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ArcelorMittal S.A. MT has announced the initiation of a new share buyback program following the completion of its 85 million share buyback on April 2, 2025. The new program will involve share repurchases conducted in multiple tranches, which may be announced through May 2030, with the first tranche allowing for the repurchase of up to 10 million shares.
This will begin immediately under the authorization granted at the company’s annual general meeting of shareholders on April 30, 2024, and if applicable, subject to approval at the meeting scheduled for May 6, 2025. The actual number of shares to be repurchased will depend on the company’s post-dividend free cash flow over the period, shareholder approval and market conditions. ArcelorMittal aims to return at least 50% of its post-dividend annual free cash flow.
The repurchased shares will primarily be used to reduce the company’s share capital, fulfill employee share program obligations, meet obligations exchangeable into equity securities, or for other purposes as announced with each tranche.
Shares of ArcelorMittal have lost 13.1% in a year compared with a 48.2% decline of the industry.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
MT, on its fourth-quarter call, said that it expects world ex-China apparent steel consumption (ASC) to grow 2.5% to 3.5% in 2025 from the 2024 level, supporting steel shipment growth. By region, ASC for Europe flat products is expected to grow between 0% and 2%, while U.S. flat products are projected to increase 1% to 3%. China and Brazil are anticipated to remain stable, whereas India is forecasted to grow 6% to 7%. Although near-term demand is expected to remain subdued due to the low inventory environment, particularly in Europe, the company is optimistic that restocking activity will, over time, supplement real demand improvement.
ArcelorMittal Price and Consensus
ArcelorMittal price-consensus-chart | ArcelorMittal Quote
MT’s Rank & Other Key Picks
MT currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Other top-ranked stocks in the basic materials space include Carpenter Technology Corporation CRS, Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. IDR and Ingevity Corporation NGVT.
Carpenter Technology currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. CRS beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 15.7%. The company's shares have soared 90.2% in the past year. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Idaho Strategic Resources’ current-year earnings is pegged at 78 cents. IDR, carrying a Zacks Rank #2, surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters while missing once, with an average earnings surprise of 77.5%. The company's shares have rallied 66.9% in the past year.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ingevity’s 2025 earnings is pegged at $4.45, indicating a rise of 26.8% from year-ago levels. The consensus estimate for NGVT’s 2025 earnings has increased 29% in the past 60 days. NGVT currently has a Rank #1.