AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Update on Long-term Financial Target

Mai 6, 2021

Amsterdam, 6 May 2021 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) is pleased to announce that during its Annual Meeting held virtually on May 6, 2021, Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board, presented a comprehensive update on the Company’s strategic growth projects, including guidance on AMG’s long-term financial target.

Based on the growth opportunities that exist throughout AMG’s portfolio, in particular AMG Clean Energy Materials’ spent catalyst recycling expansion and lithium value chain projects, AMG expects to deliver an EBITDA level of $350 million, or more, in the next five years or less.

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

With approximately 3,000 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 Russia and 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

• Update on Long-term Financial Target

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Reports First Quarter 2021 Results

Mai 5, 2021

Coronavirus Update

• As of today, out of over 3,000 employees we have 9 active confirmed coronavirus cases globally. AMG has not experienced any coronavirus related fatalities, and our current cases have not resulted in a facility closure or operational interruption. AMG continues to implement preventive measures such as practicing social distancing, remote working when possible, and restrictions on travel to protect the health and safety of our employees.

Strategic Highlights

• The construction of AMG’s second ferrovanadium plant in Zanesville, Ohio is proceeding as planned. As of April 22, 2021, AMG Vanadium had committed $257 million in construction and engineering contracts. All significant contracts for the project have now been committed and signed.
• AMG Vanadium signed a new long-term, multi-year agreement to process and recycle spent catalysts from a major oil refinery operator in North America.
• AMG purchased a site on the premises of Chemiepark Bitterfeld-Wolfen, advancing its strategic expansion project for a battery-grade lithium hydroxide production plant which will reliably supply the European battery industry with this key raw material via short delivery routes.
• AMG has progressed its methodology to achieve Verified Carbon Unit (VCU) credits. AMG’s proposed Verra Carbon Standard for processing metal bearing wastes has passed through public comment and is currently being reviewed by an approved third-party validation/verification body.

Financial Highlights

• EBITDA was $28.3 million in the first quarter of 2021, 27% higher than the first quarter 2020 EBITDA of $22.3 million.
• Cash from operating activities was $19.9 million in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of $23.6 million over the same period in 2020.
• Net income attributable to shareholders was $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to a net loss of $13.6 million in the first quarter of 2020.
• AMG’s liquidity as of March 31, 2021, was $381 million, with $211 million of unrestricted cash and $170 million of revolving credit availability.
• The Company has maintained its final 2020 declared dividend of €0.10 to be paid to shareholders of record on May 13, 2021.
• AMG was promoted from the Euronext’s AScX® (small cap) index to their AMX® (mid cap) index, effective March 22, 2021.

Amsterdam, 5 May 2021 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) reported first quarter 2021 revenue of $264.0 million, a 5% decrease from $278.3 million in the first quarter of 2020. EBITDA for the first quarter of 2021 was $28.3 million, a 27% increase over the $22.3 million in the same period in 2020.

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, “Out of over 3,000 AMG employees at 33 sites in 15 countries, AMG has 9 active confirmed coronavirus cases globally. AMG’s priority continues to be the health and safety of our employees.

“All three of AMG’s segments performed well in the first quarter. Global demand for our products started to strengthen in the second half of 2020 and has further accelerated in 2021.

“Market prices for materials across the Company’s portfolio have increased from the depressed levels we faced at the peak of the pandemic. Prices for both the AMG Clean Energy Materials segment and the AMG Critical Minerals segment have improved, which has positively impacted financial results relative to the prior year.

“EBITDA for the AMG Critical Materials Technologies segment is lower than the same period in 2020, however, the segment delivered sequentially increasing EBITDA in the first three months of 2021 for the third straight quarter, improving 37% from the fourth quarter of 2020 while recording a greater than 1.0 book to bill ratio.

“Last year, we communicated that we believed that the second quarter of 2020 would be the pandemic low and our financial results have proven that to be true as our EBITDA has improved sequentially each quarter since then.

“AMG’s strategic projects have all advanced during the quarter. We have finalized all outstanding major contracts for the construction of our new recycling plant in Ohio and we are proceeding toward project completion at the end of the first quarter of next year. AMG Brazil is operating at full capacity and preliminary engineering for the spodumene expansion, known as SP1+, is underway post the receipt of a $20 million prepayment from our customer. AMG Lithium commenced detailed engineering as well as the purchase of long lead time items, and in addition purchased a site on the premises of Chemiepark Bitterfeld-Wolfen for the lithium hydroxide upgrader project.

“We made progress in our comprehensive strategy to advance our CO₂ reduction activities. In particular, AMG has progressed its methodology to achieve Verified Carbon Unit (VCU) credits. AMG’s proposed Verra Carbon Standard for processing metal bearing wastes has passed through public comment and is currently being reviewed by an approved third-party validation/verification body.

“Although not reflected in the first quarter financial results, in April 2021 AMG issued 3.1 million new shares, generating $119 million of net proceeds and increasing current liquidity to approximately $500 million. With this equity raise, in combination with cash on hand and strong projected cash flow from operations, AMG believes it can fully fund its current strategic Clean Energy Materials projects while maintaining strong balance sheet and liquidity positions.”

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, equity-settled share-based payments, and strategic expenses. Beginning January 1, 2021, AMG has altered its calculation of adjusted EBIT to no longer include the impact of foreign exchange. This alteration was made in consideration of a change in the Company’s hedging policy and to better align the reported adjusted EBITDA with the calculation for our bank covenant calculations. Starting January 2021, the Company is no longer hedging certain intergroup balance sheet exposures which will result in higher volatility in our financial results from foreign exchange which we believe is not representative of our operating performance. Foreign exchange loss in the first quarter of 2021 was $3.0 million. Because of this hedging policy change, we did not retroactively apply this change to the prior year figures, otherwise it would have resulted in a reduction of prior year EBIT of $0.9 million.
(2)   EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.

Operational Review

AMG Clean Energy Materials

AMG Clean Energy Materials’ revenue increased by $1.4 million, or 2%, to $70.6 million, driven mainly by higher sales volumes of tantalum and lithium concentrate and higher prices in vanadium, tantalum and lithium concentrate.

Gross profit before non-recurring items more than tripled in the first quarter due to the improving price environment experienced in the first quarter of 2021.

SG&A expenses in the first quarter of 2021 were $9.6 million, 3% lower than the first quarter of 2020 due to non-recurring legal expenses in the first quarter of 2020.

The first quarter 2021 EBITDA increased by $11.3 million, to $10.3 million from negative $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2020, due to the improved gross profit and SG&A noted above.

AMG Critical Minerals

AMG Critical Minerals’ revenue increased by $15.2 million, or 26%, to $72.9 million, driven by higher sales volumes and higher sales prices across all three business units.

Gross profit before non-recurring items increased by 27% in the first quarter due to increased revenue noted above.

SG&A expenses in the first quarter of 2021 slightly increased by $0.5 million, to $6.6 million, primarily due to higher personnel costs and insurance expenses in the current period.

The first quarter 2021 EBITDA margin was 12%, in line with the same period in the prior year.

AMG Critical Materials Technologies

AMG Critical Materials Technologies’ first quarter 2021 revenue decreased by $30.9 million, or 20%, due to reduced aerospace activity and volume reductions. These declines were partially offset by higher revenue from remelting and nuclear waste recycling furnaces, highlighting AMG Engineering’s diversified technology base outside of its aerospace activities. As a result of these factors, first quarter 2021 gross profit before non-recurring items decreased by $8.3 million, or 29%, to $20.6 million.

SG&A expenses decreased by $2.0 million, or 11%, in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020, due to lower personnel costs and lower professional fees as a result of cost reduction efforts across the business.

AMG Critical Materials Technologies’ first quarter EBITDA decreased by 45% to $9.0 million from $16.6 million in the first quarter of 2020 due to lower profitability related to the pandemic-impacted aerospace market, offset partially by cost reduction efforts. First quarter EBITDA was 37% higher than fourth quarter 2020, demonstrating continuing recovery in the segment.

Order backlog was $190.7 million as of March 31, 2021, a 4% decrease from $198.1 million as of December 31, 2020. The Company signed $57.5 million in new orders during the first quarter of 2021, representing a 1.03x book to bill ratio. The quarter benefited from strong orders of remelting, induction, and heat treatment furnaces.

Financial Review

Tax

AMG recorded an income tax benefit of $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to an expense of $16.5 million in the same period in 2020. This variance was mainly driven by movements in the Brazilian real offset partially by higher pre-tax income compared to the prior period. The effects of the Brazilian real caused a $14.2 million lower non-cash tax expense in the first quarter of 2021 versus the first quarter of 2020. Movements 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 $2.0 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to tax payments of $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2020.

Exceptional Items

AMG’s first quarter 2021 gross profit of $46.9 million 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 2021 and 2020 are below:

Exceptional items included in gross profit

AMG had a $0.3 million exceptional non-cash net reversal during the first quarter of 2021 as a result of inventory cost adjustments primarily from our Brazilian operations, which has been adjusted in EBITDA. During the quarter, the Company incurred expenses for expansion projects which are not yet operational. AMG is adjusting EBITDA for these exceptional charges.

Liquidity

AMG had a net debt position of $317.2 million as of March 31, 2021. This increase was mainly due to the significant investment in growth initiatives during the quarter, especially in our vanadium expansion in Ohio.

AMG continued to maintain a strong balance sheet and adequate sources of liquidity during the first quarter. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had $211 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $170 million available on its revolving credit facility. As such, AMG had $381 million of total liquidity as of March 31, 2021.

Subsequent to the close of the quarter, AMG issued additional shares and generated $119 million of net proceeds which are not reflected in the above figures.

Net Finance Costs

AMG’s first quarter 2021 net finance costs were $8.7 million compared to $5.4 million in the first quarter of 2020. This increase is mainly driven by higher foreign exchange losses during the quarter, which were partially offset by lower borrowing rates versus the prior period.

AMG capitalized $3.8 million of interest costs in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $2.8 million in the prior year, driven by interest associated with the Company’s tax-exempt municipal bond supporting the vanadium expansion in Ohio.

SG&A

AMG’s first quarter 2021 SG&A expenses were $33.1 million compared to $34.9 million in the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to lower professional fees and continued cost reduction efforts across the business.

Outlook

Due to improving market conditions, AMG’s financial results for the first quarter were above previous expectations. We believe that these improvements will continue as we advance in 2021 and, as such, we are updating our outlook for the full year to exceed $120 million EBITDA.

AMG’s long-term guidance will be detailed at the Annual General Meeting tomorrow at 15:00 CEST.
Net income (loss) to EBITDA reconciliation

*Beginning January 1, 2021, AMG has altered its calculation of adjusted EBITDA to no longer include the impact of foreign exchange. This alteration was made in consideration of a change in the Company’s hedging policy and to better align the reported adjusted EBITDA with the calculation for our bank covenant calculations. Starting January 2021, the Company is no longer hedging certain intergroup balance sheet exposures which will result in higher volatility in our financial results from foreign exchange which we believe is not representative of our ongoing operating performance. Foreign exchange loss in the first quarter of 2021 was $3.0 million. Because of this hedging policy change, we did not retroactively apply this change to the prior year figures, otherwise it would have resulted in a reduction of the prior year adjusted EBIT of $0.9 million.

**Amount includes variable compensation expense which was share-settled in 2021.

***The Company is in the ramp-up phase for three significant strategic expansion projects, including AMG Vanadium’s expansion project, the joint venture with Shell, 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 combines our recycling and mining operations producing materials for infrastructure and energy storage solutions while reducing the CO₂ footprint of both suppliers and customers. Clean Energy Materials spans the vanadium, lithium, and tantalum value chains. AMG Critical Materials Technologies combines our leading vacuum furnace technology line with high-purity materials serving global leaders in the aerospace sector. AMG Critical Minerals consists of our mineral processing operations in antimony, graphite, and silicon metal.

With approximately 3,000 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 Russia and 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 2021 Press Release

AMG Announces Changes to the Composition of the Supervisory Board and Nominates Its CEO and COO for Reappointment When Their Current Terms End in May 2021

Fév 24, 2021

Amsterdam, 24 February 2021 (Regulated Information) — The Supervisory Board of AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) resolved during its meeting on February 24, 2021 to propose to the General Meeting of Shareholders to nominate for reappointment Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch and Mr. Eric Jackson for additional terms of two and four years, respectively, when their current terms expire in 2021.

Supervisory Board Composition

At the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) in May 2021, Mr. Willem van Hassel, Vice Chairman, will have served four years on the Supervisory Board when his current term ends. On that occasion, Mr. Herb Depp, Chair of the Remuneration Committee, will have served eight years on the Supervisory Board when his current term ends. The Board is very pleased that both gentlemen have agreed to continue to serve on the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board will nominate Mr. van Hassel and Mr. Depp for reappointment by the General Meeting Shareholders on May 6 of this year as independent members of the Supervisory Board for terms of respectively four years (Mr. van Hassel) and two years (Mr. Depp).

Mr. Frank Löhner has indicated that he wishes to step down after the AGM on May 6 of this year due to other pressing engagements, having served three years on the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board respects and accepts with regret the decision of Mr. Löhner and thanks him for his valuable insights and contributions and wishes him well in his future endeavors. Given the retirement of Mr. Löhner, the Supervisory Board is very pleased to nominate Mr. Warmolt Prins for appointment by the General Meeting of Shareholders as a Supervisory Board member with effect as of May 6, 2021. Mr. Prins, who has Dutch nationality, is a chartered accountant and former partner of EY Accountants and served as external auditor (on behalf of EY) of AMG from 2010 through 2015. Mr. Prins also brings highly relevant industry experience.

Management Board Composition

The terms of both the CEO and COO (Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch and Mr. Eric Jackson, respectively) will end in May 2021. As extensively explained in the 2017 Annual Report and at the 2018 Annual Meeting, the Supervisory Board had concluded that it was of the utmost importance that AMG secure the leadership of Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch for the coming years as CEO and Chairman of the Management Board, given the transformational changes that had been initiated by the Company by implementing the Company’s long-term strategy.

Now, in 2021, AMG finds itself still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that has shaken the world and its global economy in unprecedented ways. The Selection & Appointment Committee has held extensive discussions with its fellow board members and the Management Board about the leadership of the Company and the entirely unforeseen and dramatic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that began in early 2020 and is expected to continue to affect AMG’s business operations and prospects in 2021 and 2022.

The committee is extremely pleased that both Dr. Schimmelbusch and Mr. Jackson have agreed to be available for extensions of their terms on the Management Board, if and when appointed, for periods of two and four years, respectively, in order to drive the strategic agenda of the Company and prepare the Company in the best possible way for the post-pandemic economy.

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

With approximately 3,000 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 Russia and 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

• AMG Supervisory Board & Management Board Changes & Reappointments PR

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Reports Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2020 Results

Fév 24, 2021

Coronavirus Update

• As of today, out of over 3,000 employees we have 3 active confirmed coronavirus cases globally. AMG has zero current COVID hospitalization cases. AMG has not experienced any coronavirus related fatalities, and our current cases have not resulted in a facility closure or operational interruption. AMG continues to implement preventive measures such as practicing social distancing, remote working when possible, and restrictions on travel to protect the health and safety of our employees.

Strategic Highlights

• The construction of AMG’s second ferrovanadium plant in Zanesville, Ohio is proceeding as planned. As of December 31, 2020, AMG has committed $206 million in construction and engineering contracts for the project.
• AMG Brazil has entered into an Exclusive Cooperation Agreement (“ECA”) with one of its major customers for lithium concentrates.  The ECA provides for AMG Brazil to supply 200,000 DMT over a 5-year supply term, which will be obtained from an expansion (targeting 40,000 DMT per annum) of AMG Brazil’s existing lithium concentrate plant.  The ECA includes an advanced payment for lithium concentrate which will fund AMG Brazil’s investment in the expansion. 
• Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) to explore the feasibility of building a recycling “Supercenter” in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• AMG published its ESG Strategic Statement which concludes with: “AMG was founded on the principle that CO₂ abatement targets would create increased criticality for specialty materials. This strategic focus is encapsulated in the ECO₂RP products and will continue to drive AMG’s strategy and capital investment program across its three new reporting segments.  Our strategic focus is fully aligned with – and in support of – the EU Taxonomy initiative on sustainability and its climate objectives.”

Financial Highlights

• EBITDA was $22.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, in line with $22.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. In light of the COVID impacts during the year, it is important to note however, that this is a 59% increase over Q3 2020. COVID-19 had a negative $12 million impact in the fourth quarter of 2020, which is explained in more detail on page 3.
• AMG reduced SG&A by 30% in the fourth quarter of 2020 to $26.1 million, compared to $37.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, due to lower personnel costs and ongoing cost reduction initiatives. Full year 2020 SG&A declined by $25.7 million versus 2019 due to austerity measures and reduced variable compensation.
• AMG’s liquidity as of December 31, 2020, was $377 million, with $207 million of unrestricted cash and $170 million of revolving credit availability.
• The total 2020 dividend proposed is €0.20 per ordinary share, including the interim dividend of €0.10, paid on August 13, 2020.

Amsterdam, 24 February 2021 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) reported fourth quarter 2020 revenue of $253.5 million, a 6% decrease from $268.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $22.5 million, in line with the fourth quarter of 2019 of $22.8 million.

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, “Out of over 3,000 AMG employees at 33 sites in 15 countries, AMG has 3 active confirmed coronavirus cases globally. AMG has zero current COVID hospitalization cases. AMG’s priority continues to be the health and safety of our employees.

“We continued to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in the fourth quarter of 2020 but began to experience selective price stabilization in Critical Materials. These market price improvements accelerated in early 2021, particularly in ferrovanadium and lithium.  AMG Technologies experienced ongoing lower results associated with weakness in the aerospace sector, however, it is important to note that AMG Engineering’s order intake in 2020 exceeded $200 million for the year.

“AMG’s strategic investments are all progressing despite the challenging market environment. The construction of the recycling plant in Zanesville, Ohio, which will essentially double our recycling capacity for refinery residues, is proceeding as planned, utilizing the funds from the municipal bond issue. Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. continues to pursue refinery residue recycling opportunities globally with a focus on the Middle East and China including an MOU with Saudi Aramco to explore the feasibility of building a recycling “Supercenter” in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. AMG Brazil is operating at full capacity and the spodumene expansion, known as SP1+, is underway as noted above. AMG Lithium GmbH has invested in a solid-state battery (SSB) pilot plant within its state-of-the-art battery materials laboratory located in Frankfurt, Germany. In addition, the lithium hydroxide upgrader project has commenced in Germany, and AMG’s Supervisory Board approved moving ahead with the detailed engineering as well as the purchase of long lead-time items and the site.”

COVID-19 Effect on AMG’s Business

EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2020 was in line with the same period in the prior year despite the temporary pandemic-related interruptions to our business. However, we are once again providing a summary of the estimated impact of the pandemic on our operations. Our estimated COVID-19 EBITDA impact is approximately $12 million for the fourth quarter. This figure is an estimate of what management believes the Company’s EBITDA may have been for the quarter if the pandemic had not occurred. It was calculated using on a bottom-up analysis of our business units, including management’s appraisal of the approximate decline in revenues from lower volumes and pricing, as well as related expense implications resulting from the impacts of the pandemic compared to the Company’s financial plan. 

AMG Critical Materials’ pandemic-related impacts continued from the second and third quarters into the fourth, but we saw increased volumes being sold to our customers in five of seven of our business units, and the COVID effects were reduced versus the level in the second and third quarters of 2020. 

AMG Technologies’ pandemic-related impacts continued to be driven by the decreased and postponed volumes from our aerospace customers, but we also experienced difficulty finalizing vacuum furnace orders and servicing our customers with replacement parts due to global travel restrictions. These effects were partially offset by an improved performance from our Heat Treatment Services business, which experienced higher demand as a result of the rapidly recovering automotive sector.

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 equity-settled share-based payments and includes foreign currency gains or losses.
2. EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.

Operational Review

AMG Critical Materials

AMG Critical Materials’ revenue in the fourth quarter reflected a continuing weak price environment versus the fourth quarter of 2019.  Revenues increased by $1.2 million, or 1%, to $171.4 million, driven mainly by higher sales volumes of lithium concentrate, aluminum, antimony, graphite and silicon, offset by lower sales volumes of ferrovanadium and lower prices in vanadium, chrome, tantalum and spodumene.

Gross profit before non-recurring items increased by 1% in the fourth quarter due to increased revenue.

SG&A expenses in the fourth quarter of 2020 were $13.4 million, $6.4 million lower than the fourth quarter of 2019, due to lower personnel costs, particularly variable compensation expense, lower professional fees, as well as cost reduction efforts across the business.

The fourth quarter 2020 EBITDA margin was 10%, compared to 8% in the same period in the prior year, due to cost reduction efforts as noted above.

AMG Technologies

AMG Technologies’ fourth quarter 2020 revenue decreased by $16.3 million, or 17%, due to reduced aerospace activity and volume reductions, as well as lower profitability associated with metal price declines for the Titanium Alloys and Coatings business. These declines were offset by higher revenue from heat treatment services and remelting furnaces. Consequently, fourth quarter 2020 gross profit before non-recurring items decreased by $8.5 million, or 38%, to $13.7 million.

SG&A expenses decreased by $4.8 million, or 27%, in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, due to lower personnel costs, particularly variable compensation expense, lower professional fees, as well as cost reduction efforts across the business.

AMG Technologies’ fourth quarter EBITDA decreased by 37% to $6.1 million from $9.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 due to lower profitability related to the challenging economic environment as outlined above.

Order backlog was $198.1 million as of December 31, 2020, a 9% decrease from $217.7 million as of September 30, 2020 and an 11% decrease from $222.6 million as of December 31, 2019. The Company signed $45.5 million in new orders during the fourth quarter of 2020, but order intake and order backlog were reduced by the cancellation of a $14.3 million order. The quarter benefited from strong orders of induction melting and arc remelting furnaces for specialty steel producers. On a full year basis, including the cancellation, the Company signed $208.6 million in new orders, representing a 0.83x book to bill ratio.

Financial Review

Tax

AMG recorded an income tax expense of $11.2 million in 2020 as compared to a benefit of $5.1 million in 2019. In addition to increased profitability in certain jurisdictions, this increased tax expense was mainly driven by a year-over-year increase of $11.7 million in non-cash tax expense due to movements in the Brazilian real. Movements in the Brazilian real exchange rate impact the valuation of the Company’s net deferred tax assets. The devaluation of the real during 2020 resulted in an additional non-cash tax expense of $11.1 million, compared to a benefit of $0.6 million in 2019.

AMG paid taxes of $8.6 million in 2020, compared to tax payments of $24.6 million in 2019. As a result of the year-over-year volatility in income and the timing of cash tax payments, the present cash tax rate is not indicative of the current year performance as payments in the current year are attributable to income from prior years and not 2020. Once earnings have stabilized, we believe that the cash tax rate is the more meaningful metric with regards to AMG’s taxes due to the volatile nature of the company’s deferred tax balances.

Exceptional Items

AMG’s fourth quarter 2020 and full year 2020 gross profit includes exceptional items, which are not included in the calculation of EBITDA.

A summary of exceptional items included in gross profit in 2020 and 2019 are below:

Exceptional items included in gross profit

AMG had a $2.2 million exceptional non-cash expense during the fourth quarter of 2020 as a result of inventory cost adjustments in our Brazilian operations, which has been adjusted in EBITDA. The $4.4 million restructuring expense in the fourth quarter was mainly due to headcount reductions in our AMG Technologies and Chrome operations. The Company is in the ramp-up phase for three significant strategic expansion projects, including AMG Vanadium’s expansion project, the joint venture with Shell, 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.

Liquidity

AMG had a net debt position of $287.9 million as of December 31, 2020. This increase was mainly due to the significant investment in growth initiatives during the quarter, especially the vanadium expansion.

In 2020, AMG maintained a strong balance sheet and adequate sources of liquidity. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $207 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $170 million available on its revolving credit facility. As such, AMG had $377 million of total liquidity as of December 31, 2020.

Net Finance Costs

AMG’s fourth quarter 2020 net finance costs were $4.9 million compared to $6.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. This decline is mainly driven by favorable foreign exchange movements. Additionally, AMG capitalized $3.8 million of interest costs in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $2.8 million in the prior year, driven by interest associated with the Company’s new tax-exempt municipal bond supporting the vanadium expansion in Ohio.

SG&A

AMG’s fourth quarter 2020 SG&A expenses were $26.1 million compared to $37.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, due to continued cost reduction efforts across the business as detailed earlier.

Full year 2020 SG&A expenses were $117.8 million, a decrease of $25.7 million, or 18%, from the prior year, which includes a non-recurring reversal for share-based compensation expense of $4.1 million related to share-based awards currently not forecasted to meet the threshold to vest. This reversal was excluded from EBITDA. SG&A expenses for 2020 included $18.7 million in professional fees versus $26.6 for 2019, $68.0 million in personnel costs and variable compensation expense compared to $78.0 in 2019. These decreases were partially offset by the Lithium expansion projects in Germany.

Final Dividend Proposed

AMG intends to declare a dividend of €0.20 per ordinary share over the financial year 2020. The interim dividend of €0.10, paid on August 13, 2020, will be deducted from the amount to be distributed to shareholders. The proposed final dividend per ordinary share therefore amounts to €0.10.

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 6, 2021.

Outlook

We believe that AMG’s results will continue to trend positively, and we expect to exceed $100 million EBITDA in 2021. 

Segmental Realignment

The Company has changed its organizational structure effective January 1, 2021. This change results in three reporting segments: AMG Clean Energy Materials (“CEM”), AMG Critical Minerals (“CMI”), and AMG Critical Materials Technologies (“CMT”). Each of these segments address similar markets, apply similar business models, and each segment has its own set of peers. Most importantly, each segment has products which enable CO₂ reduction, and each segment is targeting growth in its contribution to the ECO₂RP.

AMG’s pro forma segmental information for AMG Clean Energy Materials, AMG Critical Minerals, and AMG Critical Materials Technologies for the fourth quarter of 2020 is shown below:

Net loss to EBITDA reconciliation

*Excludes foreign exchange (gain) loss.
**Amount includes variable compensation expense which is expected to be share-settled in 2021.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, AMG recorded non-recurring environmental expense of $4.3 million, the majority of which was related to the remediation of a closed site in Newfield, New Jersey. This amount offset a $21.7 million reduction to the underlying environmental provision due to significant progress in remediating the site.

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

With approximately 3,100 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 Russia and 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

• Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2020 Results PR

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Enters into Long-Term Lithium Concentrate Supply Agreement

Jan 12, 2021

Amsterdam, 12 January 2021 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (« AMG », EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: « AMG ») announces that AMG Brasil S.A. (“AMG Brazil”) has entered into an Exclusive Cooperation Agreement (“ECA”) with one of its major customers for lithium concentrates.  The ECA provides for AMG Brazil to supply 200,000 DMT over a 5-year supply term, which will be obtained from an expansion (targeting 40,000 DMT per annum) of AMG Brazil’s existing lithium concentrate plant.  The ECA includes an Advanced Payment for lithium concentrate which will fund AMG Brazil’s investment in the expansion. Sales prices under the agreement are indexed to the published market price of lithium carbonate with a minimum price.

“AMG Brazil’s existing lithium concentrate plant is producing at its nameplate capacity, and its production costs are in line with our prior projections.  Consequently, we take this opportunity to expand our capacity and further build our relationships in the lithium supply chain,” said Heinz Schimmelbusch, CEO of AMG.

“This Cooperation Agreement and associated expansion represents AMG Brazil’s continuing commitment to invest and grow its presence in the Minas Gerais state of Brazil,” said Fabiano Costa, CEO of AMG Brazil.

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

With approximately 3,000 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 Russia and 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

• AMG Spodumene Contract

Saudi Arabian Oil Company and Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. Sign Agreement to Explore the Feasibility of Building a Recycling “Supercenter” in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Nov 30, 2020

Amsterdam, 30 November 2020 (Regulated Information) — The Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco), Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to evaluate the feasibility of creating a venture in support of Saudi Arabia’s (“The Kingdom”) vision to maximize value from its vast natural resources.  The Kingdom is becoming a globally important region for the supply and demand of vanadium, and desires to enable the development of a world class vanadium recycling industry. In support of this initiative, Shell & AMG Recycling B.V., along with Shell Catalysts & Technologies, will explore the feasibility of building a catalyst manufacturing and recycling “supercenter” in The Kingdom. 

This “supercenter” will enable Saudi Aramco to refine its crudes in an environmentally sustainable manner through the manufacturing of fresh residue upgrading catalysts required to convert heavy oil fractions into valuable products and recycling the resulting spent catalysts and gasification ash which are otherwise hazardous wastes.  The “supercenter” will have the ability to make significant contributions toward the circular economy by bringing state-of-the-art fresh catalyst and recycling technologies to The Kingdom, enabling the realization of renewable energy and GHG emission reduction goals in the region.

An MOU related to the spent catalyst and gasification ash recycling project was exchanged among Mohammed A. Al-Shammary, Vice President, Procurement and Supply Chain Management of Saudi Aramco, and Andrew Crowe, Vice President and Country Chairman of Shell Saudi Arabia, on behalf of Andy Gosse, President of Shell Catalysts & Technologies; and Dr. Heinz C. Schimmelbusch, Chairman & CEO of AMG.

“AMG is privileged to be a partner in this ambitious project to build a vanadium recycling industry in The Kingdom. The concept is to turn oil refinery waste into a domestic resource for the production of vanadium, a critical alloy that improves the quality of infrastructure steel.  The project advances the goals of a circular economy and is essential in achieving the societal benefits of reducing global CO2 emissions. In addition, the vanadium produced by the project can be used for grid-stabilization batteries which will facilitate a more efficient use of renewable energy and in turn accelerate the fulfillment of The Kingdom’s CO2 reduction goals,” said Heinz C. Schimmelbusch.

“Shell is excited to continue our long history of collaborating with Saudi Aramco and bringing market leading technologies to The Kingdom,” said Andy Gosse, adding that “as the world continues its energy transition journey, these value-added investment opportunities will contribute towards maximising the benefits from the Kingdom’s natural resources and support The Kingdom’s ambitions towards lowering GHG emissions.  These are critical elements as Saudi Aramco looks to maximize return from bottom of the barrel conversion and its oil to chemicals initiatives while importantly, supporting IKTVA’s goals of capturing value that produces long-term tangible benefits for The Kingdom.”

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 Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco):
Aramco is a global integrated energy and chemicals company. We are driven by the core belief that energy is opportunity. From producing approximately one in every eight barrels of the world’s oil supply to developing new energy technologies, our global team is dedicated to creating impact in all that we do. We focus on making our resources more dependable, more sustainable and more useful. This helps promote stability and long-term growth around the world. www.aramco.com
Media Relations: International.media@aramco.com l Aramco

About Shell & AMG Recycling B.V.
Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. brings together the innovative technology and operating experience of Shell and AMG to address refiners’ waste management challenges. In addition, refiners will benefit by creating value from their waste streams.

About Shell Catalysts & Technologies
The companies that comprise Shell Catalysts & Technologies, all of which are Shell’s wholly owned subsidiaries, provide technical services and licensed technologies. Shell Catalysts & Technologies also offers a market-leading catalyst portfolio with a specific focus on providing innovative refinery, petrochemical and environmental catalyst solutions. www.shell.com/CT

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 Critical Materials produces aluminum master alloys and powders, ferrovanadium, natural graphite, chromium metal, antimony, lithium, tantalum, niobium and silicon metal. AMG Technologies produces titanium aluminides and titanium alloys for the aerospace market; designs, engineers, and produces advanced vacuum furnace systems; and operates vacuum heat treatment facilities, primarily for the transportation and energy industries.

With approximately 3,000 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Czech Republic, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Russia and Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:

Mohamed Al-Zumaia
General Manager
Shell Overseas Services Ltd – Saudi Arabia
Fax: +966115118923
Cell: +966 56 0599996
Mohammed.Alzomaia@shell.com

Hassan Almarashi
Head Media Relations Middle East & North Africa
Shell EP International Ltd
Tel: +9714 705 5783
Cell: +97156 226 0924
Hassan.Almarashi@shell.com

Michele Fischer
Vice President Investor Relations
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.
+1 610 975 4979
mfischer@amg-nv.com

Cautionary note
The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this press release “Shell”, “Shell group” and “Royal Dutch Shell” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Royal Dutch Shell plc and subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ‘‘Subsidiaries’’, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this press release refer to entities over which Royal Dutch Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. Entities and unincorporated arrangements over which Shell has joint control are generally referred to as “joint ventures” and “joint operations”, respectively. Entities over which Shell has significant influence but neither control nor joint control are referred to as “associates”. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”, “ambition’, ‘‘anticipate’’, ‘‘believe’’, ‘‘could’’, ‘‘estimate’’, ‘‘expect’’, ‘‘goals’’, ‘‘intend’’, ‘‘may’’, ‘‘objectives’’, ‘‘outlook’’, ‘‘plan’’, ‘‘probably’’, ‘‘project’’, ‘‘risks’’, “schedule”, ‘‘seek’’, ‘‘should’’, ‘‘target’’, ‘‘will’’ and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell’s 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 (available at www.shell.com/investor and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward looking statements contained in this press release and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, November 30, 2020. Neither Royal Dutch Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this press release that United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov.

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

• SARBV and SA Press Release

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Oct 28, 2020

Coronavirus Update

• As of today, we have 13 active confirmed coronavirus cases globally. AMG has not experienced any coronavirus related fatalities, and our current cases have not resulted in a facility closure or operational interruption. AMG continues to implement preventive measures such as practicing social distancing, remote working when possible, and restrictions on travel to protect the health and safety of our employees.

Strategic Highlights

• The Company will change its organizational structure effective January 1, 2021. This change will result in three reporting segments: AMG Clean Energy Materials (“CEM”), AMG Critical Materials Technologies (“CMT”) and AMG Critical Minerals (“CMI”).
• The construction of AMG’s second ferrovanadium plant in Zanesville, Ohio is proceeding as planned. As of September 30, 2020, AMG has committed $184 million in construction and engineering contracts for the project.
• AMG continued basic engineering for its lithium hydroxide refinery project in Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany and a final investment decision is presently expected in early 2021.
• Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Co., Ltd. to enter into exclusive arrangements to evaluate the potential for construction and operation of a spent catalyst recycling facility in Yantai, China.

                
Financial Highlights

• AMG Engineering’s order intake in the first 9 months of 2020 was $177 million, a 5% increase from $169 million in the first 9 months of 2019.
• AMG’s liquidity as of September 30, 2020, was $376 million, with $206 million of unrestricted cash and $170 million of revolving credit availability.
• EBITDA was $14.1 million in the third quarter of 2020, a 42% decrease from $24.4 million in the third quarter of 2019. COVID-19 had a negative $23 million impact in the third quarter of 2020 which is explained in more detail on page 3.
• AMG reduced SG&A by 16% in the third quarter of 2020 to $29.6 million, compared to $35.1 million in the third quarter of 2019, due to lower personnel costs and ongoing cost reduction initiatives.
• Cash from operating activities on a year to date basis was $8.3 million, an increase of $17.2 million over the same period in 2019.

Amsterdam, 28 October 2020 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) reported third quarter 2020 revenue of $197.7 million, a 27% decrease from $269.9 million in the third quarter of 2019. EBITDA for the third quarter of 2020 was $14.1 million, a 42% decrease from $24.4 million in the third quarter of 2019, largely due to pandemic-induced lower volumes and prices versus the third quarter of last year. EBIT decreased to $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2020 from $13.9 million in the third quarter of 2019.

Revenue dropped 27% in the third quarter of 2020, driven by pandemic-related impacts across AMG’s entire portfolio.  AMG Critical Materials achieved an EBITDA of $9.4 million, a 7% increase from the third quarter of 2019, due to select volume increases and cost reduction efforts across the segment. AMG Technologies achieved an EBITDA of $4.7 million in the third quarter of 2020, a 70% decline from the third quarter of 2019. The decline was primarily driven by reduced aerospace activity leading to project execution delays and volume reductions, as well as lower profitability associated with metal price declines for the Titanium Alloys and Coatings business.

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, “Out of over 3,000 AMG employees at 33 sites in 15 countries, AMG has 13 active confirmed coronavirus cases globally. AMG’s priority continues to be the health and safety of our employees.
  
“In these unprecedented times, we believe it is imperative to preserve a strong liquidity position. The current global pandemic continued to significantly impact our financial results in the third quarter with dramatically lower volumes in our aerospace exposed businesses, compounding the historically low prices AMG is experiencing across our portfolio. Our ongoing focus is on our comprehensive programs to reduce operating costs, SG&A, working capital, and limit all non-essential capital expenditures. We are implementing an 8% workforce reduction, or 250 positions, and we have 285 full time equivalent employees on furlough or Kurzarbeit. As a result of these ongoing efforts, our liquidity position is $376 million as of September 30, 2020.

“It is important to note that AMG Engineering’s order intake in the first 9 months of 2020 increased 5% from $169 million in 2019 to $177 million in 2020. This increase is due to the end-market diversity within AMG Engineering’s product portfolio.

“We continue to execute our key strategic programs: the construction of the plant in Zanesville, Ohio, which will essentially double our recycling capacity for refinery residues, is proceeding as planned, utilizing the funds raised from our municipal bond. Basic engineering of the new lithium hydroxide refinery in Germany continues and a final investment decision is presently expected in early 2021. Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. continues to pursue refinery residue recycling opportunities globally with a focus on the Middle East and China, including the signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) earlier this week with Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Co., Ltd. to enter into exclusive arrangements to evaluate the potential for construction and operation of a spent catalyst recycling facility in Yantai, China.

“In addition, we are pleased to announce a change in the organizational structure from January 1, 2021 and segmental realignment, which will provide investors increased transparency in the way we will manage our business and highlight our capital allocation strategy.  AMG Clean Energy Materials will be comprised of the Vanadium, Lithium and Tantalum business units. AMG Critical Materials Technologies will be comprised of the Engineering, Titanium Alloys and Chrome Metal business units. AMG Critical Minerals will be comprised of the Graphite, Silicon, and Antimony business units.

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

COVID-19 Effect on AMG’s Business

EBITDA was significantly lower during the quarter due to temporary pandemic-related interruptions to our business. As such, we are providing a summary of the estimated impact of the pandemic on our operations during the third quarter. Our estimated COVID-19 EBITDA impact is approximately $23 million for the third quarter. This has been estimated based on a bottom-up analysis of our business units and a detailed comparison to the Company’s financial plan prior to the pandemic. 

AMG Critical Materials’ pandemic-related impacts continued from the second quarter into the third, but we saw increased volumes being sold to our customers in four of seven of our business units.  Prices continue to be affected by high inventories across global supply chains, particularly in our vanadium and chrome businesses.

AMG Technologies’ pandemic-related impacts continued to be driven by the decreased and postponed volumes from our aerospace customers, but we also experienced difficulty finalizing vacuum furnace orders and servicing our customers with replacement parts due to global travel restrictions.  These effects were offset by an improved performance from our Heat Treatment Services business, which experienced higher demand as a result of the rapidly recovering automotive sector.

Key Figures

Note: 

1. EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and income taxes. EBIT excludes restructuring, asset impairment, inventory cost adjustments, environmental provisions, exceptional legal expenses, equity-settled share-based payments, strategic expenses and includes foreign currency gains or losses.
2. EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.

Operational Review

AMG Critical Materials

AMG Critical Materials’ revenue in the third quarter decreased by $47.5 million, or 29%, to $117.7 million, driven largely by lower average prices across six of the seven business units during the quarter, partially offset by higher sales volumes of ferrovanadium,  lithium concentrate, tantalum, graphite and silicon.

Gross profit in the third quarter increased by $9.5 million to $8.2 million. The increase was primarily driven by a non-cash expense in the prior year related to a vanadium inventory adjustment as a result of lower vanadium prices.

SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2020 were $15.6 million, $4.0 million lower than the third quarter 2019, primarily due to lower personnel costs, lower professional fees, and cost reduction efforts across the business.

The third quarter 2020 EBITDA margin was 8%, compared to 5% in the same period in the prior year, due to cost reduction efforts as noted above.

AMG Technologies

Order backlog increased slightly versus June 30, 2020, resulting in a level of $217.7 million as of September 30, 2020, as the Company signed $40.9 million in new orders during the third quarter of 2020. This represents a 0.7x book to bill ratio. The quarter benefited from strong orders of induction melting and arc remelting furnaces for specialty steel producers.

AMG Technologies’ third quarter 2020 revenue decreased due to reduced aerospace activity leading to order postponements and volume reductions, as well as lower profitability associated with metal price declines for the Titanium Alloys and Coatings business. Consequently, third quarter 2020 gross profit decreased by $13.6 million, or 52%, to $12.6 million.

SG&A expenses decreased to $14.0 million in the third quarter of 2020, $1.5 million lower than the same period in 2019 due to lower personnel costs, lower professional fees, and ongoing cost reduction efforts across the business.

AMG Technologies’ third quarter EBITDA decreased by 70%, or $10.8 million, to $4.7 million from $15.6 million in the third quarter of 2019 due to lower profitability related to the challenging economic environment as outlined above.

Financial Review

AMG recorded an income tax expense of $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2020, compared to an expense of $1.5 million in the same period in 2019. This decreased tax expense was mainly driven by a quarter-over-quarter decrease of $2.7 million in non-cash tax expense due to movements in the Brazilian real. Movements in the Brazilian real exchange rate impact the valuation of the Company’s net deferred tax assets. The devaluation of the real during the third quarter of 2020 resulted in an additional non-cash tax expense of $1.7 million, compared to an expense of $4.4 million in the same period in 2019.

AMG made tax payments of $10.7 million in the third quarter of 2020, compared to tax payments of $7.2 million in the same period in 2019. The current quarter payments were a result of international COVID-19 tax measures which enabled AMG to delay most of its tax payments from the first half of 2020 to the third quarter.

Exceptional Items

AMG’s third quarter 2020 gross profit of $20.8 million 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 2020 and 2019 are below:

Exceptional items included in gross profit

As a result of decreases in metal prices versus the second quarter of 2020, AMG had a $4.9 million exceptional non-cash expense for inventory cost adjustments during the third quarter which has been adjusted in EBITDA. The Company is in the ramp-up phase for three significant strategic expansion projects, including AMG Vanadium’s expansion project, the joint venture with Shell, 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.

Liquidity

AMG had a net debt position of $255.3 million as of September 30, 2020. This increase was mainly due to the significant investment in growth initiatives during the quarter, especially the vanadium expansion.

Cash used in operating activities of ($8.4) million in the third quarter of 2020 decreased by $3.5 million compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to lower profitability and higher tax payments due to COVID-19 tax measures noted previously.

Capital expenditures, including capitalized borrowing costs, increased to $38.2 million in the third quarter of 2020 compared to $13.3 million in the same period in 2019. Capital spending is largely attributable to AMG Vanadium’s expansion project.

As of September 30, 2020, AMG had $206 million of unrestricted cash and equivalents and total liquidity of $376 million.

Net Finance Costs

AMG’s third quarter 2020 net finance costs decreased to $4.5 million from $5.9 million in the third quarter of 2019. Additionally, AMG capitalized $3.7 million of borrowing costs in the third quarter of 2020 primarily driven by interest associated with the Company’s tax-exempt municipal bond supporting the vanadium expansion in Ohio.

SG&A

AMG’s third quarter 2020 SG&A expenses were $29.6 million compared to $35.1 million in the third quarter of 2019, due to continued cost reduction efforts across the business as detailed earlier.

Outlook

AMG’s first and most important priority is to ensure the health and safety of our employees. 

We are focused on three priorities: 

1. preserving our strong liquidity position;
2. reducing costs and improving our productivity to maintain our low-cost position and prepare the Company for an economic upturn;
3. driving long-term value creation by executing our transformational strategic projects in vanadium recycling and our lithium downstream expansion.

We believe second quarter EBITDA was the low point and we expect to continue to progress our EBITDA growth in 2021.

Segmental Realignment

AMG’s pro forma segmental information for AMG Clean Energy Materials, AMG Critical Materials Technologies, and AMG Critical Minerals for 2020 is shown below:

Net loss to EBITDA reconciliation

*Excludes foreign exchange income.

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 Critical Materials produces aluminum master alloys and powders, ferrovanadium, natural graphite, chromium metal, antimony, lithium, tantalum, niobium and silicon metal.  AMG Technologies produces titanium aluminides and titanium alloys for the aerospace market; designs, engineers, and produces advanced vacuum furnace systems; and operates vacuum heat treatment facilities, primarily for the transportation and energy industries.

With approximately 3,000 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Czech Republic, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Russia and 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

• Third Quarter 2020 Press Release

Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. Sign Agreement with Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Co., Ltd to Assess Building a Spent Residue Upgrading Catalyst Recycling Facility

Oct 26, 2020

Amsterdam, 26 October 2020 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (« AMG », EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: « AMG ») is pleased to announce that Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today with Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Co., Ltd. to enter into exclusive arrangements to evaluate the potential for construction and operation of a spent catalyst recycling facility in Yantai, China.

The MOU will allow Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Co., Ltd and Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. to explore the feasibility of building a world class facility to reclaim valuable metals by recycling spent residue upgrading catalysts generated by refineries in China. Residue upgrading catalysts help refineries upgrade the bottom of the oil barrel into more valuable products, including generation of petrochemicals feedstocks. Such a facility would help maximize the benefits from China’s natural resources while addressing the need to provide environmentally responsible management of spent residue upgrading catalysts.

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 Shell & AMG Recycling B.V.

Shell & AMG Recycling BV brings together the innovative technology and operating experience of Shell and AMG to address refiners’ waste management challenges. In addition, they will benefit by creating value from a refinery waste stream.

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 Critical Materials produces aluminum master alloys and powders, ferrovanadium, natural graphite, chromium metal, antimony, lithium, tantalum, niobium and silicon metal. AMG Technologies produces titanium aluminides and titanium alloys for the aerospace market; designs, engineers, and produces advanced vacuum furnace systems; and operates vacuum heat treatment facilities, primarily for the transportation and energy industries.

With approximately 3,100 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Czech Republic, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Russia and Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:

Michele Fischer
Vice President Investor Relations
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.
+1 610 975 4979
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

• AMG Shell Shandong MOU October 26 2020

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Announces 2020 Interim Dividend

Juil 28, 2020

Amsterdam, 28 July 2020 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) declares an interim dividend of €0.10 per ordinary share, reduced from €0.20 in the prior year.

The interim dividend of €0.10 per ordinary share, in respect of the period from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020, is payable on August 13, 2020 to shareholders of record as of August 4, 2020. The ex-dividend date will be August 3, 2020. 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 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 Critical Materials produces aluminum master alloys and powders, ferrovanadium, natural graphite, chromium metal, antimony, lithium, tantalum, niobium and silicon metal. AMG Technologies produces titanium aluminides and titanium alloys for the aerospace market; designs, engineers, and produces advanced vacuum furnace systems; and operates vacuum heat treatment facilities, primarily for the transportation and energy industries.

With approximately 3,100 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Czech Republic, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Russia and Japan (www.amg-nv.com).

For further information, please contact:
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.         +1 610 975 4979
Michele Fischer
Vice President Investor Relations
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 July 2020

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results

Juil 28, 2020

 Coronavirus Update

• As of today, we have 4 active confirmed coronavirus cases globally. These cases have not resulted in a facility closure or operational interruption. To protect the health and safety of its employees, AMG continues to implement preventive measures such as practicing social distancing, remote working when possible, and restrictions on travel.
• All of our production facilities are operating.

Strategic Highlights

• AMG has committed $166 million as of June 30, 2020 in construction and engineering contracts for investment in a second ferrovanadium plant in Zanesville, Ohio and the project remains on schedule.
• AMG continued basic engineering for its lithium project in Zeitz, Germany and a final investment decision is planned in due course.
• Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. is operating and continues to pursue refinery residue recycling opportunities globally.

                
Financial Highlights

• AMG’s liquidity as of June 30, 2020 was $390 million, with $220 million of unrestricted cash and $170 million of revolving credit availability.
• Cash from operating activities was $20.3 million in the second quarter of 2020, a $31.4 million increase over the same period in 2019.
• Free cash flow⁽¹⁾ was a robust $11.6 million in the second quarter of 2020.
• EBITDA was $7.8 million in the second quarter of 2020, a 67% decrease from $23.8 million in the second quarter of 2019. COVID-19 had a negative $18 million impact in the second quarter of 2020 which is explained in more detail on pages 2 and 3.
• SG&A declined 20% in the second quarter of 2020 to $27.2 million, compared to $33.8 million in the second quarter of 2019, due to lower personnel costs and ongoing cost reduction initiatives.
• AMG declares an interim dividend of €0.10 per ordinary share, reduced from €0.20 in the prior year, to be paid in the third quarter of 2020.

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

Amsterdam, 28 July 2020 (Regulated Information) — AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) reported second quarter 2020 revenue of $207.6 million, a 32% decrease from $303.6 million in the second quarter of 2019. EBITDA for the second quarter of 2020 was $7.8 million, a 67% decrease from $23.8 million in the second quarter of 2019, largely due to pandemic-induced lower volumes and prices versus the second quarter of last year. EBIT decreased to ($2.9) million in the second quarter of 2020 from $13.7 million in the second quarter of 2019.

Revenue dropped 32% in the second quarter of 2020, driven by pandemic-related impacts across AMG’s entire portfolio.  AMG Technologies achieved an EBITDA of $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2020, an 81% decline from the second quarter of 2019. The decline was primarily driven by reduced aerospace activity leading to order postponements and volume reductions, as well as lower profitability associated with metal price declines for the Titanium Alloys and Coatings business. AMG Critical Materials achieved an EBITDA of $5.5 million, a 55% decrease from the second quarter of 2019, due to weak volumes and pricing reflecting the general economic downturn.

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, “Out of our 3,124 total AMG employees at 33 sites in 15 countries, AMG has 4 active confirmed coronavirus cases globally.
  
“In these unprecedented times our priority is to preserve a strong liquidity position. Our liquidity position is $390 million and is higher than last quarter. Operating cash flow is strong and substantially surpasses operating cash flow in the second quarter of 2019. We are embarking on comprehensive programs to reduce operating costs, SG&A, working capital, and freezing all non-essential capital expenditures. The current global pandemic significantly impacted our financial results with dramatically lower volumes, especially in our aerospace sector, compounding the historically low prices AMG is experiencing across our portfolio.

“We continue to progress our key strategic programs: the construction of the plant in Zanesville, Ohio, which will essentially double our recycling capacity for refinery residues, is proceeding as planned, utilizing the funds raised from our municipal bond. Basic engineering of the new lithium hydroxide production facility in Germany continues and a final investment decision is planned in due course. Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. continues to pursue refinery residue recycling opportunities globally.”

COVID-19 Effect on AMG’s Business

EBITDA was significantly lower during the quarter as a result of temporary pandemic-related interruptions to our business. As such, we are providing a summary of the estimated impact of the pandemic on our operations during the second quarter. Our estimated COVID-19 EBITDA impact is approximately $18 million for the second quarter. This has been estimated based on a bottom-up analysis of our business units and a detailed comparison to the Company’s financial plan prior to the pandemic. 

AMG Critical Materials’ pandemic-related impacts were due to a confluence of events in our various end-use markets.  In particular, we saw decreased and postponed volumes from our aerospace and automotive customers, and we faced pandemic-related shipping issues which increased costs for our business.  In addition, US steel production volumes were significantly below previous downturns, which negatively impacted vanadium price.

AMG Technologies’ pandemic-related impacts were mostly driven by decreased and postponed volumes from our aerospace customers, but we also experienced difficulty finalizing vacuum furnace orders due to global travel restrictions.  Our Heat Treatment Service operations were impacted by the temporary closure of certain of our customer’s plants.

Restructuring Programs

AMG is executing an initial restructuring program which is expected to reduce operating costs by $15 million per annum. This program will be complemented by further cost cutting actions, but currently we expect to achieve the full $15 million run-rate cost savings by the end of 2021. As part of this initial program, in addition to headcount reductions, we analyzed our operational costs in each facility and took measures to extract savings from our suppliers, increase recycling of off-spec material and increase production efficiency at every plant. In addition to this substantial reduction in operating cost, AMG has taken advantage of government supported furlough and short work (“Kurzarbeit”) programs, and in the second quarter we temporarily reduced our headcount by approximately 500 full time equivalent employees. We have also reduced professional fees and research and development costs and cut back on SG&A expenses across the company.

Key Figures

Note: 

1. EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and income taxes. EBIT excludes restructuring, asset impairment, inventory cost adjustments, environmental provisions, exceptional legal expenses, equity-settled share-based payments, strategic expenses and includes foreign currency gains or losses.
2. EBITDA is defined as EBIT adjusted for depreciation and amortization.

Operational Review

AMG Critical Materials

AMG Critical Materials’ revenue in the second quarter decreased by $71.1 million, or 36%, to $127.4 million, driven largely by lower average prices across all seven business units during the quarter, partially offset by higher sales volumes of ferrovanadium and lithium concentrate.

Gross profit in the second quarter increased by $34.9 million to $9.7 million. The increase was primarily driven by a non-cash expense in the prior year related to a vanadium inventory adjustment as a result of lower vanadium prices.

SG&A expenses in the second quarter of 2020 were $14.4 million, $3.5 million lower than the second quarter 2019, primarily due to lower personnel costs, lower professional fees, and cost reduction efforts across the business.

The second quarter 2020 EBITDA margin was 4% due to lower profitability in the quarter as noted above.

AMG Technologies

Order backlog decreased 10% versus March 31, 2020, resulting in a level of $216.9 million as of June 30, 2020, as the Company signed $32.0 million in new orders during the second quarter of 2020. This represents a 0.6x book to bill ratio. This lower book to bill ratio was a result of decreased activity in the aerospace market, partially offset by strong orders of heat treatment and remelting furnaces.

AMG Technologies’ second quarter 2020 revenue decreased due to lower prices and volumes driven by slowdowns in both the aerospace and automotive sectors as a result of the pandemic. Consequently, second quarter 2020 gross profit decreased by $10.2 million, or 49%, to $10.8 million.

SG&A expenses decreased to $12.8 million in the second quarter of 2020, $3.1 million lower than the same period in 2019 due to lower personnel costs, lower professional fees, and ongoing cost reduction efforts across the business.

AMG Technologies’ second quarter EBITDA decreased by 81%, or $9.2 million, to $2.2 million from $11.4 million in the second quarter of 2019 due to lower profitability related to the challenging economic environment as outlined above.

Financial Review

Tax

AMG recorded an income tax benefit of $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to a benefit of $13.5 million in the same period in 2019. This differential is mainly due to higher pre-tax income versus the prior year’s second quarter. However, the company continued to recognize a net tax benefit due to local operating losses. Movements in the Brazilian real exchange rate impact the valuation of the Company’s net deferred tax assets. The devaluation of the real during the second quarter of 2020 resulted in an additional non-cash tax expense of $2.1 million, compared to a benefit of $1.2 million in the same period in 2019.

AMG received tax refunds of $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to tax payments of $6.3 million in the same period in 2019. The current quarter benefited from tax refunds from 2019 as well as the extensive relief due to international COVID-19 tax measures which enabled AMG to delay most of its tax payments during the quarter.

Exceptional Items

AMG’s second quarter 2020 gross profit of $23.3 million 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 2020 and 2019 are below:

Exceptional items included in gross profit

As a result of a decrease in metal prices versus the first quarter of 2020, AMG had a $1.1 million exceptional non-cash expense for inventory cost adjustments during the second quarter which has been adjusted in EBITDA. The Company is in the ramp-up phase for three significant strategic expansion projects, including AMG Vanadium’s expansion project, the joint venture with Shell, and the lithium expansion in Germany, which incurred $1.2 million of project expenses during the quarter but are not yet operational. AMG is adjusting EBITDA for these exceptional charges.

Liquidity

AMG had a net debt position of $209.3 million as of June 30, 2020. This increase was mainly due to the significant investment in growth initiatives during the quarter, especially the vanadium expansion.

Cash from operating activities of $20.3 million in the second quarter of 2020 increased by $31.4 million compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to operational efficiency and cash preservation management in 2020 to ensure ongoing financial health and stability.

Capital expenditures, including capitalized borrowing costs, increased to $30.9 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to $12.4 million in the same period in 2019. Capital spending in the second quarter of 2020 included $3.6 million of maintenance capital. The remaining $27.3 million of capital spending is largely attributable to AMG Vanadium’s expansion project.

As of June 30, 2020, AMG had $220 million of unrestricted cash and equivalents and total liquidity of $390 million.

Net Finance Costs

AMG’s second quarter 2020 net finance costs decreased to $6.3 million from $6.8 million in the second quarter of 2019. Additionally, AMG capitalized $3.7 million of borrowing costs in the second quarter of 2020 driven by interest associated with the Company’s tax-exempt municipal bond supporting the vanadium expansion in Ohio.

SG&A

AMG’s second quarter 2020 SG&A expenses were $27.2 million compared to $33.8 million in the second quarter of 2019, due to continued cost reduction efforts across the business as detailed earlier.

Outlook

AMG’s first and most important priority is to ensure the health and safety of our employees.  Additionally, we are acutely focused on the financial health of the company and are dedicated to preserving our strong liquidity position. While maintaining a strong balance sheet, we continue to drive long-term value creation through our transformational strategic projects in vanadium recycling and in our lithium downstream expansion.

Given the results in the first half of the year, the full year EBITDA is unlikely to reach the level of 2019.

Net loss to EBITDA reconciliation

*Excludes foreign exchange expense.

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 Critical Materials produces aluminum master alloys and powders, ferrovanadium, natural graphite, chromium metal, antimony, lithium, tantalum, niobium and silicon metal.  AMG Technologies produces titanium aluminides and titanium alloys for the aerospace market; designs, engineers, and produces advanced vacuum furnace systems; and operates vacuum heat treatment facilities, primarily for the transportation and energy industries.

With approximately 3,100 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Czech Republic, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka and Mozambique, and has sales and customer service offices in Russia and 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

• Second Quarter 2020 Press Release