RAMACO RESOURCES REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2024 RESULTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LEXINGTON, Ky., Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ramaco Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: METC, METCB, "Ramaco" or the "Company"), is a leading operator and developer of high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in Central Appalachia and future developer of rare earth and critical minerals in Wyoming. Today it reported financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024. THIRD QUARTER 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
MARKET COMMENTARY / 2025 OUTLOOK Sales and Marketing:
Production:
Guidance:
MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY Randall Atkins, Ramaco Resources' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, "The story backdrop behind Ramaco's and the entire met coal industry's results this year is directly tied to the continuing export of China's overproduction of steel, both to the developed and developing world. This has led world steel companies to both cut back on their own production and to reduce the price they are willing to pay for their met coal feedstock. Despite that macro headwind, Ramaco's third quarter operational results were our strongest operational quarter of the year. In simple terms, we acted on those areas we could control and succeeded in both reducing costs and increasing production for the second consecutive quarter. We anticipate the same positive operational progress next quarter as we end the year. Our financial results were lower this quarter than in the second quarter due to the $15 per ton sequential decline in U.S. met coal indices impacting revenue. Both the U.S. low vol and high vol indices fell quarterly by roughly 7% on average in the third quarter and by roughly 32% since the start of the year. Despite this continued decline in pricing, we both produced and shipped a record amount of coal in the third quarter. Our strong operational and productivity execution also led to another large sequential decline in cash costs that averaged in the mid $90 per ton range for both August and September. Indeed, our mine costs have declined by roughly 25% through the year. Cash margins per ton also held steady near the $34 per ton level or 25% in both the second and third quarters despite declining prices. We expect operational results should again improve in the fourth quarter, as our production and sales continue to grow. We anticipate a sales increase in the fourth quarter to provide a year-end exit run rate in excess of 5 million tons at the high end of guidance, with cash costs also below $100 per ton on a normalized basis, excluding the vacation periods. Our four main 2024 growth initiatives remain both on track and on budget.
On the supply side, there was perhaps a silver lining to the continued decline in met coal pricing. Higher cost U.S. met coal production is beginning to come offline and rationalize. U.S. Mine Safety & Health Administration data suggests that third quarter U.S. metallurgical coal production fell by more than 8% sequentially. This would equate to a 6+ million-ton annual decline. Absent meaningful pricing improvement we anticipate production will continue to decline further in the fourth quarter. These dislocations may create opportunities for us as we move forward. We are already now seeing it on the hiring front. On the demand side, as we look ahead to 2025 it is possible that Chinese steel exports may be restricted in many world markets by tariffs. This may boost steel and met coal pricing in our traditional markets. The Chinese government may also enact more aggressive fiscal stimulus measures, which might have similar potential to improve pricing. We shall wait and see. I am pleased to report on how our forward 2025 sales book has been filled so far. Total 2025 sales commitments are now up to 2.7 million tons, of which 1.6 million tons are fixed price at $152 per ton to mostly North American customers. In the near future we expect also to settle the remainder of our traditional higher-priced annual specialty coal domestic business for 2025. On our rare earth and critical minerals front at the Brook Mine in Wyoming, we continue to make strong progress. As an observation, the testing complexity of critical mineral commercial development is very different from metallurgical coal. We are fortunate to have an array of experienced groups to assist us which are involved in our rare earth testing, mine planning and processing design. We are in the advanced stages of completing our preliminary techno-economic report with the Fluor Corporation. We expect it to be finalized shortly to review at our Board meeting in early December. Lastly, we continue to plan toward commencement of the construction of our rare earth demonstration facility in mid to late 2025. We expect to make further announcements on this overall progress after the Board meeting. In summary, we expect to exit the year on a strong note with both record annual sales and production and even lower normalized mine costs. We are now well positioned on forward coal sales into 2025 and look forward to hopefully stronger seasonal pricing markets as we start the year. Our rare earth development remains a major unique transformational opportunity as we methodically move toward hopefully beginning to realize its commercial potential in the new year. Overall, we continue to transition into becoming an even larger low cost met coal producer, with the hopeful addition of an exciting rare earth and critical mineral future potential." Key operational and financial metrics are presented below (unaudited):
THIRD QUARTER 2024 PERFORMANCE In the following paragraphs, all references to "quarterly" periods or to "the quarter" refer to the third quarter of 2024, unless specified otherwise. Year over Year Quarterly Comparison Overall production in the quarter was 972,000 tons, up 35% from the same period of 2023. The Elk Creek complex produced 639,000 tons, up 59% from last year. The third quarter of 2024 benefited from both solid overall operational and productivity execution, as well as the successful ramp-up of the new Ram 3 surface/highwall mine and the third section at our Stonecoal Alma mine. The Berwind, Knox Creek, and Maben complexes increased production to 333,000 tons in the quarter, up 5% from the same period last year. Quarterly pricing was $136 per ton, which was 13% lower compared to $157 per ton in the third quarter of 2023. The decline was due to the year-over-year decrease in both U.S. and worldwide metallurgical coal price indices. Cash costs were $102 per ton sold, excluding transportation costs, alternative mineral development costs, and idle mine costs, which was a 10% decrease from the same period in 2023. As a result of the above, cash margins were $34 per ton during the quarter, down from $44 per ton in the same period of 2023. This was based on non-GAAP revenue (FOB mine) and non-GAAP cash cost of sales (FOB mine). Sequential Quarter Comparison Third quarter of 2024 production was 972,000 tons, up from the second quarter by 8%. This was due to better productivity and the production increases at the Company's Ram 3 surface/highwall and Stonecoal Alma mines which began producing in June. Quarterly sales volume of 1,023,000 tons was up from 915,000 tons in the second quarter. This was due to the aforementioned production increase. Realized quarterly pricing of $136 per ton was down 5% from $143 per ton in the second quarter. This reflected weaker market conditions and lower index pricing as key U.S. metallurgical coal indices fell roughly 7% in the third quarter versus the second quarter. They are now down 32% since the end of 2023. Despite the sequential decline in pricing, revenues increased 8% to $167 million from the second to the third quarter. Quarterly cash costs of $102 per ton compared to $108 per ton in the second quarter of 2024. The continued meaningful cost improvement resulted from an increase in production due to better productivity and the production increase at Elk Creek. Quarterly cash margins were $34 per ton or 25%, decreasing very slightly despite the $7 per ton drop in realized pricing from the second quarter of 2024. These figures are based on non-GAAP revenue (FOB mine) and non-GAAP cash cost of sales (FOB mine). BALANCE SHEET AND LIQUIDITY As of September 30, 2024, the Company had liquidity of $80.8 million, consisting of $22.9 million of cash plus $57.9 million of availability under our revolving credit facility. Liquidity was up from $71.3 million in the second quarter of 2024. Quarterly capital expenditures totaled $17.8 million. This increased from $16.9 million for the same period of 2023 and decreased from $21.4 million for the second quarter of 2024. Year to date capital expenditures are $54.9 million, excluding the $3 million purchase price of the Maben preparation plant. We anticipate capital expenditures will decline meaningfully in the fourth quarter 2024, versus the first three quarters of 2024. This decline comes from the completion of the Company's Ram 3 surface / highwall and Stonecoal Alma mines that achieved full production in September. Growth capital expenditures associated with those mines have now already been incurred. The Company expects 2024 capital expenditures to come in towards the high end of the previous guidance range, largely due to timing, and updates guidance accordingly. The Company's year to date effective tax rate was 18%. For the third quarter of 2024, the Company recognized income tax expense of $0.1 million. The following summarizes key sales, production and financial metrics for the periods noted (unaudited):
ABOUT RAMACO RESOURCES Ramaco Resources, Inc. is an operator and developer of high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in southern West Virginia, and southwestern Virginia and a developing producer of rare earth and critical minerals in Wyoming. Its executive offices are in Lexington, Kentucky, with operational offices in Charleston, West Virginia and Sheridan, Wyoming. The Company currently has four active metallurgical coal mining complexes in Central Appalachia and one development rare earth and coal mine near Sheridan, Wyoming in the initial stages of production. In 2023, the Company announced that a major deposit of primary magnetic rare earths and critical minerals was discovered at its mine near Sheridan, Wyoming. Contiguous to the Wyoming mine, the Company operates a carbon research and pilot facility related to the production of advanced carbon products and materials from coal. In connection with these activities, it holds a body of roughly 60 intellectual property patents, pending applications, exclusive licensing agreements and various trademarks. News and additional information about Ramaco Resources, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are available at https://www.ramacoresources.com. For more information, contact investor relations at (859) 244-7455. THIRD QUARTER 2024 CONFERENCE CALL Ramaco Resources will hold its quarterly conference call and webcast at 9:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. An accompanying slide deck will be available at https://www.ramacoresources.com/investors/investor-presentations/ immediately before the conference call. To participate in the live teleconference on November 5, 2024: Domestic Live: (877) 317-6789 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent Ramaco Resources' expectations or beliefs concerning guidance, future events, anticipated revenue, future demand and production levels, macroeconomic trends, the development of ongoing projects, costs and expectations regarding operating results, and it is possible that the results described in this news release will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Ramaco Resources' control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, unexpected delays in our current mine development activities, the ability to successfully ramp up production at our complexes in accordance with the Company's growth initiatives, failure of our sales commitment counterparties to perform, increased government regulation of coal in the United States or internationally, the further decline of demand for coal in export markets and underperformance of the railroads, the expected benefits of the Ramaco Coal and Maben acquisitions to the Company's shareholders, the anticipated benefits and impacts of the Ramaco Coal and Maben acquisitions, and the Company's ability to successfully develop the Brook Mine, including whether the increase in the Company's exploration target and estimates for such mine are realized. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Ramaco Resources does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Ramaco Resources to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements found in Ramaco Resources' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The risk factors and other factors noted in Ramaco Resources' SEC filings could cause its actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (Unaudited) Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure by management and external users of our financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders, and rating agencies. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful because it allows us to evaluate our operating performance more effectively. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income plus net interest expense; equity-based compensation; depreciation, depletion, and amortization expenses; income taxes; certain other non-operating items (income tax penalties and charitable contributions), and accretion of asset retirement obligations. Its most comparable GAAP measure is net income. A reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA is included below. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to serve as a substitute for GAAP measures of performance and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.
Non-GAAP revenue and cash cost per ton Non-GAAP revenue per ton (FOB mine) is calculated as coal sales revenue less transportation costs including demurrage costs, divided by tons sold. Non-GAAP cash cost per ton sold (FOB mine) is calculated as cash cost of coal sales less transportation costs, alternative mineral development costs, and idle and other costs, divided by tons sold. We believe revenue per ton (FOB mine) and cash cost per ton (FOB mine) provide useful information to investors as these enable investors to compare revenue per ton and cash cost per ton for the Company against similar measures made by other publicly-traded coal companies and more effectively monitor changes in coal prices and costs from period to period excluding the impact of transportation costs, which are beyond our control, and alternative mineral costs, which are more developmentally focused currently. The adjustments made to arrive at these measures are significant in understanding and assessing the Company's financial performance. Revenue per ton sold (FOB mine) and cash cost per ton sold (FOB mine) are not measures of financial performance in accordance with GAAP and therefore should not be considered as a substitute for revenue and cost of sales under GAAP. The tables below show how we calculate non-GAAP revenue and cash cost per ton:
We do not provide reconciliations of our outlook for cash cost per ton to cost of sales in reliance on the unreasonable efforts exception provided for under Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. We are unable, without unreasonable efforts, to forecast certain items required to develop the meaningful comparable GAAP cost of sales. These items typically include non-cash asset retirement obligation accretion expenses, mine idling expenses and other non-recurring indirect mining expenses that are difficult to predict in advance in order to include a GAAP estimate. # # # View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ramaco-resources-reports-third-quarter-2024-results-302295819.html SOURCE Ramaco Resources, Inc. |
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