-- Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF) first-quarter loss narrowed more than expected with revenue exceeding market estimates, while CEO Lourenco Goncalves said the steel producer anticipates a return to profit in the second quarter.
The company said Monday its adjusted loss narrowed to $0.40 a share in the March quarter from the loss of $0.93 a year earlier, compared with the consensus on FactSet for a loss of $0.43. Revenue rose to $4.92 billion from $4.63 billion, topping the Street's view for $4.81 billion.
First-quarter results "reflected the impact of short-term headwinds like energy prices and price realization lags," Goncalves said in a statement. "As we move through the year, each quarter is expected to improve sequentially, as the momentum already visible in both our order book and pricing continues to translate into earnings and cash flow."
The company expects to "generate healthy positive free cash flow" in the second quarter, marking a return to earnings, Goncalves added.
Steel product sales volume fell to 4.11 million net tons in the first quarter from 4.14 million a year earlier. Steelmaking revenue climbed to $4.76 billion from $4.47 billion.
The conflict in the Middle East has strengthened Cleveland-Cliffs' "competitive position," Goncalves said, though it hasn't improved the timeline for a potential deal with South Korean steelmaker POSCO In October, Cleveland-Cliffs announced a memorandum of understanding with POSCO to explore a partnership focusing on US steel production.
"We continue to negotiate in good faith within the framework of our MOU toward a transaction that is accretive for our shareholders and fully reflects the value of our assets, our market position, and the strength of the US steel demand," Goncalves said.
In 2026, Cleveland-Cliffs continues to expect steel shipment volumes of about 16.5 to 17 million net tons.
The stock fell 4.7% in Monday trading. The shares have declined 29% this year.
Price: $9.48, Change: $-0.47, Percent Change: -4.68%