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Cliffs(CLF) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-09 14:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total shipments in Q4 were 3.8 million tons, slightly lower than Q3 due to seasonal impacts, with expectations for Q1 to improve back to 4 million tons [17] - Q4 price realization was $993 per net ton, down by around $40 per net ton, but a substantial improvement in realized prices is expected starting in Q1 2026, with an anticipated increase of approximately $60 per ton [18] - 2025 marked the third consecutive year of unit cost reductions, with a reduction of $40 per ton, and expectations for another $10 per ton decrease in 2026 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has secured more business from automotive clients, which is expected to show throughout 2026 as OEMs reshore production back to the U.S. [4] - The cancellation of the slab contract with ArcelorMittal is projected to yield an EBITDA improvement of around $500 million by replacing lower-margin slabs with higher-margin products [28][29] - The company anticipates continued demand for domestically produced slabs due to melted and poured requirements [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Canadian government has moved to restrict imported steel, creating positive momentum for the company's Canadian subsidiary, Stelco [4] - The spot steel price is currently at a two-year high, benefiting the company due to its cost structure and ability to generate its own power [6] - Vehicle production in the U.S. was down for three consecutive years, but a return to pre-COVID levels is expected due to policy-driven reshoring [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on sustainable performance in an improved market, operating with a leaner footprint and a stronger order book [24] - The partnership with POSCO is a strategic priority, aimed at enhancing industrial cooperation and meeting U.S. trade requirements [14][52] - The company is positioned to benefit from the transition from aluminum to steel in automotive applications, leveraging existing technology and production capabilities [10][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the improving business environment, with solid order books, rising prices, and declining costs [23] - The company is confident in its ability to absorb increased automotive demand with existing production capacity, avoiding the need for new plant construction [8] - Management highlighted the importance of the recent changes in the Canadian steel market and the positive impact on pricing and shipments [12][63] Other Important Information - The company achieved the lowest total recordable incident rate since becoming a steel producer, with a 43% improvement compared to 2021 [15] - Capital expenditures in 2025 were at a record low of $561 million, with projections for 2026 to be around $700 million [20] - Total liquidity at the end of 2025 was $3.3 billion, with a focus on generating EBITDA and cash flow [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What benefit is expected from the cancellation of the slab contract? - The cancellation is projected to yield an EBITDA improvement of around $500 million by replacing lower-margin slabs with higher-margin products [28][29] Question: When should the improvement in EBITDA be expected? - The company is already selling the material in Q1, with more impact expected in Q2 and Q3 as cost flows through inventory [32] Question: How much open capacity is available for contracting? - The company has downstream capacity in every location, with significant potential to deploy more specialized steel products [40][41] Question: What is the outlook for Q1 regarding ASP and costs? - Shipments are expected to return to 4 million tons, with ASP projected to increase by $60 per ton in Q1, while costs may rise temporarily before normalizing [44][46] Question: How has Stelco performed and what is the outlook? - Stelco was disappointing in 2025 but is expected to contribute significantly in 2026 as market dynamics improve [60][62] Question: What is the status of asset sales? - The company is under contract to sell several idled properties, with total proceeds expected to reach $425 million, while larger asset sales are on hold pending POSCO negotiations [70][72]
Cliffs(CLF) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-09 14:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total shipments in Q4 2025 were 3.8 million tons, slightly lower than Q3 due to seasonal impacts, with expectations to improve to 4 million tons in Q1 2026 [17] - Q4 price realization was $993 per net ton, down by approximately $40 per net ton, but expected to improve by about $60 per ton in Q1 2026 [18][22] - Unit costs decreased by $40 per ton in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of reductions, with further expectations of a $10 per ton decrease in 2026 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has shifted melting capacity from low-margin slabs to higher-margin flat-rolled products, anticipating continued demand for domestically produced slabs [5] - The automotive sector remains the core end market, with multi-year fixed-price contracts signed with major OEMs, expected to enhance market share and profitability in 2026 [7][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The spot steel price is at a two-year high, benefiting from Section 232 tariffs and increased domestic production [6] - Canadian pricing and shipments have improved following government restrictions on imported steel, positively impacting the Canadian subsidiary, Stelco [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging existing production capacity without the need for new plants, positioning itself to benefit from the anticipated increase in domestic automotive production [8][10] - A strategic partnership with POSCO is a top priority, aimed at enhancing collaboration and meeting U.S. trade requirements [14][53] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the improving business environment, citing a solid order book, rising prices, and declining costs as key factors for 2026 [22] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the return of vehicle production to pre-COVID levels, with expectations of significant throughput and profitability gains [23] Other Important Information - The company achieved a record low total recordable incident rate in 2025, reflecting a 43% improvement compared to 2021 [15] - Capital expenditures in 2025 were $561 million, with projections for 2026 to be around $700 million, reflecting normalized maintenance spending [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expected benefits from the cancellation of the slab contract - Management anticipates an EBITDA improvement of approximately $500 million from the cancellation of the slab contract, with benefits expected to materialize more significantly in Q2 2026 [27][31] Question: CapEx expectations beyond 2026 - CapEx is projected to be $700 million in 2026, increasing to $900 million in 2027 due to a blast furnace reline, then returning to $700 million in 2028 [34] Question: Open capacity and potential for contracting - The company has significant downstream capacity available, with the ability to produce specialized steel products, contingent on increased domestic automotive production [39][41] Question: Outlook for Q1 2026 - Shipments are expected to return to 4 million tons in Q1 2026, with ASP projected to increase by $60 per ton, driven by improved demand and pricing dynamics [44][46] Question: Impact of Stelco on earnings - Stelco's performance in 2025 was disappointing, but improvements are expected in 2026 as Canadian market dynamics change, contributing positively to overall results [60][64]
Cliffs(CLF) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-09 14:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total shipments in Q4 2025 were 3.8 million tons, slightly lower than Q3 due to seasonal impacts, with expectations for Q1 2026 to improve back to 4 million tons [15] - Q4 price realization was $993 per net ton, down by approximately $40 per net ton, but a substantial improvement in realized prices is expected starting in Q1 2026, with an anticipated increase of about $60 per ton [16][30] - Unit costs decreased by $40 per ton in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of reductions, with further expectations of a $10 per ton decrease in 2026 [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has shifted melting capacity from low-margin slabs to higher-margin flat-rolled products, anticipating continued demand for domestically produced slabs [5] - Multi-year fixed-price contracts with major automotive OEMs have been signed, increasing market share and securing high-margin business for 2026 [7][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Canadian government has implemented restrictions on imported steel, positively impacting the Canadian subsidiary Stelco and improving pricing and shipments [4][12] - The U.S. market is benefiting from Section 232 tariffs at 50%, driving demand for domestically produced steel and reducing import competition [4][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging existing production capacity without the need for new plants, positioning itself to benefit from the anticipated increase in domestic vehicle production [8][10] - The strategic partnership with POSCO aims to enhance collaboration and meet U.S. trade requirements, with a definitive agreement targeted for the first half of 2026 [13][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the improving business environment, citing a solid order book, rising prices, and declining costs as key factors for profitability in 2026 [20][21] - The company is committed to maximizing profitability through operational efficiency and strategic partnerships, with a focus on the automotive sector [20][21] Other Important Information - The company achieved its lowest total recordable incident rate in 2025, reflecting significant improvements in safety performance [14] - Capital expenditures in 2025 were a record low at $561 million, with projections for 2026 to be around $700 million, reflecting normalized maintenance capital [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expected benefits from the cancellation of the slab contract - Management expects an EBITDA improvement of approximately $500 million from the cancellation of the slab contract, with benefits starting in Q1 but more pronounced in Q2 and Q3 [26][30] Question: CapEx expectations beyond 2026 - CapEx for 2026 is projected at $700 million, with expectations to rise to $900 million in 2027 due to a blast furnace reline, then returning to $700 million in 2028 [34] Question: Open capacity and potential EBITDA sensitivity - The company has significant downstream capacity available, with the need for increased domestic automotive production to fully utilize this capacity [39] Question: Outlook for Q1 and pricing expectations - Shipments are expected to return to 4 million tons in Q1, with ASP anticipated to increase by $60 per ton, driven by improved demand and pricing dynamics [43][44] Question: Impact of Stelco on earnings and market dynamics - Stelco's performance in 2025 was disappointing due to market conditions, but improvements are expected in 2026 as Canadian pricing stabilizes [60][64]
Cliffs(CLF) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Presentation
2026-02-09 13:30
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC. Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Earnings Presentation February 9, 2026 For additional factors affecting the business of Cliffs, refer to Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 2 © 2026 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. All Rights Reserved. 3 © 2026 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. All Rights Reserved. 3 © 2026 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Revenues ...
Cleveland-Cliffs Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Results
Businesswire· 2026-02-09 11:00
Core Insights - Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. reported fourth-quarter and full-year results for 2025, highlighting a consistent revenue performance but significant net losses compared to the previous year [2][4][5]. Fourth-Quarter Results - Fourth-quarter 2025 consolidated revenues were $4.3 billion, unchanged from the prior year's fourth quarter [2]. - The company recorded a GAAP net loss of $235 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, an improvement from a GAAP net loss of $434 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, in the prior-year fourth quarter [2][5]. - Adjusted EBITDA loss for the fourth quarter was $21 million, compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $81 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 [3]. Full-Year Results - Full-year 2025 consolidated revenues totaled $18.6 billion, down from $19.2 billion in the previous year [4]. - The company reported a GAAP net loss of $1.4 billion, or $2.91 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $714 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, in 2024 [5]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year was $37 million, significantly lower than $773 million in 2024 [5]. Operational Challenges and Strategic Actions - The performance in 2025 was negatively impacted by weak production levels in the automotive sector, an expiring slab contract, and adverse market dynamics in Canada [6]. - The company took steps to optimize its operations, including exiting non-core assets, signing multi-year contracts with major automotive customers, and reducing unit costs year-over-year [6]. - Cleveland-Cliffs achieved a record safety year with the lowest Total Recordable Incident Rate of 0.8 per 200,000 hours worked [6]. Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The trade environment in the U.S. is improving, which is expected to lead to better results in 2026 [6]. - The company anticipates steel shipment volumes of approximately 16.5 to 17.0 million net tons for 2026, with unit cost reductions of about $10 per net ton compared to 2025 [13]. - Capital expenditures are projected to be around $700 million, with selling, general, and administrative expenses estimated at $575 million [13].
Cleveland-Cliffs Gears Up For Q4 Print; Here Are The Recent Forecast Changes From Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts - Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE:CLF)
Benzinga· 2026-02-09 06:51
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:CLF) will release earnings for its fourth quarter before the opening bell on Monday, Feb. 9.Analysts expect the Cleveland, Ohio-based company to report quarterly loss of 62 cents per share, versus a year-ago loss of 68 cents per share. The consensus estimate for Cleveland-Cliffs' quarterly revenue is $4.59 billion (it reported $4.33 billion last year), according to Benzinga Pro.On Nov. 18, SunCoke Energy and Cleveland-Cliffs agreed to a 3-year extension of their Cokemaking agreem ...
Cleveland-Cliffs Gears Up For Q4 Print; Here Are The Recent Forecast Changes From Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts
Benzinga· 2026-02-09 06:51
Core Viewpoint - Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is expected to report a quarterly loss of 62 cents per share for Q4, an improvement from a loss of 68 cents per share a year ago, with projected revenue of $4.59 billion compared to $4.33 billion last year [1]. Group 1 - Cleveland-Cliffs will release its Q4 earnings before the market opens on February 9 [1]. - Analysts predict a quarterly loss of 62 cents per share for Cleveland-Cliffs, which is an improvement from the previous year's loss of 68 cents per share [1]. - The consensus estimate for Cleveland-Cliffs' quarterly revenue is $4.59 billion, up from $4.33 billion reported last year [1]. Group 2 - Cleveland-Cliffs and SunCoke Energy have agreed to a 3-year extension of their Cokemaking agreement [2]. - Following the announcement of the agreement, shares of Cleveland-Cliffs increased by 6.4%, closing at $14.73 [2].
X @Bloomberg
Bloomberg· 2026-02-09 04:48
Australia has imposed a 10% tariff on steel ceiling frames from China, following an investigation by the nation’s Anti-Dumping Commission https://t.co/0Mr8FSxzpH ...
Stocks to Watch today: Tata Steel, SBI, Hind Zinc, BEML, PFC, Aurobindo
Business· 2026-02-09 02:55
Stocks to watch today, Monday, February 9, 2026: Indian markets will likely open on a positive note, as indicated by the GIFT Nifty. The futures were quoted at 25,928, up 192 points or 0.75 per cent as of 8:15 AM.    Gains in Asian share indices may also lend support to Indian markets. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped over 4 per cent and hit a fresh high in early trade after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi won a historic mandate.      CATCH STOCK MARKET UPDATES TODAY LIVESouth Korea’s Kospi and mainland China’s CS ...
Trump administration equity stakes pose risks to U.S. companies and markets
CNBC· 2026-02-07 13:54
Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration is pursuing an unprecedented strategy of taking equity stakes in U.S. companies, particularly in critical minerals and technology sectors, to reduce reliance on foreign sources, especially China and Taiwan [2][4]. Group 1: Government Investments - The Trump administration has invested in at least 10 companies, including USA Rare Earth and MP Materials, with a total portfolio that is unprecedented outside of economic crises or wartime [2]. - The administration's latest investment was in USA Rare Earth, announced at the end of January [2]. - The government is focusing on strategic industries to minimize dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly in semiconductors and critical minerals [4]. Group 2: Risks and Concerns - The approach of taking equity stakes poses risks for the companies involved, including potential political, legal, and business risks [8][9]. - Companies may face scrutiny and legal challenges if political power shifts, particularly if Democrats regain control of Congress [13]. - There are concerns about capital misallocation, as government investments may favor less competitive companies, leading to inefficient resource distribution [17]. Group 3: Political and Legal Implications - The Trump administration's strategy represents a significant ideological shift for the Republican Party, traditionally favoring free market principles [9]. - The legal basis for these investments is unclear, raising concerns about potential lawsuits and political scrutiny for the companies involved [12][13]. - The lack of clear regulations may lead to favoritism in government dealings, impacting competition and market entry for new firms [15]. Group 4: Corporate Reactions - Executives have largely remained silent on the administration's interventionist approach, with some expressing distaste for perceived favoritism [22][24]. - Companies like MP Materials have acknowledged the risks associated with government investments in their SEC filings, including potential audits and investigations [14][15]. - The number of government equity stakes is expected to grow, with discussions of potential investments in major defense companies like Lockheed Martin [23].