The industrial equipment lease and rental group reported a headline earnings per share drop of 26.3% in the year to June, with its overall performance also impacted by a tough operating environment which was hit by mining strikes and industrial action in the construction and civil engineering sector. Assore (-56.1%) and Kumba Iron Ore (-45.9%) were two of the biggest losers this past year as the iron ore price continued to plummet throughout 2014 ending the year c. 50% lower. As China currently consumes c. 80% of global iron ore, Kumba is extremely dependent on Chinese demand, thus Kumba (and Assore) are likely to remain under pressure in 2015. In December, Kumba also said that it would cut capital expenditure, jobs and other costs to improve its performance. Bell Equipment (-50% YoY), which has seen its share price face significant pressure in 2014, announced plans in December to embark on a review of all its cost structures group-wide which could include restructuring and shedding of jobs.