MARKET WIRE NEWS

Algoma Steel Group Inc. Provides Guidance for the First Quarter 2026

MWN-AI** Summary

On March 31, 2026, Algoma Steel Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTL; TSX: ASTL), a prominent Canadian manufacturer of steel plate and hot rolled sheet products, issued guidance for its first quarter ending March 31, 2026. The company anticipates total steel shipments of approximately 220,000 tons, with Adjusted EBITDA projected to fall between negative $25 million and negative $35 million. This estimate includes a capacity utilization adjustment expected to be between $90 million and $95 million, reflective of fixed costs incurred during a period of reduced production as the company transitions to Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking.

CEO Rajat Marwah emphasized that the first quarter of 2026 represents a pivotal moment for Algoma, highlighting the complete transition from blast furnace operations to EAF technology, which required close to $1 billion in investments. This strategic shift allows Algoma to produce Volta™, its sustainable low-carbon steel product, at scale. Despite facing near-term demand challenges, Algoma is optimistic about the long-term benefits of EAF steelmaking, anticipating significant cost improvements in Adjusted EBITDA moving forward.

Marwah noted that as Canada’s only producer of discrete plate, Algoma is uniquely positioned to capitalize on increasing demands from sectors such as infrastructure, construction, and defense. The modernization not only enhances production capabilities but aligns with Canada’s environmental goals by aiming for a 70% reduction in carbon emissions through the EAF project.

The guidance underscores Algoma's commitment to sustainable steelmaking and its strategic direction towards becoming a leader in green steel production while maintaining a strong focus on project investments that cater to evolving industry needs.

MWN-AI** Analysis

Algoma Steel Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTL; TSX: ASTL) has recently provided guidance that indicates challenges in the short term as well as significant potential for future growth. With an expected shipment of 220,000 tons for Q1 2026 and an Adjusted EBITDA forecast ranging from negative $25 million to negative $35 million, investors should approach the stock with cautious optimism.

The transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, backed by close to $1 billion in investments, represents a pivotal transformation for Algoma. With the company now fully committed to EAF technology and the production of its low-carbon brand, Volta™, Algoma is well-positioned in a market that increasingly values sustainability. This shift not only aligns with global trends toward decarbonization but also addresses key demands in infrastructure, construction, and defense sectors.

While the impending negatives in Adjusted EBITDA may cause short-term volatility, the anticipated structural cost improvements inherent to EAF technology could provide a meaningful boost to profitability in subsequent quarters. Investors should monitor the company's efforts to optimize capacity utilization, as the $90 million to $95 million in benefits from fixed cost adjustments indicates that operational efficiencies will begin to materialize as production stabilizes.

One of Algoma's distinguishing attributes is its focus on domestic supply chains and commitment to responsible steelmaking. As the only Canadian producer of discrete plate, Algoma holds a unique position that could result in substantial competitive advantages as demand rebounds.

Looking ahead, investors would be wise to consider the company's long-term potential, particularly as it strengthens its foothold in the sustainable steel market. Meanwhile, caution is warranted given current financial pressures. A wait-and-see approach, combined with an eye on upcoming financial results and market trends, will help investors navigate this transformative phase for Algoma Steel.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: GlobeNewswire

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, March 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algoma Steel Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTL; TSX: ASTL) (“Algoma” or “the Company”), a leading Canadian producer of steel plate and hot rolled sheet products, today provided guidance for its quarter ended March 31, 2026. Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are in Canadian dollars.

Total steel shipments for the quarter are expected to be approximately 220,000 tons and Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of negative $25 million to negative $35 million. The guidance for expected Adjusted EBITDA includes the benefit of a capacity utilization adjustment that is expected to be in the range of $90 million to $95 million. This represents the excess fixed costs incurred in the quarter despite lower production volumes as the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) ramps up.

Rajat Marwah, Chief Executive Officer of Algoma, commented, "The first quarter of 2026 marked a defining moment in Algoma's transformation. With the wind-down of our blast furnace and coke oven operations now complete, we have fully transitioned to EAF steelmaking, the culmination of years of planning and close to $1 billion of investment. Our EAF is running around the clock, producing Volta™, our sustainable low-carbon steel brand, at scale for the Canadian market. While near-term demand softness continues to weigh on shipment volumes, the structural cost improvements inherent to EAF steelmaking are expected to drive meaningful sequential improvement in Adjusted EBITDA. As Canada's only producer of discrete plate, we are well-positioned to serve growing demand across infrastructure, construction, and defense, and to build on the foundation we have put in place."

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), including statements regarding anticipated improvements in Adjusted EBITDA, ability to serve growing demand across infrastructure, construction, and defense, expected future demand for steel, Algoma’s transition to EAF steelmaking, the Company’s expected reduction in carbon emissions following completion of the EAF project, Algoma’s future as a leading producer of green steel, t Algoma’s modernization of its plate mill facilities, transformation journey, ability to deliver greater and long-term value, ability to offer North America a secure steel supply and a sustainable future, and investment in its people, and processes, and statements regarding the Company’s strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “hope,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “design,” “pipeline,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document. Readers should also consider the other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” in Algoma’s Annual Information Form, filed by Algoma with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities (available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com) and with the SEC, as part of Algoma’s Annual Report on Form 40-F (available at www.sec.gov), as well as in Algoma’s current reports with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Algoma assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

About Algoma Steel Group Inc.

Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Algoma is a leading Canadian producer of high-quality plate and sheet steel products, proudly supporting critical sectors including energy, defense, automotive, shipbuilding, and infrastructure. Guided by a purpose to build better lives and a greener future, Algoma is shaping the next generation of sustainable steelmaking in Canada.

With the transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking and a modernized plate mill, Algoma is redefining how steel is made in Canada. Powered by Ontario’s clean electricity grid, this transformation represents one of the largest industrial decarbonization initiatives in North America and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 70%. These advancements provide stability for continued investment in diversification projects aligned with Canada’s evolving needs.

This new chapter also introduces Volta™, the brand for all steel produced through Algoma’s EAF technology. Volta delivers the same trusted performance customers rely on, with significantly lower emissions—produced safely, sustainably, and proudly in Canada.

Building on more than a century of steelmaking expertise, Algoma continues to invest in its people, processes, and technologies to strengthen domestic supply chains and deliver responsible, Canadian-made steel that helps build a better tomorrow.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with IFRS® Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) (“IFRS Accounting Standards”), we use certain non-GAAP measures to evaluate the performance of Algoma. These terms do not have any standardized meaning prescribed within IFRS Accounting Standards and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS Accounting Standards measures by providing a further understanding of our financial performance from management’s perspective. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS Accounting Standards.

Adjusted EBITDA, as we define it, refers to net income (loss) before amortization of property, plant, equipment and amortization of intangible assets, finance costs, interest on pension and other post-employment benefit obligations, income taxes, foreign exchange loss (gain), finance income, carbon tax, changes in fair value of IPO and LETL Warrants, earnout and share-based compensation liabilities and derivative, share-based compensation related to the Company’s Omnibus Long Term Incentive Plan, certain inventory adjustments, impairment loss, legal settlement, severance costs and stranded inventory. Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by revenue for the corresponding period. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flow from operations, as defined by IFRS Accounting Standards, and should not be considered as alternatives to net profit (loss) from operations, or any other measure of performance prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. Adjusted EBITDA, as we define and use it, may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA as defined and used by other companies. We consider Adjusted EBITDA to be a meaningful measure to assess our operating performance in addition to IFRS Accounting Standards. It is included because we believe it can be useful in measuring our operating performance and our ability to expand our business and provide management and investors with additional information for comparison of our operating results across different time periods and to the operating results of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by analysts and our lenders as a measure of our financial performance. In addition, we consider Adjusted EBITDA margin to be a useful measure of our operating performance and profitability across different time periods that enhance the comparability of our results. However, these measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation from, or as alternatives to, net income, cash flow from operations or other data prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. Because of these limitations, such measures should not be considered as measures of discretionary cash available to invest in business growth or to reduce indebtedness. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our IFRS Accounting Standards results using such measures only as supplements to such results. See the financial tables below for a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA.


For more information, please contact:Michael MoracaChief Financial OfficerAlgoma Steel Group Inc.Phone: 705.945.3300E-mail: IR@algoma.com

FAQ**

How does the transition to Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology impact Algoma Steel Group Inc.'s overall production costs, especially when considering the recent guidance for Adjusted EBITDA?
The transition to Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology is expected to lower Algoma Steel Group Inc.'s overall production costs by reducing energy and raw material expenses, potentially enhancing their Adjusted EBITDA guidance through improved operational efficiency.
Given the anticipated ramp-up of EAF operations, what specific steps is Algoma Steel Group Inc. taking to mitigate the effects of negative Adjusted EBITDA in the upcoming quarters?
Algoma Steel Group Inc. is implementing cost management initiatives, optimizing production efficiencies, and exploring strategic partnerships to mitigate the impact of negative Adjusted EBITDA during the ramp-up of its Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) operations in upcoming quarters.
With the recent establishment of the Volta™ brand for low-carbon steel, how does Algoma Steel Group Inc. Warrant ASTLW aim to capture the growing demand in markets such as infrastructure and defense?
Algoma Steel Group Inc. Warrant (ASTLW) aims to capture the increasing demand for low-carbon steel in infrastructure and defense markets through its Volta™ brand by leveraging sustainable production methods to meet environmental standards and attract eco-conscious customers.
Considering Algoma's significant investment in decarbonization initiatives, what metrics will the company prioritize to measure the success of its transformation, and how will this affect investor positions like Algoma Steel Group Inc. Warrant ASTLW?
Algoma Steel will prioritize metrics such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction, energy efficiency improvements, and carbon intensity, which could enhance investor confidence in ASTLW by positioning the company as a leader in sustainable steel production and potentially driving long-term value.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Algoma Steel Group Inc. Common Share Purchase Warrants (TSXC: ASTL.WT:CC).

Algoma Steel Group Inc. Common Share Purchase Warrants

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