J-Star Signs Exclusive Distribution Agreement with PSSB
Rhea-AI Summary
J-Star (Nasdaq: YMAT) entered an exclusive global distribution agreement with Patriot Green Energy Technology (PSSB) on February 23, 2026, granting J-Star sole global distribution rights for PSSB products in electric assist bicycles and electric motorcycles.
J-Star also holds non-exclusive distribution rights for other PSSB products, and the agreement links J-Star to PSSB’s next‑generation solid state battery technology and ITRI’s R&D heritage.
Positive
- Exclusive global distributor for PSSB e-assist bicycles and electric motorcycles
- Access to next-generation solid state battery technology via PSSB partnership
- Association with ITRI R&D heritage strengthens tech credibility and market positioning
Negative
- Exclusivity limited to electric assist bicycles and electric motorcycles, not full product line
Market Reaction – YMAT
Following this news, YMAT has declined 5.90%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Our momentum scanner has triggered 30 alerts so far, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. The stock is currently trading at $0.56. This price movement has removed approximately $640K from the company's valuation. Trading volume is exceptionally heavy at 1435.9x the average, suggesting significant selling pressure.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus (15 min delayed). Upgrade to Silver for real-time data.
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Momentum data flagged three peers, with 1 stock up and 2 down, and sector analysis marked this as not a sector-wide move. Broader Basic Materials peers like SNES, CNEY, and others showed mixed, stock-specific trading.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 22 | Regulatory complaint | Negative | -11.7% | Company filed formal complaints against PwC with AICPA and PCAOB. |
| Jan 14 | Battery MOU signed | Positive | -5.4% | MOU with PSSB to develop high-ion conductivity resins for solid-state batteries. |
| Jan 06 | Strategic shift plan | Positive | +6.4% | Plan to exit China operations and reallocate resources to U.S. expansion. |
| Dec 23 | Product launch | Positive | +0.6% | Launch of LITZMO ER-01 carbon fiber fat-tire electric-assist bicycle. |
| Dec 18 | Interim earnings | Neutral | +6.2% | Interim 1H 2025 results with higher revenue but weaker margins and earnings. |
Recent strategic and partnership announcements around batteries and mobility have sometimes seen muted or negative immediate reactions, while broader strategic or financial updates more often aligned positively with price moves.
Over the last few months, YMAT reported several notable developments. A Dec 18, 2025 earnings update showed higher revenue but weaker profitability. Strategic actions included a Jan 6, 2026 plan to exit China and expand in the U.S. and a Jan 14, 2026 MOU with PSSB on solid-state battery resins. A subsequent Jan 22, 2026 complaint filing against PwC drew a negative reaction. Today’s exclusive PSSB distribution agreement builds directly on the prior MOU and mobility focus.
Market Pulse Summary
The stock is down -5.9% following this news. A negative reaction despite seemingly constructive partnership news would fit a pattern seen around prior battery-related announcements, where the Jan 14, 2026 PSSB MOU was followed by a decline. The company also carries overhang from a Nasdaq minimum-bid deficiency notice disclosed on Dec 16, 2025 and prior disputes with PwC. Such factors could cause investors to discount strategic updates until clearer financial and listing outcomes emerge.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
TAICHUNG CITY, Taiwan, Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- J-Star Holding Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: YMAT) (“J-Star” or the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative carbon fiber and composite solutions serving diverse applications including personal sports equipment, healthcare products, automobile parts, resin systems, and research and development services, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive global distribution agreement with Patriot Green Energy Technology (“PSSB”).
PSSB is a leading industry developer and manufacturer of next-generation solid state battery technology for high-performance and defense applications with a large minority ownership by Industrial Technology Research Institute (“ITRI”), one of Taiwan’s most prominent applied research institutions and a globally recognized technology incubator that is recognized as a trusted partner in the US, as demonstrated by the recent signing with the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (“AUVSI”) as a “Recognized Cybersecurity Assessor” for the Green USA Program.
Through this agreement, J-Star will serve as the sole exclusive global distributor of PSSB’s products in the areas of “Electric Assist Bicycles and Electric Motorcycles” as well as non-exclusive distributions rights in other PSSB’s products.
“We are proud to extend our partnership with PSSB and to formalize our exclusive distribution relationship after signing our MOU earlier this year,” said Jonathan Chiang, Chairman of J-Star. “PSSB is the gold standard in solid state battery development and our partnership provides J-Star with this unique positioning to leverage the world-class R&D heritage of Taiwan’s ITRI. We believe this agreement significantly strengthens J-Star’s role in the energy storage ecosystem application for sports equipment and enhances our product offerings.”
About J-Star Holding Co., Ltd.
J-Star (NASDAQ: YMAT) is a holding company with operations conducted through subsidiaries in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Samoa with its headquarters in Taiwan. J-Star’s predecessor group was established in 1970, and has accumulated over 50 years of know-how in material composites industry. J-Star develops and commercializes the technology on carbon reinforcement and resin systems. With decades of experience and knowledge in composites and materials, J-Star is able to apply its expertise and technology to design and manufacture a great variety of lightweight, high-performance carbon composite products, ranging from key structural parts of electric bicycles and sports bicycles, rackets, automobile parts to healthcare products. Visit j-starholding.com and ymacorp.com to learn more.
Forward Looking-Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the final prospectus filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and J-Star specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Contact:
Matt Chesler, CFA
FNK IR
646-809-2183
investor@j-starholding.com
FAQ
What did J-Star (YMAT) announce on February 23, 2026 about PSSB distribution?
Does the J-Star (YMAT) agreement include all PSSB products worldwide?
How does the PSSB deal affect J-Star's (YMAT) technology position?
Who is PSSB and what is its relationship to ITRI in the J-Star (YMAT) announcement?
Will the J-Star (YMAT) announcement change product offerings for electric bicycles and motorcycles?
