Klöckner & Co. commenced 2024 on a positive note. In the first quarter, the shipments increased by 5% year on year and 11% quarter on quarter to about 1.1 million tons. In a challenging macroeconomic backdrop, the company reported first-quarter sales of EUR1.7 billion.

The operating income (EBITDA) before material special effects rose significantly to EUR42 million, compared to EUR17 million in the previous quarter. However, it fell short of the previous year's figure of EUR65 million. In March, Klöckner & Co successfully concluded the sale of segments of its European distribution business, resulting in a consolidated income of EUR24 million from discontinued operations.

Guido Kerkhoff, CEO of Klöckner & Co SE, highlighted the completion of the sale as a pivotal achievement, allowing the company to concentrate on profitable ventures in Europe and North America. The company aims to enhance profitability and stability by focusing on higher-value business operations and accelerating digitalization and automation of its value chains. Klöckner & Co anticipates a substantial increase in shipments and sales for the second quarter, with forecasted EBITDA before material special effects ranging from EUR30 million to EUR70 million.