Largo Increases Quarterly V2O5 Production by 42% with 3,072 Tonnes Produced in Q3 2024; Signs Binding Term Sheet to Supply 2,100 Tonnes of V2O5 for Consideration of $23.5 Million, Leveraging Vanadium Inventories and Optimizing Sales

Rhea-AI Summary

Largo reports strong Q3 2024 performance with V2O5 production of 3,072 tonnes, a 42% increase from Q3 2023. Highlights include:

• Highest quarterly production in seven quarters
• Global V2O5 recovery rate of 81.1%, up 6% from Q3 2023
• Ilmenite production up 90% to 16,383 tonnes
• Ilmenite sales increased 60% to 19,572 tonnes

Largo signed a binding agreement to supply 2,100 tonnes of V2O5 for $23.5 million, optimizing inventory. The average V2O5 benchmark price decreased 4% to $5.71/lb in Q3. Despite lower spot market demand affecting sales, Largo maintains its 2024 guidance and focuses on operational efficiency and sales strategy optimization.

Positive

• V2O5 production increased 42% year-over-year to 3,072 tonnes
• Global V2O5 recovery rate improved to 81.1%, up 6% from Q3 2023
• Ilmenite production grew 90% quarter-over-quarter to 16,383 tonnes
• Signed agreement to supply 2,100 tonnes of V2O5 for $23.5 million, improving liquidity
• Maintained 2024 production, sales, cost, and capital expenditures guidance

Negative

• V2O5 equivalent sales decreased 18% year-over-year to 1,961 tonnes
• Average V2O5 benchmark price declined 4% quarter-over-quarter and 29% year-over-year
• Lower spot market demand impacted vanadium sales
• Oversupply of vanadium in Asia and Europe affecting market conditions

Insights

Financial Analyst

The Q3 2024 results for Largo show significant operational improvements, particularly in V2O5 production and ilmenite concentrate output. The 42% increase in V2O5 production to 3,072 tonnes and the 90% increase in ilmenite production to 16,383 tonnes demonstrate enhanced operational efficiency. However, these positive operational metrics are offset by challenging market conditions.

The binding agreement to supply 2,100 tonnes of V2O5 for $23.5 million is a strategic move to monetize inventory and improve liquidity. This deal provides immediate cash flow but includes a potential repurchase obligation at a fixed price, which could impact future profitability depending on market conditions.

The 29% year-over-year decrease in the average benchmark price of V2O5 to $5.71 per lb in Europe reflects ongoing market pressures. This price weakness, combined with the 18% decrease in V2O5 equivalent sales, suggests potential revenue challenges despite improved production.

Overall, while operational metrics are improving, the company faces headwinds from market oversupply and weak demand, particularly in the Chinese and European steel industries. The focus on inventory management and strategic sales agreements may help navigate the current market conditions, but profitability could remain under pressure in the near term.

Market Research Analyst

The vanadium market is showing signs of oversupply, particularly in Asia and Europe, which is putting downward pressure on prices. The 29% year-over-year decline in V2O5 benchmark prices is a significant concern for Largo's revenue potential. However, the report from Vanitec suggesting a gradually narrowing oversupply gap could indicate potential price stabilization in the future.

Largo's strategic pivot to increase ilmenite production and sales is noteworthy. The 90% quarter-over-quarter increase in ilmenite production and 60% increase in sales demonstrate the company's ability to diversify its product mix in response to market conditions. This diversification could help offset some of the challenges in the vanadium market.

The vanadium supply agreement, while providing immediate liquidity, also introduces a potential future obligation. The fixed repurchase price of up to $7.00 per lb V2O5 could be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on future market prices, adding an element of financial uncertainty.

Largo's ability to maintain its 2024 guidance despite market challenges suggests operational resilience. However, investors should closely monitor the company's performance in Q4 2024, considering the planned kiln maintenance and its potential impact on production and costs.

Q3 2024 and Other Highlights

• V₂O₅ production of 3,072 tonnes (6.8 million lbs¹) in Q3 2024, a 42% increase over the 2,163 tonnes produced in Q3 2023 and the highest quarterly production in seven quarters
• V₂O₅ production of 1,002 tonnes in July, 973 tonnes in August and 1,097 tonnes in September, with September production representing the highest monthly production in two years
• Global V₂O₅ recovery rate³ of 81.1% in Q3 2024 vs. 76.9% in Q3 2023, a 6% increase
• Ramp up of the Company’s ilmenite concentration plant continues with production of 16,383 tonnes in Q3 2024, a 90% increase over the 8,625 tonnes produced in Q2 2024
• Ilmenite concentrate sales of 19,572 tonnes in Q3 2024, a 60% increase over the 12,261 tonnes sold in Q2 2024
• V₂O₅ equivalent sales of 1,961 tonnes in Q3 2024 vs. 2,385 tonnes sold in Q3 2023
• Vanadium supply agreement unlocks approximately $23.5 million through the supply of 2,100 tonnes of the Company’s standard grade V₂O₅, subject to repurchase option; Reduces vanadium inventories without impacting current, future or long-term contract vanadium sales commitments
• The average benchmark price per lb of V₂O₅ in Europe was $5.71 in Q3 2024, a 4% decrease from the average of $5.93 in Q2 2024 and 29% below the average of $8.03 seen in Q3 2023; Largely driven by an oversupply of vanadium in Asia and Europe; According to recent data from leading vanadium organization Vanitec, the oversupply gap is now gradually narrowing
• 2024 production, sales, cost and capital expenditures guidance remain unchanged

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Largo Inc. ("Largo" or the "Company") (TSX: LGO) (NASDAQ: LGO) today reports its strongest quarterly production in seven quarters with 3,072 tonnes (6.8 million lbs¹) of vanadium pentoxide ("V₂O₅") equivalent in Q3 2024. Ilmenite production increased 90% over Q2 2024 to 16,383 tonnes, with sales of 19,572 tonnes, representing a 60% increase over the same prior comparative quarter. While vanadium sales totaled 1,961 tonnes, the Company continues to optimize its global sales strategy, including a reduction of excess vanadium inventories while leveraging the expertise of its seasoned commercial team to unlock emerging opportunities in the vanadium and titanium sectors.

Largo Increases Quarterly V2O5 Production by 42% with 3,072 Tonnes Produced in Q3 2024; Signs Binding Term Sheet to Supply 2,100 Tonnes of V2O5 for Consideration of $23.5 Million, Leveraging Vanadium Inventories and Optimizing Sales (Photo: Business Wire)

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has signed binding documentation with the Commodities business of a New York-based asset manager, with over $20 billion in assets under management (the "Buyer"), to supply 2,100 tonnes of standard grade V₂O₅ for consideration of approximately $23.5 million. Largo expects to deliver the material in staggered shipments between October 17, 2024, and March 31, 2025, with funds being received upon each delivery. At the option of the Buyer, who must elect the total volume no later than 90 calendar days prior to September 30, 2027, Largo is obligated to repurchase up to a maximum of 2,100 tonnes of standard grade V₂O₅ at a fixed price not exceeding $7.00 per lb V₂O₅, with delivery required by September 30, 2027.

Daniel Tellechea, Interim CEO and Director of Largo, stated: “Operational efficiencies implemented earlier this year are now bearing fruit, as demonstrated by our highest quarterly vanadium production in seven quarters and a significant ramp-up in ilmenite output. These measures continue to strengthen our production capabilities and improve cost performance as previously disclosed in August, positioning us to further enhance our operational results going forward. Despite challenges with sales due to continued adverse conditions in the Chinese and European steel industries, our focus remains on delivering strong operational performance from the Maracás Menchen Mine to meet our set targets for the year.”

He continued: “The vanadium supply agreement allows Largo to unlock approximately $23.5 million from the supply of 2,100 tonnes of its standard grade V₂O₅, providing the Company with additional liquidity and flexibility in the current vanadium price environment. With our operating team continuing to improve production rates in 2024, we have accumulated additional vanadium inventories that will be used for this transaction, with benefits to be realized once delivery is completed without impacting our current or future sales commitments. These factors are expected to better position us to navigate current market fluctuations while increasing our presence in the global vanadium market.”

Maracás Menchen Mine Operational and Sales Results

	Q3 2024	Q2 2024	Q1 2024	Q3 2023
Total Mined – Dry Basis (tonnes)	3,815,827	3,216,930	3,243,492	4,178,185
Total Ore Mined (tonnes)	600,198	568,588	604,231	447,165
Ore Grade Mined - Effective Grade (%)2	0.76	0.69	0.53	0.74
Concentrate Produced (tonnes)	124,408	115,075	74,986	87,447
Grade of Concentrate (%)	2.94	2.95	2.90	2.94
Global Recovery (%)3	81.1	74.3	70.5	76.9
V2O5 produced (Flake + Powder) (tonnes)	3,072	2,689	1,729	2,163
V2O5 produced (equivalent pounds) 1	6,772,593	5,928,223	3,811,788	4,768,593
Total V2O5 equivalent sold (tonnes)	1,961	1,841	2,765	2,385
Produced V2O5 equivalent sold (tonnes)	1,837	1,713	2,609	2,129
Purchased V2O5 equivalent sold (tonnes)	124	128	156	256
Ilmenite concentrate produced (tonnes)	16,383	8,625	9,563	-
Ilmenite concentrate sold (tonnes)	19,572	12,261	513	-

Q3 2024 and Other Additional Highlights

• Improved V₂O₅ Production in Q2 2024 Following Completion of Q1 2024 Maintenance: V₂O₅ equivalent production from the Maracás Menchen Mine was 3,072 tonnes in Q3 2024, a 42% increase compared to 2,163 tonnes produced in Q3 2023. Production was supported by improved operational efficiencies and higher global recoveries³, which averaged 81.1% in Q3 2024, compared to 76.9% in Q3 2023. The Company mined 600,198 tonnes of ore with an effective V₂O₅ grade² of 0.76% in Q3 2024, representing a 34% increase in ore mined compared to 447,165 tonnes in Q3 2023. Total concentrate produced increased to 124,408 tonnes with an effective grade of 2.94%, compared to 87,447 tonnes produced in the same period last year. The Company remains focused on increasing mined and processed throughput in order to meet its production targets in a lower ore grade scenario, with total ore mined for the quarter reaching 3,815,827 tonnes on a dry basis.
• Reminder: 2^nd Kiln Maintenance to be Conducted in Q4 2024: As previously disclosed, the Company will complete a second kiln maintenance, originally planned for Q1 2025, in Q4 2024, which is expected to result in lower production and higher unit costs during the quarter. This rescheduling is intended to mitigate the operational impacts of the rainy season, particularly during the high-precipitation months of December and January, positioning the Company to begin 2025 on solid footing and meet its annual production targets.
• Q3 2024 Sales Impacted by Lower Spot Market Demand: In Q3 2024, Largo sold 1,961 tonnes of V₂O₅ equivalent (which includes 124 tonnes of purchased material sold), a 18% decrease compared to 2,385 tonnes sold in Q3 2023. The reduction in vanadium sales was driven by lower spot market demand, while the Company is proceeding with efforts to reduce inventories with its vanadium supply agreement. Ilmenite concentrate sales reached 19,572 tonnes in Q3 2024, representing a 60% increase over the 12,261 tonnes sold in Q2 2024. The Company remains focused on optimizing its sales strategy to navigate near-term challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.

About Largo
Largo is a globally recognized vanadium company known for its high-quality VPURE^® and VPURE+^® products, sourced from its Maracás Menchen Mine in Brazil. The Company is currently focused on ramping up production of its ilmenite concentrate plant and is undertaking a strategic evaluation of its U.S.-based clean energy business, including its advanced VCHARGE vanadium battery technology to maximize the value of the organization. Largo's strategic business plan centers on maintaining its position as a leading vanadium supplier with a growth strategy to support a low-carbon future.

Largo’s common shares trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "LGO". For more information on the Company, please visit www.largoinc.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Information:

This press release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Forward‐looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the timing and amount of estimated future production and sales; the future price of commodities; costs of future activities and operations, including, without limitation, the effect of inflation and exchange rates; the effect of unforeseen equipment maintenance or repairs on production; timing of ilmenite production; the ability to produce high purity V2O5 and V2O3 according to customer specifications; the extent of capital and operating expenditures; the ability of the Company to make improvements on its current short-term mine plan; the impact of global delays and related price increases on the Company’s global supply chain and future sales of vanadium products; and the timing of annual kiln maintenance and its impact on production and inventories.

The following are some of the assumptions upon which forward-looking information is based: that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; demand for, and stable or improving price of V2O5 and other vanadium products, ilmenite and titanium dioxide pigment; receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals, permits and renewals in a timely manner; that the Company will not experience any material accident, labour dispute or failure of plant or equipment or other material disruption in the Company’s operations at the Maracás Menchen Mine or relating to Largo Clean Energy, specially in respect of the installation and commissioning of the EGPE project; the availability of financing for operations and development; the availability of funding for future capital expenditures; the ability to replace current funding on terms satisfactory to the Company; the ability to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall; the reliability of production, including, without limitation, access to massive ore, the Company’s ability to procure equipment, services and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; that the estimates of the resources and reserves at the Maracás Menchen Mine are within reasonable bounds of accuracy (including with respect to size, grade and recovery and the operational and price assumptions on which such estimates are based); the accuracy of the Company’s mine plan at the Maracás Menchen Mine, the competitiveness of the Company’s vanadium redox flow battery ("VRFB") technology; the ability to obtain funding through government grants and awards for the Green Energy sector, the accuracy of cost estimates and assumptions on future variations of VCHARGE battery system design, that the Company’s current plans for ilmenite and VRFBs can be achieved; the Company’s “two-pillar” business strategy will be successful; the Company’s ability to protect and develop its technology; the Company’s ability to maintain its IP; the competitiveness of the Company’s product in an evolving market; the Company’s ability to market, sell and deliver VCHARGE batteries on specification and at a competitive price; the Company’s ability to successfully deploy VCHARGE batteries in foreign jurisdictions; the Company’s ability to secure the required resources to build and deploy VCHARGE batteries, and the adoption of VRFB technology generally in the market; the Company’s sales and trading arrangements will not be affected by the evolving sanctions against Russia; and the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled personnel and directors; and the ability of management to execute strategic goals.

Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. All information contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward looking information. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Largo to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to those risks described in the annual information form of Largo and in its public documents filed on www.sedarplus.ca and available on www.sec.gov from time to time. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Although management of Largo has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Largo does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Readers should also review the risks and uncertainties sections of Largo’s annual and interim MD&A which also apply.

Trademarks are owned by Largo Inc.

¹ Conversion of tonnes to pounds, 1 tonne = 2,204.62 pounds or lbs.
² Effective grade represents the percentage of magnetic material mined multiplied by the percentage of V2O5 in the magnetic concentrate.
³ Global recovery is the product of crushing recovery, milling recovery, kiln recovery, leaching recovery and chemical plant recovery.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241021883087/en/

Investor Relations

Alex Guthrie

Director, Investor Relations

+1.416.861.9778

aguthrie@largoinc.com

Source: Largo Inc.

FAQ

What was Largo's (LGO) V2O5 production in Q3 2024?

Largo (LGO) produced 3,072 tonnes of V2O5 in Q3 2024, representing a 42% increase from Q3 2023 and the highest quarterly production in seven quarters.

How much did Largo's (LGO) ilmenite production increase in Q3 2024?

Largo's (LGO) ilmenite production increased by 90% in Q3 2024, reaching 16,383 tonnes compared to 8,625 tonnes in Q2 2024.

What was the value of the V2O5 supply agreement Largo (LGO) signed in Q3 2024?

Largo (LGO) signed a binding agreement to supply 2,100 tonnes of V2O5 for approximately $23.5 million, with delivery expected between October 17, 2024, and March 31, 2025.

How did Largo's (LGO) V2O5 sales perform in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023?

Largo's (LGO) V2O5 equivalent sales decreased by 18% in Q3 2024, totaling 1,961 tonnes compared to 2,385 tonnes sold in Q3 2023, due to lower spot market demand.