Luxembourg, October 30, 2012
Aperam (referred to as "Aperam" or the "Company") (Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Paris: APAM and NYRS: APEMY), today announced results for the three month and nine month periods ending September 30, 2012
Highlights
- Health and Safety frequency rate[2] of 1.3x in Q3 2012 compared to 1.0x in Q2 2012
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Shipments of 410 thousand tonnes in Q3 2012, a 5% decrease compared to shipments of 433 thousand tonnes in Q2 2012
- EBITDA[3] of USD 42 million in Q3 2012 compared to EBITDA of USD 65 million in
Q2 2012
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Basic earnings per share of USD (0.21) in Q3 2012
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Cash outflow from operations amounted to USD 50 million in Q3 2012
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Net debt of USD 987 million at September 30, 2012, representing a gearing of 31%
Prospects
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EBITDA in Q4 2012 is expected to be comparable to EBITDA in Q3 2012 due to uncertain stainless steel market conditions
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Net debt expected to decrease significantly in Q4 2012
Financial Highlights (on the basis of IFRS)
(USDm) unless otherwise stated | Q3 2012 | Q2 2012 | Q3 2011 | 9M 2012 | 9M 2011 |
Sales | 1,207 | 1,351 | 1,520 | 3,967 | 4,909 |
EBITDA | 42 | 65 | 62 | 171 | 303 |
Operating (loss) income | (29) | (19) | (20) | (61) | 74 |
Net loss | (17) | (28) | (41) | (56) | (14) |
Steel shipments (000t) | 410 | 433 | 429 | 1,276 | 1,320 |
EBITDA/tonne (USD) | 102 | 150 | 145 | 134 | 230 |
Basic earnings per share (USD) | (0.21) | (0.36) | (0.53) | (0.71) | (0.19) |
Philippe Darmayan, CEO of Aperam, commented:
"As expected, seasonality and low market prices resulted in lower EBITDA in Q3 compared to Q2. However, during the quarter, Aperam made good progress on the Leadership Journey with the completion of several key investment projects.
For the end of the year, we look positively on the recent base price increases and higher import duties in Brazil, but need to remain cautious as a result of the volatile and uncertain market conditions. In the current environment, we continue to remain focused on delivering the Leadership Journey."
Health & Safety results analysis
Health and Safety performance, based on Aperam personnel figures and contractors lost time injury frequency rate2, was 1.3x in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 1.0x in the second quarter of 2012.
Financial results analysis
Sales in the third quarter of 2012 decreased by 11% to USD 1,207 million compared to USD 1,351 million in the second quarter of 2012. Shipments in the third quarter of 2012 decreased by 5% to 410 thousand tonnes compared to 433 thousand tonnes in the second quarter of 2012.
Depreciation and amortization expense in the third quarter of 2012 was USD 71 million.
Aperam had an operating loss in the third quarter of USD 29 million compared to an operating loss of USD 19 million in the previous quarter.
Net interest expense and other financing costs in the third quarter of 2012 were USD 12 million, including financing costs of USD 21 million. Unrealized foreign exchange and derivative gains were USD 8 million in the third quarter of 2012.
The Company recorded a net loss of USD 17 million, inclusive of an income tax benefit of USD 16 million, in the third quarter of 2012.
Cash outflows from operations in the third quarter were USD 50 million, with a working capital increase of USD 96 million. CAPEX in the third quarter was USD 41 million.
As of September 30, 2012, shareholder's equity was USD 3,218 million and net financial debt was USD 987 million (gross financial debt as of September 30, 2012 was USD 1,215 million and cash & cash equivalents were USD 228 million).
Operating segment results analysis
Stainless & Electrical Steel
The Stainless & Electrical Steel segment had sales of USD 930 million in the third quarter of 2012. This represents a decrease of 16% compared to sales of USD 1,108 million in the second quarter of 2012. Shipments during the third quarter were 370 thousand tonnes, including 219 thousand tonnes in Europe and 151 thousand tonnes in South America. This is a decrease of 56 thousand tonnes compared to shipments in the previous quarter of 426 thousand tonnes (263 thousand tonnes in Europe and 163 thousand tonnes in South America).
The segment had EBITDA of USD 14 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to USD 39 million in the second quarter of 2012. EBITDA from South America decreased from USD 33 million in the second quarter of 2012 to USD 26 million in the third quarter of 2012. The decrease in EBITDA in Brazil was primarily driven by lower volumes in the quarter and the impact from some negative pricing movements. EBITDA from Europe decreased from USD 6 million in the second quarter of 2012 to negative USD 12 million in the third quarter of 2012. The decrease in EBITDA in Europe was primarily driven by lower volumes due to traditional seasonality in the third quarter and pricing pressure.
The Stainless & Electrical Steel segment had an operating loss of USD 43 million during the third quarter of 2012 compared to an operating loss of USD 32 million in the second quarter of 2012. Depreciation and amortization expense was USD 57 million in the third quarter of 2012.
Services & Solutions
The Services & Solutions segment had a 6% decrease in sales during the period, from USD 559 million in the second quarter of 2012 to USD 526 million in the third quarter of 2012. In the third quarter of 2012, shipments were 165 thousand tonnes compared to 170 thousand tonnes in the previous quarter. The Services & Solutions segment also had lower average selling prices for the period.
The segment had EBITDA in the third quarter of 2012 of USD 9 million compared to EBITDA of USD 5 million in the second quarter of 2012. In the third quarter, there was a decrease in volumes but additionally, there was a USD 8 million capital gain resulting from the disposal of assets. These asset disposals are related to the key Leadership Journey® project of Campinas.
Depreciation and amortization expense in the third quarter of 2012 was USD 7 million.
The Services & Solutions segment had an operating income of USD 2 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to an operating loss of USD 3 million in the second quarter of 2012.
Alloys & Specialties
The Alloys & Specialties segment had sales in the third quarter of 2012 of USD 139 million, representing a decrease of 19% compared to USD 172 million in the second quarter of 2012. Shipments were lower in the third quarter of 2012 at 8 thousand tonnes compared to 10 thousand tonnes in the second quarter of 2012.
The Alloys & Specialties segment achieved EBITDA of USD 16 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to USD 16 million in the second quarter of 2012. Despite lower volumes, EBITDA was flat in the third quarter compared to the second quarter primarily as a result of the continuing progress made on the Leadership Journey®.
Depreciation and amortization expense in the quarter was USD 1 million.
The Alloys & Specialties segment had operating income of USD 15 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to operating income of USD 14 million in the second quarter of 2012.
New developments
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On September 28, 2012, Aperam entered into a USD 50 million facility secured by Gerdau shares. The two year facility, which will be accounted for as a secured bank loan, was fully drawn on October 3, 2012.
Investor conference call
Aperam management will host a conference call for members of the investment community to discuss the third quarter 2012 financial performance at the following time:
Date | New York | London | Luxembourg |
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 | 1:30 pm | 5:30 pm | 6:30 pm |
The dial-in numbers for the call are: France (+33 (0) 170 99 42 70 and toll free 0805 631 580); USA (+1 212 444 0895 and toll free 1 877 249 9037); and international (+44 (0) 20 7136 2050). The participant access code is: Aperam.
A replay of the conference call will be available until November 6, 2012: France (+33 (0) 174 20 28 00); USA (+1 347 366 9565) and international (+44 (0) 20 3427 0598). The participant access code is 4200721#.
Contacts
Corporate Communications / Jean Lasar: +352 27 36 27 27
Investor Relations / Michael Bennett: +352 27 36 27 36
About Aperam
Aperam is a global player in stainless, electrical and specialty steel, with operations in more than 30 countries. The business is organized in three divisions: Stainless & Electrical Steel, Services & Solutions and Alloys & Specialties.
Aperam has 2.5 million tonnes of flat stainless steel capacity in Brazil and Europe and is a leader in high value added niches - alloys and specialties. Aperam has a highly integrated distribution, processing and services network and a unique capability to produce stainless and specialty from low cost biomass (charcoal). Its industrial network is concentrated in six main plants located in Brazil, Belgium and France. Aperam has about 10,000 employees.
Aperam commits to operate in a responsible way with respect to health, safety and the well-being of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates. It is also committed to the sustainable management of the environment and of finite resources. In 2011, Aperam had revenues of USD 6.3 billion and shipments of 1.75 million tonnes.
For further information, please refer to our website at www.aperam.com
Forward-looking statements
This document may contain forward-looking information and statements about Aperam and its subsidiaries. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "target" or similar expressions. Although Aperam's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and holders of Aperam's securities are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Aperam, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in Aperam's filings with the Luxembourg Stock Market Authority for the Financial Markets (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier). For more information about these risks and uncertainties, the reader is encouraged to refer to page 5 of Aperam's interim financial report for the half year ended June 30, 2012 filed on July 31, 2012. Aperam undertakes no obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
APERAM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(in million of U.S. dollars) | September 30, 2012 | June 30, 2012 | September 30, 2011 |
Non current assets | 3,954 | 3,936 | 4,258 |
Intangible assets | 854 | 850 | 940 |
Property, plant and equipments | 2,621 | 2,619 | 2,885 |
Investments & Other | 479 | 467 | 433 |
Current assets & working capital | 1,205 | 1,090 | 1,558 |
Inventories, trade receivables & trade payables | 831 | 728 | 1,088 |
Other assets | 146 | 127 | 168 |
Cash & cash equivalents | 228 | 235 | 302 |
Shareholders' equity | 3,218 | 3,176 | 3,580 |
Group share | 3,214 | 3,170 | 3,576 |
Non-controlling interests | 4 | 6 | 4 |
Non current liabilities | 954 | 971 | 1,038 |
Interest bearing liabilities | 559 | 578 | 594 |
Deferred employee benefits | 171 | 168 | 179 |
Provisions and other | 224 | 225 | 265 |
Current liabilities (excluding trade payables) | 987 | 879 | 1,198 |
Interest bearing liabilities | 656 | 539 | 746 |
Other | 331 | 340 | 452 |
APERAM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in million of U.S. dollars) | Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||
September 30, 2012 | June 30, 2012 | September 30, 2011 | September 30, 2012 | September 30, 2011 | ||
Sales | 1,207 | 1,351 | 1,520 | 3,967 | 4,909 | |
EBITDA | 42 | 65 | 62 | 171 | 303 | |
Depreciation & impairment | 71 | 84 | 82 | 232 | 229 | |
Operating (loss) / income | (29) | (19) | (20) | (61) | 74 | |
Income from other investments | - | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | |
Net interest expense and other net financing costs | (12) | (20) | (24) | (45) | (97) | |
Unrealized foreign exchange and derivative gains / (losses) | 8 | (9) | (32) | - | (32) | |
Loss before taxes | (33) | (47) | (76) | (105) | (54) | |
Income tax benefit | 16 | 19 | 35 | 49 | 40 | |
Net loss | (17) | (28) | (41) | (56) | (14) |
APERAM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in million of U.S. dollars) | Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||
September 30, 2012 | June 30, 2012 | September 30, 2011 | September 30, 2012 | September 30, 2011 | ||
Net loss | (17) | (28) | (41) | (56) | (14) | |
Depreciation and impairment | 71 | 84 | 82 | 232 | 229 | |
Change in working capital | (96) | 12 | 58 | (57) | (219) | |
Other | (8) | (40) | 21 | (62) | (34) | |
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | (50) | 28 | 120 | 57 | (38) | |
Purchase of property, plant and equipments (CAPEX) | (41) | (43) | (48) | (124) | (107) | |
Loans under cash pooling arrangements | - | - | - | - | 647 | |
Other investing activities (net) | 7 | (1) | 9 | 3 | 7 | |
Net Cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (34) | (44) | (39) | (121) | 547 | |
Proceeds (payments) from payable to banks and long term debt | 92 | 106 | (12) | 93 | 267 | |
Borrowings (repayments) under cash pooling arrangements (net) | - | - | - | - | (540) | |
Dividends paid | (17) | (14) | (14) | (46) | (44) | |
Other financing activities (net) | 1 | (2) | (2) | (2) | (4) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 76 | 90 | (28) | 45 | (321) | |
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (8) | 74 | 53 | (19) | 188 | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 1 | (6) | (17) | - | (6) | |
Change in cash and cash equivalents | (7) | 68 | 36 | (19) | 182 |
Appendix 1a - Health & Safety statistics
Health & Safety Statistics | Three Months Ended | ||
September 30, 2012 | June 30, 2012 | March 31, 2012 | |
Frequency Rate | 1.3 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
Lost time injury frequency rate equals lost time injuries per 1,000,000 worked hours, based on own personnel and contractors
Appendix 1b - Key operational and financial information
Quarter Ended September 30, 2012 | Stainless & Electrical Steel1,2 | Services & Solutions | Alloys & Specialties | Others & Eliminations | Total |
Operational information | |||||
Steel Shipment (000t) | 370 | 165 | 8 | (133) | 410 |
Steel selling price (USD/t) | 2,423 | 3,060 | 16,962 | 2,830 | |
Financial information | |||||
Sales (USDm) | 930 | 526 | 139 | (388) | 1,207 |
EBITDA (USDm) | 14 | 9 | 16 | 3 | 42 |
Depreciation & Impairment (USDm) | 57 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 71 |
Operating (loss) / income (USDm) | (43) | 2 | 15 | (3) | (29) |
Note 1: Stainless & Electrical Steel shipments of 370kt of which 151kt were from South America and 219kt were from Europe | |||||
Note 2: Stainless & Electrical Steel EBITDA of USD 14m of which USD 26m were from South America and USD (12)m were from Europe |
Quarter Ended June 30, 2012 | Stainless & Electrical Steel1,2 | Services & Solutions | Alloys & Specialties | Others & Eliminations | Total |
Operational information | |||||
Steel Shipment (000t) | 426 | 170 | 10 | (173) | 433 |
Steel selling price (USD/t) | 2,501 | 3,140 | 17,295 | 2,993 | |
Financial information | |||||
Sales (USDm) | 1,108 | 559 | 172 | (488) | 1,351 |
EBITDA (USDm) | 39 | 5 | 16 | 5 | 65 |
Depreciation & Impairment (USDm) | 71 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 84 |
Operating (loss) / income (USDm) | (32) | (3) | 14 | 2 | (19) |
Note 1: Stainless & Electrical Steel shipments of 426kt of which 163kt were from South America and 263kt were from Europe | |||||
Note 2: Stainless & Electrical Steel EBITDA of USD 39m of which USD 33m were from South America and USD 6m were from Europe |
[1] The financial information in this press release and Appendix 1 has been prepared in accordance with the measurement and recognition criteria of International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted in the European Union. While the interim financial information included in this announcement has been prepared in accordance with IFRS applicable to interim periods, this announcement does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as defined in International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting". Unless otherwise noted the numbers and information in the press release have not been audited. The financial information and certain other information presented in a number of tables in this press release have been rounded to the nearest whole number or the nearest decimal. Therefore, the sum of the numbers in a column may not conform exactly to the total figure given for that column. In addition, certain percentages presented in the tables in this press release reflect calculations based upon the underlying information prior to rounding and, accordingly, may not conform exactly to the percentages that would be derived if the relevant calculations were based upon the rounded numbers.
[2] Lost time injury frequency rate equals lost time injuries per 1,000,000 worked hours, based on own personnel and contractors.
[3] EBITDA is defined as operating income plus depreciation and impairment expenses.
[4] The Leadership Journey® is an initiative launched on December 16, 2010, and subsequently accelerated and increased, to target management gains and profit enhancement of USD 350 million by 2013.
[5] Subject to eligible collateral available