Cliffs(US:CLF) The Motley Foolยท2025-07-21 18:00Core Viewpoint - Investors are optimistic about Cleveland-Cliffs despite a challenging quarter, as the company managed to beat earnings expectations and is making progress in cost-cutting measures [1][4]. Group 1: Earnings Performance - Cleveland-Cliffs reported a net loss of $470 million, or $0.97 per share, reversing the small profit from Q2 2024 [3]. - The company shipped a record 4.3 million net tons of steel, a 7.5% increase year-over-year, but average selling prices fell by 10%, leading to a decline in revenue [3]. Group 2: Investor Sentiment - Investors reacted positively, with shares rising 13.7% after the earnings report, partly due to management's disclosure that $323 million of the net loss (about 69%) was from non-recurring charges related to idled facilities [1][4]. - The market is betting on the company's ability to improve profitability through cost reductions and the absence of non-recurring charges in future quarters [6]. Group 3: Future Guidance - Cleveland-Cliffs aims to reduce its cost of production by approximately $50 per ton in 2025 compared to 2024, which could help offset the decline in steel prices observed in Q2 [5]. - The company is also focusing on reducing capital spending and selling, general, and administrative expenses, alongside potential benefits from tariffs on imported steel [5].