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MECHEL REPORTS 2008 FIRST HALF AND NINE MONTHS FINANCIAL RESULTS
— Revenues in the first nine months increased 84.7% to $8.6 billion — Moscow, Russia – December 18, 2008 – Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), a leading Russian integrated mining and steel group, today announced financial results for the first half ended June 30, 2008 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Igor Zyuzin, Mechel OAO’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Mechel’s record financial and operational performance in the first nine months of 2008 was the result of successful implementation of our strategy to grow the Company both organically and through acquisitions. Favorable market conditions for mining and steel products also contributed to the Company’s performance.” Consolidated Results for the first half of 2008
* See Attachment A. 1 - EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of consolidated revenues of the segment, including intersegment sales. Net revenue in the first half of 2008 rose 79.1% to $5.35 billion, from $2.99 billion in the first half of 2007, reflecting increased production volumes and strong selling prices across the Company’s primary product categories. Operating income rose by 117.4% to $1.6 billion, or 30.0% of net revenue, versus operating income of $738.9 million, or 24.7% of net revenue, in 2007. For the first half of 2008, Mechel reported consolidated net income of $1.1 billion, or $2.65 per ADR/ordinary share. Consolidated EBITDA rose by 131.0% to $1.87 billion in the first half of 2008 compared to $813.6 million in the first half of 2007. Consolidated Results for the nine months of 2008
* See Attachment A. 2 - EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of consolidated revenues of the segment, including intersegment sales. Net revenue for the first nine months of 2008 rose 84.7% to $8.58 billion, from $4.65 billion in the first nine months of 2007. Operating income rose by 167.0% to $2.8 billion, or 32.7% of net revenue, versus operating income of $1.05 billion, or 22.6% of net revenue, in 2007. For the first nine months of 2008, Mechel reported consolidated net income of $1.6 billion, or $3.94 per ADR/ordinary share. Consolidated EBITDA rose by 137.7% to $2.86 billion in the first nine months of 2008 from $1.2 billion a year ago. Please see the attached tables for a reconciliation of consolidated EBITDA to net income. Mining Segment Results for the first half of 2008**
* See Attachment A. ** 2007 numbers are restated as a result of establishment of the ferroalloy segment 3 - EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of consolidated revenues of the segment, including intersegment sales. Mining Segment Output for the first half of 2008
* The coal concentrate has been produced from the part of the raw coal output. Mining segment revenue from external customers for the first half of 2008 totaled $1.7 billion, or 32.0% of consolidated net revenue from external customers, an increase of 186.9% compared to segment revenue from external customers of $597.7 million in the first half of 2007. The increase in revenue was due to a rise in total output and a favorable pricing environment, as well as the contributions of acquisitions. Operating income for the first half of 2008 in the mining segment rose 339.5% to $917.4 million, or 44.0% of total segment revenue, compared to operating income of $208.7 million a year ago. EBITDA in the mining segment for the first half of 2008 was $1.06 billion, 299.5% higher than segment EBITDA of $266.2 million in the first half of 2007. The EBITDA margin for the mining segment increased to 51.0% from 30.8% in the 2007 six-month period. Mining Segment Results for the first nine months of 2008
* See Attachment A. 4 - EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of consolidated revenues of the segment, including intersegment sales. Mining Segment Output for the first nine months of 2008*
* 2007 numbers are restated as a result of establishment of the ferroalloy segment **The coal concentrate has been produced from part of the raw coal output. Mining segment revenue from external customers for the first nine months of 2008 totaled $2.8 billion, or 33.0% of consolidated net revenue from external customers, an increase of 220.9% compared with segment revenue from external customers of $881.6 million in the first nine months of 2007. Operating income for the first nine months of 2008 in the mining segment rose 397.3% to $1.56 billion, or 46.0% of total segment revenue, compared to operating income of $313.8 million a year ago. EBITDA in the mining segment for the first nine months of 2008 was $1.69 billion, 322.7% higher than segment EBITDA of $398.7 million in the first nine months of 2007. The EBITDA margin for the mining segment amounted to 49.7% in the 2008 nine-month period, compared to 30.8% in the first nine months of 2007. Vladimir Polin, Senior Vice President of Mechel OAO, commented on the results of the mining segment: “The strong results in Mechel’s mining segment were due to both market conditions in the first nine months of 2008 and excellent management of our assets. We took measures to increase the volume of coking coal produced by Yakutugol, allowing us to leverage strong market conditions during the period. At the same time, over the course of 2008 we significantly reduced production costs at Yakutugol by nearly 1.5 times, placing us in a better position to operate successfully through the recent weakness in the global marketplace. Looking ahead, our priority will continue to be the careful management of our operating costs, as well as the construction of access railroad to the Elga deposit, which is of strategic importance for the Company and can significantly increase its shareholder value in the future. We will also remain flexible with regard to our management of steam and coking coal mining, ensuring we have the maximum production flexibility to adapt to trends in the marketplace.” Steel Segment Results for the first half of 2008
* See Attachment A. 5 - EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of consolidated revenues of the segment, including intersegment sales. Steel Segment Output for the first half of 2008
Revenue from external customers in Mechel’s steel segment increased to $3.0 billion in the first half of 2008, or 56.2% of consolidated net revenue from external customers, an increase of 44.5% over the first half of 2007. In the first half of 2008, the steel segment generated operating income of $598.9 million, or 19.1% of total segment revenue, an increase of 80.9% over operating income of $331.0 million, or 15.6% of total segment revenue, in the first half of 2007. EBITDA in the steel segment for the first half of 2008 increased by 102.0% over the prior year period to $771.3 million. EBITDA margin for the steel segment rose to 24.5% in the first half of 2008, compared to 18.0% reported in the same period of last year. Steel Segment Results for the nine months of 2008
* See Attachment A. 6 - EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of consolidated revenues of the segment, including intersegment sales. Steel Segment Output for the nine months of 2008
Revenue from external customers in Mechel’s steel segment increased to $4.8 billion in the first nine months of 2008, or 56.3% of consolidated net revenue from external customers, an increase of 54.8% over the first nine months of 2007. In the first nine months of 2008, the steel segment generated operating income of $1.1 billion, or 22.6% of total segment revenue, an increase of 139.8% over operating income of $472.8 million, or 14.9% of total segment revenue in the first nine months of 2007. EBITDA in the steel segment for the first nine months of 2008 increased 95.9% over the first nine months of 2007. EBITDA margin for the steel segment rose to 22.6% in the first nine months of 2008, compared to 18.3% reported in the same period of last year. Mr.Polin commented on the results of the steel segment: “Mechel’s record steel segment results were due to our commitment to the continued optimization of our sales structure and our production cost reductions program, as well as a favorable pricing environment for steel products and the contribution of acquisitions. Our efforts to improve production efficiencies allowed us to improve our consumption ratios, and as a result, total output of steel products increased while coke and pig iron consumption declined. Mechel also significantly reduced its output of low margin commercial billets and increased output of higher margin, value added products, such as hardware and wire products. At the same time we expanded our geographic presence, strengthening our position in the Eastern European steel products market with acquisition in April 2008 of Ductil Steel in Romania. Now Mechel has four steel subsidiaries in Romania presenting additional operational and sales synergy opportunities, and began realizing these through the recent establishment of Mechel’s East-European Steel Division. Our previous actions designed to enhance sales efficiency by increasing our direct interaction with the end customer and reducing third party sales through traders have started to pay off. This year we have significantly expanded the branch network of Mechel Service OOO, which is engaged in steel product sales to end customers. Given the current soft rolled product market, these efforts give Mechel competitive advantages and guaranteed volume for its metal products orders by avoiding bulk traders who for the most part ceased their offtake.” Introduction of the Ferroalloy Segment Following the acquisition of Oriel Resources in the second quarter of 2008, the Company has consolidated all of its ferroalloy assets into one reporting segment beginning with the 2008 six-months period. The Ferroalloy Segment is comprised of the Southern Urals Nickel Plant, Tikhvin Ferroalloy Smelting Plant (ferrochrome production), Voskhod Chrome (chromite ores deposit and mining and processing plant), and Bratsk Ferroalloy Plant (ferrosilicon production). Ferroalloy Segment Results for the first half of 2008
* See Attachment A. 7 - EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of consolidated revenues of the segment, including intersegment sales. Ferroalloy Segment Output for the first half of 2008
The ferroalloy segment revenue from external customers for the first half of 2008 was $278.3 million, or 5.2% of consolidated net revenue, and an increase of 2.2% over segment revenue from external customers of $272.4 million in the first half of 2007. Operating income for the first half of 2008 in the ferroalloy segment decreased by 63.5% to $84.9 million compared to operating income of $232.5 million a year ago. EBITDA in the ferroalloy segment for the first half of 2008 was $98.4 million, 51.1% lower than segment EBITDA of $201.2 million in the first half of 2007. The EBITDA margin for the ferroalloy segment was 26.6%. Ferroalloy Segment Results for the nine months of 2008
* See Attachment A. 8 - EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of consolidated revenues of the segment, including intersegment sales. Ferroalloy Segment Output for the nine months of 2008
Ferroalloy segment revenue from external customers for the first nine months of 2008 totaled $402.2 million, or 4.7% of consolidated net revenue, an increase of 1.8% compared with segment revenue from external customers of $395.0 million in the first nine months of 2007. Operating income for the first nine months of 2008 in the ferroalloy segment decreased by 75.0% to $76.8 million compared to operating income of $306.9 million a year ago. EBITDA in the ferroalloy segment for the first nine months of 2008 was $78.0 million, 71.4% lower than segment EBITDA of $273.0 million in the first nine months of 2007. The EBITDA margin for the ferroalloy segment was 14.4%. Mr. Polin commented on the results of the ferroalloy segment: “The Oriel acquisition rounds out Mechel’s ferroalloy business, which includes both ferronickel and ferrochrome assets, and reinforces Mechel’s leading position in specialty steel production. Furthermore, the acquisition will help us to weather the challenging economic environment because we now have improved vertical integration at the Group level and a wider range of ferroalloy products through which to further diversify our business and reduce risk across the market cycle. Although nickel prices have been under pressure, which explains the decrease in profitability in the segment for the six and nine months period, we still continue to observe strong market demand for ferrosilicon.” Power Segment Results for the first half of 2008
* See Attachment A. 9 - EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of consolidated revenues of the segment, including intersegment sales. Power Segment Output for the first half of 2008
Mechel’s power segment revenue from external customers for the first half of 2008 was $357.5 million, or 6.7% of consolidated net revenue, an increase of 809.0% over segment revenue from external customers in the prior year. Operating income for the first half of 2008 in the power segment rose substantially to $23.1 million compared to operating income of $550.0 thousand a year ago. EBITDA in the power segment for the first half of 2008 was $35.9 million, 460.4% higher than segment EBITDA a year ago. The EBITDA margin for the power segment decreased from 7.5% to 6.6%. Power Segment Results for the nine months of 2008
* See Attachment A. 10 - EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of consolidated revenues of the segment, including intersegment sales. Power Segment Output for the nine months of 2008
Mechel’s power segment revenue from external customers for the first nine months of 2008 was $520.1 million, or 6.1% of consolidated net revenue, an increase of 106.8% over segment revenue from external customers a year ago. Operating income for the first nine months of 2008 in the power segment rose 2,038.8% to $19.1 million compared to operating income of $891.0 thousand a year ago. EBITDA in the power segment for the first nine months of 2008 was $38.5 million, 227.7% higher than segment EBITDA a year ago. The EBITDA margin for the power segment increased from 3.7% to 5.0%. Mr. Polin commented on the results of the power segment: “Because Mechel’s power segment is relatively young, throughout the year management continued to focus on structuring the assets and improving their maintenance and investment programs. We are moving toward scaling up our power generation volumes, expanding client base, and maximizing sales on the free market, where pricing is attractive. This segment’s financial results continue to be negatively impacted by interest rates on intra-group loans provided for the acquisition of new assets. Nevertheless, the overall Russian power market remains in deficit, and as a result, year over year power prices are expected to increase which should contribute to profitability in this segment. In addition, we have completely transitioned our Bulgarian TPP ‘Rousse’ to use coal mined by our Southern Kuzbass coal mining subsidiary at market prices stipulated on an annual basis. This practice will continue in 2009, thus enabling Mechel to fully utilize its intra-group integration and making Mechel’s steam coal deliveries to Eastern Europe more steady.” Recent Highlights
Financial Position for the 2008 first half First half cash expenditure on property, plant and equipment was $462.8 million, of which $219.1 million was invested in the mining segment, $189.9 million was invested in the steel segment, $47.1 million was invested in the ferroalloy segment, and $6.8 million was invested in the power segment. In the first half of 2008, Mechel spent $1,666.5 million on acquisitions, including $1,430.5 million (net of cash acquired) for the acquisition of Oriel Resources and $197.6 million (net of cash acquired) for the acquisition of Ductil Steel. As of June 30, 2008, total debt1 was at $4,878.3 million. Cash and cash equivalents were $318.3 million at the end of the first half of 2008 and net debt 2 amounted to $4,560 million. Financial Position for the 2008 nine months First nine months cash expenditure on property, plant and equipment was $969.5 million, of which $499.5 million was invested in the mining segment, $370.5 million was invested in the steel segment, $88.2 million was invested in the ferroalloy segment, and $11.2 million was invested in the power segment. In the first nine months of 2008, Mechel spent $2,068.8 million on new acquisitions and $118.0 million on acquisitions of minority stakes in certain subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2008, total debt1 was at $5,084 million. Cash and cash equivalents were $137.4 million at the end of the first nine months of 2008 and net debt 2 was $4,946.6 million. Mr. Zyuzin concluded: “On the whole, favorable market conditions and strong operational execution drove our financial performance through the first nine months of 2008. Over that time we have improved Mechel’s production efficiency, optimized its product mix by increasing the percentage of higher margin down stream products, and strengthened its position in new markets. In the near term, while we see steady demand for some of our products, the global economic slowdown has placed pressure on pricing and demand for many of our products, and we have been taking the actions necessary to adapt the business for the challenges associated with this environment. While our performance in the near term will obviously be impacted by the challenges being faced in the global marketplace, we feel well positioned for when the world economy begins to recover. Looking beyond the current global economic crisis, we believe the markets for coking coal and steel are very promising over the longer term, and, more immediately, expect to see opportunities associated with the implementation of large scale infrastructure projects that remain a priority of the Russian government.” The management of Mechel will host a conference call today at 6:00 p.m. Moscow time (10:00 a.m. New York time, 3:00 p.m. London time) to review Mechel’s financial results and comment on current operations. The call may be accessed via the Internet at http://www.mechel.com, under the Investor Relations section. *** Mechel OAO *** Mechel is one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies. Mechel unites producers of coal, iron ore, nickel, steel, rolled products, and hardware. Mechel products are marketed domestically and internationally. ___________________________________________
1Total debt is comprised of short-term borrowings and long-term debt *** Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of Mechel, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. We do not intend to update these statements. We refer you to the documents Mechel files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. These documents contain and identify important factors, including those contained in the section captioned “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in our Form 20-F, that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, the achievement of anticipated levels of profitability, growth, cost and synergy of our recent acquisitions, the impact of competitive pricing, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and licenses, the impact of developments in the Russian economic, political and legal environment, volatility in stock markets or in the price of our shares or ADRs, financial risk management and the impact of general business and global economic conditions. Attachments to the Announcement of First Half and Nine Months 2008 Results Attachment A Non-GAAP financial measures. This press release includes financial information prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or US GAAP, as well as other financial measures referred to as non-GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the information prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Earnings Before Interest, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) and EBITDA margin. EBITDA represents earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA margin is defined as EBITDA as a percentage of our net revenues. Our EBITDA may not be similar to EBITDA measures of other companies; is not a measurement under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the information contained in our consolidated statement of operations. We believe that EBITDA provides useful information to investors because it is an indicator of the strength and performance of our ongoing business operations, including our ability to fund discretionary spending such as capital expenditures, acquisitions and other investments and our ability to incur and service debt. While interest, depreciation and amortization are considered operating costs under generally accepted accounting principles, these expenses primarily represent the non-cash current period allocation of costs associated with long-lived assets acquired or constructed in prior periods. Our EBITDA calculation is commonly used as one of the bases for investors, analysts and credit rating agencies to evaluate and compare the periodic and future operating performance and value of companies within the metals and mining industry. EBITDA can be reconciled to our consolidated statements of operations as follows: First Half 2008 :
EBITDA margin can be reconciled as a percentage to our Revenues as follows:
Nine Months 2008:
EBITDA margin can be reconciled as a percentage to our Revenues as follows:
* As of September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, Mechel's acquisitions of Ductil Steel S.A. and Oriel Resources plc. were accounted for on a tentative basis subject to the finalization of assets appraisals. As of the appropriate acquisition dates, the estimated amounts of Oriel Resources plc.'s and Ductil Steel S.A.'s long-term assets were $1,858,073 and $71,248, respectively, and total assets amounted to $2,024,848 and $160,268, respectively. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of Oriel Resources plc. and Ductil Steel S.A. tentatively amounted to $154,148 and $168,532, respectively.
* As of September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, Mechel's acquisitions of Ductil Steel S.A. and Oriel Resources plc. were accounted for on a tentative basis subject to the finalization of assets appraisals. As of the appropriate acquisition dates, the estimated amounts of Oriel Resources plc.'s and Ductil Steel S.A.'s long-term assets were $1,858,073 and $71,248, respectively, and total assets amounted to $2,024,848 and $160,268, respectively. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of Oriel Resources plc. and Ductil Steel S.A. tentatively amounted to $154,148 and $168,532, respectively.
* As of September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, Mechel's acquisitions of Ductil Steel S.A. and Oriel Resources plc. were accounted for on a tentative basis subject to the finalization of assets appraisals. As of the appropriate acquisition dates, the estimated amounts of Oriel Resources plc.'s and Ductil Steel S.A.'s long-term assets were $1,858,073 and $71,248, respectively, and total assets amounted to $2,024,848 and $160,268, respectively. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of Oriel Resources plc. and Ductil Steel S.A. tentatively amounted to $154,148 and $168,532, respectively.
* As of September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, Mechel's acquisitions of Ductil Steel S.A. and Oriel Resources plc. were accounted for on a tentative basis subject to the finalization of assets appraisals. As of the appropriate acquisition dates, the estimated amounts of Oriel Resources plc.'s and Ductil Steel S.A.'s long-term assets were $1,858,073 and $71,248, respectively, and total assets amounted to $2,024,848 and $160,268, respectively. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of Oriel Resources plc. and Ductil Steel S.A. tentatively amounted to $154,148 and $168,532, respectively.
* As of September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, Mechel's acquisitions of Ductil Steel S.A. and Oriel Resources plc. were accounted for on a tentative basis subject to the finalization of assets appraisals. As of the appropriate acquisition dates, the estimated amounts of Oriel Resources plc.'s and Ductil Steel S.A.'s long-term assets were $1,858,073 and $71,248, respectively, and total assets amounted to $2,024,848 and $160,268, respectively. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of Oriel Resources plc. and Ductil Steel S.A. tentatively amounted to $154,148 and $168,532, respectively.
* As of September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, Mechel's acquisitions of Ductil Steel S.A. and Oriel Resources plc. were accounted for on a tentative basis subject to the finalization of assets appraisals. As of the appropriate acquisition dates, the estimated amounts of Oriel Resources plc.'s and Ductil Steel S.A.'s long-term assets were $1,858,073 and $71,248, respectively, and total assets amounted to $2,024,848 and $160,268, respectively. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of Oriel Resources plc. and Ductil Steel S.A. tentatively amounted to $154,148 and $168,532, respectively. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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