Arcontech Share Discussion Threads

[johnwwwilkinson] 10/12/2004 18:53

You too maywillow. Like to repay the compliment when I can:-)

[maywillow] 10/12/2004 18:46

cheers jwww

enjoy your weekend

[johnwwwilkinson] 10/12/2004 18:40

Arcelor CEO says he's not concerned by China steel export capacity
Thu Dec 9, 2:29 PM ET Business - AFP

BRUSSELS (AFP) - The head of European steel group Arcelor Guy Dolle has predicted a good fourth quarter for the company but warned of a difficult second half for the overall sector next year as demand from China slows.

Speaking on the sidelines of a competition conference at the European Parliament, Dolle told AFP's financial news unit AFX he was "a little bit concerned" by the number of steel sector investment projects under consideration, particularly in Brazil, and was baffled by his competitors' willingness to invest in Europe.

"It would be crazy to invest in Europe. Sometimes I am a bit surprised that some of my competitors are ready to invest in Europe when I am ready to decrease my exposure," he said.

He said Arcelor has run at approximately 96-97 percent of its production capacity over 2004, and with supply remaining tight throughout the world, he forecast that earnings in the fourth quarter could be the year's best.

Dolle tried to minimize concerns that China's move beyond self-sufficiency in steel consumption could have a negative impact on US and European steel giants.

But he acknowledged that slowing Chinese demand for commodities would likely dent global sector growth next year, particularly in the second half.

"We believe growth next year will be a little less, at four percent instead of seven-eight percent this year, but we don't see any scenario with collapse," he said.

Dolle said he was not alarmed by news earlier this week that three new steel plants with a future capacity of 16.5 million tonnes a year had been approved by Chinese authorities.

The prospect of China becoming a regular net exporter of steel -- the country imported 43 million tonnes last year -- has some analysts worried about a glut of steel hitting international markets from 2009, causing another of the industry's notorious depressions.

Arcelor shares have fallen steadily in the past week, down almost six percent over the past five days, as investors fret over the effect of China's steel exports on growth prospects for the group in Asia.

"I am concerned for China becoming an net exporter of stainless (steel), there it would be bad," Dolle said.

"But they are still buying exotic iron ore and there are logistic problems because of their mainly inland plants."

He said such efficiency issues in China would likely slow the impact of increased production there. "China is not among the best-in-class for cost. Brazil, Russia and India are much better," he said.

And even when China reaches self-sufficiency for all low value-added carbon steel plates, Dolle believes Japan, Korea and Taiwan will feel the pinch before non-Asian producers.

In the event of a global downturn, however, Dolle believes the industry is now better placed to manage the difficulties, with the consolidation of recent years enabling more pricing control.

"The steel industry does not forget that one of its major threats is over-capacity," he said.

Dolle added that the steel industry appeared ripe for consolidation and predicted more major cross-border mergers and greater market dominance from the lead players.

"My vision in the future is that we will have, as in other industries, four, five or six leaders which will together represent at least one third of the total steel production," he said.

At the moment, the top 10 steel companies have about 30 percent, with Mittal and Arcelor leading with around five percent each.

[fatgreek] 08/12/2004 16:48

its all quiet on the western front i see.

[maywillow] 08/12/2004 08:00

HONG KONG (AFX) - Europe's biggest steelmaker Arcelor expects to increase
steel sales to the continent's vehicle sector by 5 pct next year, largely due to
new contracts with auto firms designed to ensure they do not run out of the
material, the Financial Times reported on its website.
The Luxembourg-based company is the largest producer of steel for the auto
industry in Europe, with its share of steel shipments to this sector estimated
at more than 40 pct, the newspaper said.
While in Europe there have been no reports of the aut sector saying it
cannot get enough steel, as is the case in Japan, many vehicle companies are
thought to have been unnerved by the turn of events in the Far East, the report
said.
Many industry analysts believe steel shortages in some markets will persist
until well into 2005, buoying the fortunes of the industry, the paper said.
The FT quoted Guy Doll, chief executive of Arcelor, as saying the strong
interest by car and components makers to sign contracts for 2005 showed they
were not put off by hefty price rises 20-50 pct, showing that customers are
prepared to pay for quality and reliability of supply.
Large customers for Arcelor include Renault of France, Sweden's Volvo,
Volkswagen of Germany and General Motors of the US, the paper said.
Arcelor is the world's second-biggest steel producer after Mittal Steel,
with likely production next year, including from its Brazilian affiliates, of
about 50 mln tons, the FT said, adding that total shipments by the company to
the European automotive industry next year are likely to total about 10 mln
tons.
wpf/

[kingcnut] 07/12/2004 08:24

yep no news is always bad news on the market

[sdavis] 06/12/2004 22:18

Not too keen on this delay: suggests something going on (like further issue of shares).

[melchor] 03/12/2004 14:53

It's Yo-yo time again!

[jdhurry] 03/12/2004 12:14

Not looking good. 0.65p (-7%). Soon find out if it's a bargain.

[ariane] 03/12/2004 10:34

(Update to add further detail from resolution)
MOSCOW (AFX) - The Russian parliament has overwhelmingly approved a
resolution, condemning western Europe's "destructive" role in Ukraine's
political crisis, adding that foreign powers are whipping up radical sentiment
that could result in negative consequences for all of Europe.
The European Union, the European parliament and the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) are fomenting unrest that could lead
to "massive disorder, chaos and a split of the country", the Duma said, in the
resolution approved in a vote of 415 in favour and 8 against.
"This will have the most negative consequences, not only for Ukraine but for
Russia, all of Europe and for the international community as a whole", the
resolution states, which is titled: "On attempted destructive interference in
the development of the situation in Ukraine."
"Foreign forces, attempting destructive influence on development of events
in Ukraine, bear direct responsibility for resolving the situation within the
framework of the law", the resolution states.
It also calls for efforts to strengthen "the traditional friendship and
fraternal relations between the people of Russia and Ukraine."
[e-mail]
cb/kjm/ims/

[ariane] 03/12/2004 10:33

(Update to add further detail from resolution)
MOSCOW (AFX) - The Russian parliament has overwhelmingly approved a
resolution, condemning western Europe's "destructive" role in Ukraine's
political crisis, adding that foreign powers are whipping up radical sentiment
that could result in negative consequences for all of Europe.
The European Union, the European parliament and the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) are fomenting unrest that could lead
to "massive disorder, chaos and a split of the country", the Duma said, in the
resolution approved in a vote of 415 in favour and 8 against.
"This will have the most negative consequences, not only for Ukraine but for
Russia, all of Europe and for the international community as a whole", the
resolution states, which is titled: "On attempted destructive interference in
the development of the situation in Ukraine."
"Foreign forces, attempting destructive influence on development of events
in Ukraine, bear direct responsibility for resolving the situation within the
framework of the law", the resolution states.
It also calls for efforts to strengthen "the traditional friendship and
fraternal relations between the people of Russia and Ukraine."
[e-mail]
cb/kjm/ims/

[jdhurry] 02/12/2004 04:45

Wait for Interims... should be any day now. Anyone noticed EDD doubling this week? Wasn't on leader board.

[very quick] 01/12/2004 13:37

Welcome to the club

[very quick] 01/12/2004 13:35

Yes i can now first one at 0.690p and other at 0.700p

[very quick] 01/12/2004 13:33

horsepower: cant see your buys????

[jdhurry] 01/12/2004 13:17

Would have bought first chance at sub-1p if I'd had spare funds. Glad I didn't now! MM's punishing low volume small caps that are late with results, lacking newsflow etc with big markdowns. Look at CPM. Had to issue an RNS saying no reason for fall.

[very quick] 01/12/2004 12:59

I need 0.881p to break even.

[arics] 01/12/2004 12:56

Good or bad. We need some news arc.

[horsepower] 01/12/2004 12:53

Naturally.

[very quick] 01/12/2004 12:51

Horsepower: 1 hour delay on your trades.

[horsepower] 01/12/2004 12:46

Well, I bought 100k @ 0.69 and a further 100k @ 0.70. Both trades went through about 12.30 and neither are showing yet.

Will buy more at this level if possible.

[very quick] 01/12/2004 12:45

250k M trade, then a 300k buy at 0.800p this tells me MM's are very short of stock and dropping the price to get them today. LOL
But guess wot Nobody is bailing out. AHAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[sade bonita] 01/12/2004 12:45

did you say lark?