Q2 2012 RAS financial results for Novolipetsk and its major Russian subsidiaries

• Improved financials for Novolipetsk
In Q2 2012 NLMK revenue increased 4% q-o-q driven by higher product prices coupled with stable sales. Y-o-y revenue climbed 3% as sales grew 15% while prices dropped 6% y-o-y and share of semi-finished products in total sales increased. The growth in revenue was the main factor driving gross profit and operating profit up 42% and 95% q-o-q, respectively. Novolipetsk profit margins also increased, by 3 p.p. q-o-q.
Q2 net profit totalled RUB10,609 million, more than tripling q-o-q, as a result of the distribution of dividends for 2011 from NLMK’s subsidiaries.
Y-o-y net profit contracted by 62%, pressured by lower operating profit and the fact that Q2 2011 financials included the divestment of NTK (Independent Transportation Company).

• Improved financials for VIZ-Stal
The seasonal growth in demand supported an increase in transformer steel sales. As a result, Q2 2012 revenue grew 27% q-o-q and 18% y-o-y.
The 27% increase in gross profit q-o-q was supported by higher demand for high value-added flat steel products. The decrease in fixed costs per tonne of steel in Q2 served as an additional growth factor for the financial and operating performance of the company.
VIZ-Stal’s Q2 net profit totalled RUB223 million (against a RUB133 million loss in Q1), supported by higher operating income, as well as the positive effect of FX differences.

• Improved financials for Stoilensky
Revenue grew 17% q-o-q, impacted mainly by higher sales of iron ore concentrate to the parent company, as well as to the external market.
Gross profit and operating profit increased 15% and 13% q-o-q, respectively, driven by the growth in revenue.
Net profit increased 1.7 times q-o-q, with positive FX differences being included into Other income.

• Higher operating profit and lower net loss for NSMMZ
The seasonal pick-up in demand for long products from the local construction sector led to significant increase in sales. This was the key driver for the 22% revenue growth q-o-q.
Revenue growth was the main factor for the 117% q-o-q increase in operating profit.
The company’s net loss is still determined by its high debt burden. The company was able to significantly reduce its losses, mainly due to by high financial results from operating activities.
The company was able to reduce its losses y-o-y by partially repaying its loan.

• Improved financials for Altai-Koks
As product prices fell, the company’s revenue reduced mildly (-7%). The impact of this factor was partially offset by the 5% increase in sales.
The opportunity to cut production costs was ensured by coal concentrate price adjustments, the use of captive tar pitch starting from Q2, as well as lower consumption rates supported by high battery utilization and satisfactory charge quality. These factors drove gross profit and operating profit up 17% and 15% q-o-q, respectively, and 6% and 26% y-o-y.
Sales margins grew 3 p.p. q-o-q, as production cost reduced at a higher pace than revenue.
The 20% increase in net profit q-o-q was determined by the higher operating profit.