Mr. Lakshmi N. Mittal, Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, commented:

The already fragile global economy was further impacted in the third quarter of 2012 by the slowdown in China. This resulted in very challenging operating conditions for ArcelorMittal, which are expected to continue in the fourth quarter. Against this backdrop, the Company is focussed on delivering its plan of asset optimization, net debt reduction and productivity and efficiency improvements. 

Third quarter 2012 earnings analyst conference call

ArcelorMittal management will host a conference call for members of the investment community to discuss the financial performance for the third quarter and nine-months period ended September 30, 2012 at:

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 Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed 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.

ArcelorMittal third quarter 2012 results

ArcelorMittal, the world’s leading integrated steel and mining company, today announces results for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012.

Corporate responsibility and safety performance

Health and safety - Own personnel and contractors lost time injury frequency rate[2]

Health and safety performance, based on own personnel figures and contractors lost time injury frequency rate, increased to 1.0x in third quarter of 2012 (“3Q 2012”) as compared to 0.8x for the second quarter of 2012 (“2Q 2012”) and significantly decreased as compared to 1.5x for the third quarter of 2011 (“3Q 2011”).

The lost time injury frequency rate of 1.0x in first nine months of 2012 (“9M 2012”) compares to 1.5x for the first nine months of 2011 (“9M 2011”), with significant improvements across all segments, especially in the Mining, Flat Carbon Americas, Long Carbon Americas and Europe and Distribution Solutions segments.

Despite this encouraging performance in lost time injury frequency rate, there is still more work to be done. In particular we have to focus on improving the safety performance of the contractors who work at our sites.

Analysis of results for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 versus results for the nine months ended September 30, 2011

ArcelorMittal’s net income for 9M 2012 was $0.3 billion, or $0.17 per share, as compared to net income for 9M 2011 of $3.3 billion, or $2.11 per share.

Total steel shipments for 9M 2012 were lower at 63.8 million metric tonnes as compared with 65.2 million metric tonnes for 9M 2011.

Sales for 9M 2012 decreased by 9.3% to $64.9 billion as compared with $71.5 billion for 9M 2011 primarily due to lower average steel selling prices (-8.1%) and lower steel shipments (-2.2%).

Depreciation of $3.4 billion for 9M 2012 was comparable with 9M 2011.

Impairment charges for 9M 2012 totaled $199 million, primarily related to the intention to launch a project to permanently close the liquid phase at the Florange site in France ($130 million); and the extended idling of the electric arc furnace and continuous caster at the Schifflange site in Luxembourg.  Impairment expenses for 9M 2011 were $103 million relating to a rolling facility in the Long Carbon Americas segment as well as costs associated with the decision to close two blast furnaces, sinter plant, steel shop and continuous casters at Liege, Belgium.

Restructuring charges for 9M 2012 totaled $395 million and consisted largely of costs associated with the implementation of the Asset Optimization Plan primarily impacting Flat Carbon Europe and Long Carbon Europe operations.

Operating income for 9M 2012 was $1.7 billion, compared with operating income of $4.9 billion for 9M 2011. Operating result for 9M 2012 was positively impacted by changes to the employee benefit plans at ArcelorMittal Dofasco[13] which led to curtailment gains of $241 million, the Skyline Steel divestment[5] which led to a gain of $339 million partially offset by $72 million charges related to one-time signing bonus and post retirement benefit costs following entry into the new US labor contract. Operating result for 9M 2012 was also positively impacted by $426 million of dynamic delta hedge (“DDH”) income (unwinding of hedges on raw material purchases) recognized during the period. Operating result for 9M 2011 was positively impacted by $437 million DDH income and a non-cash gain of $336 million relating to the reversal of provisions for inventory write-downs and litigation. 

Income from equity method investments and other income in 9M 2012 was $52 million as compared to $443 million in 9M 2011. Income from equity method investments and other income was lower in 9M 2012 on account of losses from Chinese investees and the impact of disposals (Erdemir[14], Enovos[15] and Macarthur Coal). Income for 9M 2011 included an impairment loss of $119 million as a result of the Company’s withdrawal from the joint venture with Peabody Energy to acquire ownership of Macarthur Coal.

Net interest expense (including interest expense and interest income) for 9M 2012 at $1.4 billion was comparable to 9M 2011 level.

Due to exchange rate effects, foreign exchange and other net financing costs[16] were $497 million for 9M 2012 as compared to costs of $1.0 billion for 9M 2011.

ArcelorMittal recorded an income tax benefit of $366 million for 9M 2012, as compared to an income tax expense of $49 million for 9M 2011. 

Loss attributable to non-controlling interests for 9M 2012 was $21 million as compared with gain attributable to non-controlling interests for 9M 2011 of $21 million.

Discontinued operations for 9M 2012 was nil as compared to a gain of $461 million for 9M 2011, which included $42 million of the post-tax net results contributed by the stainless steel operations prior to the spin-off on January 25, 2011, and a $419 million one-time non-cash gain from the recognition through the income statement of gains/losses relating to the demerged assets previously held in equity.

Analysis of results for 3Q 2012 versus 2Q 2012 and 3Q 2011

ArcelorMittal recorded a net loss for 3Q 2012 of $0.7 billion, or $0.46 loss per share, as compared with net income of $1.0 billion, or $0.62 per share, for 2Q 2012, and net income of $0.7 billion, or $0.43 per share, for 3Q 2011.

Total steel shipments for 3Q 2012 were 19.9 million metric tonnes as compared with 21.7 million metric tonnes for 2Q 2012 and 21.1 million metric tonnes for 3Q 2011.

Sales for 3Q 2012 decreased by 12.3% to $19.7 billion as compared with $22.5 billion for 2Q 2012, and were down 18.5% as compared with $24.2 billion for 3Q 2011.  Sales were lower during 3Q 2012 as compared to 2Q 2012 primarily due to lower steel shipment volumes (-8.3%), and lower average steel selling prices (-3.4%).

Depreciation amounted to $1.2 billion for 3Q 2012, comparable to 2Q 2012 and 3Q 2011.

Impairment charges for 3Q 2012 totaled $130 million, primarily related to the intention to launch a project to permanently close the liquid phase at the Florange site in France. Impairment charges for 2Q 2012 were nil. Impairment charges for the 3Q 2011 was $85 million relating to costs associated with the decision to close 2 blast furnaces, sinter plant, steel shop and continuous casters in Liege, Belgium.

Restructuring charges for 3Q 2012 and 2Q 2012 totaled $98 million and $190 million, respectively,  and consisted primarily of costs associated with the decision to close two blast furnaces, sinter plant, steel shop and continuous casters in Liege, Belgium. There were no such restructuring charges in 3Q 2011.

Operating loss for 3Q 2012 was $49 million, as compared with operating income of $1.1 billion for 2Q 2012 and operating income of $1.2 billion for 3Q 2011. Operating result for 3Q 2012 was negatively impacted by $72 million related to one-time signing bonus and post retirement benefit costs following entry into the new US labor contract. Operating result for 2Q 2012 was positively impacted by a $339 million gain from the Skyline Steel divestment[5].

Operating result for 3Q 2012 and 2Q 2012 was positively impacted by $131 million and $136 million, respectively, of DDH income recognised during the quarter. Operating result for 3Q 2011 included a non-cash gain of $129 million relating to DDH income.

Loss from equity method investments and other income in 3Q 2012 was $55 million, as compared to an income of $121 million in 2Q 2012 on account of lower income from Chinese investees and lower dividend income. Income from equity method investments and other income in 3Q 2011 was $6 million.

Net interest expense (including interest expense and interest income) was higher at $479 million for 3Q 2012 as compared to $456 million for 2Q 2012 and $477 million for 3Q 2011. Net interest expense increased in 3Q 2012 compared to 2Q 2012 primarily on account of increased interest triggered by the Company’s recent downgrade by Standard & Poor’s.

Due to exchange rate effects, foreign exchange and other net financing losses were $103 million for 3Q 2012 as compared to losses of $32 million for 2Q 2012 and gains of $85 million for 3Q 2011.

ArcelorMittal recorded an income tax expense of $43 million for 3Q 2012, as compared to an income tax benefit of $219 million for 2Q 2012 and an income tax expense of $154 million in 3Q 2011.

Loss attributable to non-controlling interests for 3Q 2012 was $20 million as compared with a loss of $6 million for 2Q 2012 and a loss of $31 million for 3Q 2011. 

Capital expenditure projects

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

a)     Iron ore mining production commenced in 2011 with 1 million tonnes produced.  The targeted iron ore production in 2012 is 4 million tonnes.  As previously announced, the Company is considering a Phase 2 expansion that would lead to annual production of 15 million tonnes by 2015.  This would require substantial investment in a concentrator, the approval process of which remains in the final stages.
b)     Ongoing projects refer to projects for which construction has begun (excluding various projects that are under development), or have been placed on hold pending improved operating conditions.

Analysis of segment operations

Flat Carbon Americas crude steel production decreased by 4.8% to 5.7 million tonnes for 3Q 2012, as compared to 6.0 million tonnes for 2Q 2012, driven primarily by lower production in North America and in South America following blast furnace #1 maintenance work in Tubarao, Brazil.

Steel shipments for 3Q 2012 were 5.4 million tonnes, 6.7% lower than 2Q 2012, primarily driven by lower slab availability in Brazil following blast furnace #1 maintenance as stated above.

Sales in the Flat Carbon Americas segment were $4.8 billion for 3Q 2012, a decrease of 9.7% as compared to $5.4 billion for 2Q 2012. Sales were impacted by lower steel selling prices in North America, weakening slab pricing and lower dollar prices in South America due to depreciation of Brazilian Real.

EBITDA in 3Q 2012 decreased by 50.2% to $236 million as compared to $474 million in 2Q 2012. Lower profitability was primarily driven by North American operations due to lower selling prices and one time labor cost ($72 million impact related to one-time signing bonus and post retirement benefit costs following entry into the new US labor contract) combined with lower steel shipment volume.

Flat Carbon Europe crude steel production decreased by 5.9% to 6.7 million tonnes in 3Q 2012 as compared to 2Q 2012 reflecting weaker market sentiment and seasonal demand patterns.

Steel shipments for 3Q 2012 were 5.8 million tonnes, a decrease of 13.8% as compared to 6.8 million tonnes for 2Q 2012. Steel shipments decreased in the third quarter of 2012 due to significantly weaker market demand and seasonal slowdown.

Sales in the Flat Carbon Europe segment were $6.1 billion for 3Q 2012, a decrease of 15.4% as compared to $7.2 billion for 2Q 2012. Sales decreased primarily due to lower steel shipment volumes and lower average steel selling prices(-3.2%).

EBITDA for 3Q 2012 was $191 million as compared to $381 million for 2Q 2012. Lower profitability was primarily driven by lower steel shipment volumes as the effects of lower average steel selling prices was offset in part by lower costs.  EBITDA for 3Q 2012 includes $131 million of DDH income recognized during the quarter as compared to $136 million DDH income for 2Q 2012.

Operating result in 3Q 2012 included impairment expenses of $130 million relating to the intention to launch a project to permanently close the liquid phase at the Florange site in France and restructuring costs totalling $90 million associated primarily with the decision to close two blast furnaces, sinter plant, steel shop and continuous casters in Liege, Belgium. Operating result in 2Q 2012 was negatively impacted by restructuring costs totaling $176 million associated with such decision with respect to Liege.

Long Carbon Americas and Europe crude steel production amounted to 5.7 million tonnes for 3Q 2012, a decrease of 2.9% as compared to 5.9 million tonnes for 2Q 2012. Production was lower in Europe primarily due to weak market sentiment and seasonal effects.

Steel shipments for 3Q 2012 were 5.5 million tonnes, a decrease of 5.7% as compared to 5.8 million tonnes for 2Q 2012, particularly due to seasonal slowdown in Europe and weaker demand in North America.

Sales in the Long Carbon Americas and Europe segment were lower at $5.2 billion for 3Q 2012, as compared to $5.7 billion for 2Q 2012. Sales were impacted by a decrease in steel shipment volumes and by lower average steel selling prices (-2.7%).

EBITDA for 3Q 2012 was $330 million, a 41.5% decrease as compared to $564 million for 2Q 2012. Lower profitability was primarily driven by reduced steel shipment volumes and average steel selling prices particularly in the European operations due to weak market sentiment and seasonal slowdown as well as a reduction of shipment volumes in the Tubular business.  

AACIS segment crude steel production was 3.7 million tonnes for 3Q 2012, essentially flat compared to 2Q 2012.

Steel shipments for 3Q 2012 amounted to 3.2 million tonnes, down 4.3% as compared to 3.3 million tonnes for 2Q 2012. Steel shipment volumes declined in Kazakhstan and in South Africa due to weak market demand, offset by improved steel volumes in the Ukrainian operations.

Sales in the AACIS segment were $2.5 billion for 3Q 2012, a decrease of 8.2% as compared to $2.7 billion for 2Q 2012, primarily due to lower steel shipments and average steel selling prices (-4.2%).

EBITDA for 3Q 2012 was $70 million, 41.7% lower as compared to $120 million for 2Q 2012. Lower profitability was primarily due to lower steel shipment volumes as the effects of lower average steel selling prices was offset in part by lower costs.

Shipments in the Distribution Solutions segment for 3Q 2012 were 4.1 million tonnes, a decrease of 9.0% as compared to 4.5 million tonnes for 2Q 2012 due to continued challenges in the European market and seasonal slowdown.

Sales in the Distribution Solutions segment for 3Q 2012 were $3.7 billion, a decrease of 13.4% as compared to $4.3 billion for 2Q 2012, due primarily to lower steel shipment volumes and average steel selling prices (-5.5%)

EBITDA for 3Q 2012 was $11 million, as compared to EBITDA of $385 million for 2Q 2012.  EBITDA for 2Q 2012 included a gain of $339 million from the Skyline divestment. Excluding this, EBITDA for 2Q 2012 was $46 million.

(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 (not including supplies under strategic long-term contracts) declined 0.1 million metric tonnes to 14.3 million metric tonnes for 3Q 2012, as compared to 14.4 million metric tonnes for 2Q 2012.  Own iron ore production (not including supplies under strategic long-term contracts) increased 1.3% for 3Q 2012, as compared to 14.1 million metric tonnes for 3Q 2011.

Own coal production (not including supplies under strategic long-term contracts) for 3Q 2012 declined 0.1 million metric tonnes compared to 2.1 million metric tonnes at 2Q 2012 and 3Q 2011.

EBITDA attributable to the Mining segment for 3Q 2012 was $391 million, 27.7% lower as compared to $541 million for 2Q 2012. This decline was primarily due to substantially lower iron ore market price and lower marketable iron ore shipments primarily at ArcelorMittal Mines Canada due to scheduling some shipments into Q4 following rail expansion, works and at ArcelorMittal Liberia following severe monsoon conditions. EBITDA attributable to the Mining segment was $842 million for 3Q 2011.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

For 3Q 2012, net cash used in operating activities was $0.3 billion, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $2.3 billion for 2Q 2012. Cash flow from operating activities for 3Q 2012 included a $0.3 billion investment in operating working capital compared to a working capital release of $1.4 billion in 2Q 2012. Rotation days[18] increased during 3Q 2012 to 72 days from 61 days in 2Q 2012 primarily driven by inventory build up. 

Net cash used in investing activities during 3Q 2012 was $1.1 billion, as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $0.8 billion for 2Q 2012. Capital expenditures increased to $1.2 billion for 3Q 2012 as compared to $1.1 billion for 2Q 2012.  The Company is focusing only on core growth capex in its mining business given attractive return profiles of projects under construction. Some planned steel investments remain suspended.

Other investing activities in 3Q 2012 of $154 million included $189 million received for the first installment of Enovos sale price (after adjustment for dividends) offset by an outflow of $47 million relating to payment of the remaining installment of an 11% stake in Ostrava acquired in 2009. Other investing activities in 2Q 2012 of $309 million included $684 million received from the sale of Skyline Steel[5] partially offset by $356 million outflow from subsidiary financing.

Net cash provided by financing activities for 3Q 2012 was $0.2 billion, as compared to cash used by financing activities of $1.8 billion for 2Q 2012. During 3Q 2012, the Company issued $650 million of subordinated perpetual securities. The securities have no fixed maturity date, are subordinated and have a coupon of 8.75% per annum, subject to the right of the Company to defer such payments. During 2Q 2012, the Company repaid loans for a net amount of $1.4 billion related to commercial paper and bank loans.

During 3Q 2012 the Company paid dividends amounting to $297 million as compared to $294 million in 2Q 2012.

At September 30, 2012, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash and short-term investments) amounted to $3.0 billion as compared to $4.5 billion at June 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2012, net debt increased by $1.2 billion to $23.2 billion, as compared with $22.0 billion at June 30, 2012, driven by negative operating cash flow (including investment in working capital) and foreign exchange losses partially offset by proceeds from asset disposal and perpetual securities issue. Excluding any proceeds from asset sales, net debt is expected to be approximately $22 billion by year end.

The Company had liquidity[19] of $13.4 billion at September 30, 2012, a decrease of $1.4 billion as compared with liquidity of $14.8 billion at June 30, 2012, consisting of cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash and short-term investments) of $3.4 billion and $10 billion of available credit lines. At September 2012, the average debt maturity was 6.2 years down from 6.4 years as of June 30, 2012.

Update on management gains program and asset optimization plan

At the end of 3Q 2012, the Company’s annualized sustainable management gains increased to $4.8 billion as compared to $4.4 billion at 2Q 2012. The Company has achieved its target to reach management gains of $4.8 billion from sustainable SG&A, fixed and variable cost reductions and continuous improvement ahead of schedule.

Progress has been made on the Asset Optimization Plan launched in September 2011 to generate an annualized $1 billion sustainable EBITDA improvement by the end of 2012:

Annual dividend reduced to $0.20/share from 2013

Considering the challenging global economic conditions, and the Company’s priority to deleverage, ArcelorMittal’s Board of Directors proposes reducing the annual dividend payment to $0.20/share from 2013 (from $0.75/share in 2012). Subject to shareholder approval at the next annual general meeting in May 2013, this dividend will be paid in July 2013.

Once the deleveraging plan is complete and market conditions improve, the Board intends to progressively increase the dividend.

Outlook and guidance

The Q3 2012 fall in the iron ore price, and the weaker global economic backdrop, adversely impacted steel prices and steel volumes as well as the profitability of our mining operations, affecting our previous expectations for group profitability in 2H 2012. The Company now expects FY 2012 EBITDA of approximately $7 billion.

Iron ore shipments remain on track to increase by approximately 10% in FY 2012 compared to FY 2011.

Excluding any proceeds from future asset sales, net debt is expected to be approximately $22 billion by year end. Deleveraging is a priority as the Company continues to target an investment grade credit rating.

The 2012 capex is expected to be approximately $4.5 billion. ArcelorMittal Mines Canada expansion to 24mtpa’s is on track for ramp up during 1H 2013.

Appendix 9: End notes

[1]The financial information in this press release has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). While the interim financial information included in this announcement has been prepared in accordance with IFRS applicable to interim periods, this announcement does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as defined in International Accounting Standards 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”. Unless otherwise noted the numbers in the 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.
[2]Lost time injury frequency rate equals lost time injuries per 1,000,000 worked hours, based on own personnel and contractors.
[3]EBITDA is defined as operating income plus depreciation, impairment expenses and exceptional items. 
[4]During the 3Q 2012 the Company incurred $72 million related to a one-time signing bonus and post retirement benefit costs following the new US labor contract.
[5]On June 20, 2012, ArcelorMittal completed the sale of its steel foundation distribution business in NAFTA, Skyline Steel and Astralloy (“Skyline Steel”), to Nucor Corporation for a total consideration of $684 million. The transaction comprises 100% of ArcelorMittal’s stake in Skyline Steel’s operations in the NAFTA countries and the Caribbean.
[6]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.
[7]Net debt refers to long-term debt, plus short term debt, less cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments (including those held as part of asset/liabilities held for sale). As at September 30, 2012 cash included $441 million and debt included $17 million held at Paul Wurth, which has since been classified as asset/liabilities held for sale.
[8]In October 2011, the Company announced its decision to close two blast furnaces, sinter plant, steel shop and continuous casters in Liege, Belgium.
[9]Refers to the benchmark spot iron ore price.
[10]ArcelorMittal’s Board of Directors recommends reducing the annual dividend payment to $0.20/share from 2013 (from $0.75/share in 2012). Subject to shareholder approval at the next annual general meeting in May 2013, this dividend will be paid in July 2013.
[11]Mtpa refers to million tonnes per annum.
[12]EBITDA/t includes total Group EBITDA divided by total steel shipments.
[13]ArcelorMittal Dofasco has made a number of changes to its pension plan and health and dental benefits. Employees at Dofasco will be transitioned from an existing defined benefit pension plan to a new defined contribution pension plan. Changes to health and dental benefits will result in an increase in the portion of the cost of health benefits that is borne by participants in the plans. These changes resulted in a curtailment gain of $241 million in 1Q 2012.
[14]On March 28, 2012, ArcelorMittal announced that it had successfully completed an offering to sell (through certain subsidiaries) 134,317,503 shares and warrants in respect of a further 134,317,503 shares in Ereğli Demir ve Çelik Fabrikaları T.A.Ş. (“Erdemir”) generating total proceeds of TRY 478,170,311 by way of a single accelerated bookbuilt offering to institutional investors. Taking into account acquisition cost net of dividends received, the disposal of the 6.25% stake in Erdemir was cash positive (from an accounting point of view the transaction resulted in a gain of $0.1 billion which includes the reclassification of reserves previously recorded in net equity).  As a result of certain events, the Exchange Ratio and Exchange Price of the outstanding Warrants were adjusted such that the Exercise Price of the Series A warrants became TRY 3.490 for 1.437 shares, the Exercise Price of the Series B warrants became TRY 3.656 for 1.437 shares and the Exercise Price for the Series C warrants became TRY 3.822 for 1.437 shares.  Series A warrants matured on July 2, 2012 without any warrants being exercised. Similarly Series B warrants matured on October 1, 2012 without any warrants being exercised.   ArcelorMittal’s holding today remains at approximately 18.7%.  If the remaining Series C warrants are exercised prior to the maturity date of December 14, 2012, ArcelorMittal’s holding will decline to approximately 16.7%.  ArcelorMittal agreed to a 365 day lock-up period on its remaining stake in Erdemir.
[15]On April 4, 2012, ArcelorMittal Luxembourg entered into an agreement to divest its 23.48% interest in Enovos International SA to a fund managed by AXA Private Equity for a purchase price of EUR 330 million.  The purchase price was split with EUR 165 million payable at closing, and the remaining portion deferred for up to two years.  Interest will accrue on the deferred portion.  Closing of the transaction occurred on July 17, 2012, with $189 million received for the first installment of Enovos sale price (after adjustment for dividends). Taking into account acquisition cost net of dividends received, the disposal of the 23.48% stake in Enovos will be cash positive (from an accounting point of view the transaction resulted in a loss of $0.2 billion).
[16]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.
[17]There are three categories of sales: 1) “External sales”: mined product sold to third parties at market price; 2) “Market-priced tonnes”: internal sales of mined product to ArcelorMittal facilities and reported at prevailing market prices; 3) “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).
[18]Rotation days are defined as days of accounts receivable plus days of inventory minus days of accounts payable. Days of accounts payable and inventory are a function of cost of goods sold of the quarter on an annualized basis. Days of accounts receivable are a function of sales of the quarter on an annualized basis.
[19]Includes back-up lines for the commercial paper program of approximately $1.3 billion (€1 billion).
[20]Total of all finished production of fines, concentrate, pellets, lumps and coal (includes share of production and strategic long-term contracts).
[21]ArcelorMittal Distribution Solutions shipments are eliminated in consolidation as they primarily represent shipments originating from other ArcelorMittal operating subsidiaries.
[22]Changes in operating working capital are defined as trade accounts receivable plus inventories less trade accounts payable.
[23]Capex includes the acquisition of intangible assets (such as concessions for mining and IT support) and includes payments to fixed asset suppliers.
[24]Average steel selling prices are calculated as steel sales divided by steel shipments.
[25]Shipments originating from a geographical location.
[26]Includes Tubular products business.
[27]Commercial paper is expected to continue to be rolled over in the normal course of business.
[28]Gearing is defined as (A) long-term debt, plus short-term debt, less cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments ((including  those held as part of asset/liabilities held for sale), divided by (B) total equity.