Germany's Kloeckner sees sales slip amid price and currency effects

March 11 (Reuters) - German steel distributor Kloeckner KCOGn.DE saw its sales slip to 6.38 billion euros ($7.42 billion) last year compared to 6.63 billion euros in 2024, as price and currency effects took a toll.

The company, which serves mainly small and medium-sized steel and metal consumers, is the subject of a $2.4 billion takeover offer by U.S.-based Worthington Steel in a deal that would create the second-largest steel service centre company in North America.

Here are some details of Wednesday's results:

• Shipments rose 1.8% year-on-year to 4.53 million tonnes in 2025 thanks to the company's market expansion in the U.S.

• The net loss for continuing operations was 53 million euros, resulting in negative earnings per share of 0.54 euros

• Cash flow from operating activities was positive for the fourth year in a row at 110 million euros

• The group said it would propose a dividend of 0.20 euros per share, stable compared to the previous year.

• The Dusseldorf-based company said it expected stable shipments in 2026 despite divesting eight U.S. distribution centres toward the end of 2025.

• In the first quarter, operating income (EBITDA) before material special effects is expected to come between 20 million euros and 60 million euros, after 21 million euros in the fourth quarter of 2025.

($1 = 0.8595 euros)