ENG: Q2 2012 Trading Update of NLMK (9)

NLMK

In Q2, NLMK Groups steelmaking capacity utilisation rates continued to improve. Crude steel production amounted to 3.842 million t (+5.7% q-o-q), of which 93.6% was produced domestically. The production of finished steel increased to 4 million t (+7% q-o-q). Total sales remained largely in line with the previous quarters level at 3.8 million t (-1.6% q-o-q). High seasonal demand from the domestic construction segment partially offset the softening in consumer activity in the export markets. Sales of long products and metalware increased substantially (by over 20% q-o-q). Q2 domestic sales accounted for 37% of total steel product sales (+3 p.p. q-o-q). The share of finished steel in total sales increased 3 p.p. q-o-q to 74%. Sales of slabs to the Groups EU and US operations increased to 0.753 million t (+5.5%). OUTLOOK In Q3, NLMKs crude steel production is expected to remain stable despite the price softening in the steel market that started in the second half of Q2. We expect Q2 consolidated financial results to be stronger than Q1 results. Sales revenue is expected to be around $3.2 billion, and EBITDA margin may reach around 18%.