Commenting, Mr. Lakshmi N. Mittal, ArcelorMittal Chairman and CEO, said:

“ArcelorMittal enjoyed a stronger second quarter due largely to a more supportive pricing environment in our leading markets. Sales and EBITDA increased in all segments, including mining. We also significantly strengthened our balance sheet with proceeds from the rights issue, the Gestamp sale and working capital release reducing net debt to $12.7 billion.

The company continues to focus on the implementation of our strategic initiatives, in particular Action 2020, to support profitability.  Although the industry continues to face the challenges of structural overcapacity, we are seeing better market conditions compared with the second half of 2015 which lead us to be cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the year.”

Second quarter 2016 earnings analyst conference call

Forward-Looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking information and statements about ArcelorMittal and its subsidiaries. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target” or similar expressions. Although ArcelorMittal’s management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and holders of ArcelorMittal’s securities are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of ArcelorMittal, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the filings with the Luxembourg Stock Market Authority for the Financial Markets ( Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier) and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) made or to be made by ArcelorMittal, including ArcelorMittal’s latest Annual Report on Form 20-F on file with the SEC. ArcelorMittal undertakes no obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Corporate responsibility and safety performance

Health and safety - Own personnel and contractors lost time injury frequency rate

Health and safety performance, based on own personnel figures and contractors lost time injury frequency (LTIF) rate, deteriorated to 0.79x in the second quarter of 2016 (“2Q 2016”) as compared to 0.72x for the first quarter of 2016 (“1Q 2016”), and 0.68x for the second quarter of 2015 (“2Q 2015”). Deterioration in health and safety performance within Mining, Brazil and Europe was offset in part by improvement in NAFTA and ACIS segments.

Health and safety performance was essentially stable at 0.78x in the first six months of 2016 (“1H 2016”) as compared to 0.79x for the first six months of 2015 (“1H 2015”), with improvements within NAFTA, Brazil and Europe, offset by deterioration in the Mining and ACIS segments.

The Company’s effort to improve the Group’s Health and Safety record continues and remains focused on both further reducing the rate of severe injuries and preventing fatalities.  

Key corporate responsibility highlights for 2Q 2016:

ArcelorMittal’s actions in sustainability continue to receive positive recognition from industry leaders, including important sustainability investment indices:

Analysis of results for the six months ended June 30, 2016 versus results for the six months ended June 30, 2015

Total steel shipments for 1H 2016 declined 0.5% at 43.6 million metric tonnes as compared with 43.8 million metric tonnes for 1H 2015, primarily due to lower shipments in Brazil -6.9%, NAFTA -1.8%  and Europe -1.1% offset by higher shipments in ACIS +9.0%. On a comparable basis, total steel shipments for 1H 2016 were stable at 43.5 million metric tonnes as compared for 1H 2015 (considering the sale of long steel producing subsidiaries in the US (LaPlace and Vinton) in 1H 2016).

Sales for 1H 2016 decreased by 17.2% to $28.1 billion as compared with $34.0 billion for 1H 2015, primarily due to lower average steel selling prices (-17.0%), lower seaborne iron ore reference prices (-14.1%), and lower marketable iron ore shipments (-13.7%).

Depreciation of $1.3 billion for 1H 2016 was lower as compared to $1.6 billion for 1H 2015, primarily on account of foreign exchange impact following the depreciation of the US dollar against major currencies and savings from reduced asset base following impairments recorded at the end of 2015. FY 2016 depreciation is expected to be approximately $2.8 billion (based on current exchange rates).

Impairment charges for 1H 2016 were $49 million related to the sale of ArcelorMittal Zaragoza in Spain, as compared to impairment charges of $19 million for 1H 2015 relating to the closure of the Georgetown facility in the USA.

Exceptional income for 1H 2016 was $832 million relating to a one-time gain on employee benefits following the signing of the new US labour contract. Exceptional items for 1H 2015 were nil.

Operating income for 1H 2016 was $2.1 billion as compared to $1.2 billion in 1H 2015. Operating results for 1H 2015 were negatively impacted by a $69 million provision primarily related to onerous hot rolled and cold rolled contracts in the US (NAFTA). Operating results for 1H 2016 were positively impacted by exceptional income as discussed above.

Income from investments in associates, joint ventures and other investments in 1H 2016 was $492 million as compared to income in 1H 2015 of $123 million. Income from investments in associates, joint ventures and other investments for 1H 2016 included $329 million related to gain on disposal of Gestamp[3] and improved performance of Calvert joint venture and Chinese investees. Income from investments in associates, joint ventures and other investments in 1H 2016 and 1H 2015 includes the annual dividend received from Erdemir.

Net interest expense (including interest expense and interest income) was lower at $638 million in 1H 2016, as compared to $648 million in 1H 2015, driven by savings from early bond repayments (see recent developments for details on bonds repaid in 2Q 2016) and repayment at maturity on June 3, 2016, of the €1 billion 9.375% bond. The Company continues to expect full year 2016 net interest expense of approximately $1.1 billion.

Foreign exchange and other net financing costs were $441 million for 1H 2016 as compared to foreign exchange and other net financing costs of $829 million for 1H 2015. Foreign exchange and other net financing costs for 1H 2016 include foreign exchange gain of $60 million as compared to a loss of $423 million for 1H 2015, mainly on account of USD depreciation of 2% against the Euro (versus 8% appreciation in 1H 2015) and 22% depreciation against BRL (versus 14% appreciation in 1H 2015). This foreign exchange gain is largely non-cash and primarily relates to the gain from the impact of the USD depreciation on Euro denominated deferred tax assets, partially offset by foreign exchange loss on euro debt. Foreign exchange and other net financing costs for 1H 2016 also includes $237 million one-off premium expense on the early redemption of bonds.

ArcelorMittal recorded an income tax expense of $853 million for 1H 2016 as compared to an income tax expense of $334 million for 1H 2015. The tax expense in 1H 2016 includes derecognition of deferred tax assets (DTA) amounting to $0.7 billion in Luxembourg. This derecognition (or impairment) is related to revised expectations of DTA recoverability in US dollar terms, and is not related to a deterioration of expected future taxable income.

Non-controlling interests for both 1H 2016 and 1H 2015 amounted to $12 million and $11 million, respectively, representing a charge primarily related to minority shareholders’ share of net income recorded in ArcelorMittal Mines Canada and Belgo Bekaert Arames in Brazil.

ArcelorMittal’s net income for 1H 2016 was $696 million, or $0.29 earnings per share, as compared to net loss for 1H 2015 of $549 million, or $0.31 loss per share.

Analysis of results for 2Q 2016 versus 1Q 2016 and 2Q 2015

Total steel shipments for 2Q 2016 were 2.9% higher at 22.1 million metric tonnes as compared with 21.5 million metric tonnes for 1Q 2016 (primarily due to improved shipments in Brazil +8.8%, Europe +4.2% and ACIS +4.1%), and stable as compared to 22.2 million metric tonnes for 2Q 2015.  On a comparable basis, total steel shipments for 2Q 2016 were 3.5% higher at 22.1 million metric tonnes as compared with 21.4 metric tonnes for 1Q 2016 (considering the sale of long steel producing subsidiaries in the US, LaPlace and Vinton).

Sales for 2Q 2016 were $14.7 billion as compared to $13.4 billion for 1Q 2016 and $16.9 billion for 2Q 2015. Sales in 2Q 2016 were 10.0% higher as compared to 1Q 2016, primarily due to higher average steel selling prices (+7.7%), steel shipments (+2.9%), seasonally higher market-priced iron ore shipments (+23.2%) and higher iron ore reference prices (+15.2%). Sales in 2Q 2016 were 12.7% lower as compared to 2Q 2015 primarily due to lower average steel selling prices (-11.8%), lower market-priced iron ore shipments (-11.1%) and lower iron ore reference prices (-4.8%).

Depreciation was higher at $680 million for 2Q 2016 as compared to $652 million in 1Q 2016 primarily on account of foreign exchange impacts following the depreciation of the US dollar against major currencies. Depreciation was lower in 2Q 2016 as compared to $801 million for 2Q 2015 primarily due to decreased asset base following impairments recorded at the end of 2015 and foreign exchange impacts.

Impairment charges for 2Q 2016 were $49 million related to the sale of ArcelorMittal Zaragoza facility in Spain. Impairment charges for 1Q 2016 were nil. Impairment charges for 2Q 2015 were $19 million relating to the closure of the Georgetown facility in the US.

Exceptional income for 2Q 2016 was $832 million relating to a one-time gain on employee benefits following the signing of the new US labour contract. Exceptional items for 1Q 2016 and 2Q 2015 were nil.

Operating income for 2Q 2016 was $1.9 billion as compared to operating income of $275 million for 1Q 2016 and operating income of $579 million in 2Q 2015. Operating results for 2Q 2016 were impacted by exceptional income discussed above.

Income from investments in associates, joint ventures and other investments for 2Q 2016 was $168 million as compared to $324 million in 1Q 2016 (which included $329 million related to gain on disposal of Gestamp). Income from investments in associates, joint ventures and other investments for 2Q 2016 as compared to 1Q 2016 benefited from improved performance of Calvert joint venture, Spanish and Chinese investees, and also includes an annual dividend received from Erdemir ($44 million). Income from investments in associates, joint ventures and other investments for 2Q 2016 was higher as compared to $125 million in 2Q 2015 primarily due to improved performance of Calvert and Chinese investees.

Net interest expense in 2Q 2016 was $306 million as compared to $332 million in 1Q 2016 and $325 million in 2Q 2015. Net interest expense was lower in 2Q 2016 as compared to 1Q 2016 and 2Q 2015 due to savings from early bond repayments (see recent developments for details on bonds repaid in 2Q 2016) and repayment at maturity on June 3, 2016, of the €1 billion 9.375% bond.

Foreign exchange and other net financing costs in 2Q 2016 was $450 million as compared to foreign exchange and other net financing gain of $9 million for 1Q 2016 and costs of $73 million for 2Q 2015. Foreign exchange and other net financing costs for 2Q 2016 include a foreign exchange loss of $47 million as compared to a gain of $107 million for 1Q 2016 mainly on account of USD appreciation of 2.5% against the Euro (versus 4.6% depreciation in 1Q 2016) and 10.9% depreciation against BRL (versus 9.7% depreciation in 1Q 2016). This foreign exchange loss is largely non-cash and primarily relates to the loss from the impact of the USD appreciation on Euro denominated deferred tax assets, partially offset by foreign exchange gain on euro debt. Foreign exchange and other net financing costs for 2Q 2016 also include $237 million one-off premium expense on the early redemption of bonds. Foreign exchange and other net financing costs for 2Q 2015 include foreign exchange gain of $115 million mainly on account of USD depreciation of 4% against the Euro and 3.4% depreciation against BRL relative to the prior period.

ArcelorMittal recorded an income tax expense of $153 million for 2Q 2016 as compared to income tax expense of $700 million for 1Q 2016, and income tax expense of $124 million for 2Q 2015. The tax expense in 1Q 2016 included a derecognition of deferred tax assets (DTA) amounting to $0.7 billion in Luxembourg.

Non-controlling interests for 2Q 2016 of $20 million represent a charge primarily related to minority shareholders’ share of net income recorded in ArcelorMittal Mines Canada and Belgo Bekaert Arames in Brazil. Non-controlling interest income for 1Q 2016 amounted to $8 million primarily related to losses generated by ArcelorMittal South Africa. Non-controlling interests for 2Q 2015 represent a charge primarily related to minority shareholders’ share of net income recorded in ArcelorMittal Mines Canada and Belgo Bekaert Arames in Brazil.

ArcelorMittal recorded net income for 2Q 2016 of $1.1 billion, or $0.38 earnings per share as compared to net loss for 1Q 2016 of $416 million, or $0.23 loss per share, and as compared to net income of $179 million, or $0.10 earnings per share for 2Q 2015.

Capital expenditure projects

The following tables summarize the Company’s principal growth and optimization projects involving significant capital expenditures.

a)  Though the Monlevade wire rod expansion project and Juiz de Fora rebar expansion were completed in 2015, and Juiz de Fora meltshop is expected to be completed in 2017, the Company does not expect to increase shipments until domestic demand improves.
b)  First production in Baffinland was in 4Q 2014, with first shipments taking place during 3Q 2015 following the completion of shiploader and port infrastructure.
c)  On July 7, 2015, ArcelorMittal Poland announced it was restarting preparations for the relining of blast furnace No. 5 in Krakow, which is coming to the end of its lifecycle in mid-2016. Total investments in the primary operations in the Krakow plant will amount to PLN 200 million (more than €40 million), which also includes modernization of the basic oxygen furnace No. 3. Additional projects in the downstream operations will also be implemented. These include the extension of the hot rolling mill capacity by 0.9 million tons per annum and increasing the hot dip galvanizing capacity by 0.4 million tons per annum. The capex value of those two projects exceeds PLN 300 million (€90 million) in total. In total, the Group will invest more than PLN 500 million (more than €130 million) in its operations in Krakow, including both upstream and downstream installations.
d)  ArcelorMittal Liberia is considering moving ore extraction from its depleting DSO (direct shipping ore) deposit at Tokadeh to the nearby, low strip ratio and higher grade DSO Gangra deposit, by 3Q 2017. In the current initial DSO phase at Tokadeh, significant cost reduction and restructuring continued to ensure the mine’s competitiveness at current prices. Following a period of exploration cessation caused by the onset of Ebola, ArcelorMittal Liberia recommenced drilling for DSO resource extensions in late 2015. In 2016 the operation at Tokadeh was right sized to 3Mtpa to focus on its ‘natural’ Atlantic markets and this will continue in 2016 at rates between 2Mtpa and 3Mtpa to maintain the life of the DSO phase as ArcelorMittal finalises the transition to the appropriate next phase of development.  The nearby Gangra deposit is now the preferred next development in a staged approach as opposed to the originally planned phase 2 step up to 15Mtpa of concentrated sinter fine ore that was delayed in August 2014 due to the declaration of force majeure by contractors following the Ebola virus outbreak, and then reassessed following rapid iron ore price declines over the period since. Accordingly, definition drilling has begun in Gangra. ArcelorMittal remains committed to Liberia where it operates a full value chain of mine, rail and port and where it has been operating the mine on a DSO basis since 2011. With 2 billion tonnes of iron ore resource in its lease, ArcelorMittal Liberia presents a strong, competitive source of product ore for the international market based on continuing DSO mining and then moving to a long term sinter feed and concentration phase. Extensive tonnage of concentrator feed material is already exposed in readiness for the planned concentrated sinter fines phase.

Analysis of segment operations

NAFTA segment crude steel production increased 1.6% to 5.7 million tonnes in 2Q 2016 as compared to 5.6 million tonnes for 1Q 2016.

Steel shipments in 2Q 2016 declined marginally by 0.4% to 5.4 million tonnes as compared to 5.5 million tonnes 1Q 2016, primarily driven by a 7.1% decrease in long product shipment volumes (due in part to a scope change following sale of long steel producing subsidiaries in the US, LaPlace and Vinton), offset in part by a 1.6% increase in flat product steel shipments.  On a comparable basis, total steel shipments for 2Q 2016 improved by 1.9% to 5.4 million metric tonnes as compared with 5.3 metric tonnes for 1Q 2016, considering the sale of LaPlace and Vinton.

Sales in 2Q 2016 increased by 2.6% to $3.9 billion as compared to 1Q 2016, primarily due to higher average steel selling prices (+3.9%). Average steel selling price for flat products and long products improved +3.8% and +2.8%, respectively.

Operating income in 2Q 2016 increased to $1.2 billion as compared to an operating income of $205 million in 1Q 2016 and operating income of $51 million in 2Q 2015. Operating performance for 2Q 2016 was positively impacted by a one-time gain of $0.8 billion on employee benefits following the signing of the new US labour contract. Operating performance for 2Q 2015 was impacted by $19 million related to the closure of the Georgetown facility in the US.

EBITDA in 2Q 2016 increased 51.2% to $513 million as compared to $339 million in 1Q 2016 primarily due to higher average steel selling prices and lower costs. EBITDA in 2Q 2016 improved significantly as compared to $225 million in 2Q 2015 due to improved costs, positive scope change impact following the sale of long steel producing subsidiaries in the US (LaPlace and Vinton) as well as improved performance of the Calvert, offset in part by lower average steel selling prices (-9.1%) and lower steel shipments (-3.5%).

Brazil segment crude steel production increased 5% to 2.8 million tonnes in 2Q 2016 as compared to 2.7 million tonnes in 1Q 2016.

Steel shipments in 2Q 2016 increased by 8.8% to 2.7 million tonnes as compared to 1Q 2016, primarily due to a 11.8% increase in flat steel shipments (primarily driven by increased slab exports from Brazil) and a 5.6% increase in long product shipments.

Sales in 2Q 2016 increased by 18.6% to $1.5 billion as compared to 1Q 2016, due to higher average steel selling prices +8.8% (primarily flat steel prices up 19.0%) and higher steel shipments discussed above.

Operating income in 2Q 2016 increased 67.6% to $149 million as compared to an operating income of $89 million in 1Q 2016 and lower as compared to operating income of $275 million in 2Q 2015.  

EBITDA in 2Q 2016 increased by 46.4% to $213 million as compared to $145 million in 1Q 2016 on account of higher average steel selling prices and higher steel shipment volumes.  

EBITDA in 2Q 2016 was lower as compared to 2Q 2015 by 40.8% due to lower average steel selling prices (-25.9%), lower steel shipments (-5.2%) due to weaker demand as well as tubular operations in Venezuela impacted by currency devaluation[4].

Europe segment crude steel production decreased by 4% to 10.7 million tonnes in 2Q 2016, as compared to 1Q 2016 primarily due to reline extended ramp up at blast furnace #4 Dunkirk (France) and ongoing blast furnace reline at Krakow (Poland).

Steel shipments in 2Q 2016 increased by 4.2% to 10.9 million tonnes as compared to 1Q 2016, primarily due to an increase in flat and long product shipments, up +2.8% and +8.2%, respectively, benefiting from seasonally improved demand.

Sales in 2Q 2016 increased 9.2% to $7.8 billion as compared to 1Q 2016, primarily due to higher steel shipments as discussed above, and higher average steel selling prices. Average steel selling prices increased by 6.0% during 2Q 2016, as flat and long products improved +6.0% and +9.0%, respectively.

Operating income in 2Q 2016 increased significantly to $383 million as compared to an operating income of $86 million in 1Q 2016 and stable as compared to operating income of $387 million in 2Q 2015. Operating performance in 2Q 2016 was negatively impacted by $49 million of impairment related to the sale of ArcelorMittal Zaragoza facility in Spain.

EBITDA in 2Q 2016 almost doubled to $725 million as compared to $363 million in 1Q 2016, reflecting improved market conditions with higher average steel selling prices, higher steel shipment volumes and ongoing benefits of the transformation program.

EBITDA in 2Q 2016 improved by 6.6% as compared to 2Q 2015 primarily on account of lower costs and efficiency improvements offset in part by lower average steel selling prices (-9.0%).

ACIS segment crude steel production in 2Q 2016 increased by 7% to 3.9 million tonnes as compared to 1Q 2016 driven by higher production at Kazakhstan and Ukraine (benefited from improved operating performance), as well as South Africa on account of improved market conditions. 

Steel shipments in 2Q 2016 increased by 4.1% to 3.5 million tonnes as compared to 1Q 2016 primarily due to increased shipments in the CIS.

Sales in 2Q 2016 increased by 32.7% to $1.6 billion as compared to 1Q 2016, primarily due to higher average steel selling prices (+27.8%) and higher steel shipments.

Operating income in 2Q 2016 increased to $162 million as compared to an operating loss of $15 million in 1Q 2016 and operating loss of $18 million in 2Q 2015.

EBITDA in 2Q 2016 of $242 million was significantly higher as compared to $61 million in 1Q 2016, primarily due to higher average steel selling prices and steel shipments.

EBITDA in 2Q 2016 was higher as compared to $88 million in 2Q 2015, primarily due to higher steel shipments (+7.7%) and improved costs offset in part by lower average steel selling prices (-9%). EBITDA improved primarily in our CIS operations.

(a)  Own iron ore and coal production not including strategic long-term contracts.
(b)  Iron ore and coal shipments of market-priced based materials include the Company’s own mines, and share of production at other mines, and exclude supplies under strategic long-term contracts.

Own iron ore production in 2Q 2016 decreased by 4.8% to 13.5 million metric tonnes as compared to 1Q 2016 due to lower production at CIS (operationally related), US (seasonal decline) and Liberia operations. Own iron ore production in 2Q 2016 was lower by 17.7% as compared to 2Q 2015 primarily due to lower production in Canada and CIS due to operational issues as well as Mexico and Liberia as discussed below.

With ongoing focus on our most competitive iron ore operations: Liberia production is currently being maintained at approximately 2-3 million metric tonnes per annum and the Volcan mine in Mexico was suspended in October 2015 (2 million metric tonnes annual impact).

Market-priced iron ore shipments in 2Q 2016 increased by 23.2% to 9.6 million metric tonnes as compared to 1Q 2016 primarily driven by higher seasonal shipments from ArcelorMittal Mines Canada offset in part by lower Liberia shipments (in line with revised scope of operations). ArcelorMittal Mines Canada had record shipments of 7.4 million tonnes during 2Q 2016, and remains on track for FY 2016 shipment growth of greater than 26 million metric tonnes. Market-priced iron ore shipments in 2Q 2016 decreased by 11.1% as compared to 2Q 2015 driven by decreased shipments primarily in Mexico and Liberia. Market-priced iron ore shipments for FY 2016 are expected to decline by approximately 10% versus FY 2015.

Own coal production in 2Q 2016 remained stable at 1.4 million metric tonnes as compared 1Q 2016. Own coal production in 2Q 2016 decreased 4.6% as compared to 2Q 2015, primarily due to lower production at our Kazakhstan operations.

Market-priced coal shipments in 2Q 2016 were 18.4% lower at 0.7 million metric tonnes as compared to 1Q 2016 primarily due to decreased shipments at Princeton (US) offset in part by higher shipments in Kazakhstan. Market-priced coal shipments in 2Q 2016 was stable as compared to 2Q 2015.

Operating income in 2Q 2016 increased to $62 million as compared to an operating loss of $2 million in 1Q 2016 and operating loss of $42 million in 2Q 2015. Operating income increased for reasons mentioned below.

EBITDA in 2Q 2016 increased 66.9% to $163 million as compared to $98 million in 1Q 2016 primarily due to higher market-priced iron ore shipment volumes (+23.2%) and higher seaborne iron ore market reference prices (+15.2%).

EBITDA in 2Q 2016 was 41.6% higher as compared to $115 million in 2Q 2015, primarily due lower unit iron ore cash costs (unit iron ore cash costs down 15% year-on-year) offset in part by lower seaborne iron ore market reference prices (-4.8%) and lower market-priced iron ore shipments (-11.1%).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

For 2Q 2016, net cash provided by operating activities was $869 million as compared to net cash used in operating activities of $690 million in 1Q 2016, mainly driven by a seasonal release in operating working capital of $0.2 billion as compared to a $1.2 billion investment in operating working capital in 1Q 2016[6]. 

Net cash provided by investing activities during 2Q 2016 was $538 million as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $572 million in 1Q 2016 and $419 million in 2Q 2015.  Capital expenditure decreased to $521 million in 2Q 2016 as compared to $586 million in 1Q 2016 and $542 million in 2Q 2015. FY 2016 capital expenditure is expected to be approximately $2.4 billion.

Cash flow from other investing activities in 2Q 2016 of $1,059 million primarily consisted of $1.0 billion proceeds from the sale of ArcelorMittal’s stake in Gestamp[7] and proceeds from the sale of long steel producing subsidiaries in the US, LaPlace and Vinton ($0.1 billion). Cash flow from other investing activities in 1Q 2016 of $14 million primarily consisted of proceeds from the partial disposal of the Company’s stake in Stalprodukt (second tranche). Cash flow from other investing activities in 2Q 2015 of $123 million primarily included a $47 million inflow from cash received from the Kiswire divestment and proceeds related to the sale of certain European distribution assets. 

Net cash used in financing activities for 2Q 2016 was $1.9 billion as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $140 million in 1Q 2016. Net cash used in financing activities for 2Q 2016 primarily includes payments totalling $4.9 billion primarily relating to bond repurchases pursuant to cash tender offers ($2.1 billion); early redemption of the 4.5% Notes due February 25, 2017 ($1.4 billion) and €1.0 billion in euro bond repayments at maturity (all detailed below in recent development section), offset by proceeds from $3.1 billion rights issue.

During 2Q 2016 the Company paid dividends primarily to minority shareholders in ArcelorMittal Mines Canada and Brazil (Bekaert) of $41 million. During 1Q 2016, the Company paid dividends primarily to minority shareholders in Brazil (Bekaert) $6 million. During 2Q 2015, the Company paid $331 million in dividends to ArcelorMittal shareholders.

At June 30, 2016, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash and short-term investments) amounted to $2.4 billion as compared to $2.9 billion at March 31, 2016. 

Gross debt of $15.1 billion at June 30, 2016, decreased from $20.2 billion at March 31, 2016 lower when compared to $21.3 billion at June 30, 2015. Gross debt was lower at June 30, 2016 primarily due to repurchases of bonds following cash tender offers ($2.1 billion); early redemption of the 4.5% Notes due February 25, 2017 ($1.4 billion) and bond repayment at maturity (€1 billion) as discussed above.

As of June 30, 2016, net debt decreased to $12.7 billion as compared with $17.3 billion in March 31, 2016, and $16.6 billion as of June 30, 2015, largely on account of proceeds from the rights issue ($3.1 billion), asset sale proceeds ($1.1 billion including $1.0 billion from the sale of ArcelorMittal’s stake in Gestamp and $0.1 billion from US Long products disposals) and working capital release ($0.2 billion), offset in part by $0.2 billion premium on early repayment of debt.

As of June 30, 2016 the Company had liquidity of $8.4 billion, consisting of cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash and short-term investments) of $2.4 billion and $6.0 billion of available credit lines. The $6 billion credit facility contains a financial covenant of 4.25x Net debt / EBITDA. On June 30, 2016, the average debt maturity was extended to 7.1 years from 5.9 years on March 31, 2016.

Outlook and guidance

Based on the current economic outlook, ArcelorMittal expects global apparent steel consumption (“ASC”) to grow slightly in 2016 as compared to 2015. By region: In the US, we have lowered our forecasts for flat and long ASC to 2 to 3% (from 3 to 4%) primarily due to a tightening of supply, resulting in lower inventories and longer lead times. In Europe, the pick-up in underlying demand is expected to continue to be supported by the strength of automotive, but apparent demand is expected to be modest at 0 to +1% in 2016 (versus a growth of +3.4% in 2015). Increased uncertainty post Brexit, is likely to slow the economic recovery, albeit the largest impact to be felt in the UK, which represents only 2% of ArcelorMittal shipments. Our forecasts for ASC declines in both Brazil and CIS remain unchanged, as the rate of contraction slows in both markets. In China, our view of demand is also the same as last quarter as robust infrastructure and automotive continue to support steel demand, while growth in real estate has lost momentum as expected. Overall we anticipate global steel demand to grow slightly and importantly with growth in both of our core developed markets.

The Company expects FY 2016 EBITDA to be in excess of $4.5 billion. Despite the steel spread recovery losing momentum in recent weeks, the impact of lagged prices will be an important support for operating results as we move in to a period of seasonally slower steel demand. 

The Company's cash requirements in 2016 are expected to total $4.5 billion, a greater than $1 billion reduction as compared to 2015. The components of this reduction are: lower capex spend (FY 2016 capex is expected to be approximately $2.4 billion as compared to $2.7 billion in FY 2015), lower interest expenses (FY 2016 net interest is expected to be approximately $1.1 billion as compared to $1.3 billion in FY 2015); no dividend in respect of the 2015 financial year; and lower cash taxes.

The improved market conditions are likely to consume working capital in 2016 (current estimate ~$0.5 billion); the Company nevertheless continues to expect cash flows from operating activities to exceed capex in 2016.

Appendix 6: Terms and definitions

Unless indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this earnings release report to the following terms have the meanings set out next to them below:

LTIF: lost time injury frequency rate equals lost time injuries per 1,000,000 worked hours, based on own personnel and contractors.

EBITDA: operating income plus depreciation, impairment expenses and exceptional income/(charges). 

Exceptional income / (charges): relate to transactions that are significant, infrequent or unusual and are not representative of the normal course of business such as restructuring costs or asset disposals.

Net debt: long-term debt, plus short term debt, less cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments (including those held as part of assets/liabilities held for sale).

Gross debt : long-term debt, plus short term debt, plus cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments (including those held as part of assets/liabilities held for sale).

Market-priced tonnes: represent amounts of iron ore and coal from ArcelorMittal mines that could be sold to third parties on the open market.  Market-priced tonnes that are not sold to third parties are transferred from the Mining segment to the Company’s steel producing segments and reported at the prevailing market price.  Shipments of raw materials that do not constitute market-priced tonnes are transferred internally and reported on a cost-plus basis.

Foreign exchange and other net financing costs: include foreign currency swaps, bank fees, interest on pensions, impairments of financial instruments and revaluation of derivative instruments, and other charges that cannot be directly linked to operating results.

Average steel selling prices: calculated as steel sales divided by steel shipments.

Mining segment sales: i) “External sales”: mined product sold to third parties at market price; ii) “Market-priced tonnes”: internal sales of mined product to ArcelorMittal facilities and reported at prevailing market prices; iii) “Cost-plus tonnes” - internal sales of mined product to ArcelorMittal facilities on a cost-plus basis. The determinant of whether internal sales are reported at market price or cost-plus is whether the raw material could practically be sold to third parties (i.e. there is a potential market for the product and logistics exist to access that market).

Operating working capital (OWCR):   trade accounts receivable plus inventories less trade and other accounts payable

Capex: includes the acquisition of intangible assets (such as concessions for mining and IT support) and includes payments to fixed asset suppliers.

S eaborne iron ore reference prices: refers to iron ore prices for 62% Fe CFR China.

Own iron ore production: Includes total of all finished production of fines, concentrate, pellets and lumps (excludes share of production and strategic long-term contracts).

On-going projects: Refer to projects for which construction has begun (excluding various projects that are under development), even if such projects have been placed on hold pending improved operating conditions.

EBITDA/tonne: calculated as EBITDA divided by total steel shipments.

Steel-only EBITDA: calculated as EBITDA less Mining segment EBITDA.

Steel-only EBITDA/tonne: calculated as steel-only EBITDA divided by total steel shipments.

Iron ore unit cash cost: includes weighted average pellet and concentrate cost of goods sold across all mines.

Liquidity: Cash and cash equivalents plus available credit lines including back-up lines for the commercial paper program.

Shipments information at segment and group level eliminates intra–segment shipments (which are primarily between Flat/Long plants and Tubular plants) and inter-segment shipments respectively. Shipments of Distribution Solutions (renamed Downstream Solutions from January 1, 2016) are excluded.

Operating segments: The NAFTA segment includes the Flat, Long and Tubular operations of USA, Canada and Mexico. The Brazil segment includes the Flat operations of Brazil, and the Long and Tubular operations of Brazil and its neighboring countries including Argentina, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. The Europe segment comprises the Flat, Long and Tubular operations of the European business, as well as Downstream Solutions. The ACIS division includes the Flat, Long and Tubular operations of Kazakhstan, Ukraine and South Africa.

YoY : Refers to year-on-year

[1]The financial information in this press release has been prepared consistently with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The interim financial information included in this announcement has been also prepared in accordance with IFRS applicable to interim periods, however this announcement does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as defined in International Accounting Standards 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”. The numbers in this press release have not been audited. The financial information and certain other information presented in a number of tables in this press release have been rounded to the nearest whole number or the nearest decimal. Therefore, the sum of the numbers in a column may not conform exactly to the total figure given for that column. In addition, certain percentages presented in the tables in this press release reflect calculations based upon the underlying information prior to rounding and, accordingly, may not conform exactly to the percentages that would be derived if the relevant calculations were based upon the rounded numbers. This press release also includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. ArcelorMittal presents EBITDA, net debt, operating working capital, free cash flow, liquidity, and EBITDA/tonne, which are non-GAAP financial measures (as defined in appendix 6), as additional measurements to enhance the understanding of operating performance. Non-GAAP financial measures should be read in conjunction with and not as an alternative for, ArcelorMittal's financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS. Such non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures applied by other companies.
[2]On June 23, 2016, following the ratification by the United Steelworkers (“USW”) of a new labor agreement which is valid until September 1, 2018, ArcelorMittal made changes mainly to healthcare post-retirement benefits in its subsidiary ArcelorMittal USA. The changes resulted in a gain of $832 million.
[3]On February 5, 2016 ArcelorMittal announced it had sold its 35% stake in Gestamp Automoción ("Gestamp") to the majority shareholder, the Riberas family, for a total cash consideration of €875 million ($971 million). In addition to the cash consideration, ArcelorMittal received in 2Q 2016 a payment of $11 million as a 2015 dividend. ArcelorMittal will continue its supply relationship with Gestamp through its 35% shareholding in Gonvarri, a sister company of Gestamp. ArcelorMittal sells coils to Gonvarri for processing before they pass to Gestamp and other customers. Further, ArcelorMittal will continue to have a board presence in Gestamp, collaborate in automotive R&D and remain its major steel supplier.
[4]Effective January 1, 2016, the Company discontinued the use of the SICAD rate (13.5VEF/$ as of December 31, 2015), which was eliminated by the Venezuelan government, and applied the DICOM rate (previously known as SIMADI) which was 628 VEF/$ at June 30,2016 to translate the financial statements of its Venezuelan operations from VEF to USD.
[5]Effective from January 1, 2015, the functional currency of Kryvyi Rih was changed to the Ukrainian Hryvnia and the functional currency of Temirtau was changed to the Kazakhstan tenge due to changes in the regulatory and economic environment and transaction currencies of the operations.
[6]Effective 1Q 2016, changes in operating working capital in the cash flow statement includes certain other amounts payable that were previously classified as part of the other operating activities line. Prior period figures have been recasted accordingly. 
[7]Based on exchange rate (€/$1.1102) as at June 30, 2016
[8]On July 14, 2016, following final expiration of the offer, ArcelorMittal repurchased additional $2 million aggregate principal amount of June 2020 Notes, $2 million aggregate principal amount of August 2020 Notes and $3 million aggregate principal amount of 2021 Notes.
[9]Assets and liabilities held for sale, as of June 30, 2016, include the carrying value of ArcelorMittal Algeria (investment stake of 49%), ArcelorMittal Tebessa (investment stake of 49%), ArcelorMittal Pipes and Tubes Algeria (70% control), the USA long product facilities at Steelton, ArcelorMittal Zaragoza and some activities of ArcelorMittal downstream solutions in the Europe segment.  Assets and liabilities held for sale, as of March 31, 2016 and as of December 31, 2015, include the carrying value of ArcelorMittal Algeria (investment stake of 49%), ArcelorMittal Tebessa (investment stake of 49%), ArcelorMittal Pipes and Tubes Algeria (70% control), the USA long product facilities at Steelton, Vinton and ArcelorMittal LaPlace and some activities of ArcelorMittal downstream solutions in the Europe segment.