Steel Dynamics(US:STLD) Yahoo Finance·2026-01-26 15:30Financial Performance - The company achieved third quarter revenues of $4.3 billion, with steel shipments totaling 3.2 million tonnes and adjusted EBITDA of $557 million [1][7][8] - Net income for the third quarter was reported at $318 million, or $2.05 per diluted share, which reflects a decrease in revenue compared to the second quarter due to lower flat-rolled steel pricing [7][8] - Operating income for the third quarter was $395 million, a 29% decline from the previous quarter, primarily due to steel metal spread contraction [8] Operational Highlights - The Sinton team reached a 72% utilization rate in September, with periods exceeding 90% during the quarter, demonstrating the mill's capability [1][23] - The company successfully ramped up four new value-add flat-rolled steel coating lines, expected to contribute fully to earnings by 2025, adding 1.1 million tons of higher-margin product [2][12] - Safety performance improved significantly, with the lowest total recordable incident rate and lost time rates in company history, and 84% of locations reported no recordable injuries [5][6] Market Dynamics - The domestic steel industry operated at an estimated production utilization rate of 78%, while the company's steel mills operated at 86%, indicating a competitive advantage [21] - The company is experiencing steady underlying steel demand, although a surge in steel imports has put pressure on supply dynamics for certain products [22][24] - The company anticipates increased fixed asset investment and demand drivers for steel and steel fabrication products in 2025 due to moderating interest rates and public funding [11][24] Strategic Investments - Approximately $1.9 billion has been invested in strategic growth initiatives through September 2024, with expectations for an additional $350 million to $400 million in the fourth quarter [13][14] - The company has repurchased $970 million of common stock year-to-date 2024, representing 4.5% of outstanding shares, with a remaining $486 million available for further repurchases [14] - The company is committed to sustainability, with new greenhouse gas emissions intensity targets aligned with the Paris Agreement, and is on track to introduce biocarbon into steel production by the first quarter of 2025 [15][16][81] Future Outlook - The company expects capital investments in 2025 to be in the range of $700 million to $800 million, with a focus on high-return strategic growth [14] - The aluminum production investments are projected to be EBITDA positive in the second half of 2025, with plans to operate the rolling mill at approximately 75% capacity in 2026 [12][66] - The company is optimistic about steel demand and pricing dynamics as it approaches the end of 2024 and enters 2025, driven by ongoing infrastructure spending and manufacturing onshoring [24][40]