AMG Reports Record-Setting Earnings for the Full Year 2023

Fév 21, 2024

Amsterdam, 21 February 2024 (Regulated Information) — AMG Critical Materials N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) reported record-setting adjusted EBITDA $350 million in 2023, due largely to strong profitability in our lithium and vanadium businesses. Fourth quarter 2023 revenue was $367 million, a 6% decrease versus the fourth quarter of 2022. Fourth quarter 2023 adjusted EBITDA of $71 million decreased 32% compared to the fourth quarter of 2022.

Cash from operating activities was $223 million in 2023, the highest in AMG’s history, and 33% higher than the $168 million in 2022.

_{Note:
(1)   Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.}

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, “AMG has achieved the highest adjusted EBITDA in its 16 year history with $350 million for the full year 2023. Market conditions for all products within our portfolio substantially weakened as the year progressed. The 32% decrease in adjusted EBITDA compared to the fourth quarter of 2022 was driven in large part by the global decline in metal prices within our portfolio, predominantly the lithium price decline. The average quarterly prices of lithium carbonate and ferrovanadium decreased over 76% and 26%, respectively, versus the average pricing in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Cash from operating activities was $223 million in 2023, the highest in AMG’s history, and 33% higher than the $168 million in 2022. We were $38 million free cash flow positive for the year despite investing $169 million in capital projects as well as acquiring a 25% stake in Zinnwald in 2023. This underscores our low-cost position in both lithium and vanadium. We ended the year in a $323 million net debt position, and continued to maintain a strong balance sheet and adequate sources of liquidity. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $345 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $195 million available on its revolving credit facility. As such, AMG had $540 million of total liquidity as of December 31, 2023. AMG continues to benefit from its low-cost fixed-rate debt facilities, and has an average interest rate charge across its two main debt instruments of 5%.

AMG Engineering signed $350 million in new orders during 2023, the highest full year order intake in AMG’s history, and 24% higher than in 2022. This record order intake was driven by strong orders of remelting and heat treatment furnaces, representing a 1.27x book to bill ratio. AMG’s order backlog was $295 million as of December 31, 2023.

Through its critical materials science-based solutions, AMG, as its mission, seeks to contribute to CO₂ reduction by way of “enabling” its customers to increase the efficiency of renewable energy production, and to “enable” energy saving strategies. We measure the enabled contribution to CO₂ reduction at our customer level via stringent third-party developed life cycle assessments. We based this mission on the belief that in this obviously high growth environment, we could achieve both above average financial returns and use our proprietary technologies to be at the forefront of the industrial contribution to atmospheric CO₂ reduction. Our Enabling CO₂ Reduction Portfolio (ECO₂RP) in 2023 enabled 110.3 million tons of CO₂ reduction, 11% more than the 99.4 million tons of enabled CO₂ reduction in 2022.”

Lithium

• In Brazil, our lithium concentrate plant will temporarily stop production for the change-over period in March 2024 in order to facilitate the expansion from 90,000 tons to 130,000 tons. We expect to produce 93,000 tons for the full year of 2024 and will operate at the full expanded capacity rate, or 130,000 tons per year, in the fourth quarter of 2024.
• AMG’s lithium hydroxide refinery’s first 20,000-ton module in Bitterfeld, Germany, is in advanced phases of commissioning, and the product qualification process is planned to start in the third quarter of 2024.

Vanadium

• The Zanesville, Ohio facility exceeded our target production volumes in the fourth quarter of 2023. The production from both the roasting operation and the melt shop exceeded historical averages achieved by the Cambridge, Ohio operation.
• Enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, AMG Vanadium qualified for Section 45X effective from 2023 onwards, which provides a production credit for domestic manufacturing of critical materials. Based on preliminary regulations as issued by the IRS, AMG expects to receive a subsidy of approximately $6 million for full year 2023. The ruling is still in the comment period and, as such, is subject to a final determination.
• AMG’s innovative lithium vanadium battery (“LIVA”) projects are integral for industrial power management applications and accelerate the energy transition. The batteries are currently under various stages of bidding and development. One is operational, three are currently under contract and being engineered, and 15 are in bidding and development stages, with a total megawatt hour (MWh) capacity of 749 MWh.
• AMG LIVA has agreed to acquire the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (“VRFB”) activities from J.M. VOITH SE & CO. KG (“VOITH”). VOITH has developed an advanced technology for controlling and balancing large-scale high-voltage VRFB energy storage systems. The technology complements LIVA’s VRFB system development. LIVA will continue to develop the technology and integrate it into its large-scale energy storage systems.
• The vanadium electrolyte plant at AMG Titanium in Nuremberg, Germany is under construction. The target capacity is 6,000 m³ vanadium electrolyte, the equivalent of approximately 100 MWh, which will serve the electricity storage market, including a vertical integration into LIVA batteries. We expect to have nameplate capacity available by the second half of 2024.
• AMG Vanadium has acquired the processing technologies and IP related activities from Transformation Technologies Inc. (“TTI”), a US company based in Oregon. This unique thermal treatment of spent catalyst and other oil refinery wastes into valuable products is complementary to AMG’s existing spent catalyst processing technology and know-how. AMG will integrate the TTI technology into its global strategic growth initiatives conducted through Shell & AMG Recycling (“SARBV”).
• SARBV’s “Supercenter” project in the Middle East is a facility to produce high-purity vanadium oxides for applications such as chemicals and aerospace as well as vanadium electrolyte for the long duration energy storage market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The facility will operate under a long-term supply contract with Saudi Aramco for vanadium-containing gasification ash from its power plants in the Kingdom. For illustration purposes, Phase 1 of the Supercenter plans to produce 8 million pounds of vanadium oxide from 7,000 metric tons of gasification ash located at a site in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The FEL3 basic engineering has been submitted. The full Supercenter project will also include the processing of spent catalysts, a Fresh Catalyst R&D facility and a LIVA Hybrid Energy Storage System.

Financial Highlights

• AMG’s full year 2023 adjusted EBITDA was a record-setting $350 million due largely to high profitability in our lithium and vanadium businesses, offset by lower profit in AMG Critical Minerals.
• Cash from operating activities was $223 million in 2023, compared to $168 million in 2022, largely driven by the lithium and vanadium expansion projects as well as strong cash flows from our Silicon business driven by energy sales.
• AMG’s free cash flow⁽¹⁾ was $38 million in 2023.
• AMG’s liquidity as of December 31, 2023 was $540 million, with $345 million of unrestricted cash and $195 million of revolving credit availability.
• Annualized return on capital employed was 26.3% for 2023, compared to 30.8% in 2022.
• AMG Engineering signed $350 million in new orders during 2023, the highest in AMG’s history and 24% higher than in 2022.
• The total 2023 dividend proposed is €0.60 per ordinary share, including the interim dividend of €0.40, paid on August 9, 2023.

_{Note:
(1) Free cash flow is defined as cash flows from operating activities less cash flows used in investing activities.}

Key Figures

_Notes:

_{(1)   EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and income taxes. EBIT excludes restructuring, asset impairment, inventory cost adjustments, environmental provisions, exceptional legal expenses and other exceptional items, equity-settled share-based payments, and strategic expenses.
(2)   Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.}

Operational Review

AMG Clean Energy Materials

AMG Clean Energy Materials’ revenue decreased 10% compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, to $158 million, driven mainly by the 76% and 26% decrease in prices for lithium carbonate and ferrovanadium, respectively, since the fourth quarter of 2022. This price decrease was partially offset by increased volumes in vanadium and lithium. Higher average annual prices for spodumene as well as higher sales volumes of vanadium, lithium concentrate, and tantalum propelled revenue for the segment 9% higher on a full year basis. In 2023, ferrovanadium and tantalum concentrate sales increased 45% and 56%, respectively, versus the prior year.

Gross profit for the quarter decreased 57% compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the lower sales prices. The primary driver was the lithium price decline, which fell 76% since the fourth quarter of 2022. Full year gross profit increased 2% compared to 2022, due to the higher prices and volumes noted above.

SG&A expenses of $67 million in 2023 were 47% higher than in 2022, mainly driven by the increase in headcount related to the lithium and vanadium expansion projects, as well as higher employee benefit costs, professional fees and research and development costs.

The fourth quarter 2023 adjusted EBITDA decreased 30%, to $56 million, from $80 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, due to the decline in metal prices as noted above. Full year 2023 adjusted EBITDA, however, was 15% higher than in 2022, driven by higher prices and higher volumes as well as the incremental dividend noted below.

Enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, AMG Vanadium qualifies for Section 45X which provides a production credit for domestic manufacturing of critical materials from 2023 onwards. Based on preliminary regulations as issued by the IRS, AMG expects to receive a subsidy of approximately $6 million for full year 2023. This subsidy is included in gross profit. The ruling is still in the comment period and, as such, is subject to a final determination.

AMG received a $10 million dividend from an equity investment which is included in adjusted EBITDA.

During the fourth quarter of 2023, a total of 29,706 dry metric tons (“dmt”) of lithium concentrates were sold, 39% higher than the 21,329 dmt in the fourth quarter of 2022 due to shipping variances in 2023. The average realized sales price was $1,943/dmt CIF China for the quarter. The average cost per ton for the quarter was $498/dmt CIF China.

During 2023, a total of 95,097 dry metric tons (“dmt”) of lithium concentrates were sold, an increase of 8,384 dmt versus 2022. The average realized sales price for 2023 was $3,160/dmt CIF China, an increase of $355/dmt over 2022. The average cost per ton for 2023 was $475/dmt CIF China.

It is important to note that fourth quarter pricing benefited from the timing lag experienced related to the contractual pricing agreements with our lithium concentrate customers. The prices of lithium concentrate and lithium carbonate have declined 56% and 41%, respectively, since the end of the third quarter 2023.

In 2024, we anticipate the cost per ton to rise due to unabsorbed costs during the ramp-up as well as lower relative tantalum sales volumes offsetting higher spodumene production. AMG is one of the lowest cost lithium concentrate mines in the world and we plan to maintain that position.

AMG Critical Minerals

AMG Critical Minerals’ revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased by 21%, to $55 million, mainly due to lower volumes largely driven by the silicon metal plant operating one furnace during the quarter, as discussed in detail below. The slowdown in the European industrial economy also continued to negatively impact the segment.

Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2023 was $19 million lower compared to the same period in 2022, largely due to lower volumes in silicon and antimony in the current quarter.

SG&A expenses in 2023 of $29 million were 4% higher than in 2022 related to an increase in professional fees during the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter 2023 adjusted EBITDA decreased 88% compared to the same period in 2022, to $2 million, largely driven by the silicon metal plant as well as the slowdown in the end-use markets for the segment in the current quarter. As a result, full year 2023 adjusted EBITDA decreased to $7 million from $38 million in the prior year.

AMG Silicon operated one of four furnaces in the fourth quarter of 2023. We plan to run two of four furnaces for the remainder of 2024. The operational parameters of the silicon business will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Due to the noted interruptions in AMG Silicon’s operations, the financial impact of the business will be excluded from adjusted EBITDA during this period of abnormal operations. However, AMG Silicon generated $26 million in cash flow from operating activities during the quarter driven by the receipt of energy sales made in the fourth quarter of 2022.

AMG Critical Materials Technologies

AMG Critical Materials Technologies’ fourth quarter 2023 revenue increased by $10 million, or 7%, compared to the same period in 2022. This improvement was driven by strong revenues in our engineering unit, as well as higher sales volumes of chrome metal and higher sales prices of titanium alloys, partially offset by lower chrome metal pricing. Revenue for the segment in 2023 increased 10% compared to prior year.

SG&A expenses increased by 10% in 2023 compared to 2022, due to additional personnel at AMG Engineering and AMG LIVA corresponding to the increased order backlog and business development, respectively.

AMG Critical Materials Technologies’ adjusted EBITDA was $14 million during the fourth quarter, 40% higher than in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher profitability in Engineering and Titanium, partially offset by lower chrome margins driven by continued sequential decline in chrome price in the fourth quarter of 2023.

AMG Engineering signed $27 million in new orders during the fourth quarter of 2023. On a full year basis, AMG signed a record high of $350 million in new orders during 2023, 24% higher than in 2022, representing a 1.27x book to bill ratio. The 2023 order intake was driven by strong orders of remelting and heat treatment furnaces. Order backlog was $295 million as of December 31, 2023.

Financial Review

Tax

AMG recorded an income tax expense of $95 million in 2023, compared to $84 million in 2022. This variance was due to negative movements in the Brazilian real in 2023 as compared to 2022 as well as non-cash deferred tax expenses related to the derecognition of certain tax assets. These tax assets were associated with interest expense carryforwards in our US business as well as loss carryforwards in our German business. These deferred tax expenses were partially offset by the lower profitability in the current quarter relative to the same period in the prior year.

AMG paid taxes of $103 million in 2023, compared to tax payments of $42 million in 2022. The higher cash payments in 2023 were largely a result of the timing lag related to Brazil’s strong performance in late 2022 through the second quarter of 2023.

Exceptional Items

AMG’s fourth quarter and full year 2023 gross profit includes exceptional items, which are not included in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA.

A summary of exceptional items included in gross profit in 2023 and 2022 are below:

Exceptional items included in gross profit

AMG had $15 million non-cash expense during the fourth quarter of 2023 mainly driven by Lithium GmbH’s inventory cost adjustment of purchased lithium hydroxide which has been excluded in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA.

In mid 2023, AMG initiated a restructuring program to improve efficiencies and reduce headcount. The largest restructuring expenses are in AMG Titanium with $4 million, and in AMG Graphite with a restructuring expense of $1 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

As a result of the restructuring program, certain non-core assets were also impacted. Asset impairments were recorded due to the retirement of these assets in the fourth quarter of 2023 at AMG Titanium and AMG Graphite of $3 million and $7 million, respectively.

SG&A

AMG’s fourth quarter 2023 SG&A expenses were $46 million compared to $37 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, with the increase largely due to higher personnel costs driven by increased hiring in our Lithium, Engineering, and LIVA businesses.

Full year 2023 SG&A expenses were $178 million, 20% higher than in 2022, due to increased professional fees associated with strategic projects during 2023 as well as higher personnel costs attributable to increased hiring in our Lithium, Engineering, and LIVA businesses.

Liquidity

AMG continued to maintain a strong balance sheet and adequate sources of liquidity during the fourth quarter. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $345 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $195 million available on its revolving credit facility. As such, AMG had $540 million of total liquidity as of December 31, 2023.

Net Finance Costs

AMG’s fourth quarter 2023 net finance income was $2 million compared to $4 million of income in the fourth quarter of 2022. This decrease was mainly driven by lower capitalization of interest expense now that the Zanesville plant is fully operational.

Final Dividend Proposal

AMG intends to declare a dividend of €0.60 per ordinary share over the financial year 2023. The interim dividend of €0.40, paid on August 9, 2023, will be deducted from the amount to be distributed to shareholders. The proposed final dividend per ordinary share therefore amounts to €0.20.

A proposal to resolve upon the final dividend distribution will be included on the agenda for the Annual General Meeting to be held on May 8, 2024.

Outlook

Our ongoing cost reduction and efficiency programs will reduce our headcount by approximately 200 which will essentially be offset by the ramp-up of our expansions in Germany and Brazil, as well as the growth in our LIVA and Engineering businesses.

Capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to be approximately $125 million, mainly driven by the lithium concentrate expansion in Brazil and expenditures related to the construction of the lithium hydroxide plant in Germany.

AMG has no expected financing needs in 2024. AMG refinanced its $350 million term loan and $200 million revolver in November 2021, extending revolver and term loan maturities to 2026 and 2028, respectively. AMG has no significant near-term debt maturities. And although we look to consistently optimize our financial structure, our current liquidity of $540 million can fully fund all of the approved capital expansion projects and all other financial obligations.

AMG’s two main lithium expansion projects are heading towards completion: our lithium concentrate expansion project from 90,000 tons to 130,000 tons in Brazil and module 1 of our lithium hydroxide refinery in Germany. We are reviewing our resource development projects and all other expansion activities in light of the present market conditions.

Regarding 2024 outlook, from the lithium concentrate and lithium carbonate market price highs in November 2022 of $6,110 per ton and $84,062 per ton, respectively, prices have each declined by 84%.

On November 8, 2023, we indicated an adjusted EBITDA for 2024 of approximately $200 million excluding any profitability from our Bitterfeld lithium hydroxide refinery and utilizing contemporary pricing. Since then, market prices for spodumene and lithium carbonate have declined 50% and 39%, respectively. Utilizing today’s price levels, lithium profitability will be $60 million lower and vanadium profitability will be $10 million lower, therefore AMG’s 2024 adjusted EBITDA will be approximately $130 million.

Our analysis of the long-term supply and demand trends in lithium gives us confidence that the present low prices are unsustainable.

Segmental Realignment

The Company has changed its organizational structure effective January 1, 2024, and will therefore report financials for the new segments starting in the first quarter of 2024. This change results in three reporting segments: AMG Lithium, AMG Vanadium, and AMG Technologies. Each of these segments have very specific trends and business models, and require very different management skill sets.

AMG’s 2023 pro forma segmental information for AMG Lithium, AMG Vanadium, and AMG Technologies is shown below:

AMG Lithium

AMG Vanadium

AMG Technologies

Profit for the period to adjusted EBITDA reconciliation

_{Notes:
(1)   The Company is in the initial development and ramp-up phases for several strategic expansion projects, including the joint venture with Shell, the LIVA Battery System, and the lithium expansion in Germany, which incurred project expenses during the quarter but are not yet operational. AMG is adjusting EBITDA for these exceptional charges.}

This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

This press release contains regulated information as defined in the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

About AMG

AMG’s mission is to provide critical materials and related process technologies to advance a less carbon-intensive world. To this end, AMG is focused on the production and development of energy storage materials such as lithium, vanadium, and tantalum. In addition, AMG’s products include highly engineered systems to reduce CO₂ in aerospace engines, as well as critical materials addressing CO₂ reduction in a variety of other end use markets.

AMG’s Lithium segment spans the lithium value chain, reducing the CO₂ footprint of both suppliers and customers. AMG’s Vanadium segment is the world’s market leader in recycling vanadium from oil refining residues, spanning the Company’s vanadium, titanium, and chrome businesses. AMG’s Technologies segment is the established world market leader in advanced metallurgy and provides equipment engineering to the aerospace engine sector globally. It serves as the engineering home for the Company’s fast-growing LIVA batteries, and spans AMG’s mineral processing operations in graphite, antimony, and silicon metal.

With approximately 3,600 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:
AMG Critical Materials N.V.        +1 610 975 4979
Michele Fischer
mfischer@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 revenues 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.

Attachment

• Fourth Quarter & FY 2023 Earnings Press Release

AMG Reports Third Quarter 2023 Results and Announces New Corporate Structure Effective January 1, 2024

Nov 8, 2023

Amsterdam, 8 November 2023 (Regulated Information) — AMG Critical Materials N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) reported third quarter 2023 revenue of $369 million, a 13% decrease versus the third quarter of 2022. Third quarter 2023 EBITDA of $54 million decreased 48% compared to the third quarter of 2022.

Cash from operating activities was $178 million on a year-to-date basis, compared to $111 million for the first nine months of 2022.

_{Note:
(1)   EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.}

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, “The 48% decrease in EBITDA compared to the third quarter of 2022 was driven in large part by the global decline in metal prices within our portfolio, predominantly the lithium price decline. The average quarterly prices of lithium carbonate and ferrovanadium have decreased over 50% and 29%, respectively, versus the average pricing in the third quarter of 2022. On a year-to-date basis, however, EBITDA has increased 17% compared to the first nine months of 2022.

We ended the third quarter in a $320 million net debt position, and continued to maintain a strong balance sheet and adequate sources of liquidity during the quarter. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $347 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $195 million available on its revolving credit facility. As such, AMG had $542 million of total liquidity as of September 30, 2023. In today’s rising rate environment, AMG continues to benefit from its low-cost fixed-rate debt facilities, and has an average interest rate charge across its two main debt instruments of 5%.

AMG Engineering signed $81 million in new orders during the third quarter of 2023, 51% higher year-to-date in 2023 than in the same period in 2022, driven by strong orders of remelting and heat treatment furnaces, representing a 1.02x book to bill ratio. AMG’s order backlog was $341 million as of September 30, 2023, the highest in AMG’s history for the second straight quarter. This is largely driven by the aerospace market, which is experiencing strong growth. Our third quarter 2023 order intake remains at a very high level, reaching $323 million year-to-date.”

Strategic Highlights

The Supervisory Board has authorized the implementation of a new corporate structure, which will be operational January 1, 2024. The present segmental reporting structure will be replaced by three corporate entities: AMG Lithium BV, AMG Vanadium BV, and AMG Technologies (AG/GmbH). Each entity will have its own leadership team and operating management.

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, “The three new 100% owned subsidiaries AMG Lithium, AMG Vanadium, and AMG Technologies, have very specific trends and business models, and require very different management skill sets. They will each be managed by newly installed Management Boards, which will exercise their control through respective Supervisory Boards that will reflect corporate governance principles that currently apply to AMG Critical Materials NV.

This updated structure will enable AMG to realize strategic, operational, and risk management synergies that will improve decision making, as well as strengthen the resiliency of the organization. This new structure will decrease the potential for overreliance on individual executives, improve succession planning, and improve collaboration throughout the organization. Additionally, the new structure will create strategic flexibility for various forms of equity diversification.”

Lithium

• In Brazil, the lithium concentrate plant shutdown to facilitate the expansion from 90,000 tons to 130,000 tons will take place in the first quarter of 2024 due to delivery delays of electronic components for processing automation. This will negatively impact second quarter sales volumes. We expect to produce at full run rate capacity, which is 130,000 tons per year, starting in the third quarter of 2024.
• AMG Brazil’s project with Grupo Lagoa will begin basic engineering in December 2023. From present data, we conclude that the plant will confirm the main assumptions for the construction of a 150,000-ton lithium concentrate plant at the site.
• AMG’s lithium hydroxide refinery’s first 20,000-ton module in Bitterfeld, Germany, is in the initial phases of commissioning and the ramp-up and the qualification process is planned for the second and third quarters of 2024. We expect to produce approximately 7,000 tons of qualified battery-grade lithium hydroxide in 2024 which is not included in our EBITDA guidance for 2024. We expect to produce and sell a full 20,000 tons in 2025.

Vanadium

• The spent catalyst roasting facility in Zanesville, Ohio operated at full capacity for the third quarter and outperformed our roasting facility in Cambridge, Ohio. The Zanesville melt shop has operated at full capacity utilization and the Vanadium team is focused on increasing operational availability, optimizing cycle time and increasing yield.
• AMG’s innovative lithium vanadium battery (“LIVA”) projects are integral for industrial power management applications and accelerate the industrial energy transition. The batteries are currently under various stages of bidding and development. One is operational, three are under construction, and 13 are in bidding and development stages, with a total megawatt hour (MWh) capacity of 379 MWh.
• The vanadium electrolyte plant at AMG Titanium in Nuremberg, Germany is under construction. The target capacity is 6,000 m³ vanadium electrolyte, the equivalent of approximately 100 MWh, which will serve the electricity storage market, including a vertical integration into LIVA batteries. Production is expected to start in the first quarter of 2024.
• Applying a newly developed process technology, AMG Titanium in Nuremberg, Germany has started to process spent roasted catalyst to V₂O₅.
• Shell & AMG Recycling’s (“SARBV”) project development of a closed loop circular recycling facility in the Middle East is progressing. Phase I of the “Supercenter” project, a hydrometallurgical facility to process vanadium-containing gasification ash, is under a long-term contract with Aramco. The gasification ash will be processed into vanadium oxide and then to vanadium electrolytes for use in batteries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Phase I is expected to reach FEL3 status by the end of the year. The “Supercenter” concept also includes spent catalyst recycling projects, fresh catalyst production, and the manufacturing of vanadium batteries. The Phase I facility will also produce 6,000 m³ of electrolyte, which will support 100 MWh of vanadium redox flow battery capacity annually. In addition, a LIVA Hybrid Energy Storage System and a Fresh Catalyst R&D facility will be part of Phase 1.

Financial Highlights

• Cash from operating activities was $25 million in the third quarter of 2023, and $178 million on a year-to-date basis, compared to $111 million for the first nine months of 2022.
• AMG’s liquidity as of September 30, 2023 was $542 million, with $347 million of unrestricted cash and $195 million of revolving credit availability.
• Annualized return on capital employed was 28.4% for the first nine months of 2023, compared to 29.5% for the same period in 2022.
• AMG Engineering’s order backlog of $341 million as of September 30, 2023, the highest in AMG’s history, was driven primarily by the aerospace industry.

Key Figures

_Notes:

_{(1)   EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and income taxes. EBIT excludes restructuring, asset impairment, inventory cost adjustments, environmental provisions, exceptional legal expenses and other exceptional items, equity-settled share-based payments, and strategic expenses.
(2)   EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.}

Operational Review

AMG Clean Energy Materials

AMG Clean Energy Materials’ revenue decreased 25% compared to the third quarter of 2022, to $140 million, driven mainly by decreased prices in both lithium and vanadium as well as lower volumes in lithium concentrate, partially offset by increased volumes in vanadium. Ferrovanadium production increased 48% versus the third quarter of 2022.

Gross profit for the quarter decreased 60% compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the lower sales prices. The primary driver is the lithium price decline. Also, vanadium gross profit was lower due to fixed price inventory being processed from global sources. All other existing contracts are under indexed prices. We are working towards long-term contracts similar to our Cambridge model.

SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2023 were higher than the same period in 2022 at $15 million, mainly driven by the increase in headcount related to the lithium and vanadium expansion projects, as well as higher employee benefit costs.

The third quarter 2023 EBITDA decreased 53%, to $39 million, from $84 million in the third quarter of 2022, due to the decline in metal prices as noted above.

During the third quarter of 2023, a total of 16,012 dry metric tons (“dmt”) of lithium concentrates was sold. The third quarter experienced lower sales volumes due to shipping schedule variances noted in the second quarter. The average realized sales price was $2,395/dmt CIF China for the quarter. The average cost per ton for the quarter was $529/dmt CIF China. The cost per ton is lower than the second quarter due to higher sales volumes of tantalum concentrate in the current quarter.

In 2024, we anticipate the cost per ton to rise due to unabsorbed costs during the ramp-up as well as lower relative tantalum sales volumes offsetting higher spodumene production. It is important to note that AMG is one of the lowest cost mines in the world and we plan to maintain that position.

AMG Critical Minerals

AMG Critical Minerals’ revenue for the third quarter of 2023 decreased by 38%, to $53 million, mainly due to lower volumes across the segment largely driven by the silicon metal plant operating one furnace during the quarter, as discussed in detail below. The slowdown in the European industrial economy also continued to negatively impact the segment.

Gross profit of $7 million in the third quarter of 2023 was $6 million higher compared to the same period last year, largely due to the significant increases in gas and electricity costs experienced in the third quarter of 2022.

SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2023 of $7 million were in line with the same period in 2022.

The third quarter 2023 EBITDA decreased 83% compared to the same period in 2022, to $1 million, due to silicon shutdown as well as the slowdown in the end-use markets for the segment in the current quarter.

AMG Silicon operated one of four furnaces throughout the third quarter and plans to operate one furnace for the remainder of 2023. The operational parameters of the silicon business will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Due to the noted interruptions in AMG Silicon’s operations, the financial impact of the business will be excluded from EBITDA during this period of abnormal operations. However, AMG Silicon generated $10 million in cash flow from operating activities during the quarter driven by the receipt of energy sales made in the fourth quarter of 2022.

AMG Critical Materials Technologies

AMG Critical Materials Technologies’ third quarter 2023 revenue increased by $24 million, or 16%, compared to the same period in 2022. This improvement was driven by strong revenues in our engineering unit, as well as higher sales volumes of titanium alloys and chrome metal, partially offset by lower chrome metal pricing.

SG&A expenses increased by 10% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, due to additional personnel at AMG Engineering and AMG LIVA corresponding to the record order backlog and business development, respectively.

AMG Critical Materials Technologies’ EBITDA was $13 million during the quarter compared to $12 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher profitability in Engineering and Titanium, partially offset by lower chrome margins driven by continued sequential decline in chrome price in the third quarter of 2023.

AMG Engineering signed $81 million in new orders during the third quarter of 2023, driven by strong orders of remelting and heat treatment furnaces, representing a 1.02x book to bill ratio. Order backlog was $341 million as of September 30, 2023, the highest in AMG’s history.

AMG Engineering has been selected by PCC’s TIMET to supply the vacuum melting and re-melting furnaces for their new, state-of-the-art Titanium melt facility in Ravenswood, West Virginia. AMG’s scope includes several vacuum arc re-melting, electron beam welding, and electron beam melting furnaces, signifying one of the largest orders in all of AMG Engineering’s history.

Financial Review

Tax

AMG recorded an income tax expense of $13 million in the third quarter of 2023, compared to $39 million in the same period in 2022. This variance was mainly driven by lower profitability in the current quarter.

AMG paid taxes of $33 million in the third quarter of 2023, compared to tax payments of $10 million in the third quarter of 2022, primarily due to the timing lag in tax payments relative to tax expense recognition.

Exceptional Items

AMG’s third quarter 2023 gross profit includes exceptional items, which are not included in the calculation of EBITDA.

A summary of exceptional items included in gross profit in the third quarters of 2023 and 2022 are below:

Exceptional items included in gross profit

AMG Vanadium had a $1.3 million non-cash expense during the third quarter of 2023. This is a result of inventory cost adjustments associated with declining prices and an increased inventory position of spent catalyst as we diversify our sourcing strategy which has been adjusted in EBITDA.

SG&A

AMG’s third quarter 2023 SG&A expenses were $43 million compared to $37 million in the third quarter of 2022, with the increase largely attributable to higher personnel costs driven by increased hiring in our Lithium, Engineering, and LIVA businesses.

Liquidity

AMG continued to maintain a strong balance sheet and adequate sources of liquidity during the third quarter. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $347 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $195 million available on its revolving credit facility. As such, AMG had $542 million of total liquidity as of September 30, 2023.

Net Finance Costs

AMG’s third quarter 2023 net finance cost was $9 million compared to $14 million in the third quarter of 2022. This decrease was mainly driven by foreign exchange gains of $3 million during the quarter primarily due to non-cash intergroup balances and higher interest income earned on an increased cash and cash equivalents balance in the third quarter 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2022. Additionally, in today’s rising rate environment, AMG continues to benefit from its low-cost fixed-rate debt facilities. AMG has an average interest rate charge across its two main debt instruments of 5%.

Outlook

Since the end of July when we issued the previous 2023 EBITDA guidance of between $350 million and $380 million, market prices for spodumene and lithium carbonate have decreased by 50% and 43%, respectively. Given these price decreases, AMG’s new EBITDA guidance for the full year 2023 is approximately $320 million.

Considering the ramp-up of the strategic projects explained above, as well as the volatility of our key material prices, specifically lithium, it is challenging to provide firm guidance for 2024. The recent fall in lithium prices has surprised every industry participant. Establishing the cause of the fall in prices and projecting future movements involves analyzing both the Chinese lithium industry as well as broader macroeconomic factors in China.

Given the difficulty of this analysis, and despite certain signs that the lithium supply and demand picture remains strong, there is high uncertainty with regard to near-term pricing dynamics. Therefore, utilizing today’s depressed price levels, AMG’s EBITDA will be approximately $200 million in 2024 with a stronger performance in the second half of the year.

Profit for the period to adjusted EBITDA reconciliation

_{Notes:
(1)   The Company is in the initial development and ramp-up phases for several strategic expansion projects, including the joint venture with Shell, the LIVA Battery System, and the lithium expansion in Germany, which incurred project expenses during the quarter but are not yet operational. AMG is adjusting EBITDA for these exceptional charges.}

This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

This press release contains regulated information as defined in the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

About AMG

AMG’s mission is to provide critical materials and related process technologies to advance a less carbon-intensive world. To this end, AMG is focused on the production and development of energy storage materials such as lithium, vanadium, and tantalum. In addition, AMG’s products include highly engineered systems to reduce CO₂ in aerospace engines, as well as critical materials addressing CO₂ reduction in a variety of other end use markets.

AMG Clean Energy Materials segment combines AMG’s recycling and mining operations, producing materials for infrastructure and energy storage solutions while reducing the CO₂ footprint of both suppliers and customers. AMG Clean Energy Materials segment spans the vanadium, lithium, and tantalum value chains. AMG Critical Materials Technologies segment combines AMG’s leading vacuum furnace technology line with high-purity materials serving global leaders in the aerospace sector. AMG Critical Minerals segment consists of AMG’s mineral processing operations in antimony, graphite, and silicon metal.

With approximately 3,600 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:
AMG Critical Materials N.V.        +1 610 975 4979
Michele Fischer
mfischer@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 revenues 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.

Attachment

• Third Quarter 2023 Earnings Press Release

AMG Critical Materials N.V. Announces Interim Dividend

Juil 26, 2023

Amsterdam, 26 July 2023 (Regulated Information) — AMG Critical Materials N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) declares an interim dividend of €0.40 per ordinary share, from an interim dividend of €0.30 per ordinary share in the prior year.

The interim dividend of €0.40 per ordinary share, in respect of the period from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023, is payable on August 9, 2023 to shareholders of record as of August 1, 2023. The ex-dividend date will be July 31, 2023. Dutch withholding tax will be deducted from the dividend at a rate of 15%.

This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

This press release contains regulated information as defined in the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

About AMG

AMG’s mission is to provide critical materials and related process technologies to advance a less carbon-intensive world. To this end, AMG is focused on the production and development of energy storage materials such as lithium, vanadium, and tantalum. In addition, AMG’s products include highly engineered systems to reduce CO₂ in aerospace engines, as well as critical materials addressing CO₂ reduction in a variety of other end use markets.

AMG Clean Energy Materials segment combines AMG’s recycling and mining operations, producing materials for infrastructure and energy storage solutions while reducing the CO₂ footprint of both suppliers and customers. AMG Clean Energy Materials segment spans the vanadium, lithium, and tantalum value chains. AMG Critical Materials Technologies segment combines AMG’s leading vacuum furnace technology line with high-purity materials serving global leaders in the aerospace sector. AMG Critical Minerals segment consists of AMG’s mineral processing operations in antimony, graphite, and silicon metal.

With approximately 3,600 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:
AMG Critical Materials N.V.        +1 610 975 4979
Michele Fischer
mfischer@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 revenues 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.

Attachment

• Interim Dividend 2023

AMG’s Lithium Operations Continue to Drive Record Earnings with the Fourth Straight Quarter Exceeding $100 Million of EBITDA

Juil 26, 2023

Amsterdam, 26 July 2023 (Regulated Information) — AMG Critical Materials N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) reported second quarter 2023 revenue of $439 million, a 4% increase versus the second quarter of 2022. Second quarter 2023 EBITDA of $107 million was 32% higher than the second quarter of 2022.

_{Note:
(1)   EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.}

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, “This is the fourth straight quarter in which AMG has exceeded $100 million of EBITDA. The $26 million, or 32%, EBITDA increase over the second quarter of 2022 was driven largely by our Clean Energy Materials segment, specifically AMG Lithium’s Brazilian operation with an EBITDA contribution of $89 million.

AMG’s liquidity as of June 30, 2023 was $586 million, with $391 million of unrestricted cash and $195 million of revolving credit availability. The Company will pay an interim 2023 dividend of €0.40 per ordinary share on or around August 9, 2023, to shareholders of record on August 1, 2023.

AMG Engineering signed $167 million in new orders during the second quarter of 2023, driven by strong orders of remelting and induction furnaces, representing a 2.48x book to bill ratio. AMG’s order backlog of $337 million as of June 30, 2023, which is the highest in AMG’s history. This is largely driven by the US aerospace market. Our second quarter 2023 US order intake has essentially doubled from our second quarter 2022 US order intake.

We continue to drive our lithium strategy forward and are pleased to announce that we have signed a mandate letter with KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and with Citi to structure and arrange the financing for the construction of our proposed technical-grade lithium chemical plant in Brazil. The financing structure is expected to cover all the funding requirements and be supported by Euler Hermes (the German Export Credit Agency representing its government) under its Untied Loan Guarantee program for projects which deliver critical raw materials into Germany. This proposed financing is a cornerstone of our lithium strategy to be the premier supplier of battery-grade lithium hydroxide in Europe, and another important step towards an independent and sustainable lithium supply chain for Europe. In addition, this project conforms with AMG Brazil’s commitment to upgrade its operations to produce a higher value product, while significantly contributing to reducing CO₂ emissions by lowering total volumes shipped.”

Strategic Highlights

Lithium

• The lithium concentrate production expansion project in AMG Brazil is progressing as planned.
• AMG signed a mandate letter with KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and Citi to structure and arrange the financing for the construction of our proposed technical-grade lithium chemical plant in Brazil. The financing structure is expected to cover all the funding requirements and be supported by Euler Hermes (the German Export Credit Agency representing its government) under its Untied Loan Guarantee program for projects which deliver critical raw materials into Germany. This proposed financing is a cornerstone of our strategy to be the premier supplier of battery-grade lithium hydroxide in Europe.
• AMG Lithium’s hydroxide refinery in Bitterfeld, Germany, Europe’s first, is expected to start commissioning for the first 20,000-ton module expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.
• AMG Lithium signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) in May 2023 with Fortum Battery Recycling Oy (“Fortum”), a Nordic clean energy provider. Fortum’s new commercial scale hydrometallurgical plant is able to efficiently recover valuable metals from old electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries. The lithium product recovered by Fortum will be delivered to AMG Lithium for further processing.

Vanadium

• The new vanadium spent catalyst recycling facility in Zanesville, Ohio, is currently running at full capacity and targeting full run rate production for the second half of 2023.
• AMG’s innovative lithium vanadium battery (“LIVA”) projects for industrial power management applications outlined at our Capital Markets Day are under various stages of construction.
• In January 2023, AMG started building a vanadium electrolyte plant at its subsidiary, AMG Titanium, in Nuremberg, Germany. The target capacity is 6,000 m³ vanadium electrolyte, which will serve the electricity storage market. Production is expected to start at the end of this year.
• Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. (“SARBV”) project development in the Middle East are progressing. The Supercenter project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is completing the FEL3 feasibility study later this year.

Financial Highlights

• Revenue increased by 4% to $439 million in the second quarter of 2023 from $424 million in the second quarter of 2022.
• EBITDA was $107 million in the second quarter of 2023, up 32% versus the second quarter 2022 EBITDA of $81 million.
• Annualized return on capital employed was 35.7% for the first six months of 2023, compared to 25.5% for the same period in 2022.
• Cash from operations was $60 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $40 million in the second quarter of 2022, driven by the high profitability of AMG Lithium in Brazil.
• Net income attributable to shareholders for the second quarter of 2023 was $43 million, yielding $1.28 diluted earnings per share compared to $0.91 in the same period in 2022.
• AMG’s liquidity as of June 30, 2023 was $586 million, with $391 million of unrestricted cash and $195 million of revolving credit availability.
• AMG declares an interim dividend of €0.40 per ordinary share, to be paid in the third quarter of 2023.

Key Figures

_Notes:

_{(1)   EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and income taxes. EBIT excludes restructuring, asset impairment, inventory cost adjustments, environmental provisions, exceptional legal expenses and other exceptional items, equity-settled share-based payments, and strategic expenses.
(2)   EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.}

Operational Review

AMG Clean Energy Materials

AMG Clean Energy Materials’ revenue increased 30% compared to the second quarter of 2022, to $208 million, driven mainly by increased sales volumes and increased prices in lithium concentrates.

Gross profit for the quarter increased 58% compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the higher sales volumes across the segment as well as higher lithium pricing.

SG&A expenses in the second quarter of 2023 were higher than the same period in 2022 at $21 million, mainly driven by the increase in headcount related to the lithium and vanadium expansion projects, as well as higher employee benefit costs.

The second quarter 2023 EBITDA increased 65%, to $96 million, from $58 million in the second quarter of 2022, due to the improved gross profit as noted above.

AMG Vanadium’s production was negatively impacted by a defective fan provided by a supplier at our new Zanesville facility. AMG has commenced an arbitration claim seeking compensatory damages, which include costs incurred and lost profitability.

During the second quarter of 2023, a total of 28,870 dry metric tons (“dmt”) of lithium concentrates was sold. The second quarter experienced increased sales volumes due to shipping schedule variances which will negatively impact the third quarter. The average realized sales price was $3,633/dmt CIF China for the quarter. The average cost per ton for the quarter was $547/dmt CIF China. The cost per ton is higher than the first quarter due to lower volumes and pricing in tantalum concentrate in the quarter. The additional lithium concentrate shipments and slightly higher costs in tantalum concentrate resulted in quarterly EBITDA for AMG Brazil of $89 million.

AMG Critical Minerals

AMG Critical Minerals’ revenue for the second quarter of 2023 decreased by 45%, to $57 million, mainly due to lower volumes across the segment largely driven by the silicon metal plant operating one furnace during the quarter, as discussed in detail below. The segment also suffered from a slowdown in the European industrial economy.

Gross profit of $8 million in the second quarter was 44% lower compared to the second quarter of 2022, largely due to the lower volumes in the current quarter.

SG&A expenses in the second quarter of 2023 increased by 8%, to $8 million, compared to the same period in 2022. This was largely driven by higher professional fees in the current quarter.

The second quarter 2023 EBITDA decreased 83% compared to the same period in 2022, to $2 million, due to the lower gross profit as noted above.

AMG Silicon operated one of four furnaces throughout the second quarter and plans to operate one furnace for the remainder of 2023. The operational parameters of the silicon business will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Due to the noted interruptions in silicon operations, the financial impact of the business will be excluded from EBITDA during this period of abnormal operations. However, AMG Silicon generated $9 million in cash flow from operating activities during the quarter driven by the receipt of energy sales made in the fourth quarter of 2022.

AMG Critical Materials Technologies

AMG Critical Materials Technologies’ second quarter 2023 revenue increased by $13 million, or 8%, compared to the same period in 2022. This improvement was driven by strong revenues in our engineering unit, as well as higher sales volumes of titanium alloys and chrome metal, partially offset by lower chrome metal pricing.

SG&A expenses increased by 8% in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, due to additional personnel at AMG Engineering and AMG LIVA corresponding to the record order backlog and business development, respectively.

AMG Critical Materials Technologies’ EBITDA was $10 million during the quarter compared to $14 million in the same period of 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower chrome prices in the second quarter of 2023 partially offset by higher profitability in Engineering and Titanium.

AMG Engineering signed $167 million in new orders during the second quarter of 2023, driven by strong orders of remelting and induction furnaces, representing a 2.48x book to bill ratio. Order backlog was $337 million as of June 30, 2023, the highest in AMG’s history.

Financial Review

Tax

AMG recorded an income tax expense of $27 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared to $23 million in the same period in 2022. This variance was mainly driven by higher profitability in AMG Lithium at its Brazil operation, offset by US tax expense and movements in the Brazilian real. The effects of the Brazilian real caused a $2 million tax benefit in the second quarter of 2023, compared to a $4 million tax expense in the same period in 2022. Fluctuations in the Brazilian real exchange rate impact the valuation of the Company’s net deferred tax positions related to our operations in Brazil.

AMG paid taxes of $35 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared to tax payments of $9 million in the second quarter of 2022. The higher cash taxes in the current quarter were a result of tax payments tracking the consistent upward trend in Brazil results.

Exceptional Items

AMG’s second quarter 2023 gross profit includes exceptional items, which are not included in the calculation of EBITDA.

A summary of exceptional items included in gross profit in the second quarters of 2023 and 2022 are below:

Exceptional items included in gross profit

AMG Vanadium had a $3.7 million non-cash expense during the second quarter of 2023. This is a result of inventory cost adjustments associated with declining prices and inventory specification issues due to the acquisition and testing of global refinery waste which has been adjusted in EBITDA.

SG&A

AMG’s second quarter 2023 SG&A expenses were $49 million compared to $37 million in the second quarter of 2022, with the increase largely attributable to higher personnel costs driven by increased hiring in our Lithium, Engineering, and LIVA businesses. It was also driven by a one-time pension expense of $6.7 million due to the restructuring of executive employee benefit plans.

Liquidity

AMG ended the second quarter in a $280 million net debt position. This decrease versus year-end 2022 was mainly due to higher cash balances from strong operating cash flow.

AMG continued to maintain a strong balance sheet and adequate sources of liquidity during the second quarter. As of June 30, 2023, the Company had $391 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $195 million available on its revolving credit facility. As such, AMG had $586 million of total liquidity as of June 30, 2023.

Net Finance Costs

AMG’s second quarter 2023 net finance cost was $7 million compared to $12 million in the second quarter of 2022. This variance was mainly driven by higher interest income earned, due to the overall increase in global interest rates, and an increase in cash and cash equivalents balances as well as foreign exchange losses in the prior period. Additionally, in today’s rising rate environment, AMG continues to benefit from its low-cost fixed-rate debt facilities. AMG has an average interest rate charge across its two main debt instruments of 5%.

Outlook

Given the global economic uncertainty and the slowdown in China, current spot prices across AMG’s critical materials portfolio are significantly below the prices we experienced when we announced our initial guidance for 2023 in November 2022. The price of lithium carbonate in November 2022, the date of our $400 million EBITDA guidance, has now almost halved and our other relevant portfolio prices are down an average of 25%.

Therefore, we have changed our full year EBITDA guidance for 2023 from “exceeding $400 million in EBITDA” to “a range between $350 million to $380 million in EBITDA.” An EBITDA in this range represents the highest EBITDA in the history of AMG.

As previously disclosed, third quarter profitability will be negatively impacted by lower volumes associated with the spodumene expansion project. Volumes will recover in the fourth quarter as the project begins to ramp up.

Regarding our long-term guidance, we are extremely pleased with the advancement of our strategic projects. We are moving forward with our lithium concentrate expansion in Brazil. We’ve signed a mandate letter to fund the chemical upgrader in Brazil, and our lithium hydroxide refinery in Bitterfeld, Germany, is under construction, with commissioning for the first 20,000-ton module expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.

These transformational projects in lithium, our newly complete ferrovanadium spent catalyst recycling facility in Ohio, and the continued ramp-up in our AMG Critical Materials Technologies segment will drive increased volumes across our Clean Energy Materials segment and confirm our confidence in our long-term guidance. Our long-term guidance therefore remains unchanged at an EBITDA level of $650 million, or more, in 5 years, or earlier.

Profit for the period to adjusted EBITDA reconciliation

_{Notes:
(1)   The Company is in the initial development and ramp-up phases for several strategic expansion projects, including AMG Vanadium’s expansion project, the joint venture with Shell, Hybrid Lithium Vanadium Redox Flow Battery System, and the lithium expansion in Germany, which incurred project expenses during the quarter but are not yet operational. AMG is adjusting EBITDA for these exceptional charges.}

This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

This press release contains regulated information as defined in the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

About AMG

AMG’s mission is to provide critical materials and related process technologies to advance a less carbon-intensive world. To this end, AMG is focused on the production and development of energy storage materials such as lithium, vanadium, and tantalum. In addition, AMG’s products include highly engineered systems to reduce CO₂ in aerospace engines, as well as critical materials addressing CO₂ reduction in a variety of other end use markets.

AMG Clean Energy Materials segment combines AMG’s recycling and mining operations, producing materials for infrastructure and energy storage solutions while reducing the CO₂ footprint of both suppliers and customers. AMG Clean Energy Materials segment spans the vanadium, lithium, and tantalum value chains. AMG Critical Materials Technologies segment combines AMG’s leading vacuum furnace technology line with high-purity materials serving global leaders in the aerospace sector. AMG Critical Minerals segment consists of AMG’s mineral processing operations in antimony, graphite, and silicon metal.

With approximately 3,600 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:
AMG Critical Materials N.V.        +1 610 975 4979
Michele Fischer
mfischer@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 revenues 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.

Attachment

• Second Quarter 2023 Earnings PR

AMG Announces Results of the Annual General Meeting

Mai 4, 2023

Amsterdam, 4 May 2023 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) is pleased to announce that during its Annual General Meeting held on May 4, 2023, shareholders approved all agenda items presented, including the reappointment of Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Management Board for an additional term of two years, with effect from May 4, 2023.

During the meeting, Professor Steve Hanke and Mr. Herb Depp were reappointed as independent members of the Supervisory Board for terms of two years each, beginning May 4, 2023.

Ms. Dagmar Bottenbruch has decided to step down from AMG’s Supervisory Board in view of other pressing priorities in her career, having served on AMG’s Supervisory Board since 2019. Given the vacancy created by the departure of Ms. Bottenbruch, Dr. Anne Roby was appointed as an independent member of the Supervisory Board for a term of four years beginning May 4, 2023.

Approval was also granted for the Company’s articles of association to be amended to accommodate the name change of the Company to  »AMG Critical Materials N.V. » The reason for the change from AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. is explained in the Letter to Shareholders of the 2022 Annual Report.

This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

This press release contains regulated information as defined in the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

About AMG

AMG’s mission is to provide critical materials and related process technologies to advance a less carbon-intensive world. To this end, AMG is focused on the production and development of energy storage materials such as lithium, vanadium, and tantalum. In addition, AMG’s products include highly engineered systems to reduce CO₂ in aerospace engines, as well as critical materials addressing CO₂ reduction in a variety of other end use markets.

AMG Clean Energy Materials segment combines AMG’s recycling and mining operations, producing materials for infrastructure and energy storage solutions while reducing the CO₂ footprint of both suppliers and customers. AMG Clean Energy Materials segment spans the vanadium, lithium, and tantalum value chains. AMG Critical Materials Technologies segment combines AMG’s leading vacuum furnace technology line with high-purity materials serving global leaders in the aerospace sector. AMG Critical Minerals segment consists of AMG’s mineral processing operations in antimony, graphite, and silicon metal.

With approximately 3,600 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.        +1 610 975 4979
Michele Fischer
mfischer@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 revenues 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.

Attachment

• Results of the 2023 AGM

AMG Announces Final 2022 Dividend

Mai 4, 2023

Amsterdam, 4 May 2023 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) is pleased to announce that during the Annual General Meeting, held on May 4, 2023, AMG’s shareholders approved the payment of a dividend of €0.70 per ordinary share over the financial year 2022. The interim dividend of €0.30, paid on August 10, 2022, was deducted from the amount distributed to shareholders. The final dividend per ordinary share therefore amounts to €0.40.

Payment of the final dividend will be completed on or around May 11, 2023, to shareholders of record on May 9, 2023. The ex-dividend date is May 8, 2023. Dutch withholding tax will be deducted from the dividend at a rate of 15%.

This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

This press release contains regulated information as defined in the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

About AMG

AMG’s mission is to provide critical materials and related process technologies to advance a less carbon-intensive world. To this end, AMG is focused on the production and development of energy storage materials such as lithium, vanadium, and tantalum. In addition, AMG’s products include highly engineered systems to reduce CO₂ in aerospace engines, as well as critical materials addressing CO₂ reduction in a variety of other end use markets.

AMG Clean Energy Materials segment combines AMG’s recycling and mining operations, producing materials for infrastructure and energy storage solutions while reducing the CO₂ footprint of both suppliers and customers. AMG Clean Energy Materials segment spans the vanadium, lithium, and tantalum value chains. AMG Critical Materials Technologies segment combines AMG’s leading vacuum furnace technology line with high-purity materials serving global leaders in the aerospace sector. AMG Critical Minerals segment consists of AMG’s mineral processing operations in antimony, graphite, and silicon metal.

With approximately 3,600 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.        +1 610 975 4979
Michele Fischer
mfischer@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 revenues 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.

Attachment

• Final Dividend May 2023

AMG’s Lithium Operations Continue to Drive Record Earnings

Mai 3, 2023

Amsterdam, 3 May 2023 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) reported first quarter 2023 revenue of $451 million, a 12% increase versus the same period in 2022. First quarter 2023 EBITDA of $118 million was more than double the EBITDA of $55 million for the first three months of last year, and represents an all-time high for AMG’s quarterly EBITDA.

_{Note:
(1) EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.}

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, “I am pleased to announce that AMG will change its name, subject to the approval of our shareholders in the upcoming Annual General Meeting, from AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. to AMG Critical Materials N.V. We have also achieved new record earnings and operating cash flow.

This is the third straight quarter in which AMG has exceeded $100 million of EBITDA. The $63 million, or 116%, EBITDA increase over the first quarter of 2022 was driven largely by our Clean Energy Materials segment, specifically AMG Lithium and its Brazil operation with an EBITDA contribution of $92 million.

AMG’s liquidity as of March 31, 2023 was $555 million, with $360 million of unrestricted cash and $195 million of revolving credit availability. The Company will pay its final 2022 declared dividend of €0.40 per ordinary share on or around May 11, 2023, to shareholders of record on May 9, 2023.

The record results are due to our recent expansion projects. The profitability going forward is also driven by the strategic projects coming on stream in 2023 and 2024, in particular our lithium concentrate expansion and our first lithium hydroxide refinery module in Bitterfeld. We thereby confirm our guidance for 2023 to exceed $400 million in EBITDA.”

Strategic Highlights

Lithium

• The lithium concentrate production expansion project in AMG Brazil is progressing as planned.
• AMG Lithium’s hydroxide refinery in Bitterfeld, Germany, Europe’s first, is under construction, with commissioning for the first 20,000-ton module expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.
• Regarding its development of solid state battery materials, AMG Lithium GmbH has engaged in a joint production with Fraunhofer Institute, Münster University, Wacker, and Schunk to develop next generation solid-state batteries based on lithium-sulfur technology. AMG Lithium will provide lithium sulfide and solid electrolytes for this project.
• AMG has a 25% shareholding in Zinnwald Lithium PLC and is supporting the Zinnwald Board to accelerate the development of its lithium project in Eastern Germany.

Vanadium

• The new vanadium spent catalyst recycling facility in Zanesville, Ohio, continues to progress, with the roaster operating at its design capacity and the melt shop targeting full production capacity later in the second quarter of this year.
• AMG’s innovative lithium vanadium battery (“LIVA”) projects for industrial power management applications outlined at our Capital Markets Day are being executed as planned.
• AMG has completed the expansion of its vanadium oxide (“V₂O₅”) production in Nuremberg, either using gasification ash or spent catalyst as alternative feed. V₂O₅ is increasingly destined for the LIVA battery market.
• In January 2023, AMG started building a vanadium electrolyte plant at its subsidiary, AMG Titanium, in Nuremberg, Germany. The target capacity is 6,000 m³ vanadium electrolyte, which will serve the electricity storage market. Production is expected to start at the end of this year.
• Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. (“SARBV”) continues to advance its projects in the Middle East including the first phase of the Supercenter project based on long-term supply agreements with ARAMCO. Front end engineering design for the first phase of the project, the conversion of gasification ash into V₂O₅, began in late 2022 and will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Financial Highlights

• Revenue increased by 12% to $451 million in the first quarter of 2023 from $404 million in the first quarter of 2022.
• EBITDA was $118 million in the first quarter of 2023, up 116% versus the first quarter 2022 EBITDA of $55 million.
• Annualized return on capital employed was 37.9% for the first quarter of 2023, compared to 19.8% for the first three months of 2022.
• Cash from operating activities was $93 million in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of $97 million over the same period in 2022.
• Net income attributable to shareholders for the first three months of 2023 was $56 million, yielding $1.72 diluted earnings per share compared to $0.89 for the same period in 2022.
• AMG’s liquidity as of March 31, 2023 was $555 million, with $360 million of unrestricted cash and $195 million of revolving credit availability.
• The Company will pay its final 2022 declared dividend of €0.40 per ordinary share on or around May 11, 2023, to shareholders of record on May 9, 2023.

Key Figures

_Notes:

_{(1) EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and income taxes. EBIT excludes restructuring, asset impairment, inventory cost adjustments, environmental provisions, exceptional legal expenses and other exceptional items, equity-settled share-based payments, and strategic expenses.
(2) EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.}

Operational Review

AMG Clean Energy Materials

AMG Clean Energy Materials’ revenue increased 53% compared to the first quarter of 2022, to $219 million, driven mainly by higher prices in tantalum and lithium concentrates, as well as increased sales volumes of vanadium and tantalum concentrate.

Gross profit for the quarter increased 179% compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the increased price environment.

SG&A expenses in the first quarter of 2023 were 23% higher than the same period in 2022, largely due to higher personnel costs and variable compensation expense mainly driven by the increase in headcount related to the lithium and vanadium expansion projects.

The first quarter 2023 EBITDA increased 185%, to $106 million, from $37 million in the first quarter of 2022, due to the improved gross profit as noted above.

During the first quarter of 2023, a total of 20,509 dry metric tons (“dmt”) of lithium concentrates was sold. The average realized sales price was $4,846/dmt CIF China for the quarter. The average cost per ton for the quarter was $338/dmt CIF China. This exceptional cost per ton result was driven by high sales volumes of tantalum concentrate in the quarter, and drove a quarterly EBITDA figure for AMG Brazil of $92 million.

AMG Critical Minerals

AMG Critical Minerals’ revenue for the first quarter of 2023 decreased by $44 million, or 41%, to $63 million, mainly due to lower volumes across the segment which was primarily driven by the silicon metal plant care and maintenance plan for the first two months of 2023 prior to restarting and operating one furnace in March discussed in detail below. The segment also suffered from a slowdown in the European industrial economy.

Gross profit of $7 million in the first quarter was $6 million lower compared to the first quarter of 2022, largely due to the lower volumes in the first three months of this year.

SG&A expenses in the first quarter of 2023 decreased by 3%, to $7 million, compared to the same period in 2022. This was driven by lower personnel costs and variable compensation expense in the current quarter due to the interruptions in AMG Silicon’s operations earlier this quarter.

The first quarter 2023 EBITDA decreased 68% compared to the same period in 2022, to $3 million, due to the lower gross profit as noted above.

As of March 1, 2023, AMG’s silicon metal plant in Pocking, Germany, restarted operating one furnace. AMG Silicon is operating one furnace throughout the second quarter and plans to operate one furnace in the third quarter. The operational parameters of the silicon business will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis and will be adjusted as appropriate in line with favorable and predictable market conditions. Due to the noted interruptions in silicon operations, the financial impact of the business will be excluded from EBITDA during this period of abnormal operations. However, AMG Silicon generated $11 million in cash flow from operating activities during the quarter driven by the receipt of energy sales made in the fourth quarter of 2022. The financial impact of the care and maintenance program does not significantly impact AMG’s overall projected 2023 financial results.

AMG Critical Materials Technologies

AMG Critical Materials Technologies’ first quarter 2023 revenue increased by $15 million, or 10%, compared to the same period in 2022. This improvement was driven by higher sales volumes of titanium alloys and chrome metal.

SG&A expenses increased by 3% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, due to an increase in personnel costs and higher variable compensation expense in the current quarter.

AMG Critical Materials Technologies’ EBITDA was $9 million during the quarter compared to $10 million in the same period of 2022. The slight decrease was due to lower sequential chrome prices in the first quarter, partially offset by stronger profitability from our Engineering business.

AMG Engineering signed $76 million in new orders during the first quarter of 2023, driven by strong orders of remelting, turbine blade and heat treatment furnaces, representing a 1.21x book to bill ratio. Order backlog was $237 million as of March 31, 2023, the highest since March 31, 2020.

Financial Review

Tax

AMG recorded an income tax expense of $36 million in the first quarter of 2023, compared to a tax benefit of $1 million in the first quarter of 2022. This variance was mainly driven by higher profitability in AMG Lithium at its Brazil operation coupled with movements in the Brazilian real. The effects of the Brazilian real caused a $2 million tax expense in the first three months of 2023, compared to a $15 million benefit in the same period in 2022. Fluctuations in the Brazilian real exchange rate impact the valuation of the Company’s net deferred tax positions related to our operations in Brazil.

AMG paid taxes of $21 million in the first quarter of 2023, compared to tax payments of $4 million in the first quarter of 2022. The higher cash payments this quarter were largely a result of higher profitability in Brazil.

Exceptional Items

AMG’s first quarter 2023 gross profit includes exceptional items, which are not included in the calculation of EBITDA.

A summary of exceptional items included in gross profit in the first quarters of 2023 and 2022 are below:

Exceptional items included in gross profit

The asset impairment reversal during the first quarter of 2023 was due to an insurance recovery on previously impaired machinery and equipment.

SG&A

AMG’s first quarter 2023 SG&A expenses were $40 million compared to $37 million in the first quarter of 2022, with the increase largely attributable to higher personnel costs and variable compensation expense mainly driven by the increase in headcount related to the lithium and vanadium expansion projects in our Clean Energy Materials segment.

Liquidity

AMG ended the quarter in a $311 million net debt position. This decrease versus year-end 2022 was mainly due to $10 million of debt repayment and higher unrestricted cash of $14 million, offset by the utilization of restricted cash associated with the municipal bond.

AMG continued to maintain a strong balance sheet and adequate sources of liquidity during the first quarter. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had $360 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $195 million available on its revolving credit facility. As such, AMG had $555 million of total liquidity as of March 31, 2023.

Net Finance Costs

AMG’s first quarter 2023 net finance cost was $7 million compared to $9 million in the first quarter of 2022. This variance was mainly driven by foreign exchange gains of $2 million during the quarter primarily due to non-cash intergroup balances.

AMG capitalized $2 million of interest costs in the first quarter of 2023 versus $4 million in the same period in 2022. This decrease is mainly driven by the interest associated with the expansion projects in AMG Lithium and Brazil operations compared to a higher capitalized interest associated with the Company’s tax-exempt municipal bond supporting the vanadium expansion in Ohio in prior year.

Outlook

AMG reaffirms its guidance for the full year 2023 to exceed $400 million EBITDA.

Regarding AMG’s 5-year guidance, the outstanding progress we have made with our strategic growth projects and given the compelling long-term supply and demand dynamics in the lithium market, we are issuing new guidance to achieve $650 million EBITDA, or more, in 5 years or earlier.

Profit for the period to adjusted EBITDA reconciliation

_{Notes:
(1) The Company is in the initial development and ramp-up phases for several strategic expansion projects, including AMG Vanadium’s expansion project, the joint venture with Shell, Hybrid Lithium Vanadium Redox Flow Battery System, and the lithium expansion in Germany, which incurred project expenses during the quarter but are not yet operational. AMG is adjusting EBITDA for these exceptional charges.}

This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

This press release contains regulated information as defined in the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

About AMG

AMG is a global critical materials company at the forefront of CO₂ reduction trends. AMG produces highly engineered specialty metals and mineral products and provides related vacuum furnace systems and services to the transportation, infrastructure, energy, and specialty metals & chemicals end markets.

AMG Clean Energy Materials segment combines AMG’s recycling and mining operations, producing materials for infrastructure and energy storage solutions while reducing the CO₂ footprint of both suppliers and customers. AMG Clean Energy Materials segment spans the vanadium, lithium, and tantalum value chains. AMG Critical Materials Technologies segment combines AMG’s leading vacuum furnace technology line with high-purity materials serving global leaders in the aerospace sector. AMG Critical Minerals segment consists of AMG’s mineral processing operations in antimony, graphite, and silicon metal.

With approximately 3,600 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.        +1 610 975 4979
Michele Fischer
mfischer@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 revenues 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.

Attachment

• First Quarter 2023 Earnings PR

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Announces Finalization of 25% Shareholding in Zinnwald Lithium Plc

Mar 23, 2023

Amsterdam, 23 March 2023 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) is pleased to announce that Zinnwald Lithium Plc (« Zinnwald”) (ZNWD, AIM) will issue 118,996,738 newly issued ordinary shares to AMG for a total subscription amount of £12,387,560.40 resulting in a 25.13% shareholding.

This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

This press release contains regulated information as defined in the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

About Zinnwald

Zinnwald is an AIM quoted, lithium development company focused on becoming an important supplier to Europe’s fast-growing battery sector. The Company owns the integrated Zinnwald Lithium Project in Germany, a development-stage project with attractive economics and approved mining licence. A PEA published in September 2022, highlighted the positive economics of the Project with a Pre-tax NPV8 of US$1,605m, IRR of 39.0%, $192m EBITDA and a payback of just 3.3 years. The Project is located in the heart of Europe’s chemical and automotive industries and has the potential to be one of Europe’s more advanced battery grade lithium projects.

About AMG

AMG’s mission is to provide critical materials and related process technologies to advance a less carbon-intensive world. To this end, AMG is focused on the production and development of energy storage materials such as lithium, vanadium, and tantalum. In addition, AMG’s products include highly engineered systems to reduce CO₂ in aerospace engines, as well as critical materials addressing CO₂ reduction in a variety of other end use markets.

AMG Clean Energy Materials segment combines AMG’s recycling and mining operations, producing materials for infrastructure and energy storage solutions while reducing the CO₂ footprint of both suppliers and customers. AMG Clean Energy Materials segment spans the vanadium, lithium, and tantalum value chains. AMG Critical Materials Technologies segment combines AMG’s leading vacuum furnace technology line with high-purity materials serving global leaders in the aerospace sector. AMG Critical Minerals segment consists of AMG’s mineral processing operations in antimony, graphite, and silicon metal.

With approximately 3,400 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.        +1 610 975 4979
Michele Fischer
mfischer@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 revenues 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.

Attachment

• Shareholding in Zinnwald

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Announces 25% Shareholding in Zinnwald Lithium Plc

Mar 22, 2023

Amsterdam, 22 March 2023 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) is pleased to announce that it has agreed with Zinnwald Lithium Plc (« Zinnwald”) (ZNWD, AIM) to subscribe for up to 124 million newly issued ordinary shares as a cornerstone investor to Zinnwald’s accelerated book build. The shares will be subscribed for at a 10% premium to the 20-day Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) as of the close of market on March 20, 2023, that is, a price of 10.41 pence per share. Upon admission of the newly issued ordinary shares, expected on March 29, AMG will become a 25% shareholder of Zinnwald.

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, AMG’s CEO, commented, “AMG’s investment in Zinnwald is a valuable strategic opportunity. As a partner with Zinnwald, together we will pursue a definitive feasibility study for their project in Eastern Germany. Establishing a raw material base in Germany close to our Bitterfeld operations has obvious logistical and strategic benefits for AMG, and we look forward to working with Zinnwald on this exciting project.”

This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

This press release contains regulated information as defined in the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

About Zinnwald

Zinnwald is an AIM quoted, lithium development company focused on becoming an important supplier to Europe’s fast-growing battery sector. The Company owns the integrated Zinnwald Lithium Project in Germany, a development-stage project with attractive economics and approved mining licence. A PEA published in September 2022, highlighted the positive economics of the Project with a Pre-tax NPV8 of US$1,605m, IRR of 39.0%, $192m EBITDA and a payback of just 3.3 years. The Project is located in the heart of Europe’s chemical and automotive industries and has the potential to be one of Europe’s more advanced battery grade lithium projects.

About AMG

AMG’s mission is to provide critical materials and related process technologies to advance a less carbon-intensive world. To this end, AMG is focused on the production and development of energy storage materials such as lithium, vanadium, and tantalum. In addition, AMG’s products include highly engineered systems to reduce CO₂ in aerospace engines, as well as critical materials addressing CO₂ reduction in a variety of other end use markets.

AMG Clean Energy Materials segment combines AMG’s recycling and mining operations, producing materials for infrastructure and energy storage solutions while reducing the CO₂ footprint of both suppliers and customers. AMG Clean Energy Materials segment spans the vanadium, lithium, and tantalum value chains. AMG Critical Materials Technologies segment combines AMG’s leading vacuum furnace technology line with high-purity materials serving global leaders in the aerospace sector. AMG Critical Minerals segment consists of AMG’s mineral processing operations in antimony, graphite, and silicon metal.

With approximately 3,400 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.        +1 610 975 4979
Michele Fischer
mfischer@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 revenues 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.

Attachment

• Shareholding in Zinnwald Lithium Plc

Grâce à ses opérations au lithium à faible coût, AMG réalise des bénéfices record sur l’ensemble de l’année

Fév 22, 2023

Amsterdam, le 22 février 2023 (Informations réglementées) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (« AMG », EURONEXT AMSTERDAM : « AMG ») a déclaré un chiffre d’affaires de 390 millions USD au quatrième trimestre 2022, soit une augmentation de 18 % par rapport au quatrième trimestre 2021. L’EBITDA de 104 millions USD du quatrième trimestre 2022 a plus que doublé le quatrième trimestre 2021, de sorte qu’AMG a établi un EBITDA record de 343 millions USD sur l’ensemble de l’année.

Remarque :

• L’EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization – revenus avant les déductions des impôts, des intérêts, des dotations aux amortissements et des provisions sur immobilisations) est défini comme l’EBIT (bénéfice avant intérêts et impôts) ajusté pour les dotations aux amortissements et les provisions sur immobilisations.

Le Dr Heinz Schimmelbusch, président du conseil d’administration et PDG, a déclaré : « L’EBITDA, le chiffre d’affaires, le bénéfice brut, les flux de trésorerie d’exploitation, le rendement du capital employé et le revenu net d’AMG pour l’exercice 2022 ont été les plus élevés de toute l’histoire de la société en termes de marges significatives. Ce résultat est dû au segment Matériaux d’énergie propre d’AMG, en particulier AMG Lithium et son exploitation au Brésil, qui a affiché une contribution EBITDA de 215 millions USD, soit 63 % du total EBITDA pour l’année. En outre, AMG a dépassé 100 millions USD d’EBITDA pour le deuxième trimestre consécutif. L’EBITDA pour le quatrième trimestre 2022 s’est élevé à 104 millions USD, contre 44 millions USD au quatrième trimestre 2021, soit une augmentation de 60 millions USD, ou 137 %. Notre portefeuille de réduction des émissions de CO₂ (ECO₂RP) en 2022 a permis une réduction de 99,4 millions de tonnes de CO₂, soit 26 % de plus que les 79,0 millions de tonnes de réduction de CO₂ en 2021. »

Perspectives

AMG réaffirme ses prévisions pour l’exercice 2023 indiquant un EBITDA supérieur à 400 millions USD.

AMG prévoit d’augmenter de 5 % le personnel global de la Société qui comptait environ 3 400 employés à la fin de l’année 2022, en raison de l’embauche associée à l’accélération de l’expansion du vanadium dans l’Ohio et de l’expansion du lithium en Allemagne.

Les dépenses d’investissement pour 2023 devraient se situer entre 175 millions USD et 200 millions USD, principalement justifiées par l’expansion du concentré de lithium au Brésil et les dépenses liées à la construction de l’usine d’hydroxyde de lithium en Allemagne.

En ce qui concerne le financement en 2023, AMG a refinancé son prêt à terme de 350 millions USD et son crédit permanent (revolver) de 200 millions USD en novembre 2021, étendant les échéances du crédit permanent et du prêt à terme à 2026 et 2028, respectivement. AMG n’a pas d’échéances de dette à court terme significatives. Et bien que nous cherchions à optimiser constamment notre structure financière, notre liquidité actuelle de 532 millions USD peut financer entièrement tous les projets d’expansion de capital approuvés et toutes les autres obligations financières.

En outre, nous réaffirmons notre engagement à deux volets : réduire nos émissions de CO₂ et augmenter nos économies de CO₂ d’ici 2030.

Points forts stratégiques

Lithium

• Le projet d’expansion de la production de spodumène à AMG Brasil Le projet consolidera la position à faible coût d’AMG. L’objectif est d’être à pleine capacité au deuxième semestre 2023.
• La raffinerie AMG Lithium de Bitterfeld, en Allemagne, la première raffinerie d’hydroxyde de lithium en Europe, est en cours de construction, et la mise en service du premier module de 20 000 tonnes de la valorisation de l’hydroxyde de lithium de qualité batterie commencera au quatrième trimestre 2023.
• AMG Lithium a signé un protocole d’accord non contraignant avec FREYR Battery, qui consiste essentiellement pour AMG Lithium à fournir à FREYR entre 3 000 et 5 000 tonnes d’hydroxyde de lithium de qualité batterie par an.
• AMG Brasil, JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation (« JXNMM ») et TANIOBIS GmbH ont annoncé un partenariat stratégique en décembre 2022 pour la production et l’approvisionnement de concentré de tantale de la mine Mibra d’AMG au Brésil. JXNMM investira dans l’expansion de la production de concentré de tantale qui se produit en combinaison avec l’expansion déjà annoncée de la capacité de spodumène d’AMG. Tout le préconcentré de tantale sera vendu à TANIOBIS, offrant une stabilité à long terme des ventes de tantale et des crédits de sous-produit correspondants aux coûts de production de lithium pour AMG Brasil.

Vanadium

• AMG a finalisé l’achèvement de la nouvelle installation de recyclage de catalyseurs usagés de vanadium à Zanesville, dans l’Ohio. Les opérations ont commencé le 29 octobre 2022, et nous comptons atteindre une pleine capacité de production au deuxième trimestre 2023.
• Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. (« SARBV ») fait progresser ses projets au Moyen-Orient, en particulier la première phase du projet Supercenter sur la base d’accords d’approvisionnement à long terme avec Saudi Arabian Oil Company (« Aramco »). L’optimisation de la conception de l’usine, la sélection du site et les activités d’autorisation progressent et le partenariat FEL3 avec Hatch a commencé en décembre 2022.
• AMG LIVA a mis sa première batterie industrielle, l’Hybrid Energy Storage System (« HESS » – système de stockage d’énergie hybride), en mode de fonctionnement entièrement automatique dans l’usine d’AMG Graphite à Hauzenberg en novembre 2022.
• AMG LIVA a vendu son premier HESS à un tiers en décembre 2022, Wipotec GmbH, l’un des principaux fournisseurs mondiaux de technologie intelligente de pesée et d’inspection, situé dans le sud de l’Allemagne. La batterie sera intégrée au système d’alimentation de l’établissement.
• En janvier 2023, AMG a approuvé la construction d’une usine d’électrolytes de vanadium dans sa filiale, AMG Titanium, à Nuremberg, en Allemagne. La capacité cible est de 6 000 m3 d’électrolyte de vanadium. Les principaux travaux d’ingénierie de l’usine ont été achevés en novembre, les dépenses d’investissement devraient s’élever à 15 millions USD, et la production devrait commencer fin 2023.

Points forts financiers

• Le chiffre d’affaires a augmenté de 18 % pour atteindre 390 millions USD au quatrième trimestre 2022, contre 330 millions USD au quatrième trimestre 2021. Sur une base annuelle complète, le chiffre d’affaires a augmenté de 36 %.
• L’EBITDA s’est élevé à 104 millions USD au quatrième trimestre 2022, marquant une hausse de 137 % par rapport à l’EBITDA de 44 millions USD du quatrième trimestre 2021. L’EBITDA de 343 millions USD pour l’exercice est supérieur de 151 % à celui de l’année précédente.
• Le rendement annualisé du capital employé a été de 30,8 % en 2022, soit plus du double des 11,9 % en 2021.
• Le flux de trésorerie lié à l’exploitation s’est élevé à 168millions USD pour l’exercice 2022, contre 91 millions USD en 2021, en raison de la rentabilité élevée d’AMG Lithium au Brésil.
• Le revenu net attribuable aux actionnaires pour l’exercice 2022 de 188 millions USD a généré un bénéfice dilué par action de 5,73 USD, contre 0,44 USD en 2021.
• Au 31 décembre 2022, AMG avait 532 millions USD de liquidités : 346 millions USD d’encaisse non affectée et 186 millions USD de disponibilité de crédit permanent.
• Le dividende total proposé pour 2022 est de 0,70 EUR par action ordinaire, y compris l’acompte sur dividende de 0,30 EUR, payé le 10 août 2022. 

Chiffres clés

Remarques :

• L’EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Tax) est défini comme le bénéfice avant intérêts et impôts sur le revenu. L’EBIT exclut la restructuration, la dépréciation des actifs, les ajustements des coûts d’inventaire, les provisions environnementales, les frais juridiques exceptionnels et autres éléments exceptionnels, les paiements fondés sur des actions et réglées en instruments de capitaux propres, et les dépenses stratégiques.
• L’EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization – revenus avant les déductions des impôts, des intérêts, des dotations aux amortissements et des provisions sur immobilisations) est défini comme l’EBIT (bénéfice avant intérêts et impôts) ajusté pour les dotations aux amortissements et les provisions sur immobilisations. 

Examen opérationnel

Matériaux énergétiques propres AMG

Le chiffre d’affaires d’AMG Clean Energy Materials a augmenté de 53 % par rapport au quatrième trimestre 2021, pour atteindre 176 millions USD, principalement en raison de la hausse des prix des concentrés de vanadium, de tantale et de lithium, et de l’augmentation des volumes de ventes de concentrés de vanadium et de tantale. La hausse des prix et des volumes en 2022 a propulsé le chiffre d’affaires du segment de 75 % par rapport à 2021.

Le bénéfice brut avant éléments non récurrents pour le trimestre a augmenté de 185 % vs la même période de l’année précédente. Le bénéfice brut du segment pour l’exercice 2022 avant éléments non récurrents a augmenté de 241 % par rapport à 2021, principalement en raison de l’augmentation de l’environnement tarifaire.

Les dépenses SG&A (Selling, General and Administrative – frais de vente, dépenses administratives et autres frais généraux) de 12 millions USD.au quatrième trimestre 2022 ont correspondu à ceux de la même période en 2021. Les dépenses SG&A pour l’exercice 2022 ont augmenté de 11 % par rapport à 2021, en grande partie en raison de l’augmentation des frais professionnels associés aux projets stratégiques en 2022, compensée par une moindre rémunération à base d’actions.

L’EBITDA du quatrième trimestre 2022 a augmenté de 212 %, pour atteindre 80 millions USD, par rapport à 26 millions USD au quatrième trimestre 2021, en raison de l’amélioration du bénéfice brut comme indiqué ci-dessus. L’EBITDA du segment de 259 millions USD pour l’exercice 2022 a été supérieur de 289 % à l’EBITDA de 2021, cette augmentation étant largement attribuable à l’activité lithium. La rentabilité du vanadium a été impactée au quatrième trimestre 2022 par une baisse séquentielle des prix de l’indice de 16 % par rapport au troisième trimestre et l’impact des coûts de démarrage de Zanesville.

Au cours du quatrième trimestre 2022, un total de 21 329 tonnes métriques sèches (dry metric tons, « dmt ») de spodumène a été vendu. Le prix de vente moyen réalisé a été de 3 682 USD/dmt CIF Chine pour le trimestre. Le coût moyen par tonne pour le trimestre a été de 228 USD/dmt FIC Chine. Ce résultat exceptionnel du coût par tonne a été facilité par des volumes de ventes élevés de concentré de tantale au cours du trimestre, et a généré un chiffre d’EBITDA trimestriel pour AMG Brasil de 73 millions USD.

Pour l’ensemble de l’année 2022, un total de 86 713 dmt de spodumène a été vendu. Le prix de vente moyen réalisé a été de 2 805 USD/dmt CIF Chine et le coût moyen par tonne pour l’exercice a été de 461 USD/dmt CIF Chine. L’EBITDA total pour AMG Brasil s’est élevé à 215 millions USD.

Minerais critiques d’AMG

Le chiffre d’affaires d’AMG Critical Minerals pour le quatrième trimestre 2022 a baissé de 10 millions USD, soit de 13 %, affichant 69 millions USD, principalement en raison de volumes plus faibles dans l’ensemble du segment. Sur une base annuelle, le chiffre d’affaires a augmenté de 18 % vs 2021.

Le bénéfice brut avant éléments non récurrents de 19 millions USD au quatrième trimestre a dépassé de 64 % celui du quatrième trimestre 2021. Le bénéfice brut du segment pour l’exercice 2022 avant éléments non récurrents a été supérieur de 19 % par rapport à 2021, en grande partie en raison de l’amélioration de l’environnement tarifaire et des contrats énergétiques favorables pour la production de silicium au quatrième trimestre.

Les dépenses SG&A du quatrième trimestre 2022 ont diminué de 20 %, se situant à 7 millions USD, par rapport à la même période en 2021. Cela a été en grande partie dû à la baisse des charges de rémunération à base d’actions au cours du trimestre en cours, associée à l’enregistrement d’une contrepassation l’année précédente. Les dépenses SG&A de l’exercice 2022 ont été légèrement inférieures à 2021, présentant un écart de 0,6 million USD.

L’EBITDA du quatrième trimestre 2022 a augmenté de 117 % par rapport à la même période en 2021, pour atteindre 14 millions USD, en raison de l’amélioration du bénéfice brut comme indiqué ci-dessus et des contrats énergétiques favorables chez AMG Silicon au cours du trimestre. L’amélioration des prix en 2022 a entraîné une augmentation de 23 % de l’EBITDA au cours de l’exercice pour le segment par rapport à 2021.

À compter du 1er janvier 2023, AMG a placé son usine de silicium métallique de Pocking, en Allemagne, en mode d’entretien et de maintenance. L’usine redémarrera et exploitera un four en mars 2023. Les paramètres opérationnels de l’activité silicium continueront d’être examinés de manière continue et seront ajustés selon les besoins en fonction des conditions favorables et prévisibles du marché. En raison des interruptions constatées dans la production de silicium, l’impact financier de l’activité sera exclu de l’EBITDA pendant cette période d’opérations anormales. L’impact financier du programme d’entretien et de maintenance n’a pas d’impact important sur les résultats financiers globaux d’AMG prévus pour 2023.

Technologies des matériaux critiques d’AMG

Le chiffre d’affaires d’AMG Critical Materials Technologies pour le quatrième trimestre 2022 a augmenté de 9 millions USD, soit 7 %, par rapport à la même période en 2021. Cette amélioration est due à des volumes de ventes plus élevés d’aluminides de titane et à de meilleurs prix pour le métal chromé. Le chiffre d’affaires de l’exercice 2022 a été supérieur de 19 % à celui de l’année précédente et le bénéfice brut avant éléments non récurrents pour 2022 de 96 millions USD a dépassé de 14 % les 84 millions USD de 2021, en grande partie en raison de l’amélioration de l’environnement des prix par rapport à l’année précédente associée à la reprise continue du marché de l’aérospatiale après la pandémie.

Au cours du premier semestre, les perturbations du marché associées à l’invasion russe de l’Ukraine ont eu un impact sur la chaîne d’approvisionnement du métal chromé, créant une augmentation spectaculaire du prix des matières premières et une disponibilité limitée. Pour se protéger contre les interruptions opérationnelles, la Société a obtenu des volumes de matières premières supplémentaires aux conditions du marché à des prix fixes. Au quatrième trimestre, les perturbations de la chaîne d’approvisionnement ont été atténuées et les prix ont considérablement chuté. Cela a entraîné un impact négatif sur les marges du chrome de la société au quatrième trimestre et une dépréciation de l’inventaire de 1,6 million USD.

Les dépenses SG&A ont diminué de 7 % au quatrième trimestre 2022 par rapport à la même période en 2021, en raison de la baisse des charges liées aux actions au cours du trimestre en cours associée à une contrepassation l’année précédente.

L’EBITDA d’AMG Critical Materials Technologies s’est élevé à 10 millions USD au cours du trimestre, contre 12 millions USD à la même période en 2021. Cette baisse est due à la dislocation du marché du chrome indiquée ci-dessus, contrebalancée par une rentabilité plus forte de notre activité d’ingénierie. L’EBITDA de l’exercice 2022 pour le segment, qui se situe à 45 millions USD a dépassé de 15 % celui de 2021. Cela a principalement été dû à la reprise continue du secteur de l’aérospatiale en 2022.

AMG Engineering a signé 67 millions USD de nouvelles commandes au cours du quatrième trimestre 2022, en réponse à de fortes commandes d’aubes de turbine et de fours à induction, ce qui représente un ratio livre/facture de 1,28x. En janvier 2023, la Société a continué à recevoir de nombreuses commandes d’un montant de 44 millions USD, principalement dans le domaine du revêtement des aubes de turbine. Au 31 décembre 2022, son carnet de commandes s’élevait à 220 millions USD, le plus élevé depuis le 31 mars 2020.

Examen financier

Taxe

AMG a enregistré une charge d’impôt sur le revenu de 84 millions USD en 2022, contre 9 millions USD en 2021. Cet écart est principalement dû à l’amélioration des résultats d’exploitation d’AMG Lithium dans son exploitation brésilienne, couplée à des variations du réal brésilien. Les effets du réal brésilien ont généré un avantage de 7 millions USD en 2022, contre un avantage fiscal de 4 millions USD en 2021. Les fluctuations du taux de change du réal brésilien ont un impact sur l’évaluation des positions nettes d’impôt différé de la Société liées à ses opérations au Brésil.

AMG a payé 42 millions USD en impôts en 2022, contre des paiements fiscaux de 10 millions USD en 2021. Les paiements en espèces plus élevés en 2022 ont largement été dus à l’amélioration des résultats d’exploitation. 

Éléments exceptionnels

Le bénéfice brut d’AMG pour le quatrième trimestre et l’exercice 2022 comprend des éléments exceptionnels, qui ne sont pas inclus dans le calcul de l’EBITDA.

Un résumé des éléments exceptionnels inclus dans le bénéfice brut en 2022 et 2021 est présenté ci-dessous :

Éléments exceptionnels inclus dans le bénéfice brut

Coûts énergétiques

Les coûts énergétiques totaux ont augmenté de 16 millions USD en 2022 par rapport à 2021 en raison de l’augmentation des coûts du gaz et de l’électricité au cours de l’année. La majeure partie de cette augmentation a eu lieu dans notre activité silicium en Allemagne, mais cette activité a bénéficié de coûts d’électricité entièrement couverts. D’autres unités commerciales ont bénéficié de contrats d’électricité à long terme qui n’ont pas de clauses d’escalade de prix, et les unités commerciales qui ont connu une augmentation des coûts énergétiques ont pu transmettre la plupart de ces coûts accrus à leurs clients.

SG&A

Les dépenses SG&A du quatrième trimestre 2022 d’AMG se sont élevées à 37 millions USD, contre 40 millions USD au quatrième trimestre 2021, la baisse étant due à de moindres charges de rémunération liées aux actions associées à une contrepassation au cours de l’année précédente.

Les dépenses SG&A pour l’exercice 2022, qui se sont élevées à 148 millions USD, ont augmenté de 6 % par rapport à 2021, écart principalement dû à l’augmentation des frais professionnels associés aux projets stratégiques au cours de la période actuelle, compensée par de moindres dépenses en matière de rémunération à base d’actions.

Liquidités

AMG a terminé l’année en position d’endettement net de 330 millions USD. Cette augmentation est principalement due à l’investissement important dans des initiatives de croissance au cours de l’année, en particulier dans notre installation de Zanesville, qui a utilisé l’encaisse affectée associée aux obligations municipales. Cette utilisation de l’encaisse affectée a été compensée par un remboursement de la dette de 34 millions USD et une trésorerie non affectée plus élevée.

AMG a continué à maintenir un bilan solide et des sources de liquidité adéquates au cours du quatrième trimestre. Au 31 décembre 2022, la Société disposait de 346 millions USD d’encaisse non affectée et d’équivalents de trésorerie, et de 186 millions USD disponibles dans le cadre de sa facilité de crédit permanente. À ce titre, AMG disposait de 532 millions USD de liquidités totales au 31 décembre 2022.

Coûts financiers nets

Le revenu financier net d’AMG pour le quatrième trimestre 2022 s’élevait à 4 millions USD, contre un coût de 13 millions USD au quatrième trimestre 2021. Cet écart a principalement été dû à des gains de change de 10 millions USD au cours du trimestre, principalement dus à des soldes intergroupes non monétaires.

AMG a capitalisé 1 million USD de coûts d’intérêts au quatrième trimestre 2022 contre 4 millions USD à la même période en 2021, en raison des intérêts associés à l’obligation municipale exonérée d’impôt de la Société soutenant l’expansion du vanadium dans l’Ohio. Cette baisse est due à une partie des coûts d’intérêts des obligations municipales qui ne sont plus capitalisés en raison de l’accélération de la production dans notre usine de Zanesville.

Proposition finale de dividende

AMG entend déclarer un dividende de 0,70 EUR par action ordinaire sur l’exercice 2022. L’acompte sur dividende de 0,30 EUR, versé le 10 août 2022, sera déduit du montant à distribuer aux actionnaires. Le dividende final proposé par action ordinaire s’élève donc à 0,40 EUR.

Une proposition de résolution de la distribution finale des dividendes sera incluse à l’ordre du jour de l’Assemblée générale annuelle qui se tiendra le 4 mai 2023.

Bénéfice pour la période de rapprochement de l’EBITDA ajusté      

Remarques :

• En lien avec l’arrêt du silicium métal, AMG a enregistré un résultat de la vente d’un contrat d’approvisionnement existant qui a eu un impact positif sur le bénéfice d’exploitation de l’année. Ce revenu a été compensé par un règlement avec un client important et une dépréciation des actifs existants.
• La Société est en phase initiale de développement et d’accélération de plusieurs projets d’expansion stratégique, y compris le projet d’expansion d’AMG Vanadium, la coentreprise avec Shell, le système hybride de batterie au lithium-vanadium à flux redox, et l’expansion du lithium en Allemagne, projet qui ont nécessité d’engager des dépenses au cours du trimestre, mais qui ne sont pas encore opérationnels. AMG ajuste l’EBITDA pour ces charges exceptionnelles.