Core Insights - Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) reported third-quarter 2025 earnings of $2.74 per share, an increase from $2.05 in the same quarter last year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.66 [1][9] - Net sales for the quarter reached $4,828.2 million, reflecting an 11.2% year-over-year increase and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4,690.7 million [1][9] Financial Performance - The company achieved a sequential improvement in margins due to strong financial performance and operational milestones [2] - Steel operations net sales were $3,538.04 million, up approximately 21.3% year over year, with record steel shipments of about 3.6 million tons [3] - The average external product selling price for steel was $1,119 per ton, up from $1,059 in the previous year but down from $1,134 in the previous quarter [4] - Metal recycling operations generated net sales of $520.99 million, a 4.5% increase year over year, with ferrous shipments of around 1.59 million gross tons, up 8.8% [5] - Steel fabrication operations reported sales of approximately $377.7 million, down 15.56% year over year, with shipments of 151,563 tons, down 4.4% [6] Financial Position - At the end of the quarter, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $770.4 million, a decrease of 24.12% year over year, and long-term debt of $3,781 million, an increase of roughly 35% [7] - Cash flow from operations was $722.6 million, down about 5% year over year [7] Market Outlook - The company anticipates improving market conditions driven by greater trade stability, policy clarity, and a favorable interest rate environment, which are expected to enhance domestic demand for steel and aluminum products [8] - Management expects a reduction in unfairly traded imports, benefiting operations and market positioning [8] - The focus on low-carbon, U.S.-made steel and aluminum solutions is expected to strengthen the company's competitive advantage [9][10] Stock Performance - Shares of Steel Dynamics have increased by 12.8% over the past year, compared to an 11.8% rise in its industry [11]