Futures
Algoma Expects Better Quarterly Results on Higher Prices, Shipments
Written by Laura Miller
March 31, 2023
Canadian flat rolled producer Algoma Steel Inc. said its performance in the quarter ended March 31 would be much improved over the prior quarter thanks to attractive market conditions and steel prices that were at a nine-month high.
In earnings guidance for its fiscal fourth quarter, Algoma said it anticipates quarterly steel shipments to be in the range of 555,000 to 565,000 tons. This will be an increase of roughly 100,000 tons from the 458,341 tons shipped in fiscal Q3.
“We anticipate that our shipments for the fourth fiscal quarter will align with our earlier projections now that our plate mill has returned to its historical production levels,” CEO Michael Garcia said.
Fiscal Q4 adjusted EBITDA is expected to be CAD $25–30 million, a notable improvement over the -$35.9 million adjusted EBITDA loss seen in the previous quarter.
The earnings improvement comes thanks “to lower costs resulting from stable operations and increased productivity,” Garcia said.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario-based Algoma’s electric-arc furnace (EAF) project continues to progress on time and on budget with an expected start-up still slated for mid-2024, the company noted
By Laura Miller, laura@steelmarketupdate.com
Laura Miller
Read more from Laura MillerLatest in Futures
Nearby HR futures pull back as 2024 nears end
After experiencing a rally ahead of the 2024 election, the nearby part of CME HRC futures complex has softened as we approach year-end. Meanwhile, the forward positions (second half of 2025) have remained supported and largely unchanged.
HRC Futures: Here comes Trump bump 2.0?
No more excuses! The election is over. Donald Trump will be inaugurated on Monday January 20 with the Republican party in control of Congress. Now, it is time to get back to work!
HR Futures: Which way following election?
Since June, The US hot-rolled coil (HRC) futures market has been in a rare period of prolonged price stability, closely mirroring the subdued volatility seen in the physical market. Over the past five months, futures have been rangebound, with prices oscillating between a floor near $680 and a ceiling around $800. This tight range, highlighted in the chart, underscores a cautious market environment. The chart below shows the rolling 3rd month CME HRC Future.
HR futures: Support fails as market slows ahead of election
After a relatively stable and boring September, CME hot-rolled coil (HRC) futures have been on the move lower thus far in October. Since Sept. 30, the November and December futures have declined $63 and $65, respectively, with the curve’s contango steepening.
CRU: Open interest in December HR futures contract surges
CRU Principal Analyst Josh Spoores shares insight into the hot-rolled coil futures market.