Key Highlights
- Revenue increased 49% in the third quarter 2008 compared to the third quarter 2007; year to date increase 40%
- EBITDA increased 121% in the third quarter 2008 when compared to the third quarter 2007; year to date increase 99%
- EPS on a fully diluted basis increased to $0.75 compared to the third quarter 2007 to ($0.94), EPS, excluding non-recurring charges, increased to $1.19
- Advanced Materials' third quarter revenue and EBITDA improved by 17% and 120% compared to the third quarter of 2007
- Engineering Systems' third quarter revenue and EBITDA improved by 70% and 54% compared to the third quarter of 2007
- Timminco's third quarter revenue increased by 56% to $66.6 million and EBITDA increased to $7.4 million in the third quarter of 2007
- Graphit Kropfmühl contributed $36.4 million to revenue and $4.1 million to EBITDA during Q3 2008
- Strong balance sheet; cash on hand of $154.2 million, net debt of $79.6 million with no significant debt maturities until 2012; $114.8 million year to date free cash flow [1]
[1] Free cash flow is defined as EBITDA less change in working capital and maintenance capital expenditures


Amsterdam, 12 November 2008 --- AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. ("AMG", EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: "AMG") reported third quarter 2008 revenue increased to $437.6 million in the quarter ended 30 September 2008, from $292.9 million in the third quarter 2007, a 49% increase.

Net income attributable to shareholders for the third quarter 2008 was $20.8 million, or $0.75 per fully diluted share. Excluding the non-recurring asset impairment expenses at AMG's 50.4% owned subsidiary, Timminco, and non-recurring acquisition purchase accounting at Graphit Kropfmühl, net income attributable to shareholders for the third quarter 2008 was $32.8 million, or $1.19 per fully diluted share. Adjusted net income was $9.4 million or $0.35 per fully diluted share for the third quarter 2007. EBITDA rose 121% to $71.1 million in the third quarter 2008 compared with $32.1 million in the third quarter 2007.

Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, commented: "I am pleased to report our best quarter to date. Both the Advanced Materials and Engineering Systems divisions increased revenue and earnings driven by the solar, energy and superalloy end markets. AMG's majority owned subsidiary, Timminco Limited, continued to increase production of the solar grade silicon ramp up during the third quarter, shipping 300 metric tonnes, a 36% improvement over the second quarter 2008. Through AMG's diversified business model, conservative balance sheet and significant cash position, AMG is well positioned to endure the economic fallout from the global credit crisis. Demand and pricing for some of our major products are clearly being impacted by the growing uncertainties in the global economy. We are responding to these uncertainties by adjusting production levels on some of our products and increasing our cost containment measures. AMG is focused on protecting free cash flow in 2009."


Key Figures

In 000's US Dollar
Q3'08 Q3'07 [1] Change

Revenue $437,561 $292,897 49%
Gross profit 94,601 49,585 91%
Gross margin 21.6% 16.9%

Operating income 47,665 23,902 99%
Operating margin 10.9% 8.2%

Net Income attributable to shareholders 20,769 (25,630)


EPS- Fully diluted 0.75 (0.94)
Adjusted EPS-Fully diluted [2] 1.19 0.35

EBIT [2] 52,805 27,818 90%
EBITDA [2] [3] 71,118 32,119 121%
EBITDA margin 16.3% 11.0%


Notes:
[1] Q3 2007 Revenue has been restated due to an adjustment at Timminco
[2] In 2008, adjusted for non-recurring, restructuring and impairment charges at Timminco and non-recurring purchase accounting at GK. In Q3 2007 adjusted for debt extinguishment
[3] EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization and excludes nonrecurring items

Operational Review

Advanced Materials Division

Q3'08 Q3'07 Change
Revenue $199,396 $170,981 17%
Gross profit
Operating income 42,702
22,621 23,426
6,701 82%
238%
EBITDA 25,427 11,560 120%
Capital expenditures 7,643 5,684 34%

The Advanced Materials division's third quarter 2008 financial results were driven by continued strong pricing and solid volumes in ferrovanadium and certain other key products. Revenue increased by $28.4 million or 17% to $199.4 million. Gross profit improved by $19.3 million or 82% to $42.7 million. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses decreased despite additional corporate infrastructure. EBITDA increased by $13.9 million, a 120% improvement over the third quarter 2007 to $25.4 million.

Gross margins expanded from 14% in the third quarter of 2007 to 21% in third quarter of 2008. The division's secure raw material supply, particularly in ferrovanadium, enabled it to increase gross margins at a faster pace than revenue. The increase in revenue and margins was primarily driven by ferrovanadium, with reference prices increasing by 68% and volumes by 6% over third quarter 2007. Coating materials for thin film solar applications, vanadium chemicals and antimony products also delivered strong margins in the period. Ferronickel-molybdenum and chromium metal suffered significant declines in volumes during the quarter as weakness in the stainless and specialty steel markets impacted demand.

Operating income for the third quarter 2008 improved 238% to $22.6 million, up from $6.7 million for the comparable period in 2007. This was primarily due to the increase in gross profit offset by a marginal increase in selling, general and administrative expenses that was attributable to a build-up in corporate infrastructure.

Capital expenditures were $7.6 million for the quarter, 34% higher than the comparable period in 2007, as previously announced capacity expansion initiatives in ferrovanadium, tantalum and hydropower continued during the quarter.


Engineering Systems Division

Q3'08 Q3'07 Change
Revenue $135,155 $79,350 70%
Gross profit
Operating income 44,326
30,836 24,207
19,781 83%
56%
EBITDA
Capital expenditures 34,241
4,392 22,202
1,775 54%
147%

The Engineering Systems division continued its dynamic growth during the third quarter 2008. Order backlog of $393 (€279) million as of 30 September 2008 increased 56% compared to order backlog of $252 million as of 31 December 2007. The backlog consists primarily of solar silicon DSS furnaces and melting and remelting systems for the materials industry. Adjusting for the decrease in the value of the Euro, in which most contracts are denominated, vis-a-vis the U.S. Dollar, the backlog at 30 September is consistent as compared to 30 June 2008 backlog of €282 million.

Third quarter 2008 revenue and EBITDA increased $55.8 million, or 70%, and $12.0 million, or 54%, respectively, over the same period in 2007.

Sales of solar silicon melting and crystallization furnaces for the photovoltaic industry increased 147% in the third quarter 2008 compared to the same period a year ago. Significant capacity expansion in the Berlin production facility was essential to meet the growing global demand for solar silicon DSS furnaces. As of the end of the third quarter 2008, 6 furnaces per week were produced, compared to one furnace per week at the end of the fourth quarter 2007.

Revenue from remelting systems primarily for the aerospace, materials, and specialty steel industries remained on a similar steady growth trajectory as during the second quarter. Geographically, sales to the Asia Pacific region and Europe accounted for a majority of total revenues. Almost all product lines achieved strong margins on increased volumes.

The EBITDA margin decreased to 25% during the third quarter 2008 compared to 28% for the same period in 2007. Excluding a onetime gain in the third quarter of 2007, EBITDA margin increased from 22% in the third quarter 2007 to 25% in the third quarter 2008. The one-time $5 million gain recorded during the third quarter 2007 related to the grants earned in connection with the acquisition of the Berlin production facility. The EBITDA margin increased due to economies of scale resulting from additional sales of DSS vacuum furnace systems. The division continues to proactively address the market changes and is adjusting production capacity to reflect those changes.

In the quarter ended 30 September 2008, capital expenditures increased to $4.4 million from $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2007. This increase was a result of the expansion of the Berlin facility.


Timminco

Q3'08 Q3'07 Change
Revenue $66,579 $42,566 56%
Gross profit
Operating income (loss) 11,796
2,055 1,952
(2,580) 504%
N/A
EBITDA 7,393 (1,643) N/A
Capital expenditures 24,997 7,446 236%

Timminco's revenue for the third quarter 2008 was $66.6 million compared with $42.6 million in the third quarter 2007, an increase of 56%. The increase is primarily attributable to the record sales of Timminco's solar grade silicon and silicon metal products. Gross profit also achieved record levels within the silicon product line due to the increased volume of solar grade silicon and higher average selling prices for silicon metal.

Silicon gross profit for the third quarter 2008 was $8.6 million or 17% of sales compared to a gross profit of $0.2 million in the third quarter of 2007. Timminco sold 300 metric tons of solar grade silicon during the third quarter 2008 at an average price of $53kg. The main contributor to the increase in margin was the 36% increase in solar grade silicon volumes and a decrease of the unit production costs of solar grade silicon to $30. Magnesium gross profit for the third quarter 2008 was $3.2 million or 18.7% of sales compared to $1.8 million or 11% of sales in the third quarter of 2007.

Timminco had operating income in the quarter of $2.1 million compared to ($2.6) million loss in the third quarter 2007, due to higher gross profit which was partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses. Higher professional fees and travel related to various strategic initiatives resulted in an increase in SG&A.

During the quarter ended 30 September 2008, Timminco continued the expansion of its solar grade silicon production capacity. This expansion is expected to bring the installed annual solar grade silicon production capacity to 14,400 metric tons, although the ramp up of this capacity will continue for six to twelve months after installation. Capital expenditures increased to $25.0 million for the quarter from $7.4 million in the same period 2007, as the previously announced solar grade silicon capacity expansion continued during the quarter. Sources of funding for this expansion include cash flow from operations, the Company's existing credit facilities, customer deposits and cash on hand. Customer deposits totalled $30.1 million in the third quarter of 2008. Continued growth in solar silicon revenues and gross margin improvement are expected for the balance of 2008.

Graphit Kropfmühl
Q3'08
Revenue $36,431
Gross profit*
Operating income* (4,223)
(7,847)
EBITDA 4,057
Capital expenditures 1,727


* Gross profit and operating income include purchase accounting adjustments in the amount of $10.2 million and $11.0 million, respectively.

Graphit Kropfmühl ("GK") generated $36.4 million in revenue and $4.2 million in gross losses during the quarter ended 30 September 2008. The gross loss was caused by the $10.2 million in purchase accounting related to the acquisition of GK by AMG. Excluding these charges, GK generated $3.2 million in operating income. The EBITDA for the quarter was $4.1 million or 11% of revenue, reflecting the higher average selling prices for silicon metal sales than in the second quarter 2008. GK spent $1.7 million in capital expenditures during the quarter, primarily to begin a project that will expand the production capacity of the silicon metal operations from 30,000 tonnes to 31,000 tonnes.


Financial Review


Liquidity
Q3'08 Q4'07 Change
Total debt $233,797 $140,782 (66)%
Cash & short-term investments 154,162 187,891 (18)%
Net debt (cash) 79,635 (47,109) (269)%


AMG had a net debt position of $79.6 million as of 30 September 2008. The increase in the Company's net debt is primarily a result of the acquisition of Graphit Kropfmühl, which used $62.9 million of cash and included the assumption of $27.3 million of debt. In addition, Timminco's year-to-date $48.3 million investment in a solar grade silicon expansion and an increased investment in working capital across all segments of the business also impacted liquidity. AMG's term debt and revolving credit facility do not mature until August 2012.


Cash Flow
Nine months ended
30 September 2008 30 September 2007

Cash flows from operations $76,038 $65,840
Capital expenditures (95,262) (33,079)
Acquisitions, net of cash (66,484) (49,321)
Cash flows from other investing 2,991 4,927
Cash flows used in investing activities (158,755) (77,473)
Cash flows generated from (used in) financing activities 73,124 186,419
Effect of exchange rates on cash held (8,803) 14,789
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (18,396) 189,575

Cash flows from operations were $76.0 million in the year-to-date period ended 30 September 2008 as compared to $65.8 million for the comparable period in 2007. Year to date 2008 cash flows from operations were up slightly year over year, as a result of an $88.3 million increase in EBITDA which was offset by an $88.4 million increase in working capital, as compared to the same period in 2007. The working capital increase is the result of higher raw material prices and inventory volumes for the Advanced Materials division's products, increased work in process inventory of solar silicon DSS furnaces in the Engineering Systems division and a build-up of silicon metal inventory at Timminco to support the ramp-up of solar silicon production.

Cash used in investing activities was $158.8 million for the nine months ended 30 September 2008. This increase of $81.3 million over the comparable period in 2007 is primarily related to two items; $48.3 million in costs related to the expansion of the solar silicon production facility at Timminco and $62.9 million for the purchase of approximately 79.5% of Graphit Kropfmühl.

Cash from financing activities was $73.1 million, a decrease of $113.3 million from the same period in 2007. This decrease was primarily the result of two factors, $287.1 million generated from the AMG initial public offering in 2007, offset by the net repayment of $183.6 million debt as compared to the 2008 borrowings on the credit facility for the acquisition of approximately 79.5% of Graphit Kropfmühl and borrowings to fund the working capital increases in Advanced Materials and Timminco.


Outlook
Despite the challenging economic conditions, AMG remains positive on long term growth prospects for the core markets of solar, fuel economy, nuclear and recycling that it serves. In the near term, however, AMG is taking cost containment steps, delaying non-essential capital projects and focusing on reducing working capital to maximize profitability and free cash flow through the current economic downturn and uncertain global markets. The impact of the current volatile economic situation makes visibility for 2009 difficult at this point; however AMG expects to substantially exceed its full year 2008 EBITDA target of 65% growth over 2007.


AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V.
Interim consolidated balance sheet at 30 September 2008
In thousands of US Dollars
30 September 31 December
2008 2007
Unaudited Audited
Property, plant and equipment 297,807 155,763
Intangible assets 69,863 50,291
Investments in associates 9,646 15,145
Derivative financial instruments 176 194
Deferred tax assets 31,449 34,537
Restricted cash 17,816 14,582
Notes receivable 7,397 7,068
Other assets 10,074 5,087
Total non-current assets 444,228 282,667
Inventories 330,997 186,410
Trade and other receivables 235,055 187,243
Derivative financial instruments 8,948 3,582
Prepayments and other current assets 66,197 48,754
Short term investments - 15,333
Cash and cash equivalents 154,162 172,558
Total current assets 795,359 613,880
Total assets 1,239,587 896,547
Equity
Issued capital 724 722
Share premium 379,325 392,304
Other reserves (40) (9,923)
Retained earnings (deficit) (69,007) (137,439)
Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company 311,002 245,664

Minority interests 67,430 64,133

Total equity 378,432 309,797
Liabilities
Loans and borrowin gs 157,296 115,726
Employee benefits 119,014 102,809
Provisions 13,356 12,011
Government grants 2,408 8,585
Other liabilities 8,780 9,087
Derivative financial instruments 148 77
Deferred tax liabilities 57,380 32,112
Total non-current liabilities 358,382 280,407
Loans and borrowings 6,481 1,102
Short-term bank debt 63,147 16,202
Related party debt 6,873 7,752
Government grants 8,457 7,927
Other liabilities 54,264 42,356
Trade and other payables 186,333 126,827
Derivative financial instruments 7,182 4,994
Advance payments 100,312 74,731
Unearned revenue 37,512 -
Current taxes payable 15,589 11,496
Provisions 16,623 12,956
Total current liabilities 502,773 306,343
Total liabilities 861,155 586,750
Total equity and liabilities 1,239,587 896,547