AMG reports third quarter 2010 results - AMG Corporate

AMG reports third quarter 2010 results

Key Highlights

  • Revenue increased 17% to $240.4 million in Q3 2010 from $205.4 million in Q3 2009; YTD 2010 revenue was $719.8 million up 13% from the same period in 2009
  • EBITDA[1] increased 1% to $18.8 million in Q3 2010 from $18.6 million in Q3 2009; YTD 2010 EBITDA was $64.7 million up 14% from the same period in 2009
  • EPS on a fully diluted basis improved to ($0.41) in Q3 2010 compared to Q3 2009 EPS of ($0.76); excluding Timminco, EPS improved to $0.11 in Q3 2010, up from ($0.50) in Q3 2009.  YTD fully diluted EPS improved to ($0.37) from ($1.69) in the same period in 2009
  • The Advanced Materials Division generated revenue of $154.9 million and EBITDA of $9.4 million in Q3 2010; YTD revenue and EBITDA was $447.4 million and $32.1 million, respectively
  • The Engineering Systems Division generated revenue of $53.2 million and EBITDA of $7.4 million in Q3 2010; YTD revenue and EBITDA was $178.0 million and $27.5 million, respectively
  • Graphit Kropfmühl generated revenue of $32.4 million and EBITDA of $2.0 million in Q3 2010; YTD revenue and EBITDA was $94.4 million and $5.1 million, respectively
  • As of September 30, 2010 cash on hand was $90.2 million, net debt was $144.6 million; Q3 2010 free cash flow[2] was $5.4 million

 

[1] EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization and excludes nonrecurring items
[2] Free cash flow is defined as EBITDA less change in working capital and maintenance capital expenditures

 

 

Amsterdam, 10 November 2010 (Regulated Information) AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) reported third quarter 2010 revenue increased 17% to 240.4 million from $205.4 million in the third quarter 2009.

 

Net income attributable to shareholders for the third quarter 2010, excluding Timminco, was $3.0 million, or $0.11 per fully diluted share, compared to net loss of ($13.3) million, or ($0.50) per fully diluted share for the third quarter 2009.  EBITDA increased 1% to $18.8 million in the third quarter 2010 from $18.6 million in the third quarter 2009.

 

In commenting on results, Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, “Market conditions remained uncertain during the third quarter.  Despite this, AMG generated growth in revenues and stable earnings in the third quarter.  The Advanced Materials division’s revenue and earnings increased even though it encountered higher input prices and a less favorable product mix. The Engineering Systems’ order intake improved slightly during the quarter compared the second quarter 2010; however, it was up over 50% from the same period in 2009. Due to a low level of Engineering Systems’ order backlog at the beginning of the quarter, revenue and earnings remained low.  Graphit Kropfmühl delivered modest performance during the third quarter as demand and prices remained strong for natural graphite.”  

 

 

Key Figures

 

In 000’s US Dollar      
  Q3’10 Q3’09 Change
       
Revenue $240,427 $205,406 17%
Gross profit 42,102 39,949 5%
Gross margin 17.5% 19.5%  
       
Operating income 10,433 (110) N/A
Operating margin 4.3% (0.0%)  
       
Net Income attributable to shareholders  

(11,170)
 

(20,302)
 

45%
       
EPS – fully diluted (0.41) (0.76) 46%
Adjusted EPS – fully diluted[1] 0.11 (0.50) N/A
       
EBITDA[2] 18,756 18,602 1%
EBITDA margin 7.8% 9.1%  


Notes:
[1] Adjusted to exclude all Timminco results including equity losses which accounted for ($0.52) in EPS in Q3 2010
[2] EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization and excludes nonrecurring items

 

 

Operational Review

 

Advanced Materials Division

  Q3’10 Q3’09 Change
Revenue $154,888 $110,143 41%
Gross profit
Operating income
21,999
4,491
15,736
(8,444)
40%
N/A
EBITDA 9,424 5,012 88%
Capital expenditures 5,595 1,907 193%

 

 

The Advanced Materials division’s third quarter 2010 financial results were driven by a rebound in alloys and coatings for the aerospace and energy industries.  Revenue increased by $44.7 million or 41% to $154.9 million.  The increase in revenue was driven by ferrovanadium and ferronickel-molybdenum, with reference prices increasing by 18% and 20%, respectively.  In addition, aluminium master alloys and antimony products were also positively impacted by increasing end market prices.  While prices improved across most products, volume growth was uneven, with ferrovanadium and vanadium aluminium master alloys increasing by 32% and 165%, respectively; however volumes for antimony and ferronickel-molybdenum decreased by 5% and 44%, respectively during the third quarter 2010 compared to the third quarter 2009.

 

The third quarter 2010 gross margin percentage of 14% remained consistent with the 14% gross margin percentage in the third quarter 2009 as an increase in economies of scale was offset by unfavourable changes in product mix and higher input costs.

 

Third quarter 2010 EBITDA increased by $4.4 million, due to the increase in revenue and gross profit, which was slightly offset by a 7% increase in SG&A. 

 

Capital expenditures were $5.6 million for the quarter, 193% more than the comparable period in 2009.  The primary growth capital investments made in the third quarter involved the expansion of the ferrovanadium logistics facility and the MIBRA mine in Brazil.

 

 

Engineering Systems Division

  Q3’10 Q3’09 Change
Revenue $53,155 $61,598 (14%)
Gross profit
Operating income
16,927
5,128
20,637
7,132
(18%)
(28%)
EBITDA
Capital expenditures
7,362
819
11,036
1,219
(33%)
(33%)

 

 

While order intake increased compared to the same period in the prior year, the Engineering Systems division’s current revenue continues to be impacted by the global economic slowdown. The order backlog was $147.1 million as of September 30, 2010, up 22% from $121.0 million on June 30, 2010.  The division generated order intake of $66.9 million in the third quarter 2010, a 1.26x book to bill ratio and a 51% increase compared to the same period in 2009.   Order intake for the solar industry improved and demand for advanced heat treatment systems for the transportation and aerospace markets remained strong compared to the same period in the prior year.  The backlog consists of a diversified mix of remelting systems and induction casting systems for the titanium and specialty steel industries, solar crystallisation systems and vacuum heat treatment furnaces.

 

Third quarter 2010 revenue decreased by $8.4 million or 14% compared to the same quarter in 2009.  The revenue decrease was primarily due to the lower order backlog level at the beginning of the quarter compared to the same period in 2009.  Sales of solar silicon DSS furnaces for the photovoltaic industry decreased 44% in the third quarter 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.  During the third quarter 2010, 26% of revenue was generated from sales of solar silicon and induction melting furnaces, down from 41% in the same period 2009.  Revenue from remelting systems, primarily for the aerospace and specialty steel industries, decreased by 32% in the third quarter 2010 while the own and operate business increased revenue by 31%.

 

Gross margin was 32% of revenue in the third quarter 2010, down slightly from 34% of revenue in the same period in the prior year.  The decrease in the gross margin was due to changes in product mix and lower capacity utilization.

 

Third quarter 2010 EBITDA was $7.4 million, a 33% decrease over the same period in 2009.  The EBITDA margin decreased to 14% in the third quarter 2010 compared to 18% for the same period in 2009.  The EBITDA margin decrease was primarily attributable to the lower revenue and gross margin, slightly offset by a 12% decrease in SG&A.

 

In the quarter ended September 30, 2010, capital expenditures were $0.8 million, 33% less than the third quarter of 2009.  The decrease was a result of the focus on minimizing capital investment offset by completion of the U.S. Own and Operate facility earlier in 2010. 

 

 

Graphit Kropfmühl

  Q3’10 Q3’09 Change
Revenue $32,384 $33,665 (4%)
Gross profit
Operating income
3,176
814
3,576
1,202
(11%)
(32%)
EBITDA 1,970 2,554 (23%)
Capital expenditures 687 385 78%

 

 

The third quarter for Graphit Kropfmühl (“GK”) was characterized by substantially rising revenue and performance for natural graphite while the silicon metal business was adversely impacted by rising input prices and operational issues.  The 25% increase in natural graphite revenue was more than offset by the 17% decrease in silicon metal revenue to result in a 4% decrease in third quarter 2010 revenue.

 

Gross margin declined to 10% of revenue in the third quarter 2010 from 11% in the same period in the prior year.  The third quarter 2010 gross profit was adversely impacted by higher silicon metal production costs.

 

Third quarter 2010 EBITDA was $2.0 million, a 23% decrease compared to the third quarter 2009.  The EBITDA margin decreased to 6% during the third quarter 2010 compared to 8% in the same period 2009.  The overall EBITDA margin decrease was attributable to lower contract prices and volumes in silicon metal and a 7% increase in SG&A expenses, slightly offset by increased gross margin in natural graphite.

 

Capital expenditures increased to $0.7 million for the third quarter 2010, 78% more than the same period 2010.  The increase in capital expenditures was due to expansion of the high purity natural graphite production facility to meet increased market demand. 

 

 

 

Timminco

 

AMG’s ownership in Timminco was 42.5% as of September 30, 2010. AMG accounts for its investment in Timminco via the equity accounting method.  Timminco’s net loss for the third quarter 2010 is included in share of loss from associates on AMG’s income statement and the carrying value of AMG’s investment in Timminco of $7.7 million is listed as an asset on AMG’s balance sheet.  Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, Timminco sold 49% of its silicon metal operation to Dow Corning for $40.3 million in cash and up to an additional $10.0 million based upon hitting incentive targets.  Timminco used the proceeds of this transaction to repay all of its senior bank debt.  Additional information on Timminco and its third quarter 2010 financial statements can be found at www.Timminco.com.

 

 

 

Financial Review

 

Tax

 

AMG recorded a tax expense of $0.3 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2010 as compared to a tax expense of $5.7 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2009.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, AMG has approximately $27.0 million of losses in associates.  Since these companies are not consolidated, AMG cannot recognize the tax benefit for these losses.  Excluding the losses from associates, the effective tax rate would be a normalized 40% for the nine months ended September 30. The Company is beginning to realize the benefits of the tax restructuring which it started to implement in 2010, with year-to-date savings of approximately $3 million. 

 

 

Liquidity

 

  September 30, 2010 December 31, 2009 Change
Total debt 234,794 203,796 15%
Cash & cash equivalents 90,213 117,016 (23%)
Net debt 144,581 86,780 67%

 

AMG had a net debt position of $144.6 million as of September 30, 2010. AMG’s net debt position increased $57.8 million since December 31, 2009 due to $29.2 million of cash tax payments, $9.7 million investment in Timminco, $19.1 million in capital investments, a $17.3 million investment in the antimony mine in Turkey and a $38.4 million increase in working capital and provisions, reduced by EBITDA of $64.7 million.

 

 

 

Cash Flow

 

  Nine Months Ended
  September ’10 September ’09
     
Operating cash flows (used in) from continuing operations (13,903) 12,221
Operating cash flows used in discontinued operations (18,254)
Net cash flows used in operations (13,903) (6,033)
Capital expenditures (19,054) (20,755)
Acquisitions, net of cash (17,287)
Investment in associates (10,755) (23,832)
Cash flows used in discontinued operations (33,208)
Cash flows from other investing 1,420 1,244
Net cash flows used in investing activities (45,676) (76,551)
Financing cash flows from continuing operations 36,812 11,523
Financing cash flows from discontinued operations 47,724
Cash flows generated from financing activities 36,812 59,247

 

 

Cash flows used in operations were $13.9 million for the first nine months of 2010 as compared to $6.0 million used in the same period in 2009.  The cash flows used in operations for nine months ended September 30, 2010 are a result of $29.2 million in cash tax payments as well as a $38.4 million increase in working capital and provisions, offset by $64.7 million in EBITDA.

 

Cash used in investing activities was $45.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This decrease of $30.9 million from 2009 primarily relates to the $1.7 million decrease in capital investments, a $13.1 million decrease in investments in associates and a $33.2 million decrease in cash flows used by Timminco, which is classified as a discontinued operation in 2009. The Company invested $17.3 million to acquire a Turkish antimony mine during the quarter.

 

Cash generated from financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $36.8 million, a $22.4 million decrease from the same period in 2009.  This decrease was primarily attributable to cash flows from discontinued operations recognized in 2009 that are not applicable in 2010, offset by $25.6 million in draws on the revolving lines of credit, which were primarily used to fund the acquisition of the Turkish antimony mine.

 

 

Shareholder Matters

 

Safeguard International Fund, L.P. and affiliates, (‘Safeguard”) owner of 7.8 million of AMG’s common shares outstanding, has completed an orderly transition process regarding Safeguard’s shareholding in AMG.  Safeguard distributed 4.7 million shares of AMG common stock to certain of its Limited Partners.  The remaining Safeguard Limited Partners received the net proceeds of Safeguard’s private placement of 3.1 million shares of AMG common stock.

 

 

Outlook

 

The global economy continues its improvement from the recession of 2008-2009, but it will remain volatile in the near term.  Due to a number of changes that we have made in our business units and the gradually recovering Aerospace, Energy, Infrastructure and Specialty Metals and Chemicals markets, we expect that AMG will produce marked improvements in 2011 financial results compared to 2010.  Specifically, the acquisition of the antimony mine and smelter, cost reductions made in the aerospace master alloys and coatings products and rising prices and demand for tantalum should yield considerably better results for Advanced Materials in 2011.  The recent improvement in order intake in Engineering Systems is also encouraging.  We expect this trend to continue into 2011, with both order intake and revenue improving in the new year.  Increases in natural graphite demand and rising silicon metal prices should also benefit Graphit Kropfmühl in 2011.  The effect of the Dow transaction on AMG’s investment in Timminco and the implementation of the new tax strategies should result in a corresponding increase in the income attributable to shareholders. 

 

 

 

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.
Condensed interim consolidated income statement

For the three  months ended September 30      
In thousands of US Dollars   2010 2009
    Unaudited Unaudited
Continuing operations      
Revenue   240,427 205,406
Cost of sales   198,325 165,457
Gross profit   42,102 39,949
         
Selling, general and administrative expenses   31,682 31,876
Restructuring expense   5,302
Environmental expense   257 4,075
Other income, net   (270) (1,194)
Operating profit (loss)   10,433 (110)
         
Finance expense   4,840 6,109
Finance income   (1,341) (617)
Foreign exchange (gain)   (578) (27)
Net finance costs   2,921 5,465
       
Share of loss of associates   (17,554) (1,285)
Loss before income tax   (10,042) (6,860)
       
Income tax expense   325 5,694
Loss for the period from continuing operations   (10,367) (12,554)
       
Loss after tax for the period from discontinued operations   (14,240)
Loss for the period   (10,367) (26,794)
       
Attributable to:      
  Shareholders of the Company   (11,170) (20,302)
  Minority interests   803 (6,492)
Loss for the period   (10,367) (26,794)
       
Earnings (loss) per share      
Basic earnings (loss) per share   (0.41) (0.76)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share   (0.41) (0.76)
       
Earnings (loss) per share for continuing operations      
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations   (0.41) (0.50)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations   (0.41) (0.50)

 

 

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.
Condensed interim consolidated income statement

For the nine months ended September 30      
In thousands of US Dollars   2010 2009
    Unaudited Unaudited
Continuing operations      
Revenue   719,764 636,059
Cost of sales   590,588 516,825
Gross profit   129,176 119,234
         
Selling, general and administrative expenses   92,169 94,932
Restructuring expense   6 5,696
Environmental expense   763 4,162
Other income, net   (698) (4,277)
Operating profit   36,936 18,721
         
Finance expense   15,761 15,880
Finance income   (2,970) (2,617)
Foreign exchange (gain)   (4,334) (176)
Net finance costs   8,457 13,087
       
Share of loss of associates   (26,974) (2,685)
Profit before income tax   1,505 2,949
       
Income tax expense   11,317 17,642
Loss for the period from continuing operations   (9,812) (14,693)
       
Loss after tax for the period from discontinued operations     (54,580)
Loss for the period   (9,812) (69,273)
       
Attributable to:      
  Shareholders of the Company   (10,067) (45,415)
  Minority interests   255 (23,858)
Loss for the period   (9,812) (69,273)
       
Earnings (loss) per share      
Basic earnings (loss) per share   (0.37) (1.69)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share   (0.37) (1.69)
       
Earnings (loss) per share for continuing operations      
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations   (0.37) (0.65)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations   (0.37) (0.65)

 

 

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.
Condensed interim consolidated statements of financial position


 In thousands of US Dollars
  September 30, 2010 December 31, 2009
    Unaudited Audited
Assets      
  Property, plant and equipment   212,440 211,022
  Intangible assets   38,924 28,253
  Investments in associates   17,775 34,794
  Derivative financial instruments   283 1,718
  Deferred tax assets   9,480 10,912
  Restricted cash   12,703 13,263
  Notes receivable   252 5,542
  Other assets   14,355 11,980
Total non-current assets   306,212 317,484
  Inventories   202,318 193,378
  Trade and other receivables   177,586 147,787
  Derivative financial instruments   6,383 4,954
  Other assets   42,520 30,359
  Cash and cash equivalents   90,213 117,016
Total current assets   519,020 493,494
Total assets   825,232 810,978
         
Equity      
  Issued capital   725 725
  Share premium   379,518 379,518
  Other reserves   33,374 31,284
  Retained earnings (deficit)   (208,967) (198,897)
Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company 204,650 212,630
Minority interests 14,777 15,793
Total equity   219,427 228,423
Liabilities      
  Loans and borrowings   184,499 168,319
  Employee benefits   88,500 91,358
  Provisions   15,272 14,862
  Government grants   515 669
  Other liabilities   5,659 7,984
  Derivative financial instruments   921 1,339
  Deferred tax liabilities   12,529 26,395
Total non-current liabilities   307,895 310,926
  Loans and borrowings   4,361 3,464
  Short term bank debt   45,934 32,013
  Government grants   175 234
  Other liabilities   48,061 46,179
  Trade and other payables   84,450 69,791
  Derivative financial instruments   4,486 6,048
  Advance payments   44,556 54,764
  Current taxes payable   38,803 36,050
  Provisions   27,084 23,086
Total current liabilities   297,910 271,629
Total liabilities   605,805 582,555
Total equity and liabilities   825,232 810,978

 

 

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.
Condensed interim consolidated statement of cash flows

For the nine months ended September 30      
In thousands of US Dollars   2010 2009
    Unaudited Unaudited
Cash flows used in operating activities      
Loss for the period from continuing operations   (9,812) (14,693)
Loss for the period from discontinued operations   (54,580)
Loss for the period   (9,812) (69,273)
Adjustments to reconcile loss to net cash flows:      
Non-cash:      
   Depreciation and amortization   17,755 17,491
   Restructuring expense   6 5,696
   Environmental expense   763 4,162
   Net finance costs   8,457 13,087
   Share of loss of associates   26,974 2,685
   Equity-settled share-based payment transactions   4,911 10,451
   Cash-settled share-based payment transactions   187
   Income tax expense   11,317 17,642
Change in working capital and provisions   (38,425) (35,117)
Other   2,312 4,420
Finance costs paid, net   (9,191) (7,502)
Income tax paid, net   (29,157) (6,101)
Cash flows from discontinued operations   36,326
Net cash flows used in operating activities   (13,903) (6,033)
       
Cash flows used in investing activities      
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment   1,046
Acquisition, net of cash   (17,287)
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment and intangibles   (19,054) (20,755)
Investments in associates   (10,755) (23,832)
Change in restricted cash   427 1,228
Other   (53) 16
Cash flows used in discontinued operations   (33,208)
Net cash flows used in investing activities   (45,676) (76,551)
       
Cash flows from financing activities      
Net proceeds from issuance of debt   36,636 11,084
Other   176 439
Cash flows from discontinued operations   47,724
Net cash flows from financing activities   36,812 59,247
       
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (22,767) (23,337)
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1   117,016 143,473
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations and consolidation changes on cash   (4,036) 4,255
Cash and cash equivalents at September 30   90,213 124,391

 

 

About AMG
AMG creates and applies innovative metallurgical solutions to support the global trend of sustainable development of natural resources and CO2 reduction.  AMG produces highly engineered specialty metal products and advanced vacuum furnace systems for the Energy, Aerospace, Infrastructure and Specialty Metals and Chemicals end markets.  AMG consists of two operating divisions, Advanced Materials and Engineering Systems, and owns interests in publicly-listed companies Graphit Kropfmühl AG (Deutsche Börse: GKR.DE) and Timminco Limited (TSX: “TIM”).

 

The Advanced Materials Division develops and produces specialty metals, alloys and high performance materials. AMG is a significant producer of specialty metals, such as ferrovanadium, ferronickel-molybdenum, aluminum master alloys and additives, chromium metal and ferrotitanium, for Energy, Aerospace, Infrastructure and Specialty Metal and Chemicals applications.  Other key products include specialty alloys for titanium and superalloys, coating materials, tantalum and niobium oxides, vanadium chemicals and antimony trioxide.

 

The Engineering Systems Division designs, engineers and produces advanced vacuum furnace systems and operates vacuum heat treatment facilities, primarily for the Aerospace and Energy (including solar and nuclear) industries.  Furnace systems produced by AMG include vacuum remelting, solar silicon melting and crystallization, vacuum induction melting, vacuum heat treatment and high pressure gas quenching, turbine blade coating and sintering.  AMG also provides vacuum case-hardening heat treatment services on a tolling basis.

 

Graphit Kropfmühl AG is a majority controlled, publicly listed subsidiary of AMG.  Based on its secure raw material sources in Africa, China and Europe, Graphit Kropfmühl is a specialist in the production of silicon metal and the extraction, processing and refining of natural crystalline graphite for a wide range of energy saving industrial applications. 

 

Timminco Limited is a publicly listed affiliate of AMG. Timminco produces silicon metal for the chemical, aluminum, electronic and solar industries.  Timminco also produces solar grade silicon, using its proprietary technology for purifying silicon metal, for the solar energy industry.

 

With over 2,300 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Czech Republic, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Sri Lanka and also has sales and customer service offices in Belgium, Russia, China and Japan (www.amg-nv.com). 

 

 

For further information please contact:

 

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.      +1 610 975 4901
Jonathan Costello
Vice President of Corporate Communications
jcostello@amg-nv.com

 

 

Disclaimer

 

Certain statements in this press release are not historical facts and are “forward looking”. Forward looking statements include statements concerning AMG’s plans, expectations, projections, objectives, targets, goals, strategies, future events, future revenue or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans and intentions relating to acquisitions, AMG’s competitive strengths and weaknesses, plans or goals relating to forecasted production, reserves, financial position and future operations and development, AMG’s business strategy and the trends AMG anticipates in the industries and the political and legal environment in which it operates and other information that is not historical information.  When used in this press release, the words “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “should,” and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, are intended to identify forward looking statements. By their very nature, forward looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward looking statements will not be achieved. These forward looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.  AMG expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in AMG’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward looking statement is based.  Finally, statements of fact contained herein reflect the facts as of the date of this press release.

 

 

The full press release including tables can be downloaded from the following link:

 

AMG reports third quarter 2010 results

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AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.
+1 610 975 4979

Michele Fischer
mfischer@amg-nv.com