Thyssenkrupp: CEO Miguel López receives new contract until 2031

Miguel López, the CEO of Thyssenkrupp $TKA (-0.03%)has received a new contract until 2031. Under his leadership, the Group is planning a fundamental reorganization into a holding structure with five independent companies. This ambitious strategy promises a breath of fresh air, but also brings with it conflicts with employee representatives. Jürgen Kerner, the deputy head of IG Metall, has already announced that he will vote against the contract extension. Despite this resistance, Siegfried Russwurm, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, is optimistic and praises López for the progress he has made in the strategic realignment of the company over the last two years. The next few years could be decisive for the future of Thyssenkrupp as the CEO tries to reconcile the various interests.

Steel industry: ArcelorMittal halts plans for climate-friendly steel plants

In the USA, ArcelorMittal $MT (-0.02%) has halted its plans for climate-friendly steel plants in Germany for the time being. The German government had provided billions in generous subsidies to support the industrial transformation, including the conversion of production processes to new energy sources. The plan was for ArcelorMittal to receive 1.3 billion euros in subsidies for the Bremen and Eisenhüttenstadt sites to build modern electric arc furnaces. These were to be operated with renewable electricity and use a higher proportion of recycled scrap. A direct reduction plant was also planned in Bremen, which would initially run on natural gas and, in the long term, on green hydrogen. The decision to shelve the plans for the time being is a setback for efforts to make steel production more sustainable and raises questions about the future of the industry.

Sources:

https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/industrie/thyssenkrupp-ceo-miguel-lopez-erhaelt-neuen-vertrag-bis-2031-a-1eeed719-74b2-493f-9cc1-c4a57465084e

https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/industrie/stahlindustrie-arcelormittal-stoppt-plaene-fuer-klimafreundliche-stahlwerke-a-421ccff2-2854-4b10-8da2-7ca91769c3d6

It doesn't stop...

Donald Trump has announced that he will increase import tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%. This measure will come into force on June 4, 2025 and will also affect imports from Germany and the EU.

🔍 Background:

• Trump justified the tariff increase with the protection of national security and the strengthening of the US steel industry.
• In a speech at US Steel in Pennsylvania, he emphasized that tariffs are his "absolute favorite word".
• The measure affects imports from countries such as Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea and Germany.

📈 Effects:

• Importing steel products into the US is likely to become more difficult with the doubling of tariffs.
• Prices for steel in the USA could rise in the medium term, which could have an impact on the construction and automotive sectors.
• Germany, the leading steel producer within the EU, exported around one million tons of steel to the US in 2023.

🌍 International reactions:

• Canada's Chamber of Commerce criticized the tariff increase as costly for both countries.
• Australia described the move as "unjustified and not the act of a friend".

Proposal for his tombstone:

🪦 Here rests Donald J. Trump

"Tariffs were my favorite word - now I'm paying the last tax." 💸🇺🇸

$TKA (-0.03%)
$SZG (+1.85%)
$MT (+0.37%)
$OUT1V (+0.85%)
$SSAB A (+0.32%)

Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/trump-will-stahl-zoelle-auf-50-prozent-verdoppeln,UmiOkwN

$TKA (-0.03%)

Thyssenkrupp wants to transform itself into a strategic holding company with independent business units and in the process majority shareholdings in the individual divisions.

🔹 Business units such as Marine Systems, Materials, automotive parts and Decarbon Technologies are to be made fit for the capital market and made partly independent.

🔹 The spin-off of Marine Systems has already been initiated, an IPO is planned for this year planned this year.

🔹 Goal: more flexibility flexibility, transparency and added value

🔹 A final target image is to be presented to the Supervisory Board by the end of the financial year be presented by the end of the financial year.

🔹 According to "Bild", the aim is to transform the company into a financial holding company to sell further parts and reduce the size of the Management Board.

📈 Positive market reaction: The share price rises.

🗣️ DZ Bank analyst Dirk Schlamp sees the plans as a consistent continuation of the transformation course - with long-term potential, but short-term implementation risks.

USA: Court orders Chevron to pay compensation for environmental damageA court in the USA has ordered Chevron $CVX (-0.06%) to pay damages after the company was held responsible for serious environmental damage. An investigation by the non-governmental organization Lowlander Center found that Chevron had dug channels to reach oil and gas rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. These interventions have severely impaired the natural flow of water in the surrounding wetlands. During extreme weather events, the ocean's water masses could now flow unhindered inland instead of being dispersed in the wetlands, which could have disastrous consequences for the local flora and fauna. A law dating back to 1978 obliges companies to dismantle and recultivate used areas after the end of operations. However, Chevron failed to obtain the necessary permits and remove the legacies, resulting in significant contamination from improperly stored wastewater that was released unchecked into the environment.

Thyssenkrupp terminates supply contract with supplier HKMThyssenkrupp $TKA (-0.03%) has terminated the supply contract with the supplier HKM, causing uncertainty among the affected employees. However, the company emphasizes that the supply of primary material to its shareholders remains secured until further notice. Despite the dismissal, there are currently no immediate effects on the continued operation of HKM. In the morning, around 1000 employees of HKM and other Duisburg steel companies protested in front of Thyssenkrupp's headquarters. IG Metall expressed serious concerns about possible job losses and an imminent closure of the plant, further increasing employees' worries about their future. The situation remains tense and all eyes are on the upcoming decisions that could have a significant impact on the future of the steel industry in Duisburg.

Sources:

https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/industrie/usa-gericht-verurteilt-chevron-zu-schadensersatz-fuer-umweltschaeden-a-e999ccc6-0c14-4673-8786-d47405c81d69

https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/industrie/thyssenkrupp-kuendigt-liefervertrag-mit-zulieferer-hkm-a-53d2ff1a-129d-4c39-af56-49ef463d907f

ThyssenKrupp AG (Ticker: $TKA (-0.03%) | ISIN: DE0007500001)

Sector: Industry, mechanical engineering, materials

Head office: Essen, Germany

Description:

ThyssenKrupp AG is a global industrial group with a focus on technology, materials and mechanical engineering. The company developed from the merger of Thyssen and Krupp and is now active in various areas.

Core areas & products:

• 
  Automotive supply - Springs, stabilizers, steering systems
• 
  Materials & Steel - High-performance steels, precious metals, aluminum
• 
  Mechanical & plant engineering - Chemical plants, cement works
• 
  Marine & submarine construction - Military and civilian ships
• Elevator & conveyor technology - Formerly ThyssenKrupp Elevator (sold)

Fundamental analysis

ThyssenKrupp AG shows a mix of strategic opportunities and challenges:

Financial health:

• Current financial metrics are not fully available, but strategic initiatives indicate a focus on cost reduction and restructuring.
• Cost reduction measures: ThyssenKrupp plans to save over €150 million in the Automotive division, including through headcount reductions and investment adjustments.
• Marine Systems spinoff: The planned spinoff of the Marine Systems division through an IPO could increase financial flexibility and strengthen the focus on profitable areas.

Growth prospects:

• Defense sector: rising military spending in Europe offers significant opportunities for the Marine Systems Division. A major order for six frigates worth over €15 billion has already led to a significant increase in the share price.
• Diversification: ThyssenKrupp is active in several sectors, including automotive technology and green technologies, which spreads the risk and offers long-term growth potential.

Risks:

• Market volatility: the stock is highly dependent on developments in the defense sector and the global economic situation.
• Competitive pressure: The automotive industry is under pressure, which could weigh on margins in this segment.

Entry zones:

• Potential entry zones are close to the identified support levels, particularly at €4.55 and €4.65. These areas could attract stronger buying interest, making them interesting entry points.

Support zones:

• Main support zones are at €4.55 (S3) and €4.65 (S1). These levels have been identified based on historical price movements and technical indicators and could serve as important areas for potential buying.

Current price:

• The current price of ThyssenKrupp AG is €10.04 (as of March 19, 2025). This is well above the identified support and resistance levels, indicating a potentially bullish trend.

Conclusion:

The technical analysis shows that the entry zones could be close to the support levels at €4.55 and €4.65. The current price of €10.04 indicates a possible continuation of the upward trend. Note, however, that the analysis is based on historical data and external market factors have not been taken into account. A comprehensive trading strategy should include additional indicators and market news.

Future outlook: Rising military spending in Europe

Market performance:

• Rising military spending in Europe has already led to a significant rise in the share price. Analysts see ThyssenKrupp as a long-term investment, but recommend considering short-term profit-taking after the recent rise.
• Fiscal multiplier: Goldman Sachs estimates that every €100 spent on defense could boost GDP by about €50 over two years, which could also benefit ThyssenKrupp.

Sector dynamics:

• Marine Systems Division: this division is benefiting strongly from increased demand for defense technologies. The planned carve-out could offer additional value creation potential.
• Diversification: ThyssenKrupp is well positioned to benefit from broader industrial trends, particularly in green technologies.

Risks:

• Economic challenges: Higher defense spending could lead to inflation and rising debt, which could weigh on the overall economy.
• Market volatility: The share remains susceptible to short-term fluctuations, particularly in the event of geopolitical developments.

Conclusion

ThyssenKrupp AG offers an interesting investment profile with strong growth opportunities in the defense sector and a diversified business structure. The current price of €10 could be a good entry point, especially if the stock goes through a short-term consolidation. In the long term, the company could benefit from rising military spending in Europe and strategic initiatives to cut costs and focus on profitable areas.

1/3 profits taken, the rest continues to run as the outlook is good.

The multi-billion euro package for defense and infrastructure has cleared a decisive hurdle:

After lengthy negotiations, the parliamentary group leaders of the CDU/CSU, SPD and Greens have reached an agreement. The Bundestag could pass the package as early as next Tuesday.

The stock market reacted positively: $RHM (+0.74%) rises by five percent, $SMA records a rise of six percent, $KGX (+2.65%) rises by five percent, $TKA (-0.03%) rises by six percent and $BC8 (+0.24%) and can record an increase of nine percent.

If the Bundestag agrees, the bill still has to go through the Bundesrat. Here, too, a two-thirds majority is required for a resolution.

The negotiations took several days. Friedrich Merz had come a good deal closer to the Greens. On Thursday in the Bundestag, Merz offered to relax the debt brake not only for defense, but also for civil protection, civil defence and intelligence services. He also suggested earmarking part of the infrastructure loans for climate protection. However, the Greens had missed guarantees both for more money for the climate and that climate protection spending would actually increase.

European defense stocks rise after Selensky-Trump dispute

Shares in the defense industry experienced a strong upswing on Monday, and there are good reasons for this. The trigger was the scandal between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj and US President Donald Trump, which brought talks on a raw materials agreement and security guarantees to a standstill. This uncertainty has prompted investors to bet on defense stocks in the expectation that defense spending in Europe will increase.

Rheinmetall $RHM (+0.74%) reached a new record high in the DAX and closed with an impressive gain of 13.71% at EUR 1,144.50. This means that the share has already gained 80 percent since the beginning of the year. HENSOLDT $HAG also benefited from the general euphoria and closed up 22.25 percent at 64.00 euros. Shares in thyssenkrupp $TKA (-0.03%) rose by 10.57 percent to 8.41 euros, while RENK $ABBV (-0.31%) rose by 18.90 percent to 35.52 euros.

Analysts agree that geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over US policy will boost defense spending in Europe. Jürgen Molnar from RoboMarkets emphasizes that the world has changed after the scandal and that Europe can no longer count on the USA as a reliable partner. JPMorgan analyst David Perry points out that many NATO countries will increase their defense spending in the near future, which could further boost demand for defense stocks.

Forecast: Aramco expects results

Saudi Aramco $2222 is about to announce results for the quarter ending December 31, 2024. Analysts estimate that earnings per share will come in at 9.3 cents, down from 11 cents in the same quarter last year.

For sales, analysts expect a decline to an average of EUR 103 billion, which corresponds to a decrease of 11.69 percent compared to the previous year. Last year, Aramco recorded sales of EUR 117 billion. For the past fiscal year, analysts expect earnings of EUR 0.42 per share, compared with EUR 0.48 per share in the previous year. Total sales are estimated at EUR 450 billion, which also represents a decline compared to last year.

Sources:

https://www.finanzen.net/nachricht/aktien/trump-selenskyj-streit-renk-hensoldt-thyssenkrupp-leonardo-rheinmetall-aktien-co-profitieren-stark-von-sondervermoegen-diskussion-14285430

https://www.finanzen.net/nachricht/aktien/aktie-im-fokus-ausblick-aramco-saudi-aramco-gibt-ergebnis-zum-abgelaufenen-quartal-bekannt-14285220