Aqua Metals, Inc. (AQMS): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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A Brief History of Aqua Metals, Inc. (AQMS)

Foundation and Early Development

Aqua Metals, Inc. was founded in 2014 by Dr. Stephen Clarke along with a team of experienced professionals in the recycling and lead-acid battery industries. The company is headquartered in McCarran, Nevada.

The company's main innovation revolves around the development of the AquaRefining process, which uses water-based technology to recycle lead from spent lead-acid batteries. This method aims to reduce environmental impact while enhancing efficiency.

Initial Public Offering (IPO)

Aqua Metals went public on August 20, 2015, trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol AQMS. The IPO raised approximately $18 million by offering 2.77 million shares at a price of $6.50 per share.

Strategic Partnerships

In 2016, Aqua Metals formed a partnership with Johnson Controls, a leader in the battery manufacturing industry, to boost battery recycling operations and expand its market reach.

Construction of the Recycling Facility

The company began constructing its first AquaRefinery plant in McCarran, Nevada, in 2016. The facility was designed to process approximately 80,000 metric tons of lead-acid batteries annually.

Year Event Financial Impact
2015 IPO Launch $18 million raised
2016 Partnership with Johnson Controls N/A
2017 Facility Construction Completion $24 million investment
2018 Initial Commercial Operations N/A

Operational Milestones

The AquaRefinery began commercial operations in early 2018, marking a significant step in transforming battery recycling. The initial output was aimed at producing high-purity lead and lead oxide.

In 2019, the company reported revenues of $5.3 million, a notable increase compared to the previous year, driven by rising demand for recycled lead.

Technological Advancements

Aqua Metals has continued to innovate its recycling technology, with ongoing investments in R&D. In 2020, the company announced advancements to improve its AquaRefining process and introduced a new electrolyte technology.

Recent Developments

In 2021, Aqua Metals secured a new patent concerning its technology, enhancing its competitive edge. The company also reported annual revenues of $8.2 million, reflecting a growth trajectory despite market challenges.

Future Outlook

Aqua Metals aims to expand its operations and further develop its proprietary technology. The company has set a goal to produce 50% more recycled lead by the end of 2023 and enhance its market footprint.

Fiscal Year Revenue Net Income
2018 $1.7 million ($6.9 million)
2019 $5.3 million ($4.5 million)
2020 $8.2 million ($3.9 million)
2021 $8.2 million ($5.1 million)

Financial Performance and Market Position

As of October 2023, Aqua Metals has a market capitalization of approximately $122 million. The stock price has experienced fluctuations, currently trading around $2.50 per share.

The company's focus on sustainability aligns with global trends favoring environmentally responsible practices, positioning Aqua Metals as a key player in the circular economy of battery recycling.



A Who Owns Aqua Metals, Inc. (AQMS)

Shareholder Composition

Aqua Metals, Inc. (AQMS) has a diverse group of shareholders including institutional investors, individual investors, and company insiders. The ownership distribution can significantly impact the company's strategic direction and financial stability.

Shareholder Type Percentage Ownership Number of Shares
Institutional Investors 40.5% 9,900,000
Retail Investors 35.0% 8,500,000
Insiders 24.5% 5,900,000

Major Institutional Investors

Among the institutional shareholders, several large investment firms hold significant stakes in Aqua Metals, contributing to the overall governance and strategic decisions.

Institutional Investor Shares Owned Percentage of Total Shares
BlackRock, Inc. 2,100,000 8.5%
The Vanguard Group, Inc. 1,800,000 7.2%
State Street Global Advisors 1,600,000 6.4%

Company Insiders

Insiders also play a crucial role in the ownership structure of Aqua Metals, which includes executives and board members who have significant equity in the company.

Insider Name Position Shares Owned
Jas Dipak CEO 1,200,000
Steve Cotton CFO 900,000
Angela Johnson Board Member 600,000

Recent Stock Performance

The stock performance of Aqua Metals, Inc. has seen fluctuations in recent quarters, with notable events impacting shareholder value and ownership dynamics.

Quarter Stock Price Market Capitalization
Q1 2023 $2.50 $60 million
Q2 2023 $3.00 $72 million
Q3 2023 $2.80 $67 million

Conclusion of Ownership Dynamics

The ownership structure of Aqua Metals, Inc. is reflective of a company navigating the evolving landscape of industrial recycling and battery recycling technology, with a blend of institutional and individual ownership that can drive innovation and corporate governance.



Aqua Metals, Inc. (AQMS) Mission Statement

Corporate Overview

Aqua Metals, Inc. is dedicated to transforming the lead recycling industry through innovative and sustainable methods. The company leverages advanced technology to minimize environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.

Mission Statement

The mission of Aqua Metals is to provide the most efficient, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective process for recycling lead by utilizing its proprietary AquaRefining technology.

Core Values

  • Sustainability: Commitment to reducing environmental footprints.
  • Innovation: Continual improvement of recycling technologies.
  • Integrity: Upholding ethical practices in all operations.
  • Community Engagement: Building positive relationships with local and global communities.

Financial Performance

As of Q2 2023, Aqua Metals reported a revenue of $11.22 million. The financial results reflect the company's commitment to scaling its operations while adhering to its sustainability objectives.

Financial Metric Q2 2023 Q1 2023 Year-over-Year Growth
Revenue $11.22 million $8.45 million 32.5%
Net Loss ($3.45 million) ($4.00 million) 13.75%
Cash and Cash Equivalents $5.18 million $4.10 million 26.4%
Total Assets $34.5 million $33.2 million 3.9%

Strategic Goals

Aqua Metals aims to achieve the following strategic goals by 2025:

  • Expand operational capacity to recycle lead by 50%.
  • Achieve profitability by 2024.
  • Reduce water usage in the recycling process by 25%.
  • Launch additional recycling facilities in North America.

Market Position

Aqua Metals operates in a competitive landscape of lead recycling but distinguishes itself with environmentally-friendly practices. The current market size for lead recycling is estimated at $6 billion, with Aqua Metals positioning itself as a leader in eco-friendly solutions.

Technological Advancements

The proprietary AquaRefining technology utilized by the company is designed to deliver a recovery rate of lead that is significantly higher than traditional methods, estimated at around 99%. This innovation not only supports Aqua Metals’ mission but also enhances its competitive advantage.

Environmental Impact

Aqua Metals has set ambitious targets regarding environmental impact reduction, including:

  • Reducing lead leakage: Targeting a leakage rate below 0.1%.
  • Minimizing waste production: Striving for a 90% reduction in waste generated.
  • Lowering carbon footprint: Aiming for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.

Community Involvement

Aqua Metals is committed to engaging with community stakeholders through various initiatives that promote education and awareness surrounding lead recycling and environmental conservation.



How Aqua Metals, Inc. (AQMS) Works

Overview of Aqua Metals

Aqua Metals, Inc. (AQMS) is a technology company primarily engaged in the recycling of lead-acid batteries. The company employs a proprietary hydrometallurgical process called AquaRefining™, aimed at producing high-purity lead while minimizing environmental impact.

Business Model

The business model of Aqua Metals focuses on several key aspects:

  • Battery Collection: Sourcing spent lead-acid batteries from various channels.
  • AquaRefining™ Process: Utilizing a water-based process to extract lead and other materials.
  • Lead Sales: Selling high-purity lead to manufacturers and other industries.

AquaRefining™ Technology

AquaRefining™ leverages a closed-loop system that recycles lead with a minimal carbon footprint. The technology claims to achieve over 99% recovery rate of lead.

Financial Performance

As of the end of Q3 2023, Aqua Metals reported the following financial metrics:

Metric Value
Revenue (Q3 2023) $4.2 million
Net Loss (Q3 2023) ($3.1 million)
Total Assets (Q3 2023) $20.5 million
Total Liabilities (Q3 2023) $15.0 million
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Q3 2023) $8.3 million

Market Opportunities

The market for lead-recycling is driven by the increasing demand for lead-acid batteries, particularly in automotive industries. The global lead-acid battery market was valued at approximately $53 billion in 2023.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Aqua Metals has engaged in partnerships aimed at enhancing its operational efficiency and market reach:

  • Collaboration with lead-acid battery manufacturers for sourcing end-of-life batteries.
  • Strategic partnerships aimed at technology sharing and joint ventures in battery recycling.

Sustainability Initiatives

The company has a strong emphasis on sustainability, with initiatives including:

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Implementing waste-minimization strategies.

Regulatory Environment

Aqua Metals operates under stringent regulatory frameworks concerning waste management and recycling, complying with EPA standards and local regulations related to battery recycling.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, Aqua Metals aims to enhance its facilities and expand its production capabilities. The company has set a target to increase its annual capacity to 120,000 metric tons of lead by 2025.

Conclusion of Findings on Financial Health

Aqua Metals maintains a focus on operational resilience and financial prudence as indicated by its liquidity ratios and capital structure.



How Aqua Metals, Inc. (AQMS) Makes Money

Revenue Streams

Aqua Metals, Inc. primarily generates revenue through the following avenues:

  • Lead Recycling: Aqua Metals operates a patented process known as AquaRefining, which enables the recycling of lead from used lead-acid batteries. In 2022, the company reported processing approximately 3,000 tonnes of lead per month.
  • Sale of Refined Lead and Products: The refined lead produced through AquaRefining is sold to battery manufacturers. The average selling price in 2022 was around $1,800 per tonne.
  • Technology Licensing: The company also engages in licensing its AquaRefining technology to other entities. As of 2023, Aqua Metals disclosed receiving $1.2 million in licensing fees.

Cost Structure

The operational costs of Aqua Metals can be broken down as follows:

  • Processing Costs: Estimated processing costs stand at approximately $600 per tonne, translating to a monthly expense of around $1.8 million.
  • General and Administrative Expenses: In 2022, these expenses were approximately $1.5 million per quarter.
  • Research and Development Costs: R&D expenditures were reported at around $2 million in 2022, aimed at enhancing and expanding the AquaRefining technology.

Financial Performance Metrics

Aqua Metals' financial performance can be summarized through key metrics:

Year Total Revenue ($ millions) Gross Profit ($ millions) Net Income ($ millions) EBITDA ($ millions)
2020 3.58 1.37 (4.15) (3.01)
2021 4.87 2.03 (6.12) (4.28)
2022 6.12 2.83 (5.43) (3.56)
2023 (Q1) 1.85 0.91 (2.10) (1.55)

Market Position and Competitive Advantage

Aqua Metals holds a unique position in the recycling industry thanks to its proprietary technology. The company is strategically located in the United States, enhancing its logistics for lead-acid battery recycling.

Key partnerships have been established with major battery manufacturers, which bolster its market presence. As of 2023, Aqua Metals is focusing on expanding its capacity to process 30,000 tonnes of lead-acid batteries annually.

Sustainability Initiatives

In alignment with sustainability goals, Aqua Metals emphasizes environmentally friendly practices. The company claims to reduce emissions significantly compared to traditional lead recycling methods:

  • Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Estimated at 80% lower than conventional processes.
  • Water Recycling Rate: AquaRefining technology allows for a 90% recycling rate of water used in operations.

Future Growth Projections

Analysts project notable growth for Aqua Metals, primarily driven by the increasing demand for recycled lead:

  • Market Growth Rate: The global lead-acid battery recycling market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% through 2030.
  • Potential Revenue by 2025: Forecasts suggest revenue could exceed $20 million if capacity expansions are realized effectively.

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