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Dec 31, 2023

Cleveland-Cliffs Q4 2023 Earnings Report

Cleveland-Cliffs reported mixed results for Q4 2023, with a net loss but increased revenues and adjusted EBITDA compared to the previous year. The company achieved record steel shipments for the year and reduced net debt.

Key Takeaways

Cleveland-Cliffs reported Q4 2023 revenues of $5.1 billion, a net loss of $139 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $279 million. The company achieved record annual steel shipments of 16.4 million net tons and reduced net debt to $2.9 billion. They anticipate steel unit costs to decrease $30 per ton in 2024.

Q4 2023 revenues increased to $5.1 billion from $5.0 billion in the prior year.

The company recorded a GAAP net loss of $139 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, and an adjusted net loss of $25 million, or $0.05 per diluted share.

Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2023 was $279 million, compared to $123 million in Q4 2022.

Full-year steel shipments reached a record 16.4 million net tons.

Total Revenue
$5.11B
Previous year: $5.04B
+1.3%
EPS
-$0.05
Previous year: -$0.3
-83.3%
Adjusted EBITDA
$279M
Previous year: $123M
+126.8%
Revenues from product sales
$1.09K
Previous year: $1.16K
-5.4%
Sales volume
4.04K
Previous year: 3.84K
+5.2%
Gross Profit
$168M
Previous year: -$60M
-380.0%
Cash and Equivalents
$198M
Previous year: $26M
+661.5%
Free Cash Flow
$487M
Previous year: $262M
+85.9%
Total Assets
$17.5B
Previous year: $18.8B
-6.5%

Cleveland-Cliffs

Cleveland-Cliffs

Forward Guidance

Cleveland-Cliffs expects steel shipment volumes of 16.5 million net tons, steel unit cost reductions of approximately $30 per net ton, and capital expenditures of $675 to $725 million for the full year 2024. The Company expects its Adjusted EBITDA performance in the first quarter of 2024 to meaningfully exceed its Adjusted EBITDA performance in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Positive Outlook

  • Steel shipment volumes of 16.5 million net tons are expected for 2024.
  • Steel unit cost reductions of approximately $30 per net ton are anticipated.
  • Capital expenditures are projected to be between $675 and $725 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA performance in Q1 2024 is expected to meaningfully exceed Q4 2023.
  • Focus on aggressive share buybacks.

Challenges Ahead

  • Continued volatility of steel, iron ore and scrap metal market prices.
  • Uncertainties associated with the highly competitive and cyclical steel industry.
  • Potential weaknesses and uncertainties in global economic conditions.
  • Impacts of existing and increasing governmental regulation.
  • Supply chain disruptions or changes in the cost, quality or availability of energy sources.