RUUKKI GROUP PLC'S INTERIM REPORT FOR 1 JANUARY...

07:00 London, 09:00 Helsinki, 8 May 2013 - Ruukki Group Plc ("Ruukki" or "the Company") (LSE: RKKI, OMX: RUG1V) Interim Report

RUUKKI GROUP PLC'S INTERIM REPORT FOR 1 JANUARY - 31 MARCH 2013

Q1 HIGHLIGHTS (January-March 2013):

- EBITDA was EUR 4.2 (Q1/2012: 3.1) million and the EBITDA margin was 13.2% (Q1/2012: 6.9%)
- EBIT was EUR -2.1 (Q1/2012: -3.6) million
- Profit for the period totalled EUR 0.0 (Q1/2012: -2.1) million
- Sales from processed products decreased by 54.3% to 14,993 (Q1/2012: 32,814) tonnes
- Revenue decreased by 30.6% to EUR 31.6 (Q1/2012: 45.6) million
- Production decreased by 10.5% to 81,552 (Q1/2012: 91,167) tonnes
- Cash flow from operations was EUR 8.1 (Q1/2012: 1.4) million and liquid funds at 31 March were
 EUR 17.5 (31 December 2012: 14.2) (31 March 2012: 63.3) million

KEY FIGURES (EUR million)	Q1/13	Q1/12	Change	FY2012
Revenue	31.6	45.6	-30.6%	128.6
EBITDA	4.2	3.1	32.6%	9.2
EBITDA margin	13.2%	6.9%		7.2%
EBIT	-2.1	-3.6		-16.8
EBIT margin	-6.5%	-7.9%		-13.0%
Earnings before taxes	-2.7	-2.1		-19.6
Earnings margin	-8.7%	-4.7%		-15.2%
Profit	0.0	-2.1		-16.6
Earnings per share, basic, EUR	0.00	-0.01		-0.06

Commenting on the first quarter results, Danko Koncar, CEO, said:

"I am pleased to report a significant improvement in the first quarter results compared to the first quarter of 2012. Despite the lower sales and a difficult market, we were able to improve profitability and generate a positive cash flow. This was achieved by focusing on value added speciality products, lowering cost base and on-going improvements across all our operations.

Regardless of the sales being lower in the first quarter compared to the equivalent period last year, mainly due to participation in Eskom's electricity buyback program in South Africa, but also due to our decision to remain disciplined and not compromise our sale prices or margins in a very weak market, we have improved results.

The ferrochrome market remains difficult to predict and unfortunately we cannot depend on a tailwind this year, regardless of some positive signals. Being aware of all the uncertainties ahead, we agreed to significantly restructure our organisation and the way we work. Our focus is, and has to remain, on generating cash and increasing profits, independently of market movements.

In the longer term I firmly believe that ferrochrome, particularly the speciality and super alloys segment, will again be in high demand. At the same time we are not waiting for market to change, but are continuously evaluating different initiatives that could strengthen our position and provide new growth opportunities."
 
2013 outlook

The global economic outlook continues to be uncertain in 2013 as the Eurozone crisis continues and demand for commodities, primarily driven by Chinese consumption, remains weak. The ferroalloy market is expected to continue to be volatile during the year. The Group is preparing for significant price fluctuations and will continue to adapt its production levels accordingly. At Mogale Alloys, part of the FerroAlloys division, the decision has been taken to participate in Eskom's electricity buyback program. The Company is also continuing its cost saving initiatives and restructuring of functions and this is expected to bring material costs savings in 2013 compared to previous financial year. In light of this the Group expects its financial performance for the full year 2013 to significantly improve compared to 2012.

Fluctuations of exchange rates between the Euro, the South African Rand, the Turkish Lira and the US Dollar can significantly impact the Company's financial performance.

Disclosure procedure

Ruukki follows the disclosure procedure enabled by Standard 5.2b published by the Finnish Financial Supervision Authority, and hereby publishes its Q1/2013 interim report enclosed to this stock exchange release. The Interim Report is attached to this release and is also available on the Company's website at www.ruukkigroup.com.


RUUKKI GROUP PLC
Danko Koncar
CEO


For additional information, please contact:

Ruukki Group Plc

Danko Koncar, CEO, [phone], [e-mail]

Investec Bank Plc
Neil Elliot, [phone], [e-mail]
George Price, [phone], [e-mail]

Financial reports and other investor information are available on the Company's website: www.ruukkigroup.com.

Ruukki Group is a chrome mining and minerals producer focused on delivering sustainable growth with a speciality alloys business in southern Europe and a ferro alloys business in southern Africa. The Company is listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (RUG1V) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (RKKI).
www.ruukkigroup.com

Distribution:
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
London Stock Exchange
main media
www.ruukkigroup.com

Q1

---

This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients.

The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the
information contained therein.

Source: Ruukki Group via Thomson Reuters ONE

HUG#1700120