Algoma Steel Group (ASTL) posts $985M 2025 loss and ramps EAF shift
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Algoma Steel Group reported heavy losses for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025, while completing its transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking. Fourth quarter results were described as in-line with previously announced expectations despite severe trade and transition headwinds.
Fourth quarter revenue was $455.0 million, down from $590.3 million a year earlier, with shipments falling 31.0% to 378,533 tons. Net loss widened to $364.7 million from $66.5 million, driven by Section 232 tariff costs, lower volumes, higher per‑ton costs and transition-related depreciation, stranded inventory and severance.
For 2025, revenue was $2,085.7 million versus $2,461.7 million the prior year, and net loss expanded to $984.9 million from $139.0 million. Adjusted EBITDA swung to a loss of $261.4 million from a $22.4 million gain, reflecting reduced shipments, a large non‑cash impairment and $225.0 million of tariff costs. Cash fell to $77.5 million, though Algoma highlighted $194.5 million of undrawn revolver capacity and $417 million available under a $500 million government-backed liquidity facility as it ramps its new EAF platform and pivots toward higher‑value discrete plate production.
Positive
- Completion of EAF transition: All liquid steel is now produced via Algoma’s electric arc furnace, operating on a continuous 24‑hour schedule with product quality meeting specifications across plate and hot‑rolled coil grades.
- Significant liquidity backstop: Algoma secured a $500 million government-backed Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility, with $417 million undrawn at year-end, plus $194.5 million of unused revolver capacity to support operations and the transformation.
- Strategic Hanwha Ocean partnership: The company signed a binding memorandum of understanding with Hanwha Ocean with an aggregate potential value of US$250 million, tied to a possible structural beam mill investment and product purchases for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, subject to definitive contracts.
Negative
- Sharp deterioration in profitability: Full-year net loss widened to $984.9 million from $139.0 million, with Adjusted EBITDA swinging from a $22.4 million gain to a $261.4 million loss and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of (12.5%).
- Heavy impact from U.S. tariffs: Section 232 tariffs generated direct costs of $60.6 million in Q4 and $225.0 million for 2025, while Canadian prices were described as up to 40% below U.S. levels, materially pressuring revenue and margins.
- Weaker balance sheet: Total assets fell to $2,115.9 million from $3,186.2 million, and shareholders’ equity declined to $491.1 million from $1,508.5 million, reflecting large non‑cash impairment, losses and transition-related charges.
- Rising leverage and bank indebtedness: Bank indebtedness increased to $170.2 million from $0.4 million, while long-term governmental loans rose to $192.3 million from $133.6 million, indicating greater reliance on external financing.
- Lower volumes and higher unit costs: 2025 shipments fell 14.0% to 1,739,493 tons, while cost per ton climbed to $1,216 from $1,054, outpacing the decline in average realized pricing and deepening operating losses.
Insights
Results show deep cyclical and tariff-driven stress, partly cushioned by new liquidity and a strategic shift to EAF plate.
Algoma Steel posted a full-year net loss of $984.9 million and an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $261.4 million after a prior-year Adjusted EBITDA gain of $22.4 million. Revenue fell to $2,085.7 million from $2,461.7 million, while 2025 shipments dropped 14.0% to 1,739,493 tons, underscoring weaker demand and trade impacts.
U.S. Section 232 tariffs are central to the pressure. Direct tariff costs reached $225.0 million for 2025, with Q4 Canadian pricing described as up to 40% below U.S. levels, cutting quarterly revenue by about $27.0 million. Cost per ton rose to $1,216 from $1,054, while average realized price slipped, compressing margins.
The balance sheet absorbed a substantial non‑cash impairment and transition charges, shrinking total assets to $2,115.9 million from $3,186.2 million and equity to $491.1 million. However, management emphasizes completion of the blast furnace shutdown and continuous EAF operations, plus a government-backed $500 million liquidity package with $417 million still available at year-end. Future disclosures in periodic reports will be important for tracking EAF ramp-up, tariff exposure and any revenue from the Hanwha Ocean memorandum of understanding.