Thyssenkrupp Faces €1.5B Loss Amid Steel Woes, Strategic Decisions Loom in 2024
November 19, 2024López plans to expand the cost-cutting performance program APEX, emphasizing the need for decisive action regarding Steel Europe and Marine Systems.
Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has acquired a 20% stake in Thyssenkrupp Steel and aims to establish a 50/50 joint venture, contingent on the future direction of the steel business.
Thyssenkrupp is planning a transition to low-emission production methods, supported by 2 billion euros in government funding for a direct reduction plant using hydrogen.
Despite the financial losses, Thyssenkrupp plans to propose a stable dividend of 15 cents per share at the upcoming annual general meeting to maintain shareholder confidence.
Concerns over job losses are rising, with estimates suggesting that up to 10,000 positions at TKSE could be at risk due to restructuring efforts.
Internal conflicts regarding the future of the steel division have resulted in significant management changes, including the resignation of four supervisory board members.
Thyssenkrupp reported a significant loss of 1.5 billion euros for the fiscal year ending September 2024, largely driven by write-downs in its struggling steel division, Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe (TKSE).
The company experienced a decline in revenue by seven percent to 35 billion euros, primarily due to weakened demand from key sectors such as automotive, machinery, and construction.
Despite the net loss of 1.4 billion euros, there was an improvement from the previous year's loss of 2.0 billion euros, attributed to asset impairments and restructuring costs.
The steel division has faced ongoing challenges, necessitating substantial write-downs and raising questions about its future viability.
CEO Miguel López has declared 2024 as the 'Year of Decisions' for Thyssenkrupp, focusing on strategic changes and the future of its steel and defense divisions.
The company anticipates a stabilization of demand in the second half of the current fiscal year, projecting a potential revenue increase of up to 3 percent.
Summary based on 9 sources