Ryerson Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

Core Insights - Ryerson Holding Corporation reported a net sales of $1.14 billion for Q1 2025, reflecting a 12.7% increase from Q4 2024, driven by strong transactional sales and market share gains [5][8] - The company experienced a net loss of $5.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, which is an improvement compared to a net loss of $7.6 million in Q1 2024 [8][27] - Adjusted EBITDA, excluding LIFO, was $32.8 million, showing a significant increase of 218.4% from Q4 2024 [8][25] Financial Highlights - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $1,135.7 million, down 8.4% year-over-year but up 12.7% quarter-over-quarter [3][5] - Tons shipped increased to 500,000, up 11.9% from the previous quarter and slightly up 0.6% year-over-year [3][8] - Average selling price per ton was $2,271, a 0.8% increase from Q4 2024 but down 8.9% year-over-year [3][8] Cost and Margin Analysis - Gross margin contracted to 18.0% in Q1 2025 from 19.0% in Q4 2024, primarily due to rising costs of goods sold [6][26] - Excluding LIFO, gross margin improved to 18.6%, up 220 basis points from the previous quarter [6][26] - Operating expenses increased by 7.2% to $202.1 million, driven by higher personnel-related expenses, but decreased by $14.7 million compared to the prior year [7][8] Debt and Liquidity - Total debt at the end of Q1 2025 was $497.3 million, with net debt at $463.7 million, reflecting a sequential increase [10][8] - Cash and cash equivalents rose to $33.6 million, a 21.3% increase from the previous quarter [10][8] - The company reported a cash conversion cycle of 66.5 days, indicating improved working capital management [10][8] Market Position and Outlook - Ryerson gained market share in the industry, with transactional sales increasing by 12% year-over-year [8][4] - The company anticipates Q2 2025 net sales to range between $1.15 billion and $1.19 billion, with average selling prices expected to rise by 3% to 4% [13][8] - Management emphasized ongoing improvements in operational productivity and capital investments aimed at long-term growth [4][5]