companies.
EM&T is expected to need to raise additional funds in order to pursue its growth strategy, and these funds may not be available on terms favorable to EM&T or its stockholders, or at all, when needed.
The development, manufacture, and sale of EM&T’s future battery metals, magnets, and its related products are capital-intensive businesses. EM&T’s business plan — which includes acquiring and integrating new companies, scaling production, and implementing AI-driven automation — will require continued capital investment through public or private equity, debt financings, or other sources. These funds will be necessary to support ongoing operations, research and development, and the expansion of facilities. However, such financings may result in dilution of stockholder equity, the issuance of securities with liquidation and dividend preferences, significant interest payments, the imposition of security interests or debt covenants, and other terms that could adversely impact EM&T’s business.
EM&T may seek additional funds through equity, equity-related or debt securities, strategic partnerships, licensing arrangements, or by obtaining credit from government or financial institutions. This capital will be essential for supporting EM&T’s growth plans, including scaling operations, further research and development, infrastructure improvements, and the introduction of new products or services.
If EM&T is unable to secure additional funds when needed, it could hinder the company’s ability to operate efficiently, execute its growth strategy, or achieve its business objectives. This could have a material adverse effect on EM&T’s financial condition, business prospects, and results of operations.
EM&T’s quarterly net sales and operating results are difficult to predict accurately and may fluctuate significantly from period to period, which could cause its stock price to decline if it fails to meet investor expectations.
EM&T is expected to operate in a dynamic and evolving industry, and its operating results may experience significant fluctuations, especially on a quarterly basis. EM&T’s quarterly net sales and operating results may vary significantly due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond EM&T’s control.
Although EM&T is anticipated to grow from its business plan, accurately forecasting its quarterly operating results is challenging due to several uncertainties, including the reliance on integrating multiple acquired businesses and the demand for EM&T’s battery metals, magnet and rare earth elements, and its related products. If EM&T’s operating results fail to meet the expectations of securities analysts and investors in any given quarter, its stock price may decline. Factors that could contribute to fluctuations in EM&T’s operating results include:
Delays or changes in customer orders, including rescheduling, increases, reductions, or cancellations.
The timing of customer qualification of EM&T’s products and the commencement of volume sales by customers using those products.
Variability in research and development, sales, and marketing expenditures.
The pace of market adoption of EM&T’s products in key markets like automotive, aerospace, and defense.
The introduction of new products by EM&T or its competitors, and how well EM&T’s products are accepted by customers.
Challenges in predicting and meeting changing customer demands.
Gaining or losing key customers.
The availability, cost, and quality of materials and components from third-party suppliers, along with potential delays in fabrication or delivery.
Constraints in production capacity at EM&T’s facilities or third-party subcontractors, including interruptions due to supply chain disruptions.
Changes in manufacturing costs and yield fluctuations.
Variations in EM&T’s product mix or customer mix each quarter.
Expenses related to acquisitions or the integration of new businesses or technologies.
Unexpected product returns or price concessions exceeding forecasts.
Shifts in industry standards, product obsolescence, or inventory write-downs.
Costs related to litigation, including intellectual property disputes.
The unpredictability of customer purchasing and budgeting cycles.
Loss of key personnel or challenges in attracting skilled employees.
Variations in product quality or costs associated with remediation.
Adverse economic conditions in key regions where EM and its customers operate.
General industry conditions and seasonal trends in EM’s target markets.
The impact of geopolitical events, natural disasters, pandemics, or other disruptions on EM’s operations or those of its customers.
EM&T may experience delays in generating or recognizing revenue for several reasons. Open orders at the start of a quarter are generally lower than expected and are often subject to cancellation or rescheduling. Therefore, EM&T is expected to rely heavily on obtaining and fulfilling customer orders during each quarter to meet its sales objectives, and any delays or cancellations could negatively impact on its financial performance. Additionally, EM&T’s customer agreements are expected to allow customers to delay delivery dates or cancel orders without significant penalties.
Given the fixed nature of many of EM&T’s operating expenses, any shortfall in forecasted revenue could significantly impact on its financial results, as the EM&T is expected to have limited flexibility to reduce expenses in the short term. As a result, EM&T’s operating results may decline from one quarter to the next or fall below the expectations of analysts and investors, which could adversely affect its stock price. Due to these factors, EM&T’s quarterly results may vary significantly, and period-to-period comparisons of operating results may not be indicative of future performance. Any shortfall in net sales or income relative to expectations could lead to a decline in EM&T’s stock price.
The expectations for future operating and financial results and market growth of EM&T rely in large part upon assumptions and analyses developed by it. If these assumptions or analyses prove to be incorrect, EM&T’s actual operating results may be materially different from its anticipated results.
EM&T is expected to operate in fast-changing and highly competitive markets, and its expectations for future performance are based on management’s assumptions about its industry, many of which may not be accurate. The anticipated operating results of EM&T depend largely on management’s assessment of when its battery metals, magnet and rare earth elements and its related products will be adopted by customers, which remains uncertain. Moreover, EM&T’s projections are subject to numerous economic, competitive, industry-specific, and other uncertainties and contingencies that are difficult or impossible to predict and often beyond EM&T’s control. Future developments may also affect EM&T’s ability to meet its expectations. As discussed further in this Report, projected future sales and associated cash flows may not materialize in full, or at all.
Furthermore, EM&T’s expected revenue streams such as battery metals production, rare earth magnet manufacturing, and other recycling operations — may never achieve commercial success due to factors such as limited market adoption, competition, or unforeseen challenges in scaling operations. Important factors that may affect EM&T’s actual results and cause its operating and financial results to fall short of expectations include risks related to EM&T’s business, industry performance, the regulatory environment, general economic conditions, and other factors described in the section entitled “ Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ” in this Report.
Additionally, expectations for EM&T’s future performance are based on assumptions that are subject to change. These assumptions do not account for shifts in EM&T’s business prospects, changes in general economic conditions, or unforeseen events or transactions. As a result, long-term expectations inherently become less reliable over time. There can be no assurance that EM&T’s future financial condition or operating results will align with its expectations, or with those of investors and securities analysts. If EM&T’s actual results differ significantly from its projections, it may need to make strategic adjustments that could adversely impact its financial condition and operational results.
Moreover, the estimates and forecasts regarding the size and anticipated growth of EM&T’s target markets may also prove inaccurate. The expected addressable market for EM&T’s products and services may not materialize within the projected timeframe, or at all. Even if the market meets the size and growth estimates presented in this Report, EM&T’s business may not grow at similar rates, which could further affect its financial performance and the market price of EM&T Common Stock.
EM&T may be adversely affected by fluctuations in demand for and prices of battery metals, rare earth elements and its related products.
Because our revenue is expected to be derived from the sale of battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements, and its related products, changes in demand for, and the market prices of, these commodities, as well as taxes, tariffs, and other imposed fees, could significantly impact our profitability. Our financial results may be adversely affected by declines in the prices of battery metals, rare earth elements, and its related products. Prices for these materials are influenced by numerous factors beyond our control, including interest rates, exchange rates, inflation, shipping and logistics costs, global and regional supply and demand, industry trends such as competitor consolidation, and the political and economic conditions of producing countries. Furthermore, supply-side factors play a key role in price volatility, especially for rare earth elements, with production largely controlled by Chinese producers. The Chinese Central Government regulates production via quotas and environmental standards, which may be adjusted over time. Periods of oversupply or speculative trading can lead to significant fluctuations in market prices for these materials.
A prolonged or significant economic downturn in the U.S. or globally could place downward pressure on the market prices of battery metals, rare earth elements, and related products. Sustained periods of low prices could reduce revenue and limit access to development funds, potentially leading to reductions or suspensions in midstream processing operations, asset impairments, and reduced availability of materials for processing.
Demand for our products is closely linked to the demand for downstream products incorporating these materials, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, medical devices, military equipment, and other advanced technologies, as well as traditional automotive and electronic sectors. A slowdown in these markets may negatively affect demand for our products.
Conversely, extended periods of high commodity prices could lead to economic dislocations that destabilize supply and demand, affecting broader markets. While strong prices are generally beneficial to our financial performance, they can also drive the development of alternative technologies and competing sources, potentially reducing long-term demand for our products.
The success of EM&T’s business will depend, in part, on the growth of existing and emerging uses for battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements, and related products.
The success of our business will depend, in part, on the growth of existing and emerging uses for battery metals, and magnets and rare earth products. Our strategy is to develop these products, which are used in critical existing and emerging technologies such as hybrid and electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, medical equipment, military equipment, and other high-growth, advanced motion technologies. The success of our business hinges on the continued growth of these end markets and our ability to successfully commercialize battery metals, magnets and rare earth products in these markets. If the market for these critical technologies does not grow as we expect, grows more slowly than anticipated, or if demand for our products in these markets declines, our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results could be adversely affected.
Additionally, the market for these technologies, particularly within the automotive industry, is cyclical, exposing us to increased volatility. It remains uncertain how macroeconomic factors will impact our business. Any unexpected costs or delays in commercializing these products we expect to develop, or lower-than-anticipated demand for the critical existing and emerging technologies that utilize our products, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operational results.
Industry consolidation may result in increased competition, which could reduce our revenue.
Some of EM&T’s expected competitors have entered into, or may enter into, acquisitions, partnerships, or other strategic relationships to gain competitive advantages. Additionally, new entrants who are not currently considered direct competitors may enter EM&T’s expected market through such strategic moves. It is expected that this trend will continue as demand for battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements, and its related products increases globally.
Industry consolidation could result in competitors with more compelling product offerings, greater pricing flexibility, or business practices that make it harder for EM&T to compete effectively — whether through pricing, technology, or supply chain advantages. For example, in December 2021, China merged three state entities to form the China Rare Earth Group Co., Ltd., which now controls over half of China’s heavy rare earth supplies. This consolidation provides the China Rare Earth Group Co., Ltd. with enhanced pricing power over key rare earth elements like dysprosium and terbium, likely leading to shifts in the global supply chain.
Such consolidation and competitive pressures could have a material adverse effect on EM&T’s business, impacting its ability to compete on price, maintain market share, and achieve expected revenue growth.
EM&T’s profitability could be adversely affected if we fail to maintain satisfactory labor relations; work stoppages or similar difficulties could significantly disrupt our operations, reduce our revenues, and materially affect our results of operations.
EM&T’s expected production and recycling operations are dependent on the efforts of its employees. There is the potential for EM&T’s employees to seek representation as a collective unit in the future. This could lead to labor disputes, work stoppages, or other disruptions in EM&T’s operations, which could adversely affect its ability to meet production demands, reduce revenues, and materially impact its financial results.
Additionally, any work stoppages by third-party contractors or service providers involved in EM’s operations or development projects — such as the construction of new recycling facilities or expansion efforts — could cause significant delays, disrupt operations, reduce revenues, and have a material adverse effect on EM’s business and financial condition.
A shortage of skilled technicians and engineers may increase operating costs, adversely affecting our results of operations.
The efficient recycling and production of battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements, and related products requires skilled technicians and engineers proficient in modern techniques and equipment. As EM&T expands its operations and develops downstream capabilities, the need for skilled operators, maintenance technicians, engineers, and other specialized personnel will increase significantly.
If EM&T is unable to hire, train, and retain the necessary skilled workforce, it could face rising labor costs and challenges in achieving anticipated production levels on time. Such difficulties may delay operations, increase costs, and materially adversely affect EM&T’s business and financial results.
EM&T will depend on key personnel for the success of our business.
EM&T’s success is heavily dependent on the expertise and leadership of its senior management team and other key personnel. The loss of any member of senior management or key employees could negatively impact EM&T’s operations, strategic direction, and growth. If the services of any of these individuals were no longer available, EM&T may face difficulties in locating, attracting, or hiring qualified replacements on acceptable terms. Failure to retain or promptly replace key personnel could adversely affect EM&T’s business, operations, and overall performance.
Increasing costs or limited access to raw materials may adversely affect our profitability.
EM&T is expected to use significant amounts of feedstocks and raw materials to produce battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements and its related products. We will need to purchase feedstock and raw materials on the open market, exposing us to potential volatility in both the cost and availability of these raw materials. We may not be able to pass increased costs for these raw materials to our customers through price adjustments. A significant rise in the cost, or reduction in the availability, of these raw materials could substantially increase our operating costs, negatively affecting our profit margins and production volumes.
Fluctuations in transportation costs or disruptions in transportation services or damage or loss during transport could decrease our competitiveness or impair our ability to supply products to our customers, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
We will need to transport our products to our existing and future customers wherever they may be located. Finding affordable and dependable transportation is important because it allows us to supply customers around the world. Labor disputes, embargoes, government restrictions, work stoppages, pandemics, derailments, damage or loss events, adverse weather conditions, other environmental events, changes to rail or ocean freight systems or other events and activities beyond our control could interrupt or limit available transport services, which could result in customer dissatisfaction and loss of sales potential and could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
EM&T’s facilities or operations could be adversely affected by events outside of our control, such as natural disasters, wars, or health epidemics or pandemics.
EM&T’s expected operations may be significantly impacted by events beyond its control, including natural disasters, wars, health epidemics or pandemics, or other unforeseen events. For example, if any of EM&T’s facilities, including its planned recycling and production facilities, are located in areas prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or wildfires, these events could disrupt operations. Additionally, events like health epidemics or pandemics could lead to disruptions in the supply chain, workforce availability, or transportation logistics, all of which could negatively affect EM&T’s ability to produce and deliver its products.
In the event of major disruptions — such as earthquakes, extreme weather events, pandemics, or system failures — EM&T’s ability to maintain normal operations may be compromised. These events could force EM&T to halt or delay production and shipment of its products, which would lead to increased expenses and operational delays. Furthermore, breakdowns in EM&T’s information systems or communication networks, whether due to external events or technical failures, could further hinder operations.
Such disruptions, which could be outside of EM&T’s control, could have a material adverse impact on EM&T’s business, operating results, and financial condition.
EM&T’s ability to generate revenue may be diminished if substitutes for EM&T’s concentrates, oxides, metals, carbonates, sulfates, precursor cathode active material (pCAM), magnets, and their related products become available or if technological advancements reduce their demand.
The industries and end markets that we expect will rely on EM&T’s rare earth elements, battery metals, magnets, and related products — such as automotive, aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics — are subject to rapid technological advancements. If these industries develop new technologies or products that no longer require these materials, or if alternative materials that can perform similar functions become widely available, it could lead to a decline in demand for EM&T’s products.
A reduction in demand for EM’s rare earth elements, battery metals, and magnets could materially impact its ability to generate revenue, which would have an adverse effect on EM&T’s business, financial condition, and operational results. The emergence of viable substitutes or shifts in technology that reduce reliance on these materials could significantly weaken EM&T’s market position and revenue potential.
If EM&T is deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, it may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and its activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult to operate or to execute its growth plans.
If EM&T is deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, it will be subject to additional regulatory requirements and its activities may be restricted, including:
restrictions on the nature of its investments;
limitations on its ability to borrow;
prohibitions on transactions with affiliates; and
restrictions on the issuance of securities.
Each of these may make it difficult for EM&T to run its business. In addition, the law may impose upon EM&T burdensome requirements, including:
registration as an investment company and subsequent regulation as an investment company;
adoption of a specific form of corporate structure; and
reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy and disclosure requirements and other rules and regulations.
EM&T is expected to conduct its operations so that it is not required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act defines an “investment company” as any issuer that is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act defines an investment company as any issuer that is engaged or proposes to engage in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of the issuer’s total assets (exclusive of U.S. Government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Excluded from the term “investment securities,” among other things, are U.S. Government securities and securities issued by majority owned subsidiaries that are not themselves investment companies and are not relying on the exemption from the definition of investment company set forth in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act. Though EM does not believe that its principal activities will subject it to the Investment Company Act, if EM&T were deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act, compliance with the additional regulatory burdens discussed above would require additional expense and attention from management.
Risks Related to EM&T’s Intellectual Property
EM&T is expected to rely heavily on its intellectual property portfolio. If EM&T is unable to protect its intellectual property rights, its business and competitive position would be harmed.
EM&T may not be able to prevent unauthorized use of its intellectual property, which could harm its business and competitive position. EM&T is expected to rely upon a combination of the intellectual property protections afforded by patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws in the United States and other jurisdictions, as well as license agreements and other contractual protections, to establish, maintain and enforce rights in its proprietary technologies. In addition, EM&T is expected to seek to protect its intellectual property rights through nondisclosure and invention assignment agreements with its employees and consultants and through non-disclosure agreements with business partners and other third-parties. Despite EM&T’s efforts to protect its proprietary rights, third-parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use its intellectual property or be able to design around its intellectual property. Any patent that may be held by EM&T at the Closing or to be issued to EM&T could be challenged, invalidated, unenforceable or circumvented. Monitoring unauthorized use of EM&T’s intellectual property is difficult and costly, and the steps EM&T will take to prevent misappropriation may not be sufficient. From time to time, third-parties may infringe EM&T’s intellectual property rights. Litigation may be necessary to enforce or protect EM&T’s rights or to determine the validity and scope of the rights of others. Any litigation could be unsuccessful, cause EM&T to incur substantial costs, divert resources away from EM&T’s daily operations and result in the impairment of EM&T’s intellectual property. Failure to adequately enforce EM&T’s rights could cause it to lose rights in its intellectual property and may negatively affect its business. In addition, existing intellectual property laws and contractual remedies may afford less protection than needed to safeguard EM&T’s intellectual property portfolio.
Patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws vary significantly throughout the world. A number of foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States or have onerous filing requirements. Therefore, EM&T’s intellectual property rights may not be as strong or as easily enforced outside of the United States, and efforts to protect against the unauthorized use of EM&T’s intellectual property rights, technology and other proprietary rights may be more expensive and difficult outside of the United States. Further, competitors may copy its designs and technology and operate in countries in which EM&T will not have prosecuted its intellectual property. Although EM&T’s ownership of future patents may not be disputed, until the process of updating its filings is complete, EM&T’s intellectual property rights with respect to such patents may not be as strong or as easily enforced. Failure to adequately protect EM&T’s intellectual property rights could result in its competitors using its intellectual property to offer products, and competitors’ ability to design around EM&T’s intellectual property would enable competitors to offer similar or better products or services, in each case potentially resulting in the loss of some of EM&T’s competitive advantage and a decrease in its revenue, which would adversely affect EM&T’s business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
EM&T’s inability to protect its existing and future intellectual property rights could have a material adverse effect on its operations and success.
EM&T is expected to rely primarily on patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright laws in the United States and in other countries in which its products are produced or sold, as well as other contractual restrictions, such as licenses and nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, to protect EM&T’s current and future intellectual property. Additionally, the patent, trade secret and trademark laws of some countries, or their enforcement, may not protect EM&T’s intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Failure to protect EM&T’s intellectual property rights may result in the loss of valuable proprietary technologies, which could have a material adverse effect on EM&T’s business, financial condition or operating results. EM&T cannot assure that its intellectual property rights will not be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or rendered unenforceable.
If EM&T fails to successfully enforce its intellectual property rights, its competitive position could suffer. EM&T may also be required to spend significant resources to monitor and police its intellectual property rights. Similarly, if EM&T were to infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, its competitive position could suffer. Furthermore, other companies may duplicate or reverse engineer EM&T’s technologies or design around its patents. In some instances, litigation may be necessary to enforce EM&T’s intellectual property rights and protect its proprietary information, or to defend against claims by third-parties that EM&T’s products infringe their intellectual property rights. Any litigation or claims brought by or against EM&T, whether with or without merit, may incur significant cost and EM&T might not be in the position to finance it. EM&T cannot assure that the outcome of such potential litigation will be in its favor. An adverse determination in any such litigation will impair EM&T’s intellectual property rights and may harm its business, prospects and reputation. In addition, any intellectual property litigation or claims against EM&T could result in the loss or compromise of its intellectual property and proprietary rights, subject it to significant liabilities, require it to seek licenses on unfavorable terms, prevent it from manufacturing or selling certain products or require it to redesign certain products, any of which could harm EM&T’s business and results of operations.
EM&T is expected to file new patents for new inventions that will be incorporated into new products; however, such patent filings may never be issued, or certain claims may be rejected, or may need to be narrowed, which may limit the protection EM&T attempts to obtain. In addition, companies, organizations or individuals, including competitors, may hold or obtain patents, trademarks or other proprietary rights that would prevent, limit, or interfere with EM&T’s ability to make, use, develop, sell or market its products, which would make it more difficult for EM&T to operate its business. These third-parties may have applied for, been granted, or obtained patents that relate to intellectual property, which competes with EM&T’s intellectual property or technology. This may require EM&T to develop or obtain alternative technology, or obtain appropriate licenses under these patents, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. Such a circumstance may result in EM&T having to significantly increase development efforts and resources to redesign its technology in order to safeguard its competitive edge against competitors.
With respect to unpatented proprietary manufacturing expertise, continuing technological innovation and other trade secrets necessary to develop and maintain its competitive position, while EM&T generally is expected to enter into confidentiality agreements with its employees and third-parties to protect its intellectual property, EM&T cannot assure you that its confidentiality agreements will not be breached, that they will provide meaningful protection for EM&T’s trade secrets and proprietary manufacturing expertise or that adequate remedies will be available in the event of an unauthorized use or disclosure of EM&T’s trade secrets or manufacturing expertise. In addition, EM&T’s trade secrets and know-how may be improperly obtained by other means, such as a breach of its information technology security systems or direct theft.
EM&T may need to defend itself against intellectual property infringement claims, which may be time-consuming and could cause EM&T to incur substantial costs.
Companies, organizations or individuals, including EM&T’s current and future competitors, may hold or obtain patents, trademarks or other proprietary rights that would prevent, limit or interfere with EM&T’s ability to make, use, develop or sell its products, which could make it more difficult for EM&T to operate its business. From time to time, EM&T may receive inquiries from holders of patents or trademarks inquiring whether EM&T is infringing their proprietary rights and/or seek court declarations that they do not infringe upon EM&T’s intellectual property rights. Companies holding patents or other intellectual property rights relating to recycling and midstream processing of e-Scraps, batteries, spent magnets, rare earth elements and its related products as well as AI and robotics may bring suits alleging infringement of such rights or otherwise asserting their rights and seeking licenses. In addition, if EM&T is determined to have infringed upon a third-party’s intellectual property rights, EM&T may be required to do one or more of the following:
cease selling, incorporating or using products that incorporate the challenged intellectual property;
pay substantial damages;
obtain a license from the holder of the infringed intellectual property right, which license may not be available on reasonable terms or at all; or
redesign its products or service offerings.
In the event of a successful claim of infringement against EM&T and its failure or inability to obtain a license to the infringed technology, EM&T’s business, prospects, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, any litigation or claims, whether or not valid, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management’s attention.
EM&T also is expected to license patents and other intellectual property from third parties, and EM&T may face claims that its use of this intellectual property infringes the rights of others. In such cases, EM&T may seek indemnification from its licensors under its license contracts with them. However, EM&T’s rights to indemnification may be unavailable or insufficient to cover its costs and losses, depending on its use of the technology, whether it chooses to retain control over conduct of the litigation and other factors.
EM&T’s patent applications may not result in issued patents or its patent rights may be contested, circumvented, invalidated or limited in scope, any of which could have a material adverse effect on EM&T’s ability to prevent others from interfering with its commercialization of its products.
EM&T’s patent applications may not result in issued patents, which may have a material adverse effect on EM&T’s ability to prevent others from commercially exploiting products similar to EM&T’s. The status of patents involves complex legal and factual questions, and the breadth of claims allowed is uncertain. As a result, EM&T cannot be certain that the patent applications that it files will result in patents being issued or that its patents and any patents that may be issued to it will afford protection against competitors with similar technology. Numerous patents and pending patent applications owned by others exist in the fields in which EM&T has developed and is developing its technology. In addition to those who may claim priority, any of EM&T’s existing or pending patents may also be challenged by others on the basis that they are otherwise invalid or unenforceable. Furthermore, patent applications filed in foreign countries are subject to laws, rules and procedures that differ from those of the United States, and thus EM&T cannot be certain that foreign patent applications related to issued U.S. patents will be issued.
Even if its patent applications succeed and EM&T is issued patents in accordance with them, it is still uncertain whether these patents will be contested, circumvented, invalidated or limited in scope in the future. The rights granted under any issued patents may not provide EM&T with meaningful protection or competitive advantages, and some foreign countries provide significantly less effective patent enforcement than in the United States. In addition, the claims under any patents that issue from EM&T’s patent applications may not be broad enough to prevent others from developing technologies that are similar or that achieve results similar to EM&T’s. The intellectual property rights of others could also bar EM&T from licensing and exploiting any patents that are issued from its pending applications. In addition, patents issued to EM&T may be infringed upon or designed around by others, and others may obtain patents that EM&T needs to license or design around, either of which would increase costs and may adversely affect EM&T’s business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
There is uncertainty regarding the ability of each of the subsidiaries to maintain liquidity sufficient to operate its business effectively, which raises substantial doubt about each subsidiary’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Each of the Company’s recently acquired subsidiaries’ historical financial statements have each been prepared under the assumption that the company will continue as a going concern. The independent auditor for each of the Company’s recently acquired subsidiaries has issued a report on the audited financial statement for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, as applicable, that includes an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt in the subsidiary’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the date of such report. The ability of each subsidiary to continue as a going concern, and the combined company to continue as a going concern is dependent on each subsidiary’s ability to obtain additional equity or debt financing or to generate cash flow from operations. Their financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. The substantial doubt regarding the potential ability of each subsidiary to continue as a going concern may adversely affect its ability to obtain such debt or equity financing on reasonable terms or at all, or to execute their business strategies. Additionally, if any subsidiary is unable to continue as a going concern, investors, including holders of EM&T Common Stock following the closing of the Business Combination, may lose some or all of their investment.
We are dependent upon information technology systems, operational technology, and digital infrastructure to conduct our business, and these systems are subject to cyber threats, disruption, damage, and failure. Any unauthorized access to, disclosure, or theft of confidential, proprietary, or personal information that we gather, store, or use could harm our reputation, disrupt our operations, subject us to claims or litigation, and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
We maintain significant volumes of information necessary to operate our business, including confidential and proprietary information, intellectual property, operational data, financial records, and personal information relating to employees, customers, suppliers, and other counterparties. We rely on information systems and network infrastructure to operate recycling facilities, manufacturing processes, logistics systems, and financial and accounting functions. Data maintained in digital form is inherently subject to the risk of unauthorized access, modification, exfiltration, destruction, or denial of access, and our systems may be vulnerable to cybersecurity incidents, including malware, ransomware, phishing, social engineering, denial-of-service attacks, insider threats, and other cyberattacks.
We also rely extensively on third-party service providers, cloud platforms, software vendors, and external data systems, including those supporting operational technology at manufacturing and processing facilities. These third parties may be subject to supply chain disruptions, system failures, or cybersecurity breaches, which could impair the availability or integrity of systems on which we depend. In certain circumstances, we provide confidential, proprietary, or personal information to third parties in order to pursue business objectives. While we seek contractual assurances regarding data protection and, where appropriate, monitor vendor security practices, we cannot guarantee that third parties will not experience cybersecurity incidents or that our information will not be compromised.
We seek to maintain information security programs and internal controls designed to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. However, developing and maintaining effective cybersecurity programs is costly, requires ongoing monitoring and investment, and must continually evolve to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, including through the use of artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced social engineering techniques, and we may not be able to anticipate or prevent all forms of attack. As a result, the risk of unauthorized access to or compromise of our systems and data cannot be eliminated, and a material cybersecurity incident could occur despite our efforts.
If our information systems, operational technology, or data are compromised in a material way, our ability to operate our facilities, manage supply chains, conduct financial reporting, or protect proprietary technologies may be impaired. We could experience operational disruptions, production delays, equipment malfunctions, inaccurate recordkeeping, loss of intellectual property, or interruption of customer or supplier relationships. In addition, if personal information of employees or other individuals is misappropriated, we may suffer reputational harm, loss of employee trust or morale, increased regulatory scrutiny, and exposure to litigation, fines, penalties, or remediation costs.
Cybersecurity incidents could also require significant management time and resources to investigate, contain, remediate, and restore affected systems, and may require disclosure to regulators, customers, and counterparties. Our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all losses, damages, or liabilities associated with cybersecurity incidents, and coverage may be subject to exclusions, deductibles, or coverage limits.
Techniques used to gain unauthorized access to or disrupt information systems are under continuous and rapid evolution, and we may not detect all threats in advance or be able to respond effectively to all incidents. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to incur substantial additional costs to enhance our security measures, modify systems and processes, or respond to and remediate vulnerabilities or incidents. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or prospects.
Additional Risks Related to the EM&T Common Stock
The price of the EM&T Common Stock may be volatile.
The price of the EM&T Common Stock may fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including:
changes in the industries in which EM&T and its customers operate;
developments involving EM&T’s competitors;
changes in laws and regulations affecting its business;
variations in its operating performance and the performance of its competitors in general;
actual or anticipated fluctuations in EM&T’s quarterly or annual operating results;
publication of research reports by securities analysts about EM&T or its competitors or its industry;
the public’s reaction to EM&T’s press releases, its other public announcements and its filings with the SEC;
actions by stockholders;
additions and departures of key personnel;
commencement of, or involvement in, litigation involving EM&T;
changes in its capital structure, such as future issuances of securities or the occurrence of additional debt;
the volume of shares of EM&T Common Stock available for public sale; and
general economic and political conditions, such as recessions, volatile interest rates, local and national elections, fuel prices, international currency fluctuations, corruption, political instability and acts of war or terrorism.
These market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of EM&T Common Stock regardless of the operating performance of EM&T.
Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Global Market could result in a delisting of our common stock.
EM&T Common Stock is currently listed on Nasdaq. If we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Global Market, such as the corporate governance requirements, minimum bid price requirement or the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement, Nasdaq may take steps to delist the EM&T Common Stock. Any delisting would likely have a negative effect on the price of the EM&T Common Stock and would impair stockholders’ ability to sell or purchase their EM&T Common Stock when they wish to do so.
In addition, we cannot assure you our securities will meet the continued listing requirements to be listed on Nasdaq in the future. If Nasdaq delists our common stock from trading on its exchange, we could face significant material adverse consequences including:
a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;
a determination that our common stock is a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our common stock;
a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; and
a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.
If we fail to maintain compliance with all applicable continued listing requirements for the Nasdaq Global Market and Nasdaq determines to delist the EM&T Common Stock, the delisting could adversely affect the market liquidity of the EM&T Common Stock, our ability to obtain financing to repay debt and fund our operations.
EM&T is a “controlled company” within the meaning of the applicable rules of Nasdaq and, as a result, will qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. If EM&T relies on these exemptions, its stockholders will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.
David Wilcox, the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of EM&T, indirectly beneficially owns 416,436,066 shares of Common Stock held by The Zeus Trust, UA dated April 15, 2025, where Mr. Wilcox serves as the trustee of the trust, representing approximately 70.18% of the voting power of the outstanding EM&T Common Stock, and, therefore controls a majority of the voting power of EM&T outstanding common stock. EM&T is a “controlled company” within the meaning of applicable rules of Nasdaq. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements:
that a majority of the board consists of independent directors;
for an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees;
that the controlled company has a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and
that the controlled company has a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibility.
While EM&T does not intend to rely on these exemptions, EM&T may use these exemptions now or in the future. As a result, EM&T’s stockholders may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.
EM&T does not intend to pay cash dividends for the foreseeable future.
EM&T currently intends to retain its future earnings, if any, to finance the further development and expansion of its business and does not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of EM&T’s board of directors and will depend on its financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, restrictions contained in future agreements and financing instruments, business prospects and such other factors as its board of directors deems relevant. As a result, you may not receive any return on an investment in EM&T Common Stock unless you sell EM&T Common Stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it. See the section entitled “ Market Price and Dividend Information. ”
EM&T Common Stock may be subject to the “penny stock” rules in the future. It may be more difficult to resell securities classified as “penny stock.”
EM&T Common Stock may be subject to “penny stock” rules (generally defined as non-exchange traded stock with a per-share price below US$5.00) in the future. If we are unable to maintain our listing on Nasdaq and EM&T Common Stock is no longer listed on the Nasdaq, unless we maintain a per-share price above US$5.00, EM&T Common Stock will become “penny stock.” These rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that recommend the purchase or sale of penny stocks to persons other than those who qualify as “established customers” or “accredited investors.” For example, broker-dealers must determine the appropriateness for non-qualifying persons of investments in penny stocks. Broker-dealers must also provide, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, disclose the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, furnish monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account, provide a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser, and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction.
Legal remedies available to an investor in “penny stocks” may include the following:
If a “penny stock” is sold to the investor in violation of the requirements listed above, or other federal or states securities laws, the investor may be able to cancel the purchase and receive a refund of the investment.
If a “penny stock” is sold to the investor in a fraudulent manner, the investor may be able to sue the persons and firms that committed the fraud for damages.
These requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity, if any, in the secondary market for a security that becomes subject to the penny stock rules. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such requirements may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our securities, which could severely limit the market price and liquidity of our securities. These requirements may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell EM&T Common Stock and may affect your ability to resell EM&T Common Stock.
Many brokerage firms will discourage or refrain from recommending investments in penny stocks. Most institutional investors will not invest in penny stocks. In addition, many individual investors will not invest in penny stocks due, among other reasons, to the increased financial risk generally associated with these investments.
For these reasons, penny stocks may have a limited market and, consequently, limited liquidity. We can give no assurance at what time, if ever, EM&T Common Stock will not be classified as a “penny stock” in the future.
If analysts do not publish research about EM&T’s business or if they publish inaccurate or unfavorable research, EM&T’s stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for the common stock of EM&T will depend in part on the research and reports that analysts publish about its business. EM&T does not have any control over these analysts. If one or more of the analysts who cover EM&T downgrade its common stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about its business, the price of its common stock would likely decline. If few analysts cover EM&T, demand for its common stock could decrease and its common stock price and trading volume may decline. Similar results may occur if one or more of these analysts stop covering EM&T in the future or fail to publish reports on it regularly.
EM&T may be subject to securities litigation, which is expensive and could divert management attention.
The market price of EM&T Common Stock may be volatile and, in the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. EM&T may be the target of this type of litigation and investigation, or past investigations and litigation may resurface in the future. Securities litigation against EM&T could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm its business.
Future resales of the EM&T Common Stock may cause the market price of the EM&T Common Stock to drop significantly, even if EM&T’s business is doing well.
The 2,227,417 shares held by the Sponsor, certain of the Sponsor Persons and the EM Equityholder may be sold after the expiration of the applicable lock-up period under the Sponsor Support and Lock-Up Agreement, and the EM Equityholder Support and Lock-Up Agreement in connection with the recently closed business combination of EM&T and the Organizational Documents. As restrictions on resale end and registration statements (filed after the Closing to provide for the resale of such shares from time to time) are available for use, the sale or possibility of sale of these shares could have the effect of increasing the volatility in EM&T’s share price or the market price of EM&T Common Stock could decline if the holders of currently restricted shares sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them.
Future sales or other dilution of our equity could adversely affect the market price of EM&T Common Stock.
EM&T intends on growing its business organically as well as through acquisitions. One method of acquiring companies or otherwise raising capital is through the issuance of additional equity securities. The issuance of any additional shares of EM&T Common Stock or of preferred stock or convertible securities could be substantially dilutive to holders of EM&T Common Stock. Moreover, to the extent that we issue restricted stock units, performance stock units, options or warrants to purchase shares of EM&T Common Stock in the future and those options or warrants are exercised or as the restricted stock units or performance stock units vest, our stockholders may experience further dilution. Holders of EM&T Common Stock have no preemptive rights that entitle holders to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or series and, therefore, such sales or offerings could result in increased dilution to our stockholders. The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of shares of EM&T Common Stock or the perception that such sales could occur.
EM&T is an emerging growth company and smaller reporting company, and EM&T cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies make its shares less attractive to investors.
EM&T is an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as EM&T continues to be an emerging growth company, it may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirements under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. EM&T will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the closing of WTMA’s initial public offering, (b) in which EM&T has total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion or (c) in which EM&T is deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of shares of the EM&T Common Stock that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the prior June 30, and (2) the date on which EM&T has issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.
In addition, under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. EM&T expects to use this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, EM&T will not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
EM&T is also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in the Exchange Act. Even after EM&T no longer qualifies as an emerging growth company, it may still qualify as a smaller reporting company, which would allow it to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements, including exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in EM&T’s periodic reports and proxy statements.
EM&T will be able to take advantage of the smaller reporting company scaled disclosures provided its voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured as of a date within four business days after the consummation of the Business Combination, or EM&T’s annual revenue is less than $100.0 million as of the most recently completed fiscal year reported in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with EM&T’s Form 10 information. If EM&T is no longer a smaller reporting company after this initial determination, it would need to reflect its re-determined status in any filing that is due after the 45-day period following the consummation of the Business Combination.
If EM&T is determined to be a smaller reporting company following the above determination, it will be able to continue to take advantage of the smaller reporting company scaled disclosures for so long as its voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured on the last business day of its second fiscal quarter, or its annual revenue is less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and its voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of its second fiscal quarter.
EM&T cannot predict if investors will find its common stock less attractive because the combined company may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find the EM&T Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for the EM&T Common Stock and its market price may be more volatile.
The obligations associated with being a public company will involve significant expenses and will require significant resources and management attention, which may divert from EM&T’s business operations.
As a public company, EM&T is subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Exchange Act requires the filing of annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to a public company’s business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that a public company establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting. As a result, EM&T will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. EM&T’s entire management team and many of its other employees need to devote substantial time to compliance and may not effectively or efficiently manage its transition into a public company.
These rules and regulations result in EM&T incurring substantial legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, these rules and regulations make it more difficult and more expensive for EM&T to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and EM&T may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be difficult for EM&T to attract and retain qualified people to serve on its board of directors, its board committees or as executive officers.
Each of the recently acquired subsidiaries in connection with the Business Combination with EM&T has identified one or more material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting which, if not corrected, could affect the reliability of each of the subsidiaries’ and EM&T’s consolidated financial statements and have other adverse consequences.
In the course of preparing the financial statements that are included in this Report, management of each of the recently acquired subsidiaries in connection with the Business Combination with EM&T has identified one or more material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting. Specifically, (i) EM’s management identified material weaknesses resulting from not employing sufficient accounting resources with appropriate experience and technical expertise to effectively execute controls over certain accounting areas and a lack of review and segregation of duties for manual journal entries for cash and treasury management and purchase-to-pay processes; and (ii) management of each of the Korean Companies identified similar material weaknesses resulting from a lack of formalized internal control and inadequate segregation of duties in the processes over financial reporting, a lack of sufficient levels of human resources and technical accounting experience, a lack of documentation, policies and procedures and inadequate design and operation of control activities, such as information technology general controls. Management of EM&T concluded that the applicable material weakness or weaknesses are due to the fact that, prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, such subsidiaries were private companies with limited resources and did not have the necessary business processes and related internal controls, or the appropriate resources or level of experience and technical expertise, that would be required to oversee financial reporting processes or to address the accounting and financial reporting requirements.
A material weakness is a deficiency or combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the applicable subsidiaries’ financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. These deficiencies could result in misstatements to such subsidiaries’ financial statements that would be material and would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
It may take EM&T time to develop the requisite internal control framework. EM&T’s management may conclude that its internal control over financial reporting is not effective, or the level at which EM&T’s controls are documented, designed, or reviewed is not adequate, and may result in EM&T’s independent registered public accounting firm issuing a report that is qualified. In addition, the reporting obligations may place a significant strain on EM&T’s management, operational and financial resources and systems for the foreseeable future. EM&T may be unable to complete its evaluation testing and any required remediation in a timely manner.
While EM&T intends to implement measures to remediate the material weaknesses in the subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting, there is no guarantee that the material weaknesses can be remediated in a timely fashion or at all. The material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until EM&T’s management designs and implements effective controls that operate for a sufficient period of time and EM&T’s management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are effective. EM&T’s management will monitor the effectiveness of EM&T’s remediation plans and make changes EM&T’s management determines to be appropriate.
If not remediated, these material weaknesses could result in material misstatements to EM&T’s annual or interim financial statements that would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis, or in delayed filing of required periodic reports. If EM&T is unable to assert that its internal control over financial reporting is effective, or when required in the future, if EM&T’s independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an unqualified opinion as to the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of EM&T’s financial reports, the market price of EM&T Common Stock could be adversely affected and EM&T could become subject to litigation or investigations by Nasdaq, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Our certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our shareholders, which could limit its stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees.
Our certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of EM&T, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of EM&T to EM&T or EM&T’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against EM&T, its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for, as to each of (i) through (iii) above, (a) any claim as to which the Court of Chancery determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination), which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction, and (b) any action or claim arising under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act for which, unless EM&T consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act.
The exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange of 1934, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any claim for which the federal courts have exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees. Alternatively, a court could find these provisions of our certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in respect of one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, which may require us to incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
An active market for our securities may not develop and the market price of our Common Stock may decline which would adversely affect the liquidity and price of our securities.
On January 5, 2026, EM&T became a publicly traded company through its business combination with Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp. (“WTMA”), a special purpose acquisition company. In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, WTMA changed its name to Evolution Metals & Technologies Corp. and our Common Stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq Global Market on January 6, 2026 under the ticker symbol “EMAT.” The price of our securities may vary significantly due to factors specific to the Company as well as to general market or economic conditions. Furthermore, an active trading market for our securities may never develop or, if developed, it may not be sustained. You may be unable to sell your securities unless a market can be established and sustained.
Additionally, the market price of our Common Stock may decline as a result of the Business Combination for a number of reasons including if:
investors react negatively to the prospects of our business and the prospects of the Business Combination;
the effect of the Business Combination on our business and prospects is not consistent with the expectations of financial or industry analysts; or
We do not achieve the perceived benefits of the Business Combination as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry analysts.
Substantial future sales of shares of our Common Stock could cause the market price of our Common Stock to decline.
The market price of shares of our Common Stock could decline as a result of substantial sales of our Common Stock, particularly sales by our directors, executive officers and significant stockholders, a large number of shares of our Common Stock becoming available for sale or the perception in the market that holders of a large number of shares intend to sell their shares.
Risks Related to EM&T’s Technology, Products and Manufacturing
EM&T will be subject to many hazards and operational risks at its facilities, that can result in potential injury to individuals, disrupt its business (including interruptions or disruptions in operations at its facilities), and subject EM&T to liability and increased costs (any of which could have a material adverse effect on EM&T’s business, financial condition and results of operations).
EM&T’s processes involve the controlled use of chemicals, including flammable and combustible materials that are potentially hazardous. As a result, EM&T’s operations, including processing activities related to the recovery of materials from lithium-ion batteries and e-scrap including, among other things, the lithium-ion battery recycling process, are subject to various industrial risks, including discharges or releases of flammable or hazardous materials, dangers resulting from confined operating spaces, fires, explosions, and mechanical failures. For example, lithium-ion battery cells can rapidly release stored energy by venting smoke and flames, which can ignite nearby materials and other lithium-ion cells. These risks can result in personal injury, loss of life, catastrophic damage to or destruction of property and equipment or environmental damage, and related legal proceedings, including those commenced by regulators, neighbors, or others. They may also result in an unanticipated interruption or suspension of our operations and the imposition of liability. Any disruption in EM&T’s recycling or production processes could result in delivery delays, scheduling problems, increased costs or production interruption, which, in turn, may result in its customers deciding to utilize EM&T’s competitors.
Notwithstanding EM&T’s plans for extensive safety procedures and training, the risk of injury or property damage will not be completely eliminated. While EM&T expects to maintain adequate insurance coverage, EM&T cannot guarantee that it will be able to maintain adequate insurance at reasonable rates or that its insurance coverage will be adequate to cover claims that may arise. Any incident involving the batteries processed by EM&T could lead to lawsuits, recalls, or redesign efforts, all of which would be time-consuming, costly, and could damage EM&T’s brand image and reputation. In the event of an incident or accident, EM&T’s business could be disrupted and EM&T could be liable for damages, and any such liability could exceed EM&T’s resources, and have a negative impact on its financial condition and results of operations. The loss or shutdown over an extended period of operations at any of EM&T’s facilities, including, among others, our planned lithium-ion battery recycling facility, or any losses relating to these risks could also have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
EM&T’s success will depend on its ability to manufacture its products, including concentrates, oxides, metals, carbonates, sulfates, precursor cathode active materials (pCAM), magnets, and their related products, economically, at scale, with high quality, and in accordance with customer specifications.
EM&T’s success relies heavily on its ability to execute its plans to develop, manufacture, market, and sell its range of products, including battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements, and its related products. This includes securing reliable access to critical spent inputs — such as lithium-ion batteries and e-scrap containing rare earths and precious metals — and efficiently converting those materials into high-value products at commercial scale. EM&T must be able to produce these products in sufficient quantities and to the agreed-upon specifications to meet customer demands across industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics.
EM&T has limited experience in large-scale production of these materials and products, and there is no certainty that the technologies it uses will result in efficient, automated, low-cost manufacturing processes capable of meeting the necessary quality, price, design, and production standards. Even if EM&T successfully develops its manufacturing capabilities and reliably sources its components, it may face challenges such as significant delays, cost overruns, or supply chain issues beyond its control. These factors could prevent EM&T from meeting its production timelines or satisfying customer requirements, which could have a material adverse impact on its business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition.
Moreover, any failure by EM&T to develop new technologies or to respond to changes in existing technologies could delay the introduction of new products, resulting in product obsolescence, decreased revenues, and loss of market share to competitors. Additionally, if EM&T’s products or technologies are rendered obsolete or non-competitive by innovations from other companies, or if they fail to comply with prevailing industry standards, EM&T’s financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
EM&T’s success depends on its ability to generate revenue and operate profitably, which relies in part on its ability to identify target customers and convert these contacts into substantial orders or expand existing customer relationships.
EM&T’s profitability will be significantly influenced by its ability to secure orders for its battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements, and its related products. In some cases, EM&T expects these products to be delivered to customers on an early trial deployment basis, allowing customers to evaluate whether they meet their performance requirements before committing to larger, meaningful orders. If EM&T’s target customers decide not to place substantial orders, or fail to order products at all, this could negatively impact EM&T’s business, prospects, and financial performance.
Additionally, some customers may require contractual protections, such as price reductions or compensation, obligating EM&T to either deliver additional products or reimburse them for losses due to late deliveries or failure to meet agreed-upon performance standards. Delays in delivering battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements, and its related products, unexpected performance issues, or other unforeseen complications could prevent EM&T from fulfilling its contractual commitments. This could result in delays in obtaining essential materials, defects in material or workmanship, or production issues, all of which could lead to unanticipated revenue losses, earnings shortfalls, or financial penalties.
Any of these events could have a detrimental effect on EM&T’s business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition.
EM&T may not be able to negotiate material agreements necessary for the operation of its business on satisfactory terms, or at all.
EM&T may not procure the amount of lithium-ion batteries and battery materials necessary for the operation of its battery manufacturing business, which could have a material adverse effect on EM&T’s business, results of operations and financial condition. EM&T expects to rely on third-party suppliers and manufacturers for the purchase of lithium-ion batteries and other battery-related materials. If EM&T or its affiliates are unable to negotiate definitive supply agreements or transaction confirmations with such suppliers on acceptable terms, or if counterparties fail to perform under such agreements, EM&T’s ability to maintain consistent production and meet customer demand may be impaired.
If critical components or raw materials used to manufacture EM&T’s products become scarce or unavailable, it could lead to manufacturing delays and harm EM&T’s business.
EM&T, along with its contract manufacturers, relies on a limited number of suppliers for the raw materials and hardware components necessary to produce its battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements, and its related products. EM&T does not have long-term agreements with its suppliers, meaning they will not be obligated to continue providing the materials or components EM&T requires. This reliance presents significant risks and uncertainties, as EM&T cannot guarantee an adequate or timely supply of necessary raw materials, components, or products.
Lead times for sourcing limited-availability materials can range from six to twelve months, depending on supplier conditions, contract terms, and market demand. Periodically, EM&T may face unreliable access to essential supplies, and shortages could delay order fulfillment. As demand for these components rises, prices may increase, further impacting EM&T’s supply chain.
If EM&T or its contract manufacturers cannot source raw materials and components in the required quantities, quality, or at acceptable prices, EM&T may struggle to deliver its products on time and at a competitive cost. This could lead to customer contract terminations, increased production costs, and significant harm to EM&T’s business, operating results, and financial condition. Moreover, if suppliers are unable or unwilling to provide critical materials, EM&T may need to find alternative suppliers or redesign its products to accommodate different components, likely causing delays in manufacturing and shipping.
EM&T’s dependency on suppliers becomes even more critical when introducing new products, which often require unique components not used in other product lines. Securing reliable sources for these components at the required volumes — driven by unpredictable customer demand — can be challenging. Any supply chain constraints may slow the rollout of new products, adversely affecting EM&T’s business, results of operations, and financial condition.
The impact of the conflict in Ukraine on the global economy, energy and commodity supplies and raw materials is uncertain and may negatively impact EM&T’s business and operations.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, along with the associated sanctions and penalties imposed by governments worldwide, has created substantial uncertainty in the global political and economic landscapes. While EM&T’s operations are expected to be primarily in the United States (e-scrap recycling and battery recycling) and Korea (magnet making and rare earth elements processing), with no direct operations or exposure to customers or vendors in Russia or Ukraine, EM&T will continue to monitor the potential effects these events may have on the global economy, its business, and its operations, as well as those of its suppliers and customers.
For example, the conflict has led to increased inflation, escalating energy and commodity prices, and a constrained availability of certain raw materials, all of which could increase EM&T’s operational costs. EM&T cannot fully predict the long-term impact that current and future governmental actions or global events may have on the economy, the critical minerals and materials industry, or EM&T’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
To the extent that the conflict in Ukraine adversely affects EM&T’s business, it could also heighten other risks, such as disruptions to the supply chain, volatility in raw material prices, cybersecurity threats, shifts in demand for EM&T’s battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements, and its related products, or general market conditions. Any of these factors could negatively impact EM&T’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
EM&T’s profitability may depend on achieving cost reductions through scaling up manufacturing of its products, and failure to do so could materially affect its business.
EM&T will have limited experience in manufacturing certain of its battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements, and its related products at high volumes. It is uncertain whether, or when, EM&T will be able to develop efficient, low-cost manufacturing processes that will allow it to scale production while maintaining the necessary standards of quality, speed, price, engineering, and design.
If EM&T is unable to develop such processes and capabilities, it could have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, and results of operations. There is no guarantee that EM&T will achieve significant reductions in labor and machinery costs typically associated with higher production levels. Failure to realize these cost reductions could negatively impact EM&T’s profitability and overall financial performance.
EM&T’s expansion plans include complex projects that will require significant capital expenditures and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.
As EM&T seeks to grow its business, expanding its production capacity by building additional plants will be critical to meet increasing demand for its battery metals, magnets and rare earth elements, and its related products. These projects will require substantial capital investment, and EM&T’s ability to fund these complex construction projects depends on securing adequate financial resources.
There is no assurance that EM&T will complete these plant construction projects within the projected budget, as unforeseen technical and construction challenges could significantly increase costs. Additionally, EM&T cannot guarantee that these projects will be completed on schedule due to potential delays, cost overruns, permitting issues, or construction difficulties. Furthermore, there is no certainty that the anticipated benefits of these new plants, such as increased production capacity or operational efficiencies, will be realized as expected.
Any significant delays, cost increases, or unforeseen challenges in completing the construction of new plants could prevent EM&T from scaling its operations as planned, which may negatively impact EM&T’s financial condition, customer confidence, and operating results.
Any acquisitions EM&T undertakes may disrupt its business, adversely affect its operations, dilute its stockholders, and expose it to significant costs and liabilities.
Acquisitions are expected to be a key element of EM&T’s business strategy, and EM&T expects to pursue acquisitions to increase revenue, expand its market position, enhance its product and service offerings, and improve its technological capabilities. These acquisitions may also be driven by dynamic market conditions or other strategic and financial goals. However, there is no guarantee that EM&T will identify suitable acquisition targets or successfully complete acquisitions on favorable terms, or at all. Additionally, any acquisitions EM&T does complete could involve several risks, including:
The identification, acquisition, and integration of acquired businesses require significant management attention. This diversion of focus, along with challenges in the integration process, could negatively impact EM&T’s business.
Acquisitions demand considerable investment, including evaluating which new product and service offerings to acquire, aligning offerings, expanding management capabilities, and improving market presence and technological features.
Anticipated benefits from acquisitions may not be fully realized, due to loss of clients or personnel from the acquired business, difficulties in transitioning and supporting clients, failure to achieve expected synergies, or negative organizational effects from integrating new personnel.
EM&T may encounter difficulties in integrating personnel, technologies, operations, and existing contracts from the acquired business.
EM&T may fail to identify all problems, liabilities, or challenges associated with the acquired business, including intellectual property issues, regulatory compliance, revenue recognition practices, or employee and client concerns.
To fund future acquisitions, EM&T may issue additional shares of common stock or pay cash. Issuing shares could dilute current stockholders, while using cash reserves could limit EM&T’s ability to pursue other opportunities. Borrowing funds for cash purchases would increase fixed obligations and potentially impose covenants or restrictions on EM&T’s operations.
Acquisitions expose EM&T to assumed known and unknown liabilities, such as contractual, tax, regulatory, and legal obligations from the acquired business, for which indemnities or insurance may be insufficient or unavailable.
New acquisitions may generate significant intangible assets, leading to substantial amortization charges and possible impairments.
The operations of acquired businesses may require different accounting methodologies, assumptions, and estimates than those used by EM&T, complicating financial statements and increasing the risk of accounting errors or audit complexities.
Acquired businesses may lack sufficient internal controls, requiring remediation efforts by EM&T. Integrating these businesses may also require enhancements to EM&T’s internal controls, increasing administrative expenses and the risk of non-compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Acquisitions can sometimes result in disputes with former owners of the acquired company, leading to increased legal expenses, management distractions, and the risk of adverse legal outcomes if EM&T is not the prevailing party.
EM&T’s foreign operations expose EM&T to additional business, financial, regulatory and geopolitical risks, and any adverse event could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations.
EM&T primarily operates in the U.S. and Korea, but its business relationships (customers and suppliers) are expected to span more than five countries, including the U.S., Korea, and several European, Asian, and African nations. EM&T may explore opportunities to expand into new geographic markets and introduce new products. EM&T may also acquire businesses or product lines that strengthen its market position, allow entry into attractive markets, expand technological capabilities, or provide synergistic opportunities.
However, EM&T has limited experience operating outside of its core markets, including the U.S. and Korea. Expanding internationally will require additional resources, infrastructure, and controls, including new manufacturing and assembly facilities. Each new market that EM&T enters may present different characteristics, and success will depend on EM&T’s ability to adapt to these differences. Furthermore, international expansion could expose EM&T’s business to a range of risks, including:
Compliance with multiple, potentially conflicting and evolving governmental laws, regulations, and permitting processes, including trade, labor, environmental, banking, employment, privacy, and data protection laws, such as the EU Data Privacy Directive, as well as tariffs, export quotas, customs duties, and other trade restrictions.
Adherence to U.S. and foreign anti-bribery laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”).
Challenges in collecting payments in foreign currencies and managing foreign currency exposure.
Longer payment cycles in certain countries, along with difficulties in enforcing contracts and collecting receivables.
Complexities in complying with conflicting and changing tax laws across jurisdictions where EM&T operates, as well as the consequences of changes in U.S. tax laws related to international operations.
Insufficient protection of proprietary rights in some countries compared to U.S. laws, potentially limiting EM&T’s ability to safeguard its intellectual property.
Local laws and business practices that may favor domestic competitors or restrict foreign ownership of certain businesses.
Varying regional economic and political conditions.
The need to conform to local business customs, including translating materials into foreign languages and associated costs.
Reduced availability of government incentives and subsidies in some regions.
The need for changes to EM&T’s established business model to fit local markets.
Fluctuations in the cost of alternative power sources outside the U.S.
Challenges in staffing and managing foreign operations, coupled with higher travel, infrastructure, legal, and compliance costs associated with international business.
Unique customer installation challenges in unfamiliar markets, which may require tailored solutions for each country.
Differing demand levels across EM&T’s diverse customer base, including commercial and industrial customers, utilities, and independent power producers.
Restrictions on the repatriation of earnings.
These risks, along with other unforeseen challenges, could negatively impact the success of EM&T’s international expansion efforts, adversely affecting its results of operations and profitability.
Additionally, instability or disruption in key geographic regions — whether due to war, terrorism, civil unrest, natural disasters, or other factors — could adversely impact EM&T’s business. For example, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has led to severe sanctions and export controls imposed by the U.S. and other governments where EM&T plans to operate. The broader consequences of the conflict are difficult to predict but could include further sanctions, regional instability, supply chain disruptions, and adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, currency exchange rates, and financial markets — all of which could negatively affect EM&T’s business or results of operations.
Exchange rate fluctuations may materially affect EM&T’s results of operations and financial conditions.
Fluctuations in exchange rates, particularly between the U.S. dollar, Korean won, and the euro, may adversely affect EM&T. EM&T’s business may be affected by fluctuations in exchange rates, which may have a significant impact on EM&T’s results of operations and cash flows from period to period.
EM&T is subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, financial and economic sanctions and similar laws, and non-compliance with such laws could subject EM&T to administrative, civil and criminal fines and penalties, collateral consequences, remedial measures and legal expenses, all of which could materially and adversely affect EM&T’s business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations and also its reputation.
EM&T is subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, financial and economic sanctions and similar laws and regulations in various jurisdictions in which EM conducts or in the future may conduct activities, including the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws and regulations, including in foreign jurisdictions. The FCPA will prohibit EM&T and its officers, directors, employees and business partners acting on EM&T’s behalf, including agents, from corruptly offering, promising, authorizing or providing anything of value to a “foreign official” for the purposes of influencing official decisions or obtaining or retaining business or otherwise obtaining favorable treatment. The FCPA also requires companies to make and keep books, records and accounts that accurately reflect transactions and dispositions of assets and to maintain a system of adequate internal accounting controls. A violation of these laws or regulations in the U.S. or foreign jurisdictions could materially and adversely affect EM&T’s business, financial condition and results of operations and also its reputation. Although EM&T’s policies and procedures are expected to be designed to ensure compliance with these regulations may not be sufficient and EM&T’s directors, officers, employees, representatives, consultants, agents, and business partners could engage in improper conduct for which EM&T may be held responsible.
Non-compliance with anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering or financial and economic sanctions laws could subject EM&T to whistleblower complaints, adverse media coverage, investigations, and severe administrative, civil and criminal sanctions, collateral consequences, remedial measures and legal expenses, all of which could materially and adversely affect EM&T’s business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations and also its reputation. In addition, changes in economic sanctions laws in the future could adversely impact EM&T’s business and investments in its securities.
Cybersecurity breaches or information technology disruptions could impact EM&T’s business and operations.
EM&T’s information technology systems could be breached by outside parties’ intent on extracting information or disrupting business processes. EM&T’s systems are expected to contain critical information about its business, including intellectual property and confidential information of its customers, suppliers and employees. While EM&T is expected to have safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized access and to safeguard its information systems against cyberattacks, the risk of outside parties accessing EM&T’s information systems remains. Additionally, continued geopolitical turmoil, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, has heightened the risk of cyberattacks. Like many businesses, EM&T’s information technology systems will likely be subject to unauthorized access attempts, which could disrupt EM&T’s business operations and result in failures or interruptions in its computer systems and in loss of critical information and assets, including EM&T’s intellectual property and confidential business information. In addition, the theft and/or unauthorized use or publication of EM&T’s trade secrets and other confidential business information as a result of such an incident could adversely affect its competitive position, result in a loss of confidence in the adequacy of its threat mitigation and detection processes and procedures, cause EM&T to incur significant costs to remedy the damage caused by the incident, divert management’s attention and other resources, and reduce the value of EM&T’s investment in research and development.
Computer malware, viruses, ransomware, hacking, phishing attacks and other network disruptions could result in security and privacy breaches, loss of proprietary information and interruption in service, which would harm EM&T’s business.
Computer malware, viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions could lead to interruption and delays in EM&T’s services and operations and loss, misuse or theft of data. Computer malware, viruses, ransomware, hacking, phishing attacks or denial of service, against online networks have become more prevalent and may occur on EM&T’s systems. Any attempts by cyber attackers to disrupt EM&T’s future services or systems, if successful, could harm EM&T’s future business, introduce liability to data subjects, result in the misappropriation of funds, be expensive to remedy and damage EM&T’s reputation or brand. Insurance may not be sufficient to cover significant expenses and losses related to cyber-attacks. Any measures EM&T may implement or adopt in the future that are designed to detect and protect against cyber attacks, EM&T’s facilities and systems, and those of its third-party service providers, could be vulnerable to security breaches, computer viruses, lost or misplaced data, programming errors, scams, burglary, human errors, acts of vandalism, or other events. Efforts to prevent cyber attackers from entering computer systems are expensive to implement, and EM&T may not be able to cause the implementation or enforcement of such preventions with respect to its third-party vendors. Though it is difficult to determine what, if any, harm may directly result from any specific interruption or attack, any failure to maintain performance, reliability, security and availability of systems and technical infrastructure may, in addition to other losses, harm our reputation, brand and ability to attract customers. There are several factors ranging from human error to data corruption that could materially impact the efficacy of any processes and procedures designed to enable EM&T to recover from a disaster or catastrophe, including by lengthening the time services are partially or fully unavailable to customers and users. It may be difficult or impossible to perform some or all recovery steps and continue normal business operations due to the nature of a particular cyber-attack, disaster or catastrophe or other disruption, especially during peak periods, which could cause additional reputational damages, or loss of revenues, any of which would adversely affect its business and financial results.
Fluctuations in the price of certain feedstock and raw materials, and EM&T’s inability to obtain raw materials and products, could have an adverse effect on the margins of its products, its business, and its operating results.
The cost of feedstock and raw materials that EM&T is expected to purchase from suppliers, including e-scrap, spent batteries, spent magnets, rare earth oxides and its related products, is expected to directly impact its product margins. As EM&T develops its processing capability, it may require additional feedstock and raw materials. The costs of these raw materials have been volatile, with increases driven by higher production costs and demand surges in the markets where EM&T operates in the future.
The prices of these materials fluctuate based on market conditions, global demand, and factors such as international trade relationships and the imposition of tariffs. Any reduced availability of these materials could lead to higher prices, negatively impacting EM&T’s profitability if it cannot pass on the increased costs through its products and services.
EM&T expects that the success of its business could be highly correlated to general economic conditions.
EM&T expects that the demand for its products and services could be highly correlated with general economic conditions, as a substantial portion of its revenue is expected to be derived from discretionary spending, which typically declines during times of economic instability. Declines in economic conditions, including high rates of inflation and rising interest rates, in the United States or in other countries in which EM&T expects to operate may adversely impact its financial results. EM&T’s ability to develop its business may be adversely affected by sustained economic weakness and uncertainty, including the effect of wavering consumer confidence, high unemployment and other factors. The inability to develop EM&T’s business would adversely affect its business, financial conditions and results of operations, and thereby an investment in its common stock.
EM&T is expected to compete with companies that have significantly more resources for their research and development efforts than EM&T or have received government contracts for the development of new products.
Several of EM&T’s competitors have received substantial funding from government or government-related sources to develop various technologies or products. Many of these organizations, along with several of EM&T’s other competitors, have longer operating histories and greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing, and sales resources than EM&T has. These competitors can leverage their substantial resources to gain a competitive advantage in the space.
Some of EM&T’s competitors may have broader product offerings and could leverage existing relationships with partners and customers to capture more business, potentially discouraging customers from engaging with EM&T. This may include offering products at zero or negative margins or bundling products and services. Additionally, innovative start-ups and larger companies making significant investments in research and development may develop similar or superior technologies that compete directly with EM&T’s offerings.
EM&T’s competitors may also form strategic partnerships or establish cooperative relationships with third parties, further enhancing their competitive advantage. If EM&T is unable to compete effectively, or if it must take costly actions to respond to competitive pressures, its business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely impacted.
In the markets EM&T is developing products for, it expects increasing competition, partly due to industry consolidation. This has enabled companies to strengthen their competitive positions and better compete against EM&T in the future. Competitors are expected also to vie with EM&T to:
Attract acquisition, joint venture, or collaboration opportunities.
License proprietary technologies that compete with those EM&T expects to develop.
Secure funding.
Attract and retain talented personnel.
These competitive factors may make it more challenging for EM&T to attract and retain customers, increase sales and marketing expenses, reduce profit margins, lower prices to stay competitive, and ultimately reduce market share and revenue. Any of these could materially impact EM&T’s financial condition and operating results.
There is no assurance that EM&T will be able to compete effectively against expected competitors. These expected competitors may succeed in developing and commercializing products faster than EM&T. Additionally, they may develop superior products or technologies that could render EM&T’s offerings obsolete or non-competitive. Failure to compete successfully could harm EM&T’s marketing efforts and financial health.
EM&T’s business and financial results may be adversely affected by the demands of operating in multiple jurisdictions and the need to comply with a myriad of foreign and domestic laws and regulations, including various environmental, health and safety, employment and taxation laws and regulations.
EM&T operates in multiple international jurisdictions and, face regulatory risks across these regions. EM&T is subject to a broad range of federal, state, local, and foreign environmental and safety laws, regulations, directives, rules, and ordinances. These are expected to cover employee health and safety, product composition, taxation, the discharge of pollutants into air and water, and the management and disposal of hazardous substances and waste. Compliance with these regulations, alongside any future changes in EM&T’s operations, may result in significant capital and operational costs, potentially having a material adverse impact on its financial performance.
EM&T may also incur substantial costs, such as fines, damages, or remediation expenses, or face interruptions to its operations due to violations of these laws, regulations, or permit requirements. Additionally, as EM&T develops its capacity, it may need to obtain permits, which could be costly and time-consuming. EM&T may encounter difficulties in securing these permits, which could delay or impede its growth plans.
Furthermore, the laws and regulations applicable to EM&T’s operations could change over time. New legislation or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws may force EM&T to alter its operations, increase costs, or limit certain business activities. On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law a legislation commonly referred to as One Big Beautiful Bill (“OBBB”) which extended a number of the expiring tax provisions currently in the Code and added a number of new ones. EM&T has not made any assessment at this time of how it may be affected by the tax provisions in OBBB, and whether any such provisions could have an adverse impact on EM&T’s tax liabilities or effective tax rate in the future. Any violations of environmental, health, and safety regulations could expose EM&T to administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings, resulting in substantial fines or other sanctions that may disrupt or limit its operations.
These challenges could have a material adverse effect on EM&T’s financial condition and operational results.
Potential litigation, regulatory actions or government investigations may significantly harm EM&T’s financial position, reputation and operating results.
EM&T may be involved, from time to time, in litigation or investigations arising in the normal course of business, such as contractual disputes, other commercial disputes, intellectual property matters, personal injury claims and other disputes with individuals, environmental issues, tax matters, and employment matters. These issues can be costly, and it is difficult to predict the financial exposure, if any, which may result from these matters. EM&T cannot assure that any such exposure, if any, will not be material to its business. Such litigation or investigations may also negatively impact EM&T’s reputation.
EM&T’s insurance coverage may not be adequate to protect it from all business risks.
EM&T may be subject, in the ordinary course of business, to losses resulting from products liability, accidents, acts of God, and other claims against it, for which EM&T may have insufficient or no insurance coverage. The insurance policies that EM&T has may include significant deductibles or self-insured retentions, and EM&T cannot be certain that its insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover all future losses or claims against it. A loss that is uninsured or exceeds policy limits may require EM&T to pay substantial amounts, which could adversely affect EM&T’s financial condition and operating results.
If EM&T does not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, it may not be able to accurately report its financial results in a timely manner or prevent fraud, which may adversely affect investor confidence in its financial reporting and adversely affect its business and operating results and the market price for its common stock.
Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for EM&T to provide reliable financial reports. EM&T may discover areas of its internal control over financial reporting that need improvement. If EM&T fails to properly and efficiently maintain an effective internal control over financial reporting, it could fail to report its financial results accurately.
EM&T may identify material weaknesses in the future, which could limit its ability to prevent or detect a material misstatement of its annual or interim financial statements. The occurrence of, or failure to remediate, any material weaknesses EM&T may identify could result in EM&T’s failure to maintain compliance with legal requirements, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and rules regarding timely filing of periodic reports, in addition to applicable stock exchange listing requirements, could cause investors to lose confidence in EM&T’s financial reporting, and could have an adverse effect on the market price of EM&T’s common stock. In addition, the occurrence of, or failure to remediate, any material weaknesses EM&T may identify in the future could increase the possibility of legal proceedings or a review by the SEC and other regulatory bodies. The costs of defending against such legal proceedings or administrative actions could be significant. EM&T also could face monetary judgments, penalties or other sanctions that could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.
