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Largo Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results; Applauds China’s New Mandatory Steel Rebar Standards with Vanadium Use

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Largo Inc. (TSX: LGO) (NASDAQ: LGO) reported Q2 2024 financial results with revenues of $28.6 million, down from $53.1 million in Q2 2023. The decline was primarily due to lower vanadium prices and reduced sales volumes. The company reported a net loss of $14.5 million, compared to a $6.0 million loss in Q2 2023. Key highlights include:

- V2O5 equivalent production of 2,689 tonnes
- Cash operating costs excluding royalties of $5.97 per lb sold
- Cash balance of $35.8 million and debt of $84.7 million
- Revised 2024 ilmenite concentrate production and sales guidance
- Rescheduled annual kiln maintenance to November 2024

The company applauded China's new mandatory steel rebar standards, which are expected to increase vanadium demand in the steel sector. Largo remains focused on returning to profitability through cost reduction initiatives and operational efficiency improvements.

Largo Inc. (TSX: LGO) (NASDAQ: LGO) ha riportato i risultati finanziari del Q2 2024 con ricavi di 28,6 milioni di dollari, in calo rispetto ai 53,1 milioni di dollari del Q2 2023. Il declino è stato principalmente causato da prezzi più bassi del vanadio e volumi di vendita ridotti. L'azienda ha registrato una perdita netta di 14,5 milioni di dollari, rispetto a una perdita di 6,0 milioni di dollari nel Q2 2023. I principali punti salienti includono:

- Produzione equivalente di V2O5 di 2.689 tonnellate
- Costi operativi in contante, esclusi i diritti, di 5,97 dollari per libbra venduta
- Liquidità di 35,8 milioni di dollari e debito di 84,7 milioni di dollari
- Aggiornamento delle previsioni di produzione e vendita di concentrati di ilmenite per il 2024
- Manutenzione annuale del forno riprogrammata per novembre 2024

L'azienda ha accolto con favore i nuovi standard obbligatori per le barre d'acciaio in Cina, che si prevede aumenteranno la domanda di vanadio nel settore dell'acciaio. Largo rimane concentrata sul ritorno alla redditività attraverso iniziative di riduzione dei costi e miglioramenti dell'efficienza operativa.

Largo Inc. (TSX: LGO) (NASDAQ: LGO) reportó los resultados financieros del Q2 2024 con ingresos de 28,6 millones de dólares, una disminución desde los 53,1 millones de dólares en el Q2 2023. La disminución se debió principalmente a precios más bajos del vanadio y reducciones en los volúmenes de venta. La compañía reportó una pérdida neta de 14,5 millones de dólares, en comparación con una pérdida de 6,0 millones de dólares en el Q2 2023. Los aspectos destacados incluyen:

- Producción equivalente de V2O5 de 2.689 toneladas
- Costos operativos en efectivo, excluyendo regalías, de 5,97 dólares por libra vendida
- Saldo de efectivo de 35,8 millones de dólares y deuda de 84,7 millones de dólares
- Orientación de producción y ventas de concentrados de ilmenita revisada para 2024
- Mantenimiento anual del horno reprogramado para noviembre de 2024

La compañía aplaudió los nuevos estándares obligatorios de varillas de acero en China, que se espera aumenten la demanda de vanadio en el sector del acero. Largo sigue enfocada en regresar a la rentabilidad a través de iniciativas de reducción de costos y mejoras en la eficiencia operativa.

Largo Inc. (TSX: LGO) (NASDAQ: LGO)는 2024년 2분기 재무 결과를 발표하며 2860만 달러의 매출을 기록했으며, 이는 2023년 2분기의 5310만 달러에서 감소한 수치입니다. 감소의 주된 원인은 바나듐 가격 하락과 판매량 감소 때문입니다. 회사는 1450만 달러의 순손실을 보고했으며, 이는 2023년 2분기의 600만 달러 손실에 비해 큰 폭으로 증가한 수치입니다. 주요 하이라이트는 다음과 같습니다:

- 2689톤의 V2O5 동등 생산량
- 로열티를 제외한 현금 운영비용이 판매당 5.97달러
- 3580만 달러의 현금 잔고 및 8470만 달러의 부채
- 2024년 일멘라이트 농축물 생산 및 판매 지침 수정
- 연간 가마 유지보수 일정을 2024년 11월로 변경

회사는 중국의 새로운 의무 철강 바형강 기준을 환영했으며, 이는 철강 부문에서 바나듐 수요를 증가시킬 것으로 예상됩니다. Largo는 비용 절감 조치와 운영 효율성 향상을 통해 수익성 회복에 집중하고 있습니다.

Largo Inc. (TSX: LGO) (NASDAQ: LGO) a rapporté les résultats financiers du 2e trimestre 2024 avec des revenus de 28,6 millions de dollars, en baisse par rapport à 53,1 millions de dollars au 2e trimestre 2023. Cette baisse est principalement due à des prix du vanadium plus bas et des volumes de ventes réduits. L'entreprise a enregistré une perte nette de 14,5 millions de dollars, contre une perte de 6,0 millions de dollars au 2e trimestre 2023. Les points clés comprennent :

- Production équivalente de V2O5 de 2.689 tonnes
- Coûts d'exploitation en espèces hors redevances de 5,97 dollars par livre vendue
- Solde de trésorerie de 35,8 millions de dollars et une dette de 84,7 millions de dollars
- Révisions des prévisions de production et de vente de concentrés d'ilménite pour 2024
- Maintenance annuelle des fours reprogrammée pour novembre 2024

L'entreprise a salué les nouvelles normes obligatoires des barres en acier en Chine, qui devraient augmenter la demande de vanadium dans le secteur de l'acier. Largo reste concentrée sur son retour à la rentabilité à travers des initiatives de réduction des coûts et des améliorations de l'efficacité opérationnelle.

Largo Inc. (TSX: LGO) (NASDAQ: LGO) berichtete über die Finanzzahlen für das 2. Quartal 2024 mit Einnahmen von 28,6 Millionen Dollar, ein Rückgang von 53,1 Millionen Dollar im 2. Quartal 2023. Der Rückgang war hauptsächlich auf niedrigere Vanadiumpreise und reduzierte Verkaufsvolumen zurückzuführen. Das Unternehmen meldete einen Nettoverlust von 14,5 Millionen Dollar, verglichen mit einem Verlust von 6,0 Millionen Dollar im 2. Quartal 2023. Zu den wichtigsten Punkten gehören:

- V2O5-äquivalente Produktion von 2.689 Tonnen
- Barbetriebskosten ohne Royalties von 5,97 Dollar pro verkaufter Pfund
- Barguthaben von 35,8 Millionen Dollar und Schulden von 84,7 Millionen Dollar
- Überarbeitete Produktions- und Verkaufsprognose für Ilmenitkonzentrat 2024
- Jährliche Ofenwartung auf November 2024 verschoben

Das Unternehmen begrüßte die neuen obligatorischen Stahlbewehrungsstandards in China, die voraussichtlich die Nachfrage nach Vanadium im Stahlsektor erhöhen werden. Largo bleibt darauf fokussiert, durch Kostenreduzierungsmaßnahmen und Verbesserungen der operativen Effizienz wieder rentabel zu werden.

Positive
  • Implemented cost reduction initiatives, with June 2024 costs 10% lower than forecast
  • Signed inventory financing agreements for up to $20 million to improve liquidity
  • China's new mandatory rebar standard expected to increase future vanadium demand
  • Rescheduled kiln maintenance to mitigate rainy season impact on production
Negative
  • Revenues decreased 46% year-over-year to $28.6 million in Q2 2024
  • Net loss increased to $14.5 million in Q2 2024 from $6.0 million in Q2 2023
  • Cash operating costs excluding royalties increased 15% to $5.97 per lb sold
  • Lower global recovery rates impacting production efficiency and costs
  • Revised downward 2024 ilmenite concentrate production and sales guidance

Largo's Q2 2024 results reveal significant challenges, with revenues dropping 46% year-over-year to $28.6 million. This decline is primarily due to lower vanadium prices and reduced sales volumes. The company reported a net loss of $14.5 million, compared to a $6.0 million loss in Q2 2023.

Key financial metrics:

  • Cash balance: $35.8 million
  • Net working capital surplus: $59.8 million
  • Debt: $84.7 million

The cash operating costs excluding royalties increased to $5.97 per pound sold, up from $5.18 in Q2 2023. This 15% increase is concerning and reflects operational challenges. However, the company has implemented cost-reduction initiatives, which showed a 10% improvement in June 2024.

Largo's financial position remains precarious and the company needs to focus on improving operational efficiency and reducing costs to return to profitability in the current low vanadium price environment.

The vanadium market faces significant headwinds, with the average benchmark price per lb of V2O5 in Europe dropping 30% year-over-year to $5.93 in Q2 2024. This price decline has severely impacted Largo's financial performance.

However, a potential catalyst looms on the horizon. China's new mandatory rebar quality standard (GB1499.2-2024), effective September 25, 2024, could significantly boost vanadium demand in the steel sector. Given that steel accounts for nearly 90% of global vanadium demand and China is the world's largest steel rebar producer (approximately 2.3 million tonnes in 2023), this regulatory change could have far-reaching implications for the vanadium market.

While the short-term impact remains uncertain, this development could potentially stabilize or even increase vanadium prices in the medium to long term, benefiting producers like Largo. Investors should closely monitor the implementation and market response to this new standard.

Largo's operational performance in Q2 2024 shows mixed results. V2O5 equivalent production increased slightly to 2,689 tonnes, up from 2,639 tonnes in Q2 2023. However, sales volumes decreased significantly, with V2O5 equivalent sales of 1,841 tonnes compared to 2,557 tonnes in Q2 2023.

The company faces challenges with its global recovery rates, which dropped to 72.8% in Q2 2024 from 81.9% in Q2 2023. This decline, coupled with lower grades, has negatively impacted production costs and efficiency.

On a positive note, Largo has made progress with its ilmenite concentrate production, producing 8,625 tonnes and selling 12,261 tonnes in Q2 2024. The company has also rescheduled its annual kiln maintenance from Q1 2025 to November 2024 to mitigate the impact of the rainy season.

To improve its operational performance, Largo needs to focus on enhancing recovery rates, optimizing grade management and successfully implementing its cost-reduction initiatives. The effectiveness of these measures will be important for the company's future profitability.

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

Q2 2024 and Other Highlights

  • Revenues of $28.6 million ($26.2 million from vanadium sales and $2.4 million from ilmenite sales) vs. revenues of $53.1 million ($53.1 million from vanadium sales) in Q2 2023
  • Decline in revenues was largely driven by lower vanadium prices and lower vanadium sales volumes; Revenues per lb sold3 of V2O5 equivalent of $6.46 vs. $9.42 in Q2 2023
  • Operating costs of $36.4 million vs. $43.0 million in Q2 2023; Cash operating costs excluding royalties5 per pound sold of $5.97 vs. $5.18 per lb sold in Q2 2023
  • Net loss of $14.5 million (including $8.5 million in non-recurring items) vs. net loss of $6.0 million (including $1.1 million in non-recurring items) in Q2 2023; Basic loss per share of $0.23 vs. basic loss per share of $0.09 in Q2 2023
  • Cash balance of $35.8 million, net working capital1 surplus of $59.8 million and debt of $84.7 million exiting Q2 2024
  • Production of 2,689 tonnes (5.9 million lbs2) of V2O5 vs. 2,639 tonnes in Q2 2023
  • V2O5 equivalent sales of 1,841 tonnes (inclusive of 128 tonnes of purchased material) vs. 2,557 tonnes (inclusive of 289 tonnes of purchased material) sold in Q2 2023
  • The Company produced 8,625 tonnes and sold 12,261 tonnes of ilmenite concentrate in Q2 2024; The significant increase in ilmenite sales over Q1 2024 (513 tonnes) was expected and is primarily due to the catch-up in sales from the previous quarter
  • Kiln maintenance planned for Q1 2025 to be performed in Q4 2024; Revised 2024 ilmenite concentrate production and sales guidance as a result; 2024 vanadium production, sales and cost guidance unchanged
  • The Company’s 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
  • Q2 2024 results conference call: Friday, August 9 at 10:00 a.m. ET 

Vanadium Market Update3

  • The average benchmark price per lb of V2O5 in Europe was $5.93 in Q2 2024, a 30% decrease from the average of $8.46 seen in Q2 2023; The average benchmark price per kg of ferrovanadium in Europe was $26.83 in Q2 2024, a 20% decrease over the average of $33.47 in Q2 2023
  • Vanadium spot demand remained soft in Q2 2024, primarily due to continued adverse conditions in the Chinese and European steel industries
  • The new mandatory Chinese rebar quality standard (GB1499.2-2024) announced on June 25, 2024, will take effect on September 25, 2024, replacing voluntary guidelines in place from 2018; The new standard has the potential to significantly increase vanadium demand in the steel sector

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Largo Inc. ("Largo" or the "Company") (TSX: LGO) (NASDAQ: LGO) today released financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. The Company reported quarterly vanadium pentoxide (“V2O5”) equivalent sales of 1,841 tonnes at a cash operating cost excluding royalties per pound5 sold of $5.97.

Largo Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results; Applauds China’s New Mandatory Steel Rebar Standards with Vanadium Use (Photo: Business Wire)

Largo Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results; Applauds China’s New Mandatory Steel Rebar Standards with Vanadium Use (Photo: Business Wire)

Daniel Tellechea, Director and Interim CEO of Largo, commented: "Despite a challenging quarter marked by persistently lower vanadium prices and reduced sales volumes due to lower production in the previous quarter, Largo remains resilient with a focus on returning to profitability. Revenues of $28.6 million were significantly impacted by these factors, while our operating costs declined primarily due to a 40% drop in direct mine and production costs, which are recognized on a per-pound-sold basis. Our Q2 2024 cash operating costs also reflect significant inventory write-downs for produced products, as we continue to navigate the current lower vanadium price environment. Our ongoing cost reduction initiatives continue with a focus on further streamlining operations and enhancing efficiencies. Additionally, we have rescheduled our Q1 2025 annual kiln maintenance to November 2024 to mitigate the rainy season's impact, ensuring it will not affect our 2024 vanadium production guidance. However, this maintenance will affect our ilmenite concentrate production, and we have accordingly revised our annual ilmenite production and sales guidance.”

He continued: "We are encouraged by the announcement and expected enforcement of China’s new mandatory rebar standard, which we anticipate will lead to increased future vanadium demand in the steel sector. While the short-term impact of the new standard remains difficult to quantify, it is important to note that the steel sector accounts for nearly 90% of global vanadium demand, and China is the largest steel rebar producing country in the world, producing approximately 2.3 million tonnes of rebar in 2023.”

Financial and Operating Results – Highlights

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

Three months ended

Six months ended

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2023

Revenues

28,559

53,110

70,746

110,531

Operating costs

(36,379)

(43,029)

(86,086)

(88,960)

Net income (loss)

(14,483)

(5,966)

(27,489)

(7,173)

Basic earnings (loss) per share

(0.23)

(0.09)

(0.43)

(0.11)

Adjusted EBITDA4

(833)

6,002

(3,258)

13,835

Cash (used) provided before working capital items

(5,180)

3,841

(12,448)

11,991

Cash operating costs excl. royalties5 ($/lb)

5.97

5.18

6.06

5.17

Cash

35,811

63,980

35,811

63,980

Debt

84,727

65,000

84,727

65,000

Total mined – dry basis (tonnes)

3,216,930

3,671,842

6,460,422

7,195,498

Total ore mined (tonnes)

568,588

489,892

1,172,819

831,859

Effective grade6 of ore mined (%)

0.69

0.86

0.61

0.84

V2O5 equivalent produced (tonnes)

2,689

2,639

4,418

4,750

Ilmenite concentrate produced (tonnes)

8,625

-

18,188

-

Q2 2024 Notes

  • The Company reported a net loss of $14.5 million for Q2 2024, compared to a net loss of $6.0 million for Q2 2023, which is primarily attributable to a 46% decline in revenues, driven by reduced sales volumes and lower vanadium prices. The Company’s net loss was partially offset by 15% decrease in operating costs, a 52% decrease in professional, consulting and management fees and a 56% decrease in technology start-up costs.
  • Operating costs decreased to $36.4 million in Q2 2024 from $43.0 million in Q2 2023, which was primarily driven by a 40% reduction in direct mine and production costs, reflecting a 28% decrease in vanadium sold during the quarter. Costs in Q2 2024 were also impacted by the plant shutdown in Q1 2024 and the associated lower global recoveries and higher costs as the plant resumed operations.
  • Cash operating costs excluding royalties5 of $5.97 per lb sold in Q2 2024 increased by 15% over Q2 2023 ($5.18 per lb) primarily due to the reasons noted above for operating costs, particularly the lower global recovery seen in 2024 to date of 70.5% in Q1 2024 (Q1 2023 – 83.0%) and 72.8% in Q2 2024 (Q2 2023 – 81.9%). Additionally, lower grades also impacted the financial performance. Further, inventory write-downs for produced products of $6.7 million for Q2 2024 (Q2 2023 – $nil) had a significant impact on the cash operating cost5 per pound reported above.
  • The Company has implemented a number of initiatives with the goal of reducing production costs and improving productivity, including reducing haulage distances, reducing the number of contractors and a comprehensive review of all contracts. These initiatives are having an impact, with costs in June 2024 being 10% lower than forecast.
  • Professional, consulting and management fees in Q2 2024 decreased from Q2 2023 by 52% ($3.0 million), which was primarily attributable to the Company's focus on reducing costs, as well as reduced headcounts and reduced activity at LCE as a result of the initiation of its strategic review process. Technology start-up costs in Q2 2024 also decreased from Q2 2023 by 56% ($0.9 million), which is primarily attributable to a decrease in activities at LCE in 2024 as the installation of its battery project nears conclusion.
  • In Q2 2024, the Company signed an inventory financing agreement for up to $10.0 million. Under the terms of this facility, which has an ultimate term of 16 months, the Company will use its vanadium finished products inventory to secure drawdowns of up to $10.0 million for a maximum period of 100 days.
  • Subsequent to Q2 2024, production and sales in were 1,002 tonnes and 697 tonnes of V2O5 equivalent, respectively, in July 2024, with 4,058 tonnes of ilmenite concentrate being produced during this period and 406 dry tonnes of ilmenite being sold.
  • In July 2024, the Company signed an additional inventory financing agreement for up to $10.0 million. Under the terms of this facility, which has an ultimate term of 15 months, the Company will use its vanadium finished products inventory to secure drawdowns of up to $10.0 million for a maximum period of 90 days.

Annual Kiln Maintenance Rescheduled

The Company has rescheduled its annual kiln maintenance, originally planned for Q1 2025, to November 2024. This proactive measure aims to mitigate potential disruptions caused by the anticipated rainy season at the Maracás mine site, which typically occurs in December and January. This maintenance period is anticipated to last between 15 to 25 days and is not expected to affect the Company's annual 2024 production guidance of 9,000 to 11,000 tonnes of V2O5 equivalent. During the maintenance, the Company intends to build its magnetic concentrate stockpile for future production. Additionally, the Company is reviewing and optimizing the quality of its ilmenite concentrate to achieve greater revenues for this product in the future. Ilmenite concentrate production and sales will be impacted during this period and consequently, the Company has revised its annual ilmenite concentrate production and sales guidance, as detailed in the table below.

Revised 2024 Ilmenite Concentrate Production and Sales Guidance

Tonnes

Q3

Q4

2024

 

Low

High

Low

High

Low

High

Production

10,000

15,000

12,000

17,000

40,000

50,000

Sales

5,000

15,000

10,000

15,000

27,000

42,000

The information provided within this release should be read in conjunction with Largo's unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 and its management's discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for the three and six months ended June 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-GAAP7 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.

Revenues Per Pound

The Company’s MD&A 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 Q2 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Three months ended

Six months ended

 

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2023

Revenues - V2O5 produced1

$

12,733

$

30,558

$

34,291

$

65,084

V2O5 sold - produced (000s lb)

 

2,024

 

3,083

 

5,137

 

6,881

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

$

6.29

$

9.91

$

6.68

$

9.46

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - V2O5 purchased1

$

$

2,937

$

988

$

5,465

V2O5 sold - purchased (000s lb)

 

 

396

 

176

 

705

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

$

$

7.42

$

5.61

$

7.75

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - V2O51

$

12,733

$

33,495

$

35,279

$

70,549

V2O5 sold (000s lb)

 

2,024

 

3,479

 

5,313

 

7,586

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

$

6.29

$

9.63

$

6.64

$

9.30

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - V2O3 produced1

$

735

$

2,358

$

6,938

$

3,841

V2O3 sold - produced (000s lb)

 

82

 

177

 

750

 

311

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

$

8.96

$

13.32

$

9.25

$

12.35

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - V2O3 purchased1

$

$

$

$

1,155

V2O3 sold - purchased (000s lb)

 

 

 

 

88

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

$

$

$

$

13.13

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - V2O31

$

735

$

2,358

$

6,938

$

4,996

V2O3 sold (000s lb)

 

82

 

177

 

750

 

399

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

$

8.96

$

13.32

$

9.25

$

12.52

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - FeV produced1

$

10,910

$

17,230

$

23,159

$

34,658

FeV sold - produced (000s kg)

 

512

 

579

 

1,081

 

1,147

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

$

21.31

$

29.76

$

21.42

$

30.22

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - FeV purchased1

$

1,832

$

27

$

2,952

$

328

FeV sold - purchased (000s kg)

 

87

 

1

 

138

 

11

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

$

21.06

$

27.00

$

21.39

$

29.82

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues - FeV1

$

12,742

$

17,256

$

26,111

$

34,986

FeV sold (000s kg)

 

599

 

580

 

1,219

 

1,158

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

$

21.27

$

29.75

$

21.42

$

30.21

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues1

$

26,210

$

53,110

$

68,328

$

110,531

V2O5 equivalent sold (000s lb)

 

4,058

 

5,637

 

10,154

 

11,918

Revenues per pound sold ($/lb)

$

6.46

$

9.42

$

6.73

$

9.27

1. As per note 19 of the Company’s Q2 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

Cash Operating Costs Per Pound

The Company’s MD&A refers to cash operating costs per pound and cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound, which are non-GAAP ratios based on cash operating costs and 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.

Cash operating costs per pound and cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound are obtained by dividing cash operating costs and 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, cash operating costs per pound and 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 and cash operating costs excluding royalties, cash operating costs per pound and cash operating costs excluding royalties per pound for the Maracás Menchen Mine to operating costs as per the Q2 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

 

Three months ended

Six months ended

 

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2023

Operating costsi

$

36,379

 

$

43,029

 

$

86,086

 

$

88,960

 

Professional, consulting and management feesii

 

476

 

 

624

 

 

938

 

 

1,468

 

Other general and administrative expensesiii

 

306

 

 

315

 

 

585

 

 

624

 

Less: ilmenite costsi

 

(1,042

)

 

 

 

(1,089

)

 

 

Less: iron ore costsi

 

(402

)

 

(220

)

 

(402

)

 

(493

)

Less: conversion costsi

 

(2,018

)

 

(2,220

)

 

(4,041

)

 

(4,138

)

Less: product acquisition costsi

 

(1,310

)

 

(3,753

)

 

(3,360

)

 

(7,931

)

Less: distribution costsi

 

(1,724

)

 

(2,525

)

 

(3,542

)

 

(3,972

)

Less: inventory write-downiv

 

(912

)

 

(683

)

 

(466

)

 

(683

)

Less: depreciation and amortization expensei

 

(5,396

)

 

(6,202

)

 

(13,473

)

 

(13,453

)

Cash operating costs

 

24,357

 

 

28,365

 

 

61,236

 

 

60,382

 

Less: royaltiesi

 

(1,814

)

 

(2,450

)

 

(3,487

)

 

(4,895

)

Cash operating costs excluding royalties

 

22,543

 

 

25,915

 

 

57,749

 

 

55,487

 

Produced V2O5 sold (000s lb)

 

3,776

 

 

5,000

 

 

9,529

 

 

10,741

 

Cash operating costs per pound ($/lb)

$

6.45

 

$

5.67

 

$

6.43

 

$

5.62

 

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

$

5.97

 

$

5.18

 

$

6.06

 

$

5.17

 

  1. As per note 19 of the Company’s Q2 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
  2. As per the Mine properties segment in note 16 of the Company’s Q2 2024 unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
  3. As per the Mine properties segment in note 16 less the increase in legal provisions of $1.0 million (for the six months ended June 30, 2024) as noted in the "other general and administrative expenses" of the Company’s Q2 2024 management’s discussion and analysis.
  4. As per note 5 for ilmenite finished products and warehouse supplies, and including a write-down of vanadium purchased products of $nil.

_________________________________________________________________

1 Defined as current assets less current liabilities per the consolidated statements of financial position
2 Conversion of tonnes to pounds, 1 tonne = 2,204.62 pounds or lbs.
3 Fastmarkets Metal Bulletin.
4 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure with no standard meaning under IFRS, and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures” section of this press release.
5 The cash operating costs excluding royalties and revenues per pound per pound sold are reported on a non-GAAP basis. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures” section of this press release. Revenues per pound sold are calculated based on the quantity of V2O5 sold during the stated period.
6 Effective grade represents the percentage of magnetic material mined multiplied by the percentage of V2O5 in the magnetic concentrate
7 GAAP – Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Alex Guthrie

Director, Investor Relations

+1.416.861.9778

aguthrie@largoinc.com

Source: Largo Inc.

FAQ

What were Largo's (LGO) Q2 2024 revenue and net loss?

Largo (LGO) reported revenues of $28.6 million and a net loss of $14.5 million for Q2 2024.

How much V2O5 equivalent did Largo (LGO) produce in Q2 2024?

Largo (LGO) produced 2,689 tonnes of V2O5 equivalent in Q2 2024.

What is Largo's (LGO) cash balance and debt as of Q2 2024?

Largo (LGO) reported a cash balance of $35.8 million and debt of $84.7 million at the end of Q2 2024.

How will China's new steel rebar standards affect Largo (LGO)?

China's new mandatory steel rebar standards are expected to increase vanadium demand in the steel sector, potentially benefiting Largo (LGO) as a vanadium producer.

When did Largo (LGO) reschedule its annual kiln maintenance?

Largo (LGO) rescheduled its annual kiln maintenance from Q1 2025 to November 2024 to mitigate potential disruptions from the rainy season.

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