In the course of the fourth quarter, the recovery in steel demand continued more strongly than previously expected. At the same time, the improved price level has already had a positive impact on the operating income (EBITDA) before material special effects of Klöckner & Co SE. Klöckner & Co was able to benefit disproportionately from these positive market developments due to the advanced transformation project Surtsey. Therefore, Klöckner & Co SE expects now an EBITDA before material special effects of €105-115 million for the full year 2020, contrary to previous expectations of €75-95 million, and still a significantly positive cash flow from operating activities.

In addition, the market recovery is expected to continue at the beginning of the new year and, in conjunction with the now rapidly increasing digitalization and restructuring effects from the project Surtsey, will lead to a considerably improved operating income before special material effects in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of the previous year.