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Salzgitter AG (SZGPY) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges and Seizing ...

In This Article:

  • Revenue: EUR 10 billion, a decrease from the previous year.

  • EBITDA: EUR 445 million, stronger than previously announced.

  • Earnings Before Taxes (EBT): Minus EUR 296 million, impacted by onetime effects totaling EUR 400 million.

  • Operational Result: EUR 109 million, excluding onetime effects.

  • Cash Flow from Operating Activities: EUR 408 million, improved by EUR 550 million in Q4 2024.

  • Net Financial Position: Slightly below minus EUR 600 million, planned due to transformation investments.

  • Dividend Proposal: EUR 0.20 per share.

  • Crude Steel Production: Increased due to relining of blast furnace A in 2023.

  • External Sales: Decreased by EUR 880 million, attributed to price developments.

  • Depreciation: Significant write-downs on MPT Group and HKM participation.

  • Investments: EUR 899 million in 2024, with significant spending on SALCOS.

  • Management Guidance for 2025: Sales between EUR 9.5 billion and EUR 10 billion; EBITDA EUR 350 million to EUR 550 million; EBT between minus EUR 100 million and plus EUR 100 million.

Release Date: March 21, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Salzgitter AG (SZGPY) has improved its occupational safety metrics, continuing a positive trend since 2018.

  • The company is well-positioned to benefit from EU's strategic focus on the steel industry, particularly through the European Green Deal and Clean Industrial Deal.

  • Salzgitter AG (SZGPY) has secured funding for SALCOS Stage 1, ensuring the production of 2 million tons of green steel.

  • The company has a strong order backlog for 2025, particularly in its technology sector, with KHS achieving record results.

  • Salzgitter AG (SZGPY) has implemented a comprehensive performance program, P28, aiming to achieve EUR 500 million in cost savings by 2028.

Negative Points

  • Salzgitter AG (SZGPY) reported a significant pre-tax loss of EUR 296 million for 2024, primarily due to one-time write-offs and restructuring costs.

  • The company faces challenges from fluctuating raw material and energy prices, impacting its cost structure.

  • There is uncertainty in the international trading environment due to ongoing trade barriers and discussions.

  • The steel processing segment experienced declines in demand and prices, particularly affecting heavy plate and precision tubes.

  • Salzgitter AG (SZGPY) has not yet received a firm takeover offer from the consortium interested in acquiring a majority share, creating uncertainty about future ownership.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you specify the CapEx expectation for 2025 and the associated subsidy cash flow for the SALCOS program? A: The total government support for SALCOS is EUR1 billion, which is invoiced quarterly. For 2025, we expect a subsidy amount of more than EUR300 million, including a spillover effect from last year.