Allegheny Technologies suspends dividend

Allegheny Technologies (ATI) will suspend its quarterly dividend. In 2015 the dividend was already cut from $0.18 to $0.08 per share by the specialty materials and components producer.

"We expect ATI's financial performance to improve significantly in 2017 as a result of strong profitable growth in our High Performance Materials & Components segment, a return to modest profitability in our Flat Rolled Products segment, and the aggressive cost reduction actions we have taken since late last year," said Rich Harshman, Chairman, President and CEO.

"As earnings improve in 2017 and beyond, the resulting annual free cash flow, after necessary capital expenditures, will be used primarily to reduce debt, improve the funded position of the Company's defined benefit pension plan, and improve liquidity. We are focused on creating long-term shareholder value by returning ATI to sustainable profitability, strengthening our balance sheet, and restoring and maintaining financial flexibility and strong liquidity.

"In support of these objectives, ATI's Board of Directors has decided to suspend the quarterly dividend beginning in the fourth quarter 2016. Suspending the quarterly dividend, which saves nearly $35 million annually, provides additional liquidity and financial flexibility as we enter 2017 and the latter stage of ATI's transformation.

The last quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share was paid on September 8, 2016.