CLEVELAND - In a significant move within the steel industry, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:CLF) announced today that Stelco Holdings Inc. (TSX: STLC) shareholders have overwhelmingly approved a special resolution regarding Cleveland-Cliffs' indirect acquisition of the Canadian steel producer. The approval was secured with a near-unanimous vote of 99.97% in favor at a special meeting held Monday.
The transaction, anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, will result in Stelco continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs. Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President, and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, expressed confidence in the merger, stating that the strong support from Stelco shareholders is a positive sign for the future, where the combined entity aims to become a more robust North American steel producer, benefiting stakeholders in both Canada and the United States.
Cleveland-Cliffs, a leading steel producer in North America, is known for its value-added sheet products, especially for the automotive industry. The company employs approximately 28,000 people across its operations in the U.S. and Canada, with a business model that includes mining, pellet production, and steel manufacturing.
The acquisition is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining conditions outlined in the arrangement agreement. Further details on the final voting results from the Stelco Meeting will be available on Stelco's SEDAR+ profile.
This move is part of Cleveland-Cliffs' strategy to strengthen its position in the steel industry, amid a backdrop of market volatility and regulatory challenges. The company's forward-looking statements highlight the risks and uncertainties inherent in the steel, iron ore, and scrap metal markets, as well as the potential impact of various economic, regulatory, and competitive factors.
Investors are reminded that the information provided is based on a press release statement, and the completion of the transaction is contingent upon meeting the remaining conditions. The acquisition is expected to enhance Cleveland-Cliffs' operational footprint and market reach, pending successful integration and realization of projected synergies.
In other recent news, Cleveland-Cliffs has been actively engaged in a series of significant developments. The company is negotiating with the Department of Energy for a potential $500 million funding to revamp its Middletown Works facility in Ohio, aiming to cut carbon emissions and production costs. The project is expected to maintain the facility's raw steel production capacity and create new jobs. Cleveland-Cliffs has also made strategic moves to facilitate the acquisition of Stelco Holdings Inc, including amending its $4.75 billion Asset-Based Lending facility.
In the field of analyst notes, Citi has revised its price target for Cleveland-Cliffs to $12.50 from $18.00, maintaining a Neutral rating, while Seaport Global Securities upgraded Cleveland-Cliffs' stock rating from Neutral to Buy. The company also reported a strong second quarter in 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA of $323 million and a significant net debt reduction of $237 million.
Other recent developments include Cleveland-Cliffs' support for President Biden's decision to block the foreign acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, and the issuance of an additional $600 million in senior guaranteed notes to partially fund the Stelco acquisition. These are the recent developments concerning Cleveland-Cliffs.
InvestingPro Insights
As Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE: CLF) prepares to expand its North American presence with the acquisition of Stelco Holdings Inc., investors are closely monitoring the company's financial health and market performance. According to InvestingPro data, Cleveland-Cliffs has a market capitalization of $5.52 billion and is currently trading at a high earnings multiple with a P/E ratio of 131.8. This high multiple could be indicative of investors' expectations for future growth, particularly in light of the company's aggressive share buyback strategy, which is often seen as a sign of management's confidence in the company's prospects.
Despite a slight decrease in revenue growth over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, with a -4.4% change, Cleveland-Cliffs maintains a gross profit margin of 5.21%. This figure aligns with the company's recent performance, where it has experienced weak gross profit margins, as noted in an InvestingPro Tip. Investors may find this information crucial, especially when evaluating the company's efficiency and potential profitability post-acquisition.
Another key metric that stands out is the company's stock price volatility. Over the last six months, the stock has seen a significant drop of 39.73% in its total return, reflecting the market's reaction to various challenges faced by the industry and the company itself. However, the InvestingPro Fair Value estimate of $17.61 USD suggests a potential undervaluation, offering a different perspective for investors considering the long-term value of their investment in Cleveland-Cliffs.
For those seeking more in-depth analysis, additional InvestingPro Tips reveal that analysts predict the company will remain profitable this year, and the valuation implies a strong free cash flow yield. These insights, alongside 11 more detailed tips available on InvestingPro, can provide investors with a comprehensive understanding of Cleveland-Cliffs' strategic moves and financial outlook as it moves forward with the Stelco acquisition.
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