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Johannesburg - Steel manufacturer Highveld Steel and Vanadium (Highveld) posted "best ever" financial results on Friday, but joined a list of blue-chip companies deciding against a final dividend payout.
"In view of [the] current difficult operating climate, the board believes that it is not prudent to declare a final dividend for the year," said Highveld CEO Walter Ballandino.
After a positive first three quarters in the 2008 financial year, the company's fourth quarter was marred by decreased average selling prices, and production cuts in vanadium slag. Vanadium is a mineral used to harden steel.
Group turnover in the year ended December of R8bn represented a 49% increase year-on-year. Headline earnings per share increased 109% to 2 210c.
Asset sales, including divestment of its Vanchem division, helped bolster the balance sheet. At the end of the period, Highveld had about R1.6bn in cash.
Strong cash flow from the first three quarters of the year enabled the firm to pay an ordinary and special dividend at the interim point. All in all, this represented a total return to shareholders of just over R3.1bn.
Outlook grim
Net cash generated by the firm increased by 175% to R3.5bn and its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) was 35% higher at R4bn.
The global financial crisis had an almost instant impact on Highveld's financials and operations, resulting in a "sharp decrease in orders and steel prices", said Ballandino. Highveld was even forced to sell steel at distress prices in order to keep its mills operating.
"The outlook for the steel market for 2009 remains concerning," said Ballandino. "[There was] no indication of when any improvement in economic conditions will favour increased production and sales," he said.
As a result, Highveld has resorted to a mode of production based on demand, whereby it will avoid piling stock reserves to keep within "an economic level of output", said Ballandino.
Despite the downturn, and a reduction of 1.2% in world steel output, China's economic boom saw it produce the most amount of crude steel ever, increasing 2.6% to 502 million tonnes. This was equal to just over a third of the global market.
In late Friday afternoon trade, Highveld was trading 2.14% higher at 6 767c/share. The JSE's resource Top 20 index was 3.38% higher in comparison.
- Fin24.com