(1) Neo reports certain non -IFRS financial measures including “EBITDA”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Adjusted EBITDA Margin”, “Adjusted Net Income or Loss”, “Adjusted Earnings per Share” and others, which are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have
(1) Neo reports certain non -IFRS financial measures including “EBITDA”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Adjusted EBITDA Margin”, “Adjusted
Net Income or Loss”, “Adjusted Earnings per Share” and others, which are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have
any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Please refer to the “Non -IFRS Financial Measures” section of this news release
and the fourth quarter MD&A for more information.
1
Neo Performance Materials Inc. Fourth Quarter 2024 News Release
Neo Performance Materials Reports
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
Neo Grows Adjusted EBITDA(1) by 70% Year-Over-Year, Exceeding Guidance by 20%
TORONTO, Canada, March 18, 2025 – Neo Performance Materials Inc. (“ Neo”) ( TSX:NEO) reported today its
fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results. The financial statements and management's discussion and
analysis (“MD&A”) are available at www.neomaterials.com/investors/ and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All
financial amounts in this news release and the Company's financial disclosures are in United States dollars, unless
otherwise stated.
"Neo delivered outstanding financial and operational results in 2024, exceeding guidance with Adjusted EBITDA
growth of over 70%, driven by strong performance in Rare Metals and Magnequench. We successfully executed
major capital projects, including comple ting our Emissions Control Catalyst facility on time and under budget.
Our European Permanent Magnet facility remains on track for a grand opening in 2025, marking a significant
step forward in strengthening our global supply chain for Permanent Magnets.
We maintained a strong balance sheet with a net cash position, supported by healthy cash flow generation and
working capital improvements. At the same time, we took decisive action to streamline our portfolio, divesting
our rare earth separation assets in China, subject to closing conditions. This aligns with our strategy to reduce
earnings volatility and focus on high-value-add growth business.
With a reinforced foundation, Neo is positioned for long -term growth as we expand our Permanent Magnet
capabilities to meet accelerating demand, creating lasting value for our shareholders,” said Rahim Suleman,
Neo's President and Chief Executive Officer.
Key Takeaways
1. Neo Delivers Strong Adjusted EBITDA Growth, Exceeding Guidance and Increasing Outlook: Neo delivered
$64 million in Adjusted EBITDA for 2024, a 73% increase year-over-year, and 20% above guidance. 2024 Adjusted
EBITDA at Magnequench increased 21% year-over-year, and more than doubled in Rare Metals. Despite divesting
three non-core facilities and the normalization of hafnium prices, Neo increases its Adjusted EBITDA 2025 guidance
range from $53 - $58 million to $55 - $60 million.
2.. Successful Execution on Major Capital Projects: Neo’s European Permanent Magnet facility remains on schedule and
on budget, with commercial production set to begin in 2026. Notably, Neo secured a major Tier 1 automotive supplier
award ahead of the facility’s completion, reinforcing strong demand for its Permanent Magnets and validating its
strategic expansion into this critical market.
The Emissions Control Catalyst facility has successfully requalified most of its product portfolio, with the remaining
qualifications expected in the first half of 2025. The project’s final cost is expected to be approximately 10% under
budget. With a worl d-class manufacturing footprint and a leading cost position, Neo is well -positioned to grow
volumes by double digits in the coming years, leveraging additional capacity at the new facility.
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Neo Performance Materials Inc. Fourth Quarter 2024 News Release
3. Simplifying the Business to Drive Focused Growth: Neo continues to simplify its portfolio and enhance its focus on
value-add businesses. The planned sale of its Chinese separation facilities, JAMR and ZAMR, is expected to close in
the first half of 2025, pending customary approvals.
On December 31, 2024, Neo completed the sale of its 80% ownership interest in the Gallium Trichloride facility in
Oklahoma.
4. Strong Liquidity and Balance Sheet Position: As of December 31, 2024, Neo maintains a solid liquidity position with
$85 million in cash and a net cash balance of $14 million. The Company expects $7 -10 million in EU grant
reimbursements and approximately $30 million from the announced sale of its Chinese separation facilities in 2025.
Further working capital improvements are expected to enhance cash flow, reinforcing Neo’s strong balance sheet and
financial flexibility.
5. Strategic Review Progressing: Neo’s financial advisors are continuing to advance the Special Committee-led strategic
review process, and Neo remains committed to taking steps to optimize its business, including the divestment of non-
core assets and the improvement of operational performance.
Financial Highlights
• Revenue for Q4 2024 was $134.9 million, compared to Q 4 2023 revenue of $128.7 million. On a year -
over-year basis, 2024 revenue was $475.8 million compared to $571.5 million in 2023.
• Operating income for Q 4 2024 was $12.4 million, compared to Q 4 2023 operating loss of $5.5 million.
On a year-over-year basis, 2024 operating income was $35.3 million, compared to $11.2 million in 2023.
• Adjusted Net Loss(1) for Q4 2024 was $4.9 million, or $0.12 loss per share, compared to Q4 2023 Adjusted
Net Income(1) of $0.9 million or $0.02 per share. On a year -over-year basis, 2024 Adjusted Net Income
was $1.9 million, or $0.05 per share, compared to Adjusted Net Loss of $1.0 million, or $0.02 loss per
share in 2023.
• Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $20.7 million, compared to Q 4 2023 of $3.1 million. On a year -over-
year basis, 2024 Adjusted EBITDA was $64.4 million, compared to $37.2 million in 2023.
• Adjusted EBITDA margin as a percentage of revenue for Q 4 2024 increased to 15.3% from 2.4% an
improvement of 1300 basis points from the prior year quarter. 2024 Adjusted EBITDA increased to 13.5%
from 6.5%, an improvement of 700 basis points from prior year.
• For the year ended December 31, 2024, Neo generated $51.5 million in cash from operating activities,
driven by strong income from operations and continued working capital improvements.
• Neo had $85.5 million in cash and $68.8 million in gross debt and $2.7 million in bank advances on its
balance sheet as of December 31, 2024. Neo invested $80.2 million in capital expenditures for the year
ended December 31, 2024 mainly comprised of $26.8 million for the construction of the Emissions
Control Catalyst facility and $42.5 million for the construction of the new permanent magnet
manufacturing facility in Europe.
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Neo Performance Materials Inc. Fourth Quarter 2024 News Release
• Neo distributed $12.3 million in dividends to Neo's shareholders, and repurchased $2.3 million of
common shares for cancellation in 2024.
• A quarterly dividend of CAD$0.10 per common share was declared on March 11, 2025, for shareholders
of record on March 18, 2025, with a payment date of March 27, 2025.
Solid Business Performance
• Magnequench: Delivered robust growth in 2024, with sales volumes increasing by 7.9% for the full year,
driven by strong demand in bonded permanent magnets and bonded powders in traction motor
applications. The segment continues to capitalize on key growth areas while optimizing cost efficiencies,
leading to improved profitability.
• Significant developments and key performance drivers include:
◦ Bonded magnet sales delivered record volumes up 23% for the full year.
◦ Bonded powders in traction motors delivered growth and won next generation product
platform.
◦ Reduced conversion costs by 20% for the full year at its largest facility.
◦ Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 increased by $4.4 million, or 21% compared to the prior year.
• C&O: While C&O faced challenges in rare earth separation, impacting earnings, the segment is taking
tactical steps to drive growth and profitability. Automotive catalyst volumes were impacted by relocation
of NAMCO and market conditions. The new emissions control catalyst facility is ramping up, positioning
Neo for long -term success. The planned sale of the Chinese separation facilities remains on track,
reinforcing the Company’s shift to high -value-add downstream businesses. At the same time, the
wastewater treatment business continues to gain momentum, supporting future growth.
• Significant developments and key performance drivers include:
◦ Wastewater treatment business delivered record volumes up 46% for the full year.
◦ C&O rare earth separation business delivered negative $1.6 million gross margin in 2024.
◦ Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 declined by $4.4 million, or 47%, compared to the prior year.
• Rare Metals: Delivered another record year, with strong performance across all facilities. The primary
factor influencing financial performance was its hafnium business. The whole segment delivered
improved financial and operational performance through notable changes to its manufacturing strategy.
• Significant developments and key performance drivers include:
◦ Hafnium gross margins increased 76% for the full year.
◦ Closure of hydrometallurgical processing in Silmet, Estonia delivered measurable improvements.
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Neo Performance Materials Inc. Fourth Quarter 2024 News Release
◦ Gallium business strengthened its position in the supply chain, benefiting from regulatory
tailwinds.
◦ Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 increased by $27.6 million, or 114%, versus the prior year.
European Permanent Magnet Facility Nearing Completion
• Neo’s European Permanent Magnet Facility remains on schedule and on budget. The core manufacturing
building is complete, and all key equipment has been received. Customer qualification sample
production is set to begin in first half of 2025, with large-scale commercial production expected in 2026.
• Neo has invested $57.1 million (before EU grant reimbursement received of $5.6 million) since project
inception, with an expected Phase 1 capital cost of $75.0 million before the anticipated EU grant
reimbursement of 23% of eligible project costs.
• In November 2024, Neo secured a $50.0 million credit facility from Export Development Canada (“EDC”)
to support facility construction and commissioning, with $25.0 million drawn as of December 31, 2024.
Emissions Control Catalyst Plant Completed Under Budget
• Neo successfully completed its new Emissions Control Catalyst Facility under budget, with total project
spending expected to be $68.0 million, approximately $7.0 million below initial estimates.
• Neo has invested $49.8 million since project inception; with construction and commissioning complete,
the remaining spend relates primarily to outstanding post-commissioning vendor payments.
• Construction was partly funded through an EDC credit facility, with $45.0 million drawn as of
December 31, 2024.
Asset Portfolio Rebalancing to Improve Quality of Earnings
• Neo’s 2024 portfolio rebalancing focused on divesting non -core separation assets in China to improve
earnings quality, streamline operations, and optimize capital allocation.
• Neo has entered into agreements to sell (i) 86% equity interest in JAMR; and (ii) 88% of the equity interest
in ZAMR, amended from the original agreement to sell 98% of the equity interest of ZAMR. The two
transactions are expected to generate approximately RMB 209.1 million ($28.9 million) in aggregate cash
proceeds. The sales are expected to close in the first half of 2025 after the completion of customary
closing conditions, including local jurisdictional, administrative filings, registrations and approvals.
Non-core Divestment - Sale of Gallium Trichloride Facility
• On December 31, 2024, Neo completed the sale of its 80% ownership interest in its Gallium Trichloride
facility in Oklahoma, which includes a seven -year agreement for the facility to purchase gallium from,
and transfer gallium scrap to, Neo’s Peterborough facility.
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Neo Performance Materials Inc. Fourth Quarter 2024 News Release
Strategic Review
• Neo continues to progress its previously announced Special Committee -led strategic review process,
which includes the consideration of strategic alternatives and opportunities to maximize shareholder
value. The Special Committee remains committed to advancing the strategic review process with Neo’s
financial advisors.
• There can be no assurance that the strategic review process will result in any transaction or other
alternative, nor any assurance as to its outcome or timing.
Conference Call on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time
Management will host a teleconference call on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss the fourth
quarter 2024 results.
Interested parties may access the teleconference by visiting https://emportal.ink/4hxnlVi or calling 1-416-945-
7677 (local) or 1 -888-699-1199 (toll -free long distance). For the webcast, visit
https://app.webinar.net/6J8VyVkDqPa.
A teleconference recording may be accessed by calling 1-289-819-1450 (local) or 1-888-660-6345 (toll-free) and
entering passcode 47143# until April 18, 2025.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
This new release refers to certain specified financial measures, including non-IFRS financial measures and ratios
such as “EBITDA”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Adjusted EBITDA Margin”, “Adjusted Net Income”, “Adjusted Earnings per
Share”, “Debt to Adjusted EBITDA”, “Free Cash Flow” and “Free Cash Flow conversion”. These specified financial
measures are not recognized measures under IFRS, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and
may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companie s. Rather, these specified financial
measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS financial measures by providing further
understanding of Neo’s results of operations from management's perspective. Neo’s definitions of non -IFRS
measures used in this presentation may not be the same as the definitions for such measures used by other
companies in their reporting.
Specified financial measures such as non-IFRS measures and ratios have limitations as analytical tools and should
not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of Neo’s financial information reported under IFRS.
Neo uses specified financial measures to provide investors with supplemental measures of its base-line operating
performance and to eliminate items that have less bearing on operating performance or operating conditions
and thus highlight trends in its core business that may not ot herwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS
financial measures. Neo believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use
specified financial measures such as non -IFRS financial measures and ratios in the evaluation o f issuers. Neo’s
management also uses non-IFRS financial measures and ratios to facilitate operating performance comparisons
from period to period. Readers are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to
their nearest or directly comparable financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS as an indication of
Neo’s financial performance. For further information on how Neo defines such specified financial measures,
including non -IFRS financial measures and ratios and, where applicable, their reconciliations to the nearest
6
Neo Performance Materials Inc. Fourth Quarter 2024 News Release
comparable IFRS measures, please see the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section of Neo’s MD&A for the three
months and year ended December 31, 2024 , which is hereby incorporated by reference into this news release,
and at www.neomaterials.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
About Neo Performance Materials
Neo manufactures the building blocks of many modern technologies that enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Neo's advanced industrial materials – magnetic powders, rare earth magnets, magnetic assemblies, specialty
chemicals, metals, and alloys – are crit ical to the performance of many everyday products and emerging
technologies. Neo's products fast -forward technologies for the net -zero transition. The business of Neo is
organized along three segments: Magnequench, Chemicals & Oxides and Rare Metals. Neo i s headquartered in
Toronto, Ontario, Canada; with corporate offices in Greenwood Village, Colorado, United States; Singapore; and
Beijing, China. Neo has a global platform that includes manufacturing facilities located in China, Germany,
Canada, Estonia, Thailand and the United Kingdom, as well as one dedicated research and development centre
in Singapore. For more information, please visit www.neomaterials.com.
Information Contacts
Irina Kuznetsova Vasileios Tsianos
Investor Relations Media Requests
(416) 367-8588 ext. 7334 (416) 367-8588 ext. 7335
[email protected] [email protected]
www.neomaterials.com
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward -looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws in
Canada. Forward-looking information may relate to future events or future performance of Neo. All statements
in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, with respect to Neo’s objectives and goals, as well
as statements with respect to its beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, and intentions
are forward-looking information.
Specific forward-looking information in this presentation include, but are not limited to: expectations regarding
certain of Neo’s future results and information, including, among other things, revenue, expenses, growth
prospects, capital expenditures, and operations; risk factors relating to national or international economies,
geopolitical risk and other risks present in the jurisdictions in which Neo, its customers, its suppliers, and/or its
logistics partners operate, and; statements with respect to current and future market trends that may directly or
indirectly impact sales and revenue of Neo, including but not limited to the price of rare earth elements; expected
use of cash balances; continuation of prudent management of working capital; source of fu nds for ongoing
business requirements and capital investments; expectations regarding sufficiency of the allowance for
uncollectible accounts and inventory provisions; analysis regarding sensitivity of the business to changes in
exchange rates and changes in rare earth prices; impact of recently adopted accounting pronouncements; risk
factors relating to intellectual property protection and intellectual property litigation; expectations regarding
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Neo Performance Materials Inc. Fourth Quarter 2024 News Release
demand for fan motors and superalloys; expectations regarding the growth of superconductor materials; the
closing and the anticipated timing thereof for the sale of the JAMR and ZAMR separation facilities together with
the targeted return; anticipated completion and launch of Neo’s new permanent magnet facility in Europe and
related commercial production estimates, forecasted budget, commissioning and costs associated with the
facility; targeted reductions in SG&A; Neo’s requalified product portfolio, including the NAMCO product portfolio,
and continued product qualification expected in 2025; anticipated final costs associated with the NAMCO
project; expectations regarding tariffs; securing new automotive customer agreements for permanent magnet
and emissions control facilities; expectations concerning the continued growth of the Magnequench project and
improvements in C&O; expectations concerning any remediation efforts to Neo’s design of its internal controls
over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; and Neo’s 2025 guidance, including Neo’s 2025
Adjusted EBITDA guidance and the assumptions relating thereto.
Often, but not always, forward -looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”,
“expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “continues”, “forecasts”, “projects”, “predicts”,
“intends”, “anticipates” or “believes”, or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that
certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be
achieved. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncert ainties and other factors that may cause
actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward -looking information.
Additionally, Neo’s 2025 guidance reflects Neo’s expectations as to financial performance in 2025 based on
assumptions which Neo believes to be reasonable as of the date of this presentation, including but not limited
to continued Magnequench growth, significant improvements in C&O, exiting lower -margin separation assets,
strong hafnium demand despite pricing mod eration, continued reduction in SG&A expenses, expectations
regarding tariffs; securing new automotive customer agreements for permanent magnet and emissions control
facilities; expectations concerning the continued growth of the Magnequench project and improvements in C&O.
Neo believes the expectations reflected in such forward -looking information are reasonable, but no assurance
can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward -looking information included in
this discussion and analysis should not be unduly relied upon. For more information on Neo, investors should
review Neo’s continuous disclosure filings available under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Information contained
in forward-looking statements in this presentation is provided as of the date hereof and Neo disclaims any
obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information or future events
or results, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.
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Neo Performance Materials Inc. Fourth Quarter 2024 News Release
HIGHLIGHTS OF FOURTH QUARTER 2024 CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANCE
($000s, except per share information) Three Months Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31
2024 2023 2024 2023
Revenue
Magnequench
...........................................................................................................
$ 43,500 $ 54,827 $ 176,649 $ 213,735
C&O
...........................................................................................................
43,606 55,552 146,516 235,929
Rare Metals
...........................................................................................................
48,441 19,724 156,206 124,601
Corporate / Eliminations
...........................................................................................................
(644) (1,435) (3,543) (2,720)
Consolidated Revenue
...........................................................................................................
$ 134,903 $ 128,668 $ 475,828 $ 571,545
Operating Income (Loss)
Magnequench
...........................................................................................................
$ 2,018 $ 2,675 $ 10,123 $ 7,618
C&O
...........................................................................................................
27 2,622 (2,854) 4,088
Rare Metals
...........................................................................................................
16,910 (5,597) 50,134 19,670
Corporate / Eliminations
...........................................................................................................
(6,600) (5,170) (22,102) (20,209)
Consolidated Operating Income (Loss)
...........................................................................................................
$ 12,355 $ (5,470) $ 35,301 $ 11,167
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”)
Magnequench
...........................................................................................................
$ 6,824 $ 5,950 $ 25,528 $ 21,149
C&O
...........................................................................................................
1,350 3,218 4,924 9,306
Rare Metals
...........................................................................................................
17,383 (2,200) 51,762 24,207
Corporate / Eliminations
...........................................................................................................
(4,866) (3,871) (17,816) (17,443)
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
...........................................................................................................
$ 20,691 $ 3,097 $ 64,398 $ 37,219
Net Loss
...........................................................................................................
$ (12,037) $ (1,129) $ (13,016) $ (8,391)
Loss per share attributable to equity holders of Neo
Basic
........................................................................................................
$ (0.29) $ (0.03) $ (0.31) $ (0.19)
Diluted
........................................................................................................
$ (0.29) $ (0.03) $ (0.31) $ (0.19)
Cash spent on property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets
...........................................................................................................
$ 12,077 $ 24,332 $ 64,202 $ 41,743
Cash taxes paid
...........................................................................................................
$ 3,579 $ 2,089 $ 22,411 $ 13,410
Dividends paid to shareholders
...........................................................................................................
$ 3,062 $ 3,335 $ 12,330 $ 13,396
Special dividend
...........................................................................................................
$ 7,967 $ — $ 15,183 $ —
Repurchase of common shares under Normal Course Issuer Bid
...........................................................................................................
$ — $ 3,209 $ 2,250 $ 19,893
As at:
Cash and cash equivalents
...........................................................................................................
$ 85,489 $ 86,895
Short-term debt, bank advances & other
...........................................................................................................
$ 2,740 $ —
Current & long-term debt
...........................................................................................................
$ 68,796 $ 25,331