Cost Control

Li Auto’s CEO Li Xiang’s appearance in promotional photos sparked online discussions about the company’s frugality. Instead of elaborate setups, Li Auto uses its own campus for vehicle unveilings to save costs and improve efficiency. While prioritizing cost control in non-core areas like marketing events and travel, Li Auto continues to invest heavily in crucial technologies like battery tech and smart cabin systems, demonstrating a strategic balance between investment and spending.

Microsoft announced its second major workforce cut this year, eliminating approximately 9,000 jobs (under 4% of its workforce) to streamline operations, with controversy erupting over revoked unvested stock awards from laid-off employees. Former Xbox developer Noble Smith criticized the policy as stripping potential family education funds, sparking debate on compensation ethics during layoffs. Analysts note competitors sometimes accelerate vesting as goodwill, while Microsoft’s stock clawbacks amid record share prices could save hundreds of millions. The dispute underscores tensions between cost-cutting measures, employee retention, and transparency in equity-based compensation models across the tech sector.

American Battery Technology Company (ABAT) reported strong Q3 FY25 financials, with battery recycling revenue tripling to $1.0M while cash cost rose 9% to $2.3M. Throughput surged 120% via 24/7 operations. Its Nevada lithium hydroxide pilot plant, targeting a 30,000-tonne commercial project, achieved milestones using domestic claystone. A $900M Ex-Im Bank LOI boosts confidence in ABAT’s U.S.-centric lithium strategy to counter Asian dominance. Liquidity stands at $7.8M plus $11.45M from divestitures, avoiding dilution. Increasing government grants ($2.0M vs. $1.3M YoY) ease R&D strain. Investors assess if federal backing sustains growth without cash burn.