Elevated Leverage And Reduced EquityBalance-sheet leverage, although improved from 2024, remains meaningfully above pre‑2024 norms and equity has materially contracted. This limits financial flexibility, raises refinancing and covenant risk, and constrains capacity for large inorganic investments or sustained cyclical stress absorption.
Battery Segments Weak / Loss-makingBattery materials and recycling still generate little or negative returns, reflecting overcapacity, long customer qualification cycles and refining-price exposure. Persistent low profitability in strategic growth areas can drain group cash and delay returns on substantial prior capex.
Rising Working-capital DemandsA large NWC build tied to metal inventory and activity raises ongoing cash requirements and amplifies liquidity sensitivity to commodity price swings. Higher working-capital needs reduce free-cash-flow retention and can limit the pace of deleveraging or opportunistic investment.