In This Article:
Release Date: February 27, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
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AMG Critical Materials NV (AMVMF) reported a strong EBITDA of $168 million for the full year 2024, despite low lithium and vanadium prices.
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AMG Technologies delivered an exceptional performance with an adjusted full-year EBITDA of $68 million, more than double that of 2023.
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The company secured a record-breaking $380 million in orders for AMG Engineering in 2024, with an order backlog of $374 million.
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The new vanadium plant in Zanesville, Ohio, and the expansion of the lithium operation in Brazil have been successfully completed, enhancing production capabilities.
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AMG Critical Materials NV (AMVMF) increased its adjusted EBITDA outlook for 2025 from $130 million to $150 million or more, indicating confidence in future performance.
Negative Points
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Lithium and vanadium prices dropped significantly, with lithium prices down 65% and vanadium prices down 23%, impacting revenue.
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Q4 2024 revenues for AMG Lithium decreased by 35% compared to the prior year, primarily due to a 44% decline in lithium market prices.
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Adjusted lithium EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $6 million, down 79% from Q4 2023, reflecting the impact of declining lithium prices.
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AMG Vanadium's revenue for the quarter decreased by 10% compared to Q4 2023, mainly due to lower volumes of ferro vanadium.
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The increase in electricity prices forced AMG Silicon to cease operations in the first quarter of 2025, indicating potential operational challenges.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you quantify the absolute amount of the 45X credit on vanadium's EBITDA in Q4, and specify whether there is a retroactive element in this amount? A: The IRS decided to include raw materials in the calculation of total costs, which is 10% of total costs. We are guiding to assume that $20 million of lower costs is going forward in our numbers. Jackson Dunkel, CFO
Q: Is the increased benefit from the IRS ruling driving part of the guidance uplift from $130 million to $150 million for 2025? A: That was already taken into account in November. We weren't certain of the total quantum, but we knew it would be approximately $20 million. Jackson Dunkel, CFO
Q: Can you clarify your market position in the US market for vanadium? Are you the sole US-based domestic producer? A: Yes, we are the sole producer of ferrovanadium in the United States, which is a net importer. This gives us a very interesting competitive position, and if tariffs occur, they will benefit us. Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, CEO