6-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of November 2021

Commission File Number 001-40924

 

 

ALGOMA STEEL GROUP INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

N/A

(Translation of Registrant’s name)

105 West Street

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

P6A 7B4, Canada

(705) 945-2351

(Address and telephone number of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F  ☒                     Form 40-F  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  ☐

 

 

 


DOCUMENTS INCLUDED AS PART OF THIS REPORT

 

Exhibit     
99.1    Press Release, dated November 11, 2021, regarding fiscal 2022 second quarter results
99.2    Press Release, dated November 11, 2021, regarding decision to invest in electric arc steelmaking


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    Algoma Steel Group Inc.
Date: November 12, 2021     By:  

/s/ John Naccarato

      Name: John Naccarato
      Title: Vice President Strategy and General Counsel
EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

MEDIA RELEASE

November 11, 2021

Algoma Steel Group Announces Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter Results

Record Second Quarter Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow Driven by Higher Price Realizations and Cost Containment Initiatives

Business Highlights and Fiscal 2022 to Fiscal 2021 Second Quarter Comparisons

 

   

Consolidated revenue of $1.01 billion, up 168% from $377.0 million in the prior year quarter.

 

   

Consolidated income from operations of $402.1 million, compared to loss of $24.7 million in the prior year quarter.

 

   

Net income of $288.2 million, compared to a loss of $60.0 million in the prior year quarter.

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA of $430.6 million and Adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.6%, compared to nil for each in the prior year quarter (See “Non-IFRS Measures” below).

 

   

Cash flows generated from operations of $380.1 million, compared to a use of cash of $55.7 million in the prior year quarter.

 

   

Shipments of 587,340 tons, compared to 516,294 tons in the prior year quarter.

 

   

Announcement of fiscal third quarter 2022 guidance.

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO (November 11, 2021) – Algoma Steel Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTL; TSX: ASTL) (“Algoma” or “the Company”), a leading Canadian producer of hot and cold rolled steel sheet and plate products, today announced results for its fiscal second quarter ended September 30, 2021. Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are in Canadian dollars.

Michael McQuade, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our financial results for the fiscal second quarter demonstrate continued solid execution by our team, generating record revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and cash flows due in part to the combination of higher realized steel prices and ongoing cost containment initiatives. These results contributed to our strong liquidity, which has positioned us to make two additional strategic announcements that we believe will increase value to our shareholders and provide competitive strategic growth.”

Mr. McQuade continued, “Calendar 2021 has been an incredible journey, and we expect that the final three months will be a truly transformative period for Algoma. Following our successful return to the public markets in October, we are excited to have announced today, under a separate release, that our board has authorized our investment in electric arc steelmaking. Additionally, the board has approved a plan to retire all of Algoma’s outstanding senior secured long-term debt. This US$358 million debt reduction will leave us with a stronger balance sheet that we believe enhances our position, both operationally and financially, to make critical investments in our business that we expect will drive sales and create additional long-term value for our stakeholders.”

 

 

Algoma Steel Inc. | 105 West Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada P6A 7B4 | T: 705-945-2351 F: 705-945-2203 | algoma.com

YOUR PARTNER IN STEEL. SINCE 1901

 


Second Quarter Fiscal 2022 Financial Results

Second quarter revenue totaled $1.01 billion, up 168% from $377.0 million in the prior year quarter. As compared with the prior year quarter, steel revenue was $936.5 million, up 179% from $335.3 million.

Income from operations was $402.1 million, compared to a loss from operations of $24.7 million in the prior year quarter. The year over year increase was primarily due to an increase in the selling price of steel, partially offset by an increase in the purchase price of inputs, including iron ore, scrap and alloys.

Net income in the second quarter was $288.2 million, compared to a net loss of $60.0 in the prior year quarter. The improvement was driven primarily by the factors described above under income from operations.

Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter was $430.6 million, compared with nil for the prior year quarter. This resulted in an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.6%. Average realized price of steel net of freight and non-steel revenue was $1,594 per ton, up 146% from $649 per ton in the prior year quarter. Cost per ton of steel products sold was $857, up 37% from $626 in the prior year quarter. Shipments for the second quarter increased by 14% to 587,340 tons, compared to 516,294 tons in the prior year quarter. See “Non-IFRS Measures” below for an explanation of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDA”.

Outlook

The outlook that follows constitutes forward-looking statements (as defined below) and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a number of risks. Actual results could vary materially as a result of numerous factors, including certain risk factors, many of which are beyond our control. Please see “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” below.

In addition to the other assumptions and factors described in this news release, our outlook assumes continued high prices of steel, ongoing inflationary pressures on raw material inputs, labor, and logistics costs, and the absence of material changes in our industry or the global economy. The following statements supersede all prior statements made by us and are based on current expectations.

Based on our current information regarding our operations and end markets, we currently expect the following for the third quarter of fiscal 2022:

 

   

Shipments:                     590 - 610k tons

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA:        At least $450 million

Conference Call and Webcast Details

A webcast and conference call will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time to review the Company’s second quarter results, discuss recent events, and conduct a question-and-answer session.

The live webcast and archived replay of the conference call can be accessed on the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.algoma.com. For those unable to access the webcast, the conference call will be accessible domestically or internationally by dialing 877-425-9470 or 201-389-0878, respectively. Upon dialing in, please request to join the Algoma Steel Second Quarter Conference Call. To access the replay of the call, dial 844-512-2921 (domestic) or 412-317-6671 (international) with passcode 13724855.

 

 

Algoma Steel Inc. | 105 West Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada P6A 7B4 | T: 705-945-2351 F: 705-945-2203 | algoma.com

YOUR PARTNER IN STEEL. SINCE 1901

 

2


Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The Company’s unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended September 30, 2021, and Management’s Discussion & Analysis thereon are available under the Company’s profile on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov and under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward looking statements”), including statements regarding Algoma’s strategic objectives and outlook for the third quarter of fiscal 2022. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “pipeline,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including but not limited to: the risk that the benefits of the recently completed merger may not be realized; the risks that Algoma will be unable to realize its business plans and strategic objectives, including its investment in electric arc steelmaking and the retirement of certain secured long term debt; the risks associated with the steel industry generally; and changes in general economic conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and readers should also consider the other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the prospectus filed by Algoma with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Ontario Securities Commission in connection with the merger. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Algoma assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

To supplement our financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”), we use certain non- IFRS measures to evaluate the performance of Algoma. These terms do not have any standardized meaning prescribed within IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing a further understanding of our financial performance from management’s perspective. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS.

Adjusted EBITDA, as we define it, refers to net (loss) income before amortization of property, plant, equipment and amortization of intangible assets, finance costs, interest on pension and other post-employment benefit obligations, income taxes, restructuring costs, impairment reserve, foreign exchange loss (gain), finance income, carbon tax, share based compensation related to performance share units and business combination adjustments. Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by revenue for the corresponding period. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flow from operations, as defined by

 

 

Algoma Steel Inc. | 105 West Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada P6A 7B4 | T: 705-945-2351 F: 705-945-2203 | algoma.com

YOUR PARTNER IN STEEL. SINCE 1901

 

3


IFRS, and should not be considered as alternatives to net earnings, cash flow from operations, or any other measure of performance prescribed by IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA, as we define and use it, may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA as defined and used by other companies. We consider Adjusted EBITDA to be a meaningful measure to assess our operating performance in addition to IFRS measures. It is included because we believe it can be useful in measuring our operating performance and our ability to expand our business and provide management and investors with additional information for comparison of our operating results across different time periods and to the operating results of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by analysts and our lenders as a measure of our financial performance. In addition, we consider Adjusted EBITDA margin to be a useful measure of our operating performance and profitability across different time periods that enhance the comparability of our results. However, these measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation from, or as alternatives to, net income, cash flow from operations or other data prepared in accordance with IFRS. Because of these limitations, such measures should not be considered as measures of discretionary cash available to invest in business growth or to reduce indebtedness. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our IFRS results using such measures only as supplements to such results. See the financial tables below for a reconciliation of the non- IFRS financial measures reported herein.

About Algoma Steel Group Inc.

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

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

Today Algoma is returning to its roots as a customer-focused, entrepreneurial company with the courage and growing capability to meet the industry’s challenges head-on. It is investing in its people and processes, optimizing and modernizing so that it might continue to be your partner in steel.

Selected Financial Information

The following includes financial information prepared by management in accordance with IFRS. This financial information does not contain all disclosures required by IFRS, and accordingly should be read in conjunction with Algoma Steel Group Inc’s Consolidated Financial Statements and MD&A for the period ended September 30, 2021, which are available on the Company’s website and on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov).

 

 

Algoma Steel Inc. | 105 West Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada P6A 7B4 | T: 705-945-2351 F: 705-945-2203 | algoma.com

YOUR PARTNER IN STEEL. SINCE 1901

 

4


Algoma Steel Group Inc.

Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

(Unaudited)

 

As at,

   September
30, 2021
     March 31,
2021
 
expressed in millions of Canadian dollars              

Assets

     

Current

     

Cash

   $ 366.6      $ 21.2  

Restricted cash

     3.9        3.9  

Accounts receivable, net

     445.7        274.6  

Inventories, net

     486.0        415.3  

Prepaid expenses and deposits

     101.7        74.6  

Margin payments

     58.3        49.4  

Other assets

     4.3        3.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

   $ 1,466.5      $ 842.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current

     

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 710.1      $ 699.9  

Intangible assets, net

     1.5        1.5  

Parent company promissory note receivable

     2.2        2.2  

Other assets

     5.4        7.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

   $ 719.2      $ 711.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,185.7      $ 1,553.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

     

Current

     

Bank indebtedness

   $ —        $ 90.1  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     268.0        163.8  

Taxes payable and accrued taxes

     42.0        27.2  

Current portion of long-term debt

     15.1        13.6  

Current portion of governmental loans

     5.0        —    

Current portion of environmental liabilities

     3.2        4.5  

Derivative financial instruments

     67.2        49.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   $ 400.5      $ 348.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current

     

Long-term debt

   $ 437.2      $ 439.3  

Long-term governmental loans

     85.5        86.4  

Accrued pension liability

     96.1        170.1  

Accrued other post-employment benefit obligation

     305.9        297.8  

Other long-term liabilities

     2.7        2.5  

Environmental liabilities

     36.8        35.4  

Deferred income tax liabilities

     74.6        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

   $ 1,038.8      $ 1,031.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 1,439.3      $ 1,380.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shareholder’s equity

     

Capital stock

   $ 409.5      $ 409.5  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     84.8        9.5  

Retained earnings (deficit)

     242.8        (249.3

Contributed surplus

     9.3        4.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shareholder’s equity

   $ 746.4      $ 173.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

   $ 2,185.7      $ 1,553.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

Algoma Steel Inc. | 105 West Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada P6A 7B4 | T: 705-945-2351 F: 705-945-2203 | algoma.com

YOUR PARTNER IN STEEL. SINCE 1901

 

5


Algoma Steel Group Inc.

Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Net Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months
ended
September 30,
2021
    Six months
ended
September 30,
2021
    Three months
ended
September 30,
2020
    Six months
ended
September 30,
2020
 
expressed in millions of Canadian dollars                         

Revenue

   $ 1,010.2     $ 1,799.3     $ 377.0     $ 726.4  

Operating expenses

        

Cost of sales

   $ 578.7     $ 1,088.9     $ 389.8     $ 729.5  

Administrative and selling expenses

     29.4       56.1       11.9       24.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

   $ 402.1     $ 654.3     ($ 24.7   ($ 27.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income and expenses

        

Finance income

   $ —       $ —       ($ 0.2   ($ 0.8

Finance costs

     14.7       29.8       17.4       36.2  

Interest on pension and other post-employment benefit obligations

     2.9       5.8       4.3       8.6  

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

     (14.0     (4.0     13.8       31.2  

Transaction costs

     6.3       9.2       —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 9.9     $ 40.8     $ 35.3     $ 75.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 392.2     $ 613.5     ($ 60.0   ($ 102.7

Less: income tax expense

     104.0       121.4       —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (loss)

   $ 288.2     $ 492.1     ($ 60.0   ($ 102.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share

        

Basic

   $ 4.02     $ 6.86     ($ 0.84   ($ 1.43

Diluted

   $ 4.02     $ 6.86     ($ 0.84   ($ 1.43

 

 

Algoma Steel Inc. | 105 West Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada P6A 7B4 | T: 705-945-2351 F: 705-945-2203 | algoma.com

YOUR PARTNER IN STEEL. SINCE 1901

 

6


Algoma Steel Group Inc.

Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months
ended
September 30,
2021
    Six months
ended
September 30,
2021
    Three months
ended
September 30,
2020
    Six months
ended
September 30,
2020
 
expressed in millions of Canadian dollars                         

Operating activities

        

Net Income (loss)

   $ 288.2     $ 492.1     ($ 60.0   ($ 102.7

Items not affecting cash:

        

Amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

     22.1       42.8       23.5       42.7  

Deferred income tax expense

     78.3       95.7       —         —    

Pension expense in excess of funding (pension funding in excess of expense)

     4.0       (3.3     (7.7     (15.4

Post-employment benefit funding in excess of expense

     (1.9     (3.5     (2.6     (4.1

Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on:

        

accrued pension liability

     (3.8     (0.8     5.9       14.3  

post-employment benefit obligations

     (8.5     (4.2     6.1       15.4  

Finance costs

     14.7       29.8       17.4       36.2  

Interest on pension and other post-employment benefit obligations

     2.9       5.8       4.3       8.6  

Accretion of governmental loans and environmental liabilities

     3.0       6.0       2.8       5.4  

Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss on government loan facilities

     (2.4     (1.2     1.5       4.2  

Other

     0.3       1.1       1.3       2.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 396.9     $ 660.3     ($ 7.5   $ 7.0  

Net change in non-cash operating working capital

     (15.8     (157.6     (48.0     (82.9

Environmental liabilities paid

     (1.0     (1.5     (0.2     (0.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash generated by (used in) operating activities

   $ 380.1     $ 501.2     ($ 55.7   ($ 76.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

        

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

   ($ 24.9   ($ 44.0   ($ 18.8   ($ 30.8

Acquisition of intangible asset

     (0.2     (0.2     —         —    

Issuance of parent company promissory note receivable

     —         —         (1.1     (1.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used in investing activities

   ($ 25.1   ($ 44.2   ($ 19.9   ($ 31.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities

        

Bank indebtedness repaid, net

   $ —       ($ 86.9   ($ 111.0   ($ 120.0

Repayment of Secured Term Loan

     (0.9     (1.8     (1.0     (2.0

Repayment of Algoma Docks Term Loan Facility

     (2.7     (5.2     (2.2     (4.1

Governmental loans issued, net of benefit

     —         —         1.1       6.2  

Interest paid

     (10.7     (21.4     (1.2     (2.9

Interest cost paid on right-of-use assets

     —         —         (0.2     (0.3

Other

     —         —         (0.2     (0.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used in financing activities

   ($ 14.3   ($ 115.3   ($ 114.7   ($ 123.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

   $ 4.0     $ 3.7     ($ 1.6   ($ 10.6

Cash

        

Change

     344.7       345.4       (191.9     (242.1

Opening balance

     21.9       21.2       214.8       265.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 366.6     $ 366.6     $ 22.9     $ 22.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Algoma Steel Inc. | 105 West Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada P6A 7B4 | T: 705-945-2351 F: 705-945-2203 | algoma.com

YOUR PARTNER IN STEEL. SINCE 1901

 

7


Non-IFRS Financial Measures Results

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:

 

     July 1 to September 30     April to September 30  

millions of dollars

   FY2022     FY 2021     FY 2022     FY 2021  

Net income (loss)

   $ 288.2     ($ 60.0   $ 492.1     ($ 102.7

Amortization of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangible assets

     22.1       23.5       42.8       42.7  

Finance costs

     14.7       17.4       29.8       36.2  

Interest on pension and other post-employment benefit obligations

     2.9       4.3       5.8       8.6  

Income taxes

     104.0       —         121.4       —    

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

     (14.0     13.8       (4.0     31.2  

Finance income

     —         (0.2     —         (0.8

Inventory write-downs (amortization on property, plant and equipment in inventory)

     —         (0.3     —         2.3  

Carbon tax

     (0.5     1.5       (1.1     3.0  

Share based compensation

     6.9       —         15.4       —    

Transaction costs

     6.3       —         9.2       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA (i)

   $ 430.6     $ 0.0     $ 711.4     $ 20.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) Margin

     28.5     -15.9     27.4     -14.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) / ton

   $ 490.62     ($ 116.21   $ 410.99     ($ 110.13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin (ii)

     42.6     0.0     39.5     2.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA / ton

   $ 733.14     $ 0.00     $ 594.12     $ 21.98  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(i)

See “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” in this Press Release for information regarding the limitations of using Adjusted EBITDA.

(ii)

Adjusted EBITDA Margin is Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.

For more information, please contact:

Brenda Stenta

Manager Communications & Branding

Algoma Steel Group Inc.

Phone: +1.705.206.1022

E-mail: brenda.stenta@algoma.com

For Investor inquiries, please contact:

Phone: 705.945.3300

E-mail: IR@algoma.com

 

 

Algoma Steel Inc. | 105 West Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada P6A 7B4 | T: 705-945-2351 F: 705-945-2203 | algoma.com

YOUR PARTNER IN STEEL. SINCE 1901

 

8

EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

 

LOGO

Algoma Steel Announces Final Investment Decision for Electric Arc Steelmaking

November 11, 2021

Positions Algoma for Long-Term Growth as a Leading North American Producer of Green Steel

Dual furnaces to provide more liquid steel to match downstream finishing capacity.

Transformation is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 70%, positioning Algoma for long-term growth in the increasing market for green steel.

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, Nov. 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Algoma Steel Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTL; TSX: ASTL) (“Algoma” or the “Company”), a leading Canadian producer of hot and cold rolled steel sheet and plate products, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the Company to construct two new state-of-the-art electric-arc-furnaces (EAF) to replace its existing blast furnace and basic oxygen steelmaking operations. The transformation is expected to reduce Algoma’s carbon emissions by approximately 70%.

Following the transformation to EAF steelmaking, Algoma’s facility is anticipated to have an annual raw steel production capacity of approximately 3.7 million tons, matched to Algoma’s downstream finishing capacity, and is also anticipated to include new vacuum degassing capability to expand Algoma’s offering of steel plate grades.

“We believe that today’s strategic decision to transition Algoma to electric arc steelmaking represents a win for all of our stakeholders. It is designed to transform Algoma into a more agile and profitable company, positioned for long-term growth as an economic driver and employer of choice in our community. Once complete, it is projected to deliver three million tonnes of annual CO2 reduction, placing the project among the highest impact investments in greenhouse gas reduction in Canada,” said Michael McQuade, Algoma’s Chief Executive Officer. “The Board’s decision recognizes that Algoma’s sustainability and Canada’s path to net zero carbon emissions are aligned. You cannot get to net zero without steel, and in becoming a leading provider of green steel in North America, Algoma intends to be part of the solution.”

“Today’s decision is the outcome of hard work and decisive actions over the past two years,” Algoma Board Chair Andrew Harshaw added. “As a Board, we have a duty to carefully evaluate investments that may benefit long-term growth and create value. We believe that we have done so and are confident about the significant benefits that this transformation is expected to bring for the Company and its stakeholders. I congratulate Mike and the whole Algoma team for arriving at this exciting milestone.”

The Company believes this planned growth investment will provide a number of key competitive and strategic advantages:

 

   

Lower conversion cost structure more correlated to market pricing drivers

 

   

Lower carbon tax liabilities

 

   

Lower sustaining capital investments

 

   

Flexible production, scalable to market conditions

 

   

Reduced single furnace risk through dual furnace strategy

 

   

Enhanced product quality and diversification

 

   

Positions Algoma as an attractive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment

Algoma has employees and leadership with experience constructing and operating EAF steel mills in addition to downstream value-add finishing lines. Coupled with Algoma’s current investments in the Direct Strip Production hot rolling mill and its modernized plate mill project, the Company believes the enhanced capabilities expected to result from the EAF transformation will position Algoma as a competitive, energy-efficient, lower environmental impact steelmaker.

The Company plans to invest approximately CDN$700 million in the EAF transformation, funded with previously announced financing commitments and the proceeds related to the Company’s recently completed merger. Algoma anticipates a 30-month construction phase for the EAF facility, coming online in 2024, and expects to transition away from blast furnace steelmaking thereafter as more electric power on the grid supplying Algoma becomes available.

In preparation for the EAF transition, Algoma has been actively engaging with key stakeholders, including employees, community leaders, suppliers, and union representatives. Algoma is also partnering with regional academia to create a system of multi-generational supports to provide new skills training to Algoma’s current employees and to build career pathways for regional youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and the trades in preparation for the advanced manufacturing jobs of tomorrow.

About Algoma Steel Group Inc.

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

Algoma has achieved several meaningful improvements over the last several years that are expected to result in enhanced long-term profitability for


the business. Algoma has upgraded its DSPC facility and recently installed its No. 2 Ladle Metallurgy Furnace. Additionally, Algoma has cost cutting initiatives underway and is in the process of modernizing its plate mill facilities.

Today Algoma is returning to its roots as a customer-focused, entrepreneurial company with the courage and growing capability to meet the industry’s challenges head-on. It is investing in its people and processes, optimizing and modernizing so that it will continue to be your partner in steel.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward looking statements”), including statements regarding Algoma’s planned investment in EAF steelmaking, reduction in carbon emissions and role as a leader in green steel, planned growth, increased profitability, Algoma’s role as a preferred employer in its community, and enumerated competitive and strategic advantages. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “pipeline,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including but not limited to: the risk that the benefits of the recently completed merger may not be realized; the risks that Algoma will be delayed or unable to realize its business plans and strategic objectives, including its investment in EAF steelmaking and the corresponding reduction in carbon emissions; the risks that higher cost of internally generated power and market pricing for electricity sourced from Algoma’s current grid in Northern Ontario could have an adverse impact on our production and financial performance; the risks associated with the steel industry generally; and changes in general economic conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and readers should also consider the other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the prospectuses filed by Algoma with the Securities and Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov) and the Ontario Securities Commission (available under the company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Algoma assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

For more information, please contact:

Brenda Stenta

Manager Communications & Branding

Algoma Steel Group Inc.

Phone: +1.705.206.1022

E-mail: brenda.stenta@algoma.com

For Investor inquiries, please contact:

Phone: 705.945.3300

E-mail: IR@algoma.com