Ukraine-focused iron ore producer Ferrexpo has issued one of the starkest warnings in its history as a listed company, telling shareholders they could lose the “entire value of their investment” if a $100 million emergency equity raise fails to complete by the end of this month — a deadline that, if missed, would trigger a suspension of its London shares and potentially force the group into insolvency.
Shares in the Baar, Switzerland-headquartered FTSE 250 company fell 12% to 37.98 pence in London on Wednesday morning following the announcement. Ferrexpo said it currently has sufficient cash to operate only until around the end of August, with net cash at 17 April standing at just $20 million — down sharply from $101 million at the end of 2024. The proposed $100 million raise, described as the “only viable solution” available in the required timeframe, would cover short-term operational requirements at a reduced production level for the next 18 months.
The company’s financial position has been severely eroded by the compounding effect of three overlapping crises: the ongoing war in Ukraine, the suspension by Ukrainian tax authorities of VAT refund payments to the group, and a legal claim against its main operating subsidiary FPM. Without recovery of the VAT refunds — which Ferrexpo acknowledged is outside its control — the group warned it would have “no option but to file for insolvency” if the fundraise does not proceed.
The equity raise must be launched and completed on or before the end of April for Ferrexpo to be able to publish its audited 2025 financial results. If that deadline is not met, the company expects its shares will be suspended from 1 May until the audit is completed — with no certainty provided on when, or whether, trading would resume. “In such a scenario, there can be no certainty as to the expected timing of the lifting of the suspension of listing and resumption of trading of the company’s shares, if at all,” the company warned.
Talks are continuing with Fevamotinico Sarl, which holds a 49% stake in Ferrexpo, regarding the potential dilution of its interests as a result of the fundraise and whether it will participate. The outcome of those discussions is material to the viability of the raise. Ferrexpo said a successful capital injection would strengthen liquidity, provide working capital and position the company to restore production capacity to a sustainable level, with potential for longer-term recovery once operating conditions stabilise.
