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Salzgitter starts cutting expenses amid weak steel market

Salzgitter said on Monday it had started to carry out expense cutting procedures across its businesses, after the difficult steel market in Germany caused an internet loss in the 2nd quarter.

The year 2024 is proving to be one of the most challenging for Germany's steel market in decades, CEO Gunnar Groebler said in a statement.

The German steel maker's net outcome swung to a loss of 33.5 million euros ($ 36.6 million) in the 2nd quarter of the year, compared to an earnings of 19.7 million in 2015.

2024 seems a lost year from an operating standpoint, Groebler added.

The cost decreases will include steps in budgets, personnel costs and maintenance, Chief Financial Officer Birgit Potrafki said during a teleconference.

I do not expect task cuts, stated Baader Helvea analyst Christian Obst, keeping in mind the company still has a conservative method to its balance sheet.

Last month, Salzgitter cut its core earnings (EBITDA) projection for the 2nd time this year, less than 2 weeks after it pre-announced its second-quarter results, including a 23% drop in the metric.

The company's shares have fallen 45% so far this year. They were flat on Monday, as the quarterly outcomes were mostly known.

German peer Thyssenkrupp likewise cut its outlook in July, pointing out weak demand for its items that include steel, submarines and cars and truck parts.

(source: Reuters)