American Resources(AREC) - 2023 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong balance sheet as of March 31, 2023, with a traditional debt balance of approximately $839,000 and cash on hand of about $2.4 million [9][10] - The conversion of a $9.8 million convertible note into 9.4 million common shares eliminated future liabilities under the existing convertible note [9] - The company has a current share count of over 78.2 million Class A common shares [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The American Carbon division is focusing on monetizing carbon assets through various operational strategies, including joint ventures and asset sales [22][23] - The ReElement Technologies division is positioned as a leading refining technology platform for critical minerals, emphasizing its role in the recycling value chain [12][14] - The American Metals division is generating cash flows by scrapping ferrous metals and is positioned to leverage ReElement's refining capacity [42][43] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The carbon markets remain strong, with shifts in geographic demand impacting operations, particularly with the reopening of relations in China and Australia [22] - The company is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for critical minerals in the electrified economy [12][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its Wyoming County coal mining complex, which is expected to drive incremental growth through technological improvements and new construction [5][28] - The planned spin-off of ReElement Technologies aims to unlock value and position the company favorably within the critical minerals market [6][38] - The company is exploring international opportunities, particularly in Africa, for lithium refining and other critical minerals [36][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning to capitalize on market opportunities and the potential for significant value creation post-spin-off [21][44] - The company is focused on maintaining liquidity and does not foresee the need to issue equity to raise cash [44][58] Other Important Information - The company has filed an amended Form 10 registration statement for the ReElement spin-off, which is currently under SEC review [7] - The company is also working on a $45 million tax-exempt bond allocation to fund its Wyoming County complex [5][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: How can the company achieve a clean tech multiple across the board? - Management believes that the ReElement spin-off will drive significant value and that the Wyoming County complex will not only produce metallurgical carbon but also rare earth elements [48] Question: Can you provide a quarter-by-quarter expectation for free cash flow from McCoy Elkhorn? - Management highlighted that McCoy and Wyoming are low-cost, high-quality operations positioned to generate substantial cash flow, with ongoing efforts to monetize the Deane complex [52][53] Question: Can you comment on the cash projections for Q2 and beyond? - Management clarified that the cash balance fluctuations are due to timing and that there are plans to monetize equipment to bolster cash reserves [56][58] Question: What will happen to American Metals post-ReElement spin-off? - Management indicated that American Metals is currently under the American Resources umbrella but may be evaluated for a potential spin-off in the future [60][61]