(BFM Stock Exchange) – The steel group has delivered a gross operating result greater than expectations in the fourth quarter and indicated to anticipate growth in steel demand in 2025.

Despite a complicated environment for the stewists, with significant overcapacity, ArcelorMittal has shot the game. The group sees its action increase by 21% over a month and 33% over six months.

This Thursday, February 6, especially, the action of the steel group climbs 8% in the early afternoon, signing the second highest increase in CAC 40 behind Société Générale (+11.6%), the scholarship greeting the publication accounts of the fourth quarter of the industrialist.

“ArcelorMittal has published solid results,” sums up Oddo BHF. The company has released revenues of $ 14.71 billion, up 1% over one year.

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Robust cash generation

The gross operating result was $ 1.65 billion up 14% over one year, 8% above the alpha visible consensus, $ 1.53 billion.

The operating profit reached $ 529 million to compare with a loss of $ 2 billion a year earlier.

“Overall, a performance still solid in Brazil in a strong economic context and a resistant contribution from Europe thanks to good costs control have compensated for a decline in North America due to lower prices and volumes Reduced “, deciphers Oddo BHF.

The broker highlights the good performance on the generation of cash, the group having released an available cash flow of $ 1.32 billion in the fourth quarter, which allows him to reach a positive figure over the whole of 2024, at 260 million euros. Consequently, the net debt is $ 5.1 billion, a little better than the visible alpha consensus ($ 5.33 billion).

Oddo BHF also notes the optimistic tone of society on its prospects. ArcelorMittal indicated to anticipate a clear increase in steel demand for 2025. The company expects an increase in steel consumption outside China from 2.5% to 3.5% this year.

“While short -term demand remains low, stock levels are low, in particular in Europe, so that the company is optimistic about the fact that the restocking activity will complete the real improvement of demand in due time “Explains the company.