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Largo Reduces Operating Costs by 31% in Q3 2024 Financial Results; Maintains Leading Cost Position in Global Vanadium Sector

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Largo reported Q3 2024 financial results with revenues of $29.9 million ($27.2M from vanadium, $2.7M from ilmenite), down from $44.0M in Q3 2023. The company achieved significant cost reductions, with operating costs decreasing 31% to $29.5M and cash operating costs excluding royalties dropping 43% to $3.12 per pound. V2O5 production increased 42% to 3,072 tonnes, marking the highest quarterly output in seven quarters. Net loss improved 15% to $10.1M. The company maintains a cash balance of $30.5M with debt of $93.7M, and recently secured a vanadium supply agreement worth approximately $23.5M.

Largo ha riportato i risultati finanziari del terzo trimestre 2024 con ricavi di $29,9 milioni ($27,2 milioni da vanadio, $2,7 milioni da ilmenite), in calo rispetto ai $44,0 milioni del terzo trimestre 2023. L'azienda ha raggiunto significative riduzioni dei costi, con i costi operativi che sono diminuiti del 31% a $29,5 milioni e i costi operativi in contante, escluse le royalties, che sono scesi del 43% a $3,12 per libbra. La produzione di V2O5 è aumentata del 42% a 3.072 tonnellate, segnando il miglior output trimestrale degli ultimi sette trimestri. La perdita netta è migliorata del 15% a $10,1 milioni. L'azienda mantiene un saldo di cassa di $30,5 milioni con un debito di $93,7 milioni e ha recentemente assicurato un contratto di fornitura di vanadio del valore di circa $23,5 milioni.

Largo informó los resultados financieros del tercer trimestre de 2024 con ingresos de $29.9 millones ($27.2 millones de vanadio, $2.7 millones de ilmenita), una disminución de $44.0 millones en el tercer trimestre de 2023. La empresa logró reducciones de costos significativas, con los costos operativos que disminuyeron un 31% a $29.5 millones y los costos de operación en efectivo, excluyendo regalías, que bajaron un 43% a $3.12 por libra. La producción de V2O5 aumentó un 42% a 3,072 toneladas, marcando la mayor producción trimestral en siete trimestres. La pérdida neta mejoró un 15% a $10.1 millones. La empresa mantiene un saldo de efectivo de $30.5 millones con una deuda de $93.7 millones y recientemente aseguró un contrato de suministro de vanadio por aproximadamente $23.5 millones.

라고는 2024년 3분기 재무 결과를 보고하며, 수익이 $29.9 백만($27.2M은 바나듐에서, $2.7M은 일메나이트에서 발생)이었고, 이는 2023년 3분기 $44.0 백만에서 감소한 수치입니다. 이 회사는 운영 비용을 31% 줄여 $29.5백만으로 낮추는 등 상당한 비용 절감을 달성했습니다. 로열티를 제외한 현금 운영 비용은 43% 줄어든 $3.12 파운드입니다. V2O5 생산은 42% 증가하여 3,072 톤에 도달했으며, 이는 7분기 만의 최고 분기 생산량 기록입니다. 순손실은 15% 개선되어 $10.1백만입니다. 이 회사는 $30.5백만의 현금 잔고를 유지하고 있으며, $93.7백만의 부채가 있습니다. 최근에는 약 $23.5백만 규모의 바나듐 공급 계약을 확보했습니다.

Largo a rapporté les résultats financiers du troisième trimestre 2024 avec des revenus de 29,9 millions de dollars (27,2 millions de dollars provenant du vanadium, 2,7 millions de dollars provenant de l'ilménite), en baisse par rapport à 44,0 millions de dollars au troisième trimestre 2023. L'entreprise a réalisé des réductions de coûts significatives, avec des coûts d'exploitation diminuant de 31 % à 29,5 millions de dollars et des coûts d'exploitation en espèces, hors redevances, chutant de 43 % à 3,12 dollars la livre. La production de V2O5 a augmenté de 42 % à 3 072 tonnes, marquant la plus haute production trimestrielle depuis sept trimestres. La perte nette s'est améliorée de 15 % à 10,1 millions de dollars. L'entreprise maintient un solde de trésorerie de 30,5 millions de dollars avec une dette de 93,7 millions de dollars et a récemment sécurisé un contrat d'approvisionnement en vanadium d'environ 23,5 millions de dollars.

Largo berichtete über die finanziellen Ergebnisse des dritten Quartals 2024 mit Einnahmen von 29,9 Millionen USD (27,2 Millionen USD aus Vanadium, 2,7 Millionen USD aus Ilmenit), ein Rückgang von 44,0 Millionen USD im dritten Quartal 2023. Das Unternehmen erzielte erhebliche Kostensenkungen, wobei die Betriebskosten um 31 % auf 29,5 Millionen USD sanken und die baren Betriebskosten ohne Lizenzgebühren um 43 % auf 3,12 USD pro Pfund zurückgingen. Die V2O5-Produktion stieg um 42 % auf 3.072 Tonnen und erreichte die höchste Quartalsproduktion seit sieben Quartalen. Der Nettoverlust verbesserte sich um 15 % auf 10,1 Millionen USD. Das Unternehmen hält einen Kassenbestand von 30,5 Millionen USD bei Schulden von 93,7 Millionen USD und sicherte sich kürzlich einen Vanadium-Liefervertrag im Wert von etwa 23,5 Millionen USD.

Positive
  • Operating costs reduced by 31% to $29.5M compared to Q3 2023
  • V2O5 production increased 42% to 3,072 tonnes
  • Cash operating costs per pound decreased 43% to $3.12
  • Net loss improved 15% to $10.1M from $11.9M in Q3 2023
  • Secured $23.5M vanadium supply agreement
Negative
  • Revenue declined 32% to $29.9M from $44.0M in Q3 2023
  • V2O5 sales volumes decreased from 2,385 to 1,961 tonnes
  • Debt increased to $93.7M from $65.0M
  • Average benchmark price of V2O5 decreased 29% to $5.71/lb
  • Continued net loss position of $10.1M in Q3 2024

Insights

The Q3 2024 results present a mixed financial picture with notable operational improvements. The 31% reduction in operating costs to $29.5 million and 43% decrease in cash operating costs to $3.12 per pound demonstrate significant operational efficiency gains. However, revenues declined 32% to $29.9 million due to lower vanadium prices and sales volumes.

The net loss improved by 15% to $10.1 million, but the company's debt position increased to $93.7 million from $65 million year-over-year. The recently announced $23.5 million vanadium supply agreement should provide needed liquidity, though the high debt level remains a concern in the current weak pricing environment.

The vanadium market conditions remain challenging, with European V2O5 benchmark prices down 29% to $5.71 per lb and ferrovanadium prices declining 8% to $25.95 per kg. Despite oversupply issues in Asia and Europe, Vanitec data suggests the supply-demand gap is narrowing, potentially indicating market improvement ahead.

The company's 42% increase in V2O5 production to 3,072 tonnes, marking its highest output in seven quarters, positions it well to capitalize on any market recovery. The significant cost reductions maintain Largo's competitive position in the global vanadium sector.

All amounts expressed are in U.S. dollars, denominated by “$”.

Q3 2024 and Other Highlights

  • Revenues of $29.9 million in Q3 2024 ($27.2 million from vanadium sales and $2.7 million from ilmenite sales) vs. revenues of $44.0 million from vanadium sales in Q3 2023
  • Revenues per lb sold1 of V2O5 equivalent of $6.28 in Q3 2024 vs. $8.34 in Q3 2023; Decline in revenues was largely driven by a lower vanadium price environment and lower vanadium sales volumes
  • Operating costs were $29.5 million in Q3 2024, a 31% reduction compared to $42.6 million in Q3 2023; Cash operating costs excluding royalties1 per pound sold of $3.12 in Q3 2024, a 43% reduction compared to the $5.44 per lb sold in Q3 2023
  • Mining operations adjusted EBITDA1 of $2.4 million in Q3 2024 vs. mining operations adjusted EBITDA1 of $2.7 million in Q3 2023
  • Net loss of $10.1 million (including $3.3 million in non-recurring items) in Q3 2024, a 15% improvement over the net loss of $11.9 million (including $2.5 million in non-recurring items) in Q3 2023; Basic loss per share of $0.16 in Q3 2024 vs. basic loss per share of $0.19 in Q3 2023
  • Cash balance of $30.5 million, net working capital surplus2 of $46.7 million and debt of $93.7 million exiting Q3 2024
  • Production of 3,072 tonnes (6.8 million lbs3) of V2O5 in Q3 2024, a 42% increase over 2,163 tonnes produced in Q3 2023; The Company’s highest quarterly V2O5 production in seven quarters
  • V2O5 equivalent sales of 1,961 tonnes (inclusive of 124 tonnes of purchased material) in Q3 2024 vs. 2,385 tonnes (inclusive of 256 tonnes of purchased material) sold in Q3 2023
  • On October 21, 2024, the Company announced it signed binding documentation for a vanadium supply agreement to unlock approximately $23.5 million through the supply of 2,100 tonnes of the Company’s standard grade V2O5, subject to repurchase option; Reducing vanadium inventories without impacting current, future or long-term contract vanadium sales commitments
  • Ilmenite concentrate 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
  • The Company continues its negotiations regarding the previously announced signing of a non-binding letter of intent by Largo Clean Energy Corp. (“LCE”) with Stryten Energy LLC to establish a 50:50 joint venture in the United States remain ongoing
  • Q3 2024 results conference call: Thursday, November 14 at 10:00 a.m. ET

Vanadium Market Update4

  • The average benchmark price per lb of V2O5 in Europe was $5.71 in Q3 2024, a 29% decrease from the average of $8.03 seen in Q3 2023; The average benchmark price per kg of ferrovanadium in Europe was $25.95 in Q3 2024, an 8% decrease over the average of $28.23 in Q3 2023
  • The vanadium market remains impacted by oversupply in Asia and Europe; however, recent data from Vanitec indicates that the oversupply gap is gradually narrowing, suggesting early signs of improvement in market dynamics

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Largo Inc. ("Largo" or the "Company") (TSX: LGO) (NASDAQ: LGO) today released financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company reported quarterly vanadium pentoxide (“V2O5”) equivalent sales of 1,961 tonnes at a cash operating cost excluding royalties1 of $3.12 per pound, a 43% reduction from the prior year. Operating costs were reduced by 31% compared to Q3 2023, reflecting the Company’s continued focus on cost efficiency and operational improvements.

Largo Reduces Operating Costs by <percent>31%</percent> in Q3 2024 Financial Results; Maintains Leading Cost Position in Global Vanadium Sector (Photo: Business Wire)

Largo Reduces Operating Costs by 31% in Q3 2024 Financial Results; Maintains Leading Cost Position in Global Vanadium Sector (Photo: Business Wire)

Daniel Tellechea, Director and Interim CEO of Largo, commented: Our focus on operational productivity and cost management is driving significant improvements at Largo, with the benefits now materializing in our financial and production results. In Q3 2024, we successfully reduced operating costs by 31% and increased vanadium production by 42%, achieving our highest quarterly output in seven quarters. These efforts are critical as we navigate a weaker vanadium price environment and continue to prudently manage our capital.” He continued: “The recently announced vanadium supply agreement will unlock approximately $23.5 million, providing important liquidity while monetizing excess inventory without affecting our current sales efforts. Combined with our ongoing cost reduction measures, these steps are anticipated to enhance Largo's financial position and support its ability to navigate current market conditions. Additionally, our recent resource update further strengthens our position as a secure and reliable supplier of vanadium and ilmenite to global markets. Moving forward, we remain committed to maintaining our cost discipline and optimizing production to deliver value for our shareholders, even in the current challenging price environment.”

Financial and Operating Results – Highlights

(thousands of U.S. dollars, except as otherwise stated)

Three months ended

Nine months ended

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2023

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2023

Revenues

29,906

43,983

100,652

154,514

Operating costs

(29,538)

(42,580)

(115,624)

(131,540)

Net income (loss)

(10,086)

(11,884)

(37,575)

(19,057)

Basic earnings (loss) per share

(0.16)

(0.19)

(0.59)

(0.30)

Adjusted EBITDA1

(1,155)

(1,578)

(4,413)

12,482

Mining operations adjusted EBITDA1

2,360

2,674

3,510

27,816

Cash (used) provided before working capital items

(2,924)

(4,360)

(15,372)

7,631

Cash operating costs excl. royalties1 ($/lb)

3.12

5.44

5.18

5.25

Adjusted cash operating costs excl. royalties1 ($/lb)

3.08

5.44

4.34

5.25

Cash

30,450

39,572

30,450

39,572

Debt

93,704

65,000

93,704

65,000

Total mined – dry basis (tonnes)

3,815,827

4,178,185

10,276,249

11,373,683

Total ore mined (tonnes)

600,198

447,165

1,773,017

1,279,024

Effective grade5 of ore mined (%)

0.76

0.74

0.66

0.81

V2O5 equivalent produced (tonnes)

3,072

2,163

7,490

6,913

Ilmenite concentrate produced (tonnes)

16,383

-

34,571

-

Q3 2024 Notes

  • The Company reported a net loss of $10.1 million for Q3 2024, 15% below the net loss of $11.9 million for Q3 2023, which is primarily attributable to a 31% decrease in operating costs but partially offset by a 32% decrease in revenues.
  • Operating costs decreased 31% to $29.5 million in Q3 2024 from $42.6 million in Q3 2023, which was primarily driven by a 52% reduction in direct mine and production costs, reflecting an 18% decrease in vanadium sold, as well as the impact of the Company's previously announced cost reduction initiatives, productivity improvements and the impact of vanadium inventory write-downs of $11.4 million realized to date. Further, shared mining and production costs up to the milling process are allocated between vanadium and ilmenite, which reduces the amount recognized in direct mine and production costs.
  • Cash operating costs excluding royalties1 of $3.12 per lb sold in Q3 2024 representing a 43% improvement compared to Q3 2023 ($5.44 per lb) primarily due to the impact of the Company's previously announced initiatives to reduce production costs and improve productivity, including reducing haulage distances, reducing the number of contractors and a comprehensive review of all contracts. The Company expects to see the positive impact of these savings, and others, continue in its financial results going forward.
  • Adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties1 per pound, which excludes the impact of inventory write-downs for produced products of $0.2 million for Q3 2024 (Q3 2023 – $nil), was $3.08 per lb, compared with $5.44 for Q3 2023.
  • Other general and administrative expenses in Q3 2024 ($2.0 million) decreased from Q3 2023 ($3.1 million) by 36%, which is primarily attributable to a focus on reducing costs as well as the reduced activity at LCE.
  • In Q3 2024, the Company repaid its $7.8 million working capital debt facility and received R$50.0 million ($9.2 million) from a new facility. The Company signed an additional inventory financing agreement in Q3 2024 for up to $10.0 million. Under the terms of this facility, which has an ultimate term to June 30, 2026, the Company will use its vanadium finished products inventory to secure draw downs of up to $10.0 million for a maximum period of 90 days. The Company drew down $7.7 million across both of its inventory financing facilities in Q3 2024.
  • Subsequent to Q3 2024, production and sales were 902 tonnes and 658 tonnes of V2O5 equivalent, respectively, in October 2024, with 3,620 tonnes of ilmenite concentrate being produced during this period and 2,058 dry tonnes of ilmenite being sold.
  • The Company will perform its annual kiln shutdown for maintenance activities in Q4 2024, ahead of the initial plan of Q1 2025. The Company will replace the kiln refractory before the start of the rainy season in order to optimize annual output and operational efficiency. The shutdown is planned to occur in late November and early December for between 19 to 22 days. days.

The information provided within this release should be read in conjunction with Largo's unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 and its management's discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 which are available on our website at www.largoinc.com or on the Company’s respective profiles at www.sedarplus.com and www.sec.gov.

About Largo

Largo is a globally recognized vanadium company known for its high-quality VPURETM and VPURE+TM products, sourced from its Maracás Menchen Mine in Brazil. The Company is currently focused on ramping up 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.

Non-GAAP6 Measures

The Company uses certain non-GAAP measures in this press release, which are described in the following section. Non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios are not standardized financial measures under IFRS, the Company's GAAP, and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. These measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Management believes that non-IFRS financial measures, when supplementing measures determined in accordance with IFRS, provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company.

Revenues Per Pound

This press release refers to revenues per pound sold, V2O5 revenues per pound of V2O5 sold, V2O3 revenues per pound of V2O3 sold and FeV revenues per kg of FeV sold, which are non-GAAP financial measures that are used to provide investors with information about a key measure used by management to monitor performance of the Company.

These measures, along with cash operating costs, are considered to be key indicators of the Company’s ability to generate operating earnings and cash flow from its Maracás Menchen Mine and sales activities. These measures differ from measures determined in accordance with IFRS, and are not necessarily indicative of net earnings or cash flow from operating activities as determined under IFRS.

The following table provides a reconciliation of revenues per pound sold, V2O5 revenues per pound of V2O5 sold, V2O3 revenues per pound of V2O3 sold and FeV revenues per kg of FeV sold to revenues and the revenue information presented in note 19 as per the Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30, 2024

September 30, 2023

September 30, 2024

September 30, 2023

Revenues - V2O5 produced1

$

12,884

$

25,268

$

47,175

$

90,352

V2O5 sold - produced (000s lb)

 

2,142

 

3,017

 

7,279

 

9,898

V2O5 revenues per pound of V2O5 sold - produced ($/lb)

$

6.01

$

8.38

$

6.48

$

9.13

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - V2O5 purchased1

$

$

2,066

$

988

$

7,531

V2O5 sold - purchased (000s lb)

 

 

309

 

176

 

1,014

V2O5 revenues per pound of V2O5 sold - purchased ($/lb)

$

$

6.69

$

5.61

$

7.43

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - V2O51

$

12,884

$

27,334

$

48,163

$

97,883

V2O5 sold (000s lb)

 

2,142

 

3,326

 

7,455

 

10,912

V2O5 revenues per pound of V2O5 sold ($/lb)

$

6.01

$

8.22

$

6.46

$

8.97

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - V2O3 produced1

$

958

$

3,734

$

7,896

$

7,575

V2O3 sold - produced (000s lb)

 

89

 

308

 

839

 

619

V2O3 revenues per pound of V2O3 sold - produced ($/lb)

$

10.76

$

12.12

$

9.41

$

12.24

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - V2O3 purchased1

$

$

$

$

1,155

V2O3 sold - purchased (000s lb)

 

 

 

 

88

V2O3 revenues per pound of V2O3 sold - purchased ($/lb)

$

$

$

$

13.13

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - V2O31

$

958

$

3,734

$

7,896

$

8,730

V2O3 sold (000s lb)

 

89

 

308

 

839

 

707

V2O3 revenues per pound of V2O3 sold ($/lb)

$

10.76

$

12.12

$

9.41

$

12.35

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - FeV produced1

$

11,519

$

11,750

$

34,678

$

46,408

FeV sold - produced (000s kg)

 

555

 

444

 

1,636

 

1,591

FeV revenues per kg of FeV sold - produced ($/kg)

$

20.75

$

26.46

$

21.20

$

29.17

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - FeV purchased1

$

1,814

$

1,058

$

4,766

$

1,386

FeV sold - purchased (000s kg)

 

84

 

39

 

222

 

50

FeV revenues per kg of FeV sold - purchased ($/kg)

$

21.60

$

27.13

$

21.47

$

27.72

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - FeV1

$

13,333

$

12,808

$

39,444

$

47,794

FeV sold (000s kg)

 

639

 

483

 

1,858

 

1,641

FeV revenues per kg of FeV sold ($/kg)

$

20.87

$

26.52

$

21.23

$

29.12

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues1

$

27,175

$

43,876

$

95,503

$

154,407

V2O5 equivalent sold (000s lb)

 

4,324

 

5,259

 

14,478

 

17,177

Revenues per pound sold ($/lb)

$

6.28

$

8.34

$

6.60

$

8.99

  1. As per note 19 of the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

Cash Operating Costs Excluding Royalties and Adjusted Cash Operating Costs Excluding Royalties

This press release refers to cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound and adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound, which are non-GAAP ratios based on cash operating costs, cash operating costs excluding royalties and adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties, which are non-GAAP financial measures, in order to provide investors with information about a key measure used by management to monitor performance. This information is used to assess how well the Maracás Menchen Mine is performing compared to its plan and prior periods, and to also to assess its overall effectiveness and efficiency.

Cash operating costs includes mine site operating costs such as mining costs, plant and maintenance costs, sustainability costs, mine and plant administration costs, royalties and sales, general and administrative costs (all for the Mine properties segment), but excludes depreciation and amortization, share-based payments, foreign exchange gains or losses, commissions, reclamation, capital expenditures and exploration and evaluation costs. Operating costs not attributable to the Mine properties segment are also excluded, including conversion costs, product acquisition costs, distribution costs and inventory write-downs.

Cash operating costs excluding royalties is calculated as cash operating costs less royalties. Adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties is calculated as cash operating costs excluding royalties less write-downs of produced products.

Cash operating costs per pound, cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound and adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound are obtained by dividing cash operating costs, cash operating costs excluding royalties and adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties, respectively, by the pounds of vanadium equivalent sold that were produced by the Maracás Menchen Mine.

Cash operating costs, cash operating costs excluding royalties, adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties, cash operating costs per pound, cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound and adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound, along with revenues, are considered to be key indicators of the Company’s ability to generate operating earnings and cash flow from its Maracás Menchen Mine. These measures differ from measures determined in accordance with IFRS, and are not necessarily indicative of net earnings or cash flow from operating activities as determined under IFRS.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash operating costs, cash operating costs excluding royalties, adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties, cash operating costs per pound, cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound and adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound for the Maracás Menchen Mine to operating costs as per the Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30, 2024

September 30, 2023

September 30, 2024

September 30, 2023

Operating costs1

$

29,538

 

$

42,580

 

$

115,624

 

$

131,540

 

Professional, consulting and management fees2

 

463

 

 

747

 

 

1,401

 

 

2,215

 

Other general and administrative expenses3

 

351

 

 

408

 

 

936

 

 

1,032

 

Less: ilmenite costs1

 

(3,579

)

 

 

 

(4,668

)

 

 

Less: iron ore costs1

 

(81

)

 

(145

)

 

(483

)

 

(638

)

Less: conversion costs1

 

(1,982

)

 

(1,413

)

 

(6,023

)

 

(5,551

)

Less: product acquisition costs1

 

(1,537

)

 

(5,449

)

 

(4,897

)

 

(13,380

)

Less: distribution costs1

 

(2,275

)

 

(2,202

)

 

(5,817

)

 

(6,174

)

Less: inventory write-down4

 

(1,002

)

 

(978

)

 

(1,468

)

 

(1,661

)

Less: depreciation and amortization expense1

 

(5,338

)

 

(6,003

)

 

(18,811

)

 

(19,456

)

Cash operating costs

$

14,558

 

$

27,545

 

$

75,794

 

$

87,927

 

Less: royalties1

 

(1,935

)

 

(2,024

)

 

(5,422

)

 

(6,919

)

Cash operating costs excluding royalties

$

12,623

 

$

25,521

 

$

70,372

 

$

81,008

 

Less: vanadium inventory write-down5

 

(166

)

 

 

 

(11,380

)

 

 

Adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties

$

12,457

 

$

25,521

 

$

58,992

 

$

81,008

 

Produced V2O5 sold (000s lb)

 

4,050

 

 

4,693

 

 

13,579

 

 

15,434

 

Cash operating costs per pound ($/lb)

$

3.59

 

$

5.87

 

$

5.58

 

$

5.70

 

Cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound ($/lb)

$

3.12

 

$

5.44

 

$

5.18

 

$

5.25

 

Adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound ($/lb)

$

3.08

 

$

5.44

 

$

4.34

 

$

5.25

 

  1. As per note 20 of the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
  2. As per the Mine properties segment in note 16 of the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
  3. As per the Mine properties segment in note 16 of the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements, less the increase in legal provisions of $1.1 million (for the nine months ended September 30, 2024) as noted in the "other general and administrative expenses" section on page 6 of the Company’s Q3 2024 management’s discussion and analysis.
  4. As per note 5 of the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for ilmenite finished products and warehouse supplies, and including a write-down of vanadium purchased products of $nil and $nil for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 ($nil and $nil in the same prior year periods).
  5. As per note 5 of the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statement for vanadium finished products, excluding amounts in note 4 above for vanadium purchased products.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

This press release refers to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, or "EBITDA", and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures, in order to provide investors with information about key measures used by management to monitor performance. EBITDA is used as an indicator of the Company's ability to generate liquidity by producing operating cash flow to fund working capital needs, service debt obligations, and fund capital expenditures.

Adjusted EBITDA removes the effect of inventory write-downs, impairment charges (including write-downs of vanadium assets), insurance proceeds received, movements in legal provisions, non-recurring employee settlements and other expense adjustments that are considered to be non-recurring for the Company. The Company believes that by excluding these amounts, which are not indicative of the performance of the core business and do not necessarily reflect the underlying operating results for the periods presented, it will assist analysts, investors and other stakeholders of the Company in better understanding the Company's ability to generate liquidity from its core business activities.

EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are intended to provide additional information to analysts, investors and other stakeholders of the Company and do not have any standardized definition under IFRS. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These measures exclude the impact of depreciation, costs of financing activities and taxes, and the effects of changes in operating working capital balances, and therefore are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operating activities as determined under IFRS. Other companies may calculate EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA differently.

The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) as per the Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30,

2024

September 30,

2023

September 30,

2024

September 30,

2023

Net loss

$

(10,086

)

$

(11,884

)

$

(37,575

)

$

(19,057

)

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

 

(1,086

)

 

606

 

 

3,957

 

 

1,006

 

Share-based payments

 

775

 

 

336

 

 

1,183

 

 

(593

)

Finance costs

 

2,483

 

 

3,454

 

 

7,100

 

 

6,861

 

Interest income

 

(255

)

 

(546

)

 

(1,431

)

 

(1,738

)

Income tax expense (recovery)

 

26

 

 

10

 

 

(2,842

)

 

48

 

Deferred income tax (recovery) expense

 

(1,871

)

 

(2,870

)

 

(11,542

)

 

333

 

Depreciation1

 

5,578

 

 

6,808

 

 

20,470

 

 

21,857

 

EBITDA

$

(4,436

)

$

(4,086

)

$

(20,680

)

$

8,717

 

Inventory write-down2

 

1,168

 

 

978

 

 

12,848

 

 

1,661

 

Write-down of vanadium assets

 

982

 

 

1,102

 

 

1,197

 

 

1,327

 

Write-down of mine properties, plant and equipment3

 

973

 

 

 

 

1,092

 

 

 

Movement in legal provisions4

 

158

 

 

428

 

 

1,130

 

 

777

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

(1,155

)

$

(1,578

)

$

(4,413

)

$

12,482

 

Less: Clean Energy Adjusted EBITDA

 

3,428

 

 

3,988

 

 

7,439

 

 

14,658

 

Less: LPV Adjusted EBITDA

 

87

 

 

264

 

 

484

 

 

676

 

Mining Operations Adjusted EBITDA

$

2,360

 

$

2,674

 

$

3,510

 

$

27,816

 

  1. As per the consolidated statements of cash flows in the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
  2. As per note 5 of the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
  3. As per note 6 of the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
  4. As per the "non-recurring items" section on page 7 of the Company’s Q3 2024 management’s discussion and analysis.

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30, 2024

September 30, 2023

September 30, 2024

September 30, 2023

Clean Energy

 

 

 

 

Net loss1

$

(4,436

)

$

(4,594

)

$

(9,599

)

$

(16,486

)

Foreign exchange gain (loss)1

 

1

 

 

9

 

 

18

 

 

31

 

Finance costs1

 

8

 

 

12

 

 

32

 

 

44

 

Depreciation2

 

26

 

 

585

 

 

1,018

 

 

1,753

 

Clean Energy EBITDA

$

(4,401

)

$

(3,988

)

$

(8,531

)

$

(14,658

)

Write-down of mine properties, plant and equipment3

 

973

 

 

 

 

1,092

 

 

 

Clean Energy Adjusted EBITDA

$

(3,428

)

$

(3,988

)

$

(7,439

)

$

(14,658

)

  1. As per note 16 of the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
  2. Included in depreciation amount shown in table above.
  3. As per note 6 of the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Three months ended

Nine months ended

 

September 30, 2024

September 30, 2023

September 30, 2024

September 30, 2023

LPV

 

 

 

 

Net loss1

$

(1,066

)

$

(1,394

)

$

(1,733

)

$

(2,039

)

Foreign exchange gain (loss)1

 

(22

)

 

2

 

 

3

 

 

(52

)

Finance costs1

 

19

 

 

26

 

 

62

 

 

88

 

Interest income1

 

 

 

 

 

(13

)

 

 

LPV EBITDA

$

(1,069

)

$

(1,366

)

$

(1,681

)

$

(2,003

)

Write-down of vanadium assets1

 

982

 

 

1,102

 

 

1,197

 

 

1,327

 

LPV Adjusted EBITDA

$

(87

)

$

(264

)

$

(484

)

$

(676

)

  1. As per note 16 of the Company’s Q3 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
_________________________

1 Cash operating costs excluding royalties, adjusted cash operating costs excluding royalties, revenues per pound per pound sold, adjusted EBITDA and mining operations adjusted EBITDA are reported on a non-GAAP basis. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures” section of this press release.

2 Defined as current assets less current liabilities per the consolidated statements of financial position.

3 Conversion of tonnes to pounds, 1 tonne = 2,204.62 pounds or lbs.

4 Fastmarkets.

5 Effective grade represents the percentage of magnetic material mined multiplied by the percentage of V2O5 in the magnetic concentrate.

6 GAAP – Generally Accepted Accounting Principle.

 

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Alex Guthrie

Director, Investor Relations

+1.416.861.9778

aguthrie@largoinc.com

Source: Largo Inc.

FAQ

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

Largo reported revenues of $29.9 million in Q3 2024, consisting of $27.2 million from vanadium sales and $2.7 million from ilmenite sales.

How much did Largo (LGO) reduce its operating costs in Q3 2024?

Largo reduced its operating costs by 31% to $29.5 million in Q3 2024 compared to $42.6 million in Q3 2023.

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

Largo produced 3,072 tonnes of V2O5 in Q3 2024, a 42% increase from 2,163 tonnes in Q3 2023, marking its highest quarterly production in seven quarters.

What is the value of Largo's (LGO) new vanadium supply agreement?

Largo signed a binding vanadium supply agreement worth approximately $23.5 million for 2,100 tonnes of standard grade V2O5.

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