Core Insights - The SCCM Small Cap Value Equity Strategy reported a strong performance in Q3 2025, with a gross return of 14.4% and a net return of 14.2%, outperforming the Russell 2000 and Russell 2000 Value indices which returned 12.4% and 12.6% respectively [1] - The positive performance was attributed to Fed rate cuts, economic resilience, and increased investor risk appetite [1] Company Analysis: Avient Corporation (NYSE:AVNT) - Avient Corporation is a global provider of specialized polymer materials, colorants, composites, and additives, serving key markets such as packaging, healthcare, defense, and industrial manufacturing [3] - The company has transitioned from a commodity materials business to a higher-margin specialty formulator through strategic acquisitions and divestitures, focusing on sustainability and advanced material innovation [3] - Avient's execution is supported by cost discipline, productivity initiatives, and an increasing mix of recurring and value-added revenue streams [3] - The company benefits from exposure to resilient sectors like healthcare and defense, providing stability, while also seeing cyclical upside from demand recovery in packaging and industrial applications [3] - Management is focused on mix improvement, margin expansion, and deleveraging through operational excellence and targeted capital allocation [3] - Avient is investing in next-generation materials aligned with long-term trends in electrification, lightweighting, and circular manufacturing [3] - With a stronger balance sheet, expanding free cash flow, and a structurally improved earnings profile, Avient is positioned to compound value and outperform traditional chemical peers in the upcoming cycle [3] Stock Performance - Avient Corporation's stock had a one-month return of 10.15% but experienced a significant decline of 44.21% over the last 52 weeks [2] - As of November 24, 2025, Avient's stock closed at $29.29 per share, with a market capitalization of $2.682 billion [2]

Financial Performance - Steel Dynamics, Inc. reported first quarter 2025 net sales of $4.4 billion, with net income of $217 million or $1.44 per diluted share, compared to $207 million or $1.36 per diluted share in the previous quarter and $584 million or $3.67 per diluted share in the same quarter last year [1][20]. - The company's operating income for the steel operations was $230 million, a 39% increase from the previous quarter, driven by record shipments [4][25]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter 2025 was $448 million, reflecting a decrease from $878 million in the prior year [25]. Operational Highlights - Steel shipments reached a record of 3.5 million tons in the first quarter 2025, with strong demand from the energy, non-residential construction, automotive, and industrial sectors [11][4]. - The average external product selling price for steel operations decreased by $13 sequentially to $998 per ton, while the average ferrous scrap cost per ton melted increased by $16 to $386 [4][25]. - The company's Sinton Texas Flat Roll Division operated at an 86% capacity rate, often exceeding 90% [4]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on value-added flat rolled steel and aluminum expansion initiatives, which are expected to drive continued growth [3][10]. - Steel Dynamics is investing in aluminum operations to diversify its product offerings, with plans to supply aluminum flat rolled products with high recycled content [16][13]. - The company issued $1.0 billion in unsecured notes to support general corporate purposes, including potential repayment of existing debt [7]. Market Outlook - The company anticipates solid domestic steel consumption through 2025, supported by improved order entry activity and firming steel pricing [9]. - Recent trade actions are expected to reduce unfairly traded imports, positively impacting the company as the largest non-automotive flat rolled steel coater in the U.S. [9]. - The ongoing onshoring of manufacturing and public-private funding for fixed asset investments are expected to enhance demand for steel products [6][9].