


AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS--(Marketwire - November 11, 2009) -
Key Highlights
* Revenue was $205.4 million in Q3 2009; YTD 2009 revenue was $636.1 million * EBITDA[1] was $18.6 million in Q3 2009; YTD 2009 EBITDA was $56.7 million * EPS on a fully diluted basis was ($0.76) in Q3 2009 * Advanced Materials Division performance improved, generating revenue of $110.1 million and EBITDA of $5.0 million, in Q3 2009 * Engineering Systems Division was impacted by the global slowdown, generating revenue of $61.6 million and EBITDA of $11.0 million, in Q3 2009 * Graphit Kropfmühl revenues and EBITDA improved to $33.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively in Q3 2009 * Timminco was deconsolidated during the quarter as AMG's ownership dropped below 50% due to Timminco's issuance of additional shares * As of September 30, 2009 cash on hand was $124.4 million, net debt was $77.9 million; Q3 2009 free cash flow[2] was $8.8 million [1] EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization and excludes nonrecurring items [2] Free cash flow is defined as EBITDA less change in working capital and maintenance capital expenditures
Amsterdam, 11 November 2009 (Regulated Information) --- AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. ("AMG", EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: "AMG") reported third quarter 2009 revenue of $205.4 million, a decrease 45% from $371.0 million in the third quarter 2008.
Net loss attributable to shareholders for the third quarter 2009 was ($20.3) million, or ($0.76) per fully diluted share, compared to net income of $20.8 million or $0.75 per fully diluted share for the third quarter 2008. EBITDA declined 71% to $18.6 million in the third quarter 2009 from $63.7 million in the third quarter 2008.
In commenting on results, Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, "The decline in market conditions moderated during the third quarter 2009. During the quarter, Advanced Materials prices and volumes increased slightly from the lows of the second quarter 2009, but both volumes and prices remain adversely affected by the unprecedented slowdown in global industrial activity. The Engineering Systems Division's financial performance was significantly impacted by the low levels of order intake and seasonal slowdowns. Graphit Kropfmühl improved profitability during the quarter due to a slight rebound in silicon metal prices. Despite the apparent bottoming of economic activity, the recovery process may be slow and uneven. AMG continues to limit capital investment and is reducing costs to preserve free cash flow."
Accounting Note
AMG owned less than 50% (47.9%) of Timminco as of September 30, 2009, and therefore going forward AMG will account for Timminco under the IFRS equity method of accounting. For purposes of this release, this accounting treatment requires AMG to deconsolidate its investment in Timminco and include Timminco's quarterly and year to date financial results as one line item - "discontinued operations" on the profit and loss statement. The carrying value of AMG's investment in Timminco is included as an "Investment in Associate" on the asset portion of AMG's balance sheet. As such, the Key Figures below except for net income attributable to shareholders exclude the financial performance of Timminco during the period and all prior year figures have been restated to exclude Timminco.
While AMG no longer owns more than 50% of Timminco, Timminco remains a strategic asset of AMG.
Key Figures
In 000's US Dollar Q3'09 Q3'08 Change Revenue $205,406 $370,982 (45%) Gross profit 39,949 82,805 (52%) Gross margin 19.4% 22.3% Operating income (110) 45,609 N/A Operating margin (0.0%) 12.3% Net Income attributable to shareholders (20,302) 20,769 N/A EPS- Fully diluted (0.76) 0.75 N/A Adjusted EPS- Continuing Operations Fully diluted (1) (0.30) 0.99 N/A EBITDA (2) 18,602 63,725 (71%) EBITDA margin 9.1% 17.2% Notes: (1) Adjusted for non-recurring, restructuring charges and equity accounting treatment for AMG's investment in Timminco (2) EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization and excludes nonrecurring items
Operational Review
Advanced Materials Division
Q3'09 Q3'08 Change Revenue $110,143 $199,396 (45%) Gross profit 15,736 42,702 (63%) Operating income (8,444) 22,620 N/A EBITDA 5,012 25,427 (80%) Capital expenditures 1,937 7,643 (75%)
The Advanced Materials division's third quarter 2009 financial results were impacted by continued weak demand for the majority of its products, most notably in the steel, superalloy and titanium markets. Third quarter revenue decreased 45% to $110.1 million from the third quarter 2008.
Gross margin percentage decreased from 21% of revenue in the third quarter of 2008 to 14% in the third quarter of 2009. This was caused by a sharp decline in end product prices and lower volumes, particularly in ferrovanadium, from the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in revenue and margins was primarily caused by ferrovanadium, with reference prices decreasing by 59% and volumes declining by 42% over the third quarter 2008. Titanium master alloys, vanadium chemicals, ferronickel-molybdenum and ferrotitanium products were also impacted by falling end market prices. Even more significant were the decreased volumes as the result of decreased global demand. Aluminium master alloys volumes decreased 43% and titanium master alloys volumes declined by 77% during the third quarter 2009 compared to the third quarter 2008. The global recession continued to impact industrial production across all markets, although less so than in the second quarter of 2009.
The Division's working capital increased slightly during the third quarter 2009, after decreasing by over $18 million since December 31, 2008. To mitigate the decrease in revenue, the Advanced Materials Division has reduced SG&A expenses by approximately 21% from the third quarter 2008.
The third quarter 2009 EBITDA decreased by $20.4 million to $5.0 million, compared to the same period in 2008. This was the result of the decrease in revenue and gross margin, which were slightly offset by a decline in SG&A. Sequentially, third quarter 2009 EBITDA improved by $7.0 million over the second quarter 2009 driven by cost saving measures.
Capital expenditures were $1.9 million for the third quarter 2009, 75% less than the comparable period in 2008. The Division was only performing maintenance capital investment during the quarter because of the cost containment measures.
Engineering Systems Division
Q3'09 Q3'08 Change Revenue $61,598 $135,155 (54%) Gross profit 20,637 44,326 (53%) Operating income 7,132 30,836 (77%) EBITDA 11,036 34,241 (68%) Capital expenditures 1,239 4,392 (72%)
The Engineering Systems division's order intake was significantly affected by the global economic slowdown as customers continued to defer investment decisions during third quarter 2009 because of the weak credit markets and a slow recovery in their end market demand. Order backlog was at $204 million on September 30, 2009, down 9% from $223 million on June 30, 2009. The decrease was primarily due to a significant reduction in orders for solar furnace systems to $16.7 million during the quarter. Overall, order intake was $44.2 million during the third quarter 2009, down from $53.5 in the second quarter 2009. The backlog consists primarily of melting and remelting systems for the titanium and specialty steel industries and solar silicon DSS furnaces.
Third quarter 2009 revenue decreased by $73.6 million or 54%. Sales of solar silicon DSS melting furnaces for the photovoltaic industry decreased 66% in the third quarter 2009 compared to the same period a year ago. During the third quarter 2009, 39% of revenue was generated by sales of solar silicon and melting furnaces, down from 51% in the same period 2008. Revenue from remelting systems, primarily for the aerospace and specialty steel industries, decreased by 59% during the third quarter 2009. The recently implemented nuclear business contributed $1.8 million in revenue during the third quarter.
Despite these challenging markets, the Engineering Systems division was able to stabilize gross margin at 34% of revenue in the third quarter 2009 up from 33% in the same period in 2008. The stable gross margin was due to constant prices per unit and a slight decrease in raw material prices.
Third quarter 2009 EBITDA was $11.0 million, a 68% decrease over the same period in 2008. The EBITDA margin decreased to 18% during the third quarter 2009 compared to 25% for the same period in 2008. The EBITDA margin decrease was attributable to the economy of scale impact of lower revenue as well as one-time research and development expenses.
Capital expenditures decreased to $1.2 million for the third quarter 2009, 72% less than the comparable period in 2008. This decrease was a result of the completion of the expansion of the Berlin facility during 2008 and the focus on minimizing capital investment during the third quarter 2009.
Graphit Kropfmühl
Q3'09 Q3'08 Change Revenue $33,665 $36,431 (8%) Gross profit 3,576 (4,223) N/A Operating income 1,202 (7,847) N/A EBITDA 2,554 4,057 (37%) Capital expenditures 385 1,727 (78%)
Graphit Kropfmühl ("GK") was impacted by the decline in global economic activity during the third quarter 2009, particularly in the natural graphite division. Third quarter 2009 revenue decreased by $2.8 million or 8% primarily due to a 30% reduction in natural graphite revenues.
Gross margin improved to 11% of revenue in the third quarter 2009. The third quarter 2008 gross profit of negative $4.2 million was a result of purchase accounting adjustments related to the acquisition of GK by AMG.
Third quarter 2009 EBITDA was $2.6 million, a 37% decrease compared to the third quarter 2008. The EBITDA margin decreased to 8% during the third quarter 2009 compared to 11% in the same period 2008. The EBITDA margin decrease was attributable to lower selling prices and volumes in both silicon and graphite, which were slightly offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses.
Capital expenditures decreased to $0.4 million for the third quarter 2009, 78% less than the same period 2008. The decrease in capital expenditures was a result of the completion of the expansion of the silicon metal facilities in 2008.
Timminco
AMG's ownership in Timminco decreased as the result of issuance of shares by Timminco. Following the decrease in AMG's common equity ownership of Timminco to 47.9% as of Septermber 30, 2009, AMG now accounts for its investment in Timminco via the equity accounting method. Timminco's net loss is included on its own line item on AMG's income statement and the carrying value of AMG's investment in Timminco of $41.8 million is listed as an asset on AMG's balance sheet. Additional information on Timminco and its third quarter 2009 financial statements can be found at [ www.Timminco.com ].
Financial Review
Tax
AMG recorded a tax expense of $5.7 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2009 as compared to a tax expense of $11.9 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2008. A tax benefit for the pre-tax losses was not booked in the third quarter 2009 due to the losses being generated in jurisdictions where AMG already has significant net operating losses.
Liquidity
Q3'09 Q4'08 (1) Change Total debt $202,332 $183,352 10% Cash & cash equivalents 124,391 139,786 (11%) Net debt 77,941 43,566 79% Notes: (1) Restated to account for Timminco under IFRS equity accounting method.
AMG had a net debt position of $77.9 million as of September 30, 2009. The Company's liquidity position decreased by $34.4 million, due to $20.8 million of capital investments and $23.8 million of capital infusions in Timminco, offset by positive operating cash flows from continuing operations.
Cash Flow Nine Months Ended September '09 September '08 Cash Flows (used in) / from $(6,033) $76,038 Operations Capital expenditures (20,755) (42,060) Acquisitions, net of cash - (66,484) Other investing (31,964) (50,211) Cash Flows used in Investing (52,719) (158,755) Activities Cash Flows generated from 35,415 73,124 Financing Activities
The significant decline in net income was partially offset by lower investments in working capital and lower tax payments during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 resulting in negative cash flows from operations totaling $6.0 million, down from positive operating cash flows of $76.0 million in the first nine months 2008. The lower level of cash flows from operations is primarily due to the operating loss from the Advanced Materials Division, and a decline in the operating income from the Engineering Systems Division offset by improvements in inventory and accounts receivable balances of approximately $40.0 million.
Cash flows used in investing activities of $52.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased from $158.8 million in the first nine months of 2008. This is due to the $21.3 million decrease in capital investments, primarily in Advanced Materials and Engineering Systems, and the $62.9 million cost for the purchase of approximately 79.5% of Graphit Kropfmühl in April 2008.
Cash flows from financing activities were $35.4 million, a decrease of $37.7 million in the same period of 2008. This decrease was primarily the result of two factors, $20.0 million borrowed on the credit facility for the acquisition of approximately 79.5% of Graphit Kropfmühl in April 2008, and borrowings to fund the working capital increases in Advanced Materials during 2008, offset in the first nine months 2009 by a net draw down from various credit facilities.
Outlook
The markets continue to be challenging. Although signs of an ongoing bottoming of the severe drop in demand are evident, it is still undetermined if the markets are improving. Demand and prices remain fragile and are both subject to near term economic swings. Engineering Systems' order intake continues to be sluggish as companies delay investment decisions into the new year. Advanced Materials prices have rebounded from historic lows, but demand and pricing increases have moderated and they continue to be far below normal market conditions. AMG continues to address this situation by adjusting production levels, limiting capital investment and cost reduction programs. These actions position AMG to take advantage of opportunities as markets improve.
About AMG
AMG, incorporated in the Netherlands, is a global leader in the production of highly engineered specialty metal products and advanced vacuum furnace systems. AMG serves growing industries worldwide with its unique combination of metallurgical engineering expertise and production know-how. AMG is a market leader in many of its products and systems, which are critical to the production of key components for the aerospace, energy (including solar and nuclear), electronics, optics, chemicals, construction and transportation industries. AMG has two operating divisions, Advanced Materials and Engineering Systems, and owns interests in publicly-listed companies Graphit Kropfmühl AG (Deutsche Börse: GKR.DE) and Timminco Limited (TSX: "TIM").
The Advanced Materials Division develops and produces niche specialty metals and complex metals products, many of which are used in demanding, safety-critical, high-stress environments. AMG is one of a limited number of significant producers globally of niche specialty metals, such as ferrovanadium, ferronickel-molybdenum, aluminum master alloys and additives, chromium metal and ferrotitanium, used by steel, aluminum, chemical and superalloy producers for aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics, optics, chemicals, construction and other applications. Other key products produced by AMG include specialty alloys for titanium and superalloys, coating materials, tantalum and niobium oxides, vanadium chemicals and antimony trioxide.
The Engineering Systems Division designs, engineers and produces advanced vacuum furnace systems and operates vacuum heat treatment facilities. AMG is a global leader in supplying technologically-advanced vacuum furnace systems to customers in the aerospace, energy (including solar and nuclear), transportation, electronics, superalloys and specialty steel industries. Examples of furnace systems produced by AMG include vacuum remelting, solar silicon melting and crystallization, vacuum induction melting, vacuum heat treatment and high pressure gas quenching, vacuum precision casting, turbine blade coating and sintering. AMG also provides vacuum case-hardening heat treatment services on a tolling basis to customers through facilities equipped with vacuum heat treatment furnaces.
Graphit Kropfmühl AG is a majority controlled, publicly listed subsidiary of AMG. Based on its secure raw material sources in Africa, China and Europe, Graphit Kropfmühl is a specialist in the production of silicon metal and the extraction, processing and refining of natural crystalline graphite for a wide range of energy saving industrial applications.
Timminco Limited is a publicly listed associate of AMG. Timminco is a leader in the production of upgraded metallurgical silicon for the rapidly growing solar photovoltaic energy industry. Timminco also produces silicon metal for use in a broad range of industrial applications.
AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Czech Republic, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Sri Lanka and Australia and also has sales and customer service offices in Belgium, Russia, China and Japan (website: [ www.amg-nv.com ]).
For further information please contact: AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. +1 610 975 4901 Jonathan Costello Vice President of Corporate Communications [ jcostello@amg-nv.com ]
Disclaimer
Certain statements in this press release are not historical facts and are "forward looking." Forward looking statements include statements concerning AMG's plans, expectations, projections, objectives, targets, goals, strategies, future events, future 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.
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Condensed interim consolidated statement of income For the three months ended September 30 In thousands of US Dollars 2009 2008 Unaudited Unaudited* Continuing operations Revenue 205,406 370,982 Cost of sales 165,457 288,177 Gross profit 39,949 82,805 Selling, general and administrative expenses 31,876 39,069 Restructuring expense 5,302 - Environmental expense 4,075 10 Other income, net (1,194) (1,883) Operating (loss) profit (110) 45,609 Interest expense 6,109 5,771 Interest income (617) (1,611) Foreign exchange (gain) / loss (27) 1,272 Net finance costs 5,465 5,432 Share of (loss) profit of associates (1,285) 24 (Loss) profit before income tax (6,860) 40,201 Income tax expense 5,694 11,921 (Loss) profit for the period from continuing operations (12,554) 28,280 Loss after tax for the period from discontinued operations (14,240) (12,956) (Loss) profit for the period (26,794) 15,324 Attributable to: Shareholders of the Company (20,302) 20,769 Minority interests (6,492) (5,445) (26,794) 15,324 (Loss)/Earnings per share Basic (loss) earnings per share (0.76) 0.77 Diluted (loss) earnings per share (0.76) 0.75 (Loss)/Earnings per share from continuing operations Basic (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations (0.50) 1.02 Diluted (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations (0.50) 0.99 *Restated AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Condensed interim consolidated statement of income For the nine months ended September 30 In thousands of US Dollars 2009 2008 Unaudited Unaudited* Continuing operations Revenue 636,059 1,000,045 Cost of sales 516,825 773,347 Gross profit 119,234 226,698 Selling, general and administrative expenses 94,932 101,473 Restructuring expense 5,696 129 Environmental expense 4,162 31 Other income, net (4,277) (4,896) Operating profit 18,721 129,961 Interest expense 15,880 16,376 Interest income (2,617) (5,027) Foreign exchange (gain) / loss (176) 2,095 Net finance costs 13,087 13,444 Share of loss of associates (2,685) 581 Profit before income tax 2,949 117,098 Income tax expense 17,642 33,092 (Loss) profit for the period from continuing operations (14,693) 84,006 Loss after tax for the period from discontinued operations (54,580) (22,356) (Loss) profit for the period (69,273) 61,650 Attributable to: Shareholders of the Company (45,415) 68,548 Minority interests (23,858) (6,898) (69,273) 61,650 (Loss)/Earnings per share Basic (loss) earnings per share (1.69) 2.56 Diluted (loss) earnings per share (1.69) 2.49 (Loss)/Earnings per share from continuing operations Basic (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations (0.65) 2.98 Diluted (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations (0.65) 2.90 *Restated AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Condensed interim consolidated statements of financial position In thousands of US Dollars September 30, 2009 December 31, 2008 Unaudited Audited Assets Property, plant and equipment 220,308 313,470 Intangible assets 27,877 47,060 Investments in associates 55,269 15,700 Deferred tax assets 22,797 29,181 Restricted cash 13,578 15,889 Notes receivable 2,221 2,132 Derivative financial instruments 57 - Other assets 12,481 11,612 Total non-current assets 354,588 435,044 Inventories 197,886 318,793 Trade and other receivables 149,277 173,422 Derivative financial instruments 5,821 6,393 Other assets 35,293 52,804 Short term investments - 95 Cash and cash equivalents 124,391 143,473 Total current assets 512,668 694,980 Total assets 867,256 1,130,024 AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Condensed interim consolidated statements of financial position (continued) In thousands of US Dollars Equity Issued capital 724 724 Share premium 379,297 379,297 Other reserves 28,049 (2,215) Retained earnings (deficit) (168,539) (123,110) Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company 239,531 254,696 Minority interests 19,627 57,115 Total equity 259,158 311,811 Liabilities Loans and borrowings 165,367 138,990 Employee benefits 91,004 103,176 Provisions 11,986 12,841 Government grants 750 291 Other liabilities 10,221 9,245 Derivative financial instruments 6,318 3,530 Deferred tax liabilities 44,247 56,013 Total non-current liabilities 329,893 324,086 Loans and borrowings 3,204 3,021 Short term bank debt 33,761 83,566 Related party debt - 6,456 Government grants 2,330 8,360 Other liabilities 45,492 53,882 Trade and other payables 80,556 156,697 Derivative financial instruments 7,528 15,419 Advance payments 47,945 94,049 Unearned revenue - 35,624 Current taxes payable 35,769 14,708 Provisions 21,620 22,345 Total current liabilities 278,205 494,127 Total liabilities 608,098 818,213 Total equity and liabilities 867,256 1,130,024 AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. Condensed interim consolidated statement of cash flows For the nine months ended September 30 In thousands of US Dollars 2009 2008 Unaudited Unaudited* Cash flows (used in) / from operating activities (Loss) / Profit for the period from continuing operations (14,693) 84,006 (Loss) for the period from discontinued operations (54,580) (22,356) Profit for the period (69,273) 61,650 Adjustments to reconcile profit to net cash flows: Depreciation and amortization 17,491 18,271 Amortization of purchase accounting adjustment to inventory - 8,178 Restructuring expense 5,696 129 Environmental expense 4,162 31 Net finance costs 13,087 13,444 Share of loss / (profit) of associates 2,685 (581) Equity-settled share-based payment transactions 10,451 7,439 Income tax expense 17,642 33,092 Change in working capital and provisions (35,117) (59,273) Other 4,420 3,606 Interest paid, net (7,502) (4,663) Income tax paid, net (6,101) (17,526) Cash flows from discontinued operations 36,326 12,241 Net cash flows (used in) / from operating activities (6,033) 76,038 Cash flows used in investing activities Proceeds from asset sales - 90 Acquisition of associates, net of cash - (66,484) Acquisition of property, plant and equipment and intangibles (20,755) (42,060) Change in short-term investments - (842) Change in restricted cash 1,228 (3,866) Other 16 (5,217) Cash flow from discontinued operations (33,208) (40,376) Net cash flows used in investing activities (52,719) (158,755) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of debt 19,255 48,984 Repayment of borrowings (8,171) - Capital infusion (23,832) (180) Other 439 379 Cash flow from discontinued operations 47,724 23,941 Net cash flows from financing activities 35,415 73,124 Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (23,337) (9,593) Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 143,473 172,558 Effect of exchange rate and consolidation changes on cash held 4,255 (8,803) Cash and cash equivalents at September 30 124,391 154,162 *Restated
The full press release including tables can be downloaded from the following link:
AMG reports third quarter 2009 results: [ http://hugin.info/138060/R/1354151/328212.pdf ]
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