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Dec 31, 2019

Cleveland-Cliffs Q4 2019 Earnings Report

Cleveland-Cliffs' fourth-quarter results decreased compared to the previous year, but the company announced the acquisition of AK Steel.

Key Takeaways

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. reported a net income of $63 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2019. This includes $7 million in costs related to the acquisition of AK Steel. Consolidated revenues were $534 million, compared to $696 million in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was $111 million, compared to $188 million in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Net income for the fourth quarter was $63 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, including acquisition-related costs.

Consolidated revenues for the fourth quarter were $534 million, a decrease from $696 million in the prior-year quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $111 million, down from $188 million in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The company announced the acquisition of AK Steel, expected to close in the first quarter of 2020.

Total Revenue
$534M
Previous year: $696M
-23.3%
EPS
$0.25
Previous year: $2.03
-87.7%
Adjusted EBITDA
$111M
Revenues from product sales
$90.8
Previous year: $99.4
-8.7%
Sales volume
5.84K
Gross Profit
$127M
Previous year: $202M
-37.2%
Cash and Equivalents
$353M
Previous year: $823M
-57.2%
Free Cash Flow
-$16.7M
Previous year: $286M
-105.8%
Total Assets
$3.5B
Previous year: $3.53B
-0.7%

Cleveland-Cliffs

Cleveland-Cliffs

Cleveland-Cliffs Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Cliffs expects to generate approximately $300-325 million of net income and $550-575 million of Adjusted EBITDA for the full-year 2020 on a standalone basis, based on iron ore prices of $90 per metric ton, steel prices of $650 per short ton, and pellet premiums of $50 per metric ton.

Positive Outlook

  • Iron ore prices of $90 per metric ton.
  • Steel prices of $650 per short ton.
  • Pellet premiums of $50 per metric ton.
  • Expects to receive approximately $60 million in cash tax refunds during the third quarter of 2020.
  • Becoming a leading supplier of the most sophisticated carbon and stainless steel products to high-end clients, including engineered parts to the automotive industry as a Tier 1 supplier to several different models of cars, SUVs and trucks.

Challenges Ahead

  • $125 million in interest expense.
  • $25 million in tax expense (all non-cash).
  • $100 million in depreciation, depletion, and amortization.
  • 2020 capital spending expectation is $350-$400 million, including the remaining spend to complete the Toledo HBI production plant, sustaining capital, and capitalized interest.
  • The quarter's results were negatively impacted by an unfavorable true-up of previously sold volumes due to lower pellet premiums and HRC prices, as well as unfavorable customer mix.