Algoma Steel Group Announces Approval of Normal Course Issuer Bid

Rhea-AI Summary

Algoma Steel Group Inc. announced a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) for up to 7,397,889 of its common shares, representing approximately 5% of its outstanding shares. The NCIB, effective from March 3, 2022, allows Algoma to repurchase shares as market conditions permit, to reflect their value better. Purchases will occur through TSX and NASDAQ, with shares canceled post-acquisition. An automatic repurchase plan has been set up to facilitate purchases during regulatory restrictions.

Positive

• The NCIB allows Algoma to enhance shareholder value by repurchasing 5% of its shares.
• The company has implemented an automatic repurchase plan to ensure compliance with trading restrictions.

Negative

• None.

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, March 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algoma Steel Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTL; TSX: ASTL) (“Algoma” or “the Company”) announced today that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) has approved the Company’s intention to make a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) for a portion of its common shares (“Shares”) as appropriate opportunities arise from time to time. The Company believes that the market price of the Shares may not, from time to time, fully reflect their value and accordingly the purchase of Shares would be in the best interests of the Company and an attractive use of available funds.

Pursuant to the NCIB, the Company may acquire, from time to time, over a period of 12 months starting March 3, 2022 and ending March 2, 2023, up to a maximum of 7,397,889 of its Shares, or approximately 5% of its 147,957,790 issued and outstanding Shares as of February 18, 2022. In accordance with TSX rules, the number of Shares that can be purchased pursuant to the NCIB is subject to a current daily maximum of 16,586 Shares (which is equal to 25% of 66,345 Shares, being the average daily trading volume during the last six calendar months), subject to certain exceptions prescribed by the TSX, including block purchase exceptions. In addition, all purchases under the NCIB will be conducted in accordance with Rule 10b-18 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

The NCIB commences on March 3, 2022 and will terminate on the earlier of March 2, 2023, or such earlier time as the Company completes its purchases pursuant to the NCIB or provides notice of termination. Purchases under the NCIB will be made through the facilities of the TSX, NASDAQ or through alternative Canadian systems and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements at a price per Share equal to the market price at the time of acquisition. All Shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled upon their purchase.

In connection with the NCIB, the Company has entered into an automatic repurchase plan (the "Plan") with its designated broker. The Plan is intended to allow for the purchase of Shares under the NCIB at times when it would ordinarily not be permitted to purchase shares due to regulatory restrictions and customary self-imposed blackout periods. The Plan is also intended to meet the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. The Plan constitutes an "automatic securities purchase plan" for purposes of applicable Canadian securities legislation and has been reviewed by the TSX.

For further details regarding the terms of the NCIB, readers are referred to the press release of the Company issued on February 10, 2022 and available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About Algoma Steel Group Inc.

Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, Algoma is a fully integrated producer of hot and cold rolled steel products including sheet and plate. With a current raw steel production capacity of an estimated 2.8 million tons per year, Algoma’s size and diverse capabilities enable it to deliver responsive, customer-driven product solutions straight from the ladle to direct applications in the automotive, construction, energy, defense, and manufacturing sectors. Algoma is a key supplier of steel products to customers in Canada and Midwest USA and is the only producer of plate steel products in Canada. The Company’s mill is one of the lowest cost producers of hot rolled sheet steel (HRC) in North America owing in part to its state-of-the-art Direct Strip Production Complex (“DSPC”), which is the newest thin slab caster in North America with direct coupling to a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) melt shop.

Algoma has achieved several meaningful improvements over the last several years that are expected to result in enhanced long-term profitability for the business. Algoma has upgraded its DSPC facility and recently installed its No. 2 Ladle Metallurgy Furnace. Additionally, the Company has cost cutting initiatives underway and is in the process of modernizing its plate mill facilities.

Today Algoma is on a transformation journey, investing in its people and processes, optimizing and modernizing to secure a sustainable future. Our customer focus, growing capability and courage to meet the industry’s challenges head-on, position us firmly as your partner in steel.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward looking statements”), including statements regarding Algoma’s strategic objectives. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “pipeline,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document. Readers should also consider the other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Algoma’s public filings, including the registration statement on Form S-1 filed by Algoma with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the prospectus filed with the Ontario Securities Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Algoma assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

For Investor Inquiries, please contact:

Michael Moraca
Treasurer & Investor Relations Officer
Algoma Steel Group Inc.
Phone: 705.945.3300
E-mail: IR@algoma.com

For more information, please contact:

Brenda Stenta
Manager Communications & Branding
Algoma Steel Group Inc.
Phone: +1.705.206.1022
E-mail: brenda.stenta@algoma.com

FAQ

What is the purpose of Algoma Steel's NCIB?

The NCIB aims to enhance shareholder value by repurchasing shares that may not fully reflect their market value.

When does Algoma's normal course issuer bid start and end?

The NCIB starts on March 3, 2022, and ends on March 2, 2023, or when purchases are completed.

How many shares can Algoma buy back under the NCIB?

Algoma can repurchase up to 7,397,889 shares, which is about 5% of the outstanding shares.

Where will Algoma's share repurchases occur?

Repurchases will be made through TSX, NASDAQ, or alternative Canadian systems.

What regulatory compliance is in place for Algoma's NCIB?

All purchases will comply with TSX rules and U.S. securities regulations.