Standard Lithium Ltd.

Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium (NYSE.A: SLI, TSXV: SLI) and Equinor, signed a 10-year offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution for 8,000 metric tonnes/year of lithium carbonate. This deal, plus a prior one with Trafigura, covers 90% of the SWA Project's targeted offtake volume. The agreement supports project financing, with a Final Investment Decision expected this year and production planned for 2029.

Standard Lithium Ltd. reported Q2 2026 results and said the U.S. DOE concluded NEPA review for its South West Arkansas (SWA) project with a Finding of No Significant Impact. The company executed EPCC and EPCM construction contracts and reported $137.3 million cash and $137.1 million working capital as of June 30, 2026, targeting FID later in 2026 and construction in 2026.

Smackover Lithium, a Standard Lithium (55%) and Equinor (45%) partnership, said it signed an EPCC agreement with S&B Engineers for the South West Arkansas Project’s Central Processing Facility, with Hatch providing design and commissioning support. The CPF is ~two-thirds of estimated capex and targets 22,500 tonnes/year of battery-grade lithium carbonate. The company said remaining pre-FID items are customer offtakes and financing, with FID expected in 2026.

Smackover Lithium, a Standard Lithium–Equinor partnership, said it signed an EPCC agreement with S&B Engineers and Constructors for the Central Processing Facility of the South West Arkansas (SWA) project. The CPF scope covers brine receipt through direct lithium extraction and conversion to battery-quality lithium carbonate. The project targets 22,500 tonnes/year; the CPF is about two-thirds of estimated capex. A Limited Notice to Proceed is in place, with a full notice expected after a 2026 fi

Novartis and Ionis Pharmaceuticals reported that their experimental heart drug, pelacarsen, failed to reduce the risk of major heart attacks and strokes in a late-stage trial. The drug, targeting genetically inherited cholesterol Lp(a), lowered Lp(a) levels but did not meet its primary endpoint. Novartis shares fell 5%, and Ionis shares dropped 12% in aftermarket trading. The companies plan to present full trial data at an upcoming medical congress.

Stifel raised its price target for Microsoft (MSFT) to $530 from $450, citing Azure's growth and Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption, but maintained a Hold rating due to competitive concerns. The firm noted Azure's Q4 2026 growth at 43% and expects 45% in Q1 2027. Analysts highlight enterprise-wide Copilot adoption and infrastructure efficiency as key drivers. Microsoft's average analyst target is $571.41, with a Strong Buy consensus.