Description
SWOT ANALYSIS OF CLIFFS NATURAL RESOURCES
Cliffs Natural Resources
Parent Company
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc
Category
Iron & Steel
Sector
Industrial products
Tagline/ Slogan
NA
A major global iron ore producer and a significant producer of high- and USP low-volatile metallurgical coal
STP
Segment
Iron ore, high- and low-volatile metallurgical coal, Ferroalloys
Target Group
Steel producers, energy industry, corporates
Achieving greater scale and diversi?cation in the mining industry through a focus on serving the world’s largest and fastest growing steel Positioning markets
SWOT Analysis
1. Market share leadership in the industry 2. Largest iron ore producer in North America through Consolidated Thompson acquisition in Canada, with some better quality assets through Portman in Australia 3. Sales are more focused on Asia for the future 4. Supply chain is well developed and mature, directly with steel company users Strength 5. Strong financial position and good brand value
1. Not as diversified as some industry players Weakness 2. Still hasn't tapped emerging economies for business
1. Possible mergers with some West African DSO sources 2. Emergence into Chinese market allows for Cliffs to acquire large market share by lowering prices to undercut established powers. 3. Incorporating recent acquisition of Consolidated Thompson can Opportunity provide Cliffs with large ore reserves and better penetration in China
1. Uncertainty or weaknesses in global economic conditions and reduced economic growth in China 2. Negative economic conditions may adversely impact the ability of customers to meet their obligations Threats 3. Unfavorable Govt policies
Competition
1. Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. 2. BHP Billiton Ltd Competitors 3. Baffinland Iron Land Corporation
doc_625604211.docx
SWOT ANALYSIS OF CLIFFS NATURAL RESOURCES
Cliffs Natural Resources
Parent Company
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc
Category
Iron & Steel
Sector
Industrial products
Tagline/ Slogan
NA
A major global iron ore producer and a significant producer of high- and USP low-volatile metallurgical coal
STP
Segment
Iron ore, high- and low-volatile metallurgical coal, Ferroalloys
Target Group
Steel producers, energy industry, corporates
Achieving greater scale and diversi?cation in the mining industry through a focus on serving the world’s largest and fastest growing steel Positioning markets
SWOT Analysis
1. Market share leadership in the industry 2. Largest iron ore producer in North America through Consolidated Thompson acquisition in Canada, with some better quality assets through Portman in Australia 3. Sales are more focused on Asia for the future 4. Supply chain is well developed and mature, directly with steel company users Strength 5. Strong financial position and good brand value
1. Not as diversified as some industry players Weakness 2. Still hasn't tapped emerging economies for business
1. Possible mergers with some West African DSO sources 2. Emergence into Chinese market allows for Cliffs to acquire large market share by lowering prices to undercut established powers. 3. Incorporating recent acquisition of Consolidated Thompson can Opportunity provide Cliffs with large ore reserves and better penetration in China
1. Uncertainty or weaknesses in global economic conditions and reduced economic growth in China 2. Negative economic conditions may adversely impact the ability of customers to meet their obligations Threats 3. Unfavorable Govt policies
Competition
1. Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. 2. BHP Billiton Ltd Competitors 3. Baffinland Iron Land Corporation
doc_625604211.docx