SSAB Results for 2013

The quarter

• Sales of SEK 8,920 (8,354) million
• Operating loss of SEK -282 (-665) million · Loss after financial items of SEK -436 (-842) million
• Earnings per share of SEK -0.82 (-0.70)         
• Operating cash flow of SEK 575 (1,251) million and cash flow from current operations of SEK 217 (1,049) million  

The full year

• Sales of SEK 35,022 (38,923) million
• Operating loss of SEK -1,131 (-96) million
• Loss after financial items of SEK -1,728 (-693) million 
• Earnings per share of SEK -3.29 (0.05)           
• Operating cash flow of SEK 1,956 (4,929) million and cash flow from current operations of SEK 1,103 (3,925) million
• Net debt decreased to SEK 14,833 (15,498) million and net debt/equity ratio amounted to 55 (54) %
• A dividend is proposed of SEK 0.00 (1.00) per share, equal to SEK 0 (324) million

The CEO’s comments

The operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2013 was SEK -282 million, an improvement of SEK 316 million compared with the third quarter of 2013 and SEK 383 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2012. The improvement compared with the same quarter of last year is primarily attributable to higher volumes, improved capacity utilization and lower variable costs. At the same time, the result was negatively affected by lower prices. The operating cash flow remained strong at SEK 575 million in the fourth quarter and SEK 1,956 million for the full year of 2013. During 2013, net debt was reduced by almost SEK 700 million.

During 2014, we anticipate that the North American market will continue to improve and that SSAB will benefit from higher prices and stronger demand. In the US, during the fourth quarter and January we announced price increases for plate totaling USD 130 per tonne (more than 15%). The price increases will gradually have an impact during the first and second quarter 2014. However, during the fourth quarter market prices of scrap increased with approximately USD 70 per tonne. At the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second quarter, a maintenance outage will be carried out in Mobile which will affect shipments and earnings negatively. The European market was weak in 2013, but there are indications that the market has bottomed out. In Asia, especially in China, general demand for steel is expected to grow in 2014, but at a slower pace.

2013 has been a very challenging year for SSAB and for the steel industry as a whole, characterized by weak demand and low prices. For SSAB specifically, the strong krona affected earnings negatively, with approximately SEK 500 million compared to 2012 Also, some of our most important segments, like Mining and Construction Machinery, had an even weaker development than the general market. One positive consequence of testing times is that it creates scope for new solutions. It is, therefore, pleasing that at the end of January 2014 we were able to announce our ambition to combine with Rautaruukki, with the aim of creating a more competitive steel company. Together, we will have a flexible and efficient production system in the Nordic region, while at the same time having even better possibilities to serve our customers. In addition, we obtain stronger opportunities continuing to develop our leading global positions within high strength steels.

Martin Lindqvist
President & CEO

Invitation to SSAB’s 2013 year-end report

SSAB invites you to a presentation of the 2013 year-end report at 09.30 a.m. CET on Friday, February 7, 2014. The 2013 year-end report will be presented by SSAB’s President and CEO Martin Lindqvist and CFO Håkan Folin. The press conference will be held in English and live webcasted on SSAB’s website www.ssab.com. It is also possible to participate in the briefing via telephone.

Venue and time of briefing: World Trade Center (WTC) Stockholm, Kungsbron 1, Conference room Manhattan, 09:30 a.m. CET.
Telephone numbers: +46 8 505 564 74 (Sweden), +44 203 364 53 74 (UK), +1 855 753 22 30 (USA).
Link to webcast: Go to webcast (http://www.media-server.com/m/p/ez3umwhd)

Instructions on how to participate in the webcast will be available on SSAB’s website, including presentation material for downloading.

Should you have questions regarding the webcast, please contact Marie Elfstrand, Director External Communications, phone +46 8 45 45 756.

This information is such that SSAB must disclose in accordance with the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication on February 7, 2014 at 07.30 am.

SSAB is a global leader in value added, high strength steel. SSAB offers products developed in close cooperation with its customers to create a stronger, lighter and more sustainable world.SSAB has employees in over 45 countries and operates production facilities in Sweden and the US. SSAB is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic Exchange, Stockholm. www.ssab.com

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