Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $496 million and net income of $5.2 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $7.7 million in the same period of 2024 [6][18] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $20.3 million, a 26% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025, but down from $21.3 million in the prior year period [7][19] - Consolidated operating expenses totaled $110.4 million, up from $104.6 million in 2024, reflecting the addition of Metalworks [20] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Carbon segment achieved second quarter EBITDA of $12.5 million, while the Pipe and Tube segment recorded adjusted EBITDA of $6.7 million [13] - The Specialty Metals Group saw EBITDA of $5.9 million, representing over 60% improvement from the first quarter [14] - All three business segments continued to deliver positive EBITDA despite challenging market conditions [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Shipping data indicated that service center shipping rates in 2025 are below those of 2024, yet the company's flat roll shipments for the first half of 2025 remained above the same period in 2024 [11][12] - The company gained market share across its stainless and aluminum product lines, driven by increased demand following tariff adjustments [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying into higher value metal-intensive products and expanding fabricating capabilities [7] - A robust capital expenditure plan for 2025 includes $35 million primarily for organic growth opportunities and automation [14] - The company has completed eight acquisitions in the last seven years, with the integration of Metalworks contributing positively to earnings [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing uncertainty in the manufacturing industry due to tariffs but expressed optimism about emerging trends such as the resolution of reciprocal tariffs and new tax legislation [10] - The company expects the environment to remain challenging in the second half of the year but sees potential for growth in U.S. manufacturing and fabrication services [15][16] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the second quarter was lower than the previous year, with expectations for the 2025 tax rate to approximate 28% to 29% [21] - The company has maintained a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share, continuing a history of regular dividends since February 2006 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the new processing and automation equipment? - The new equipment includes high-speed lasers and a casto system to improve safety and efficiency, with benefits expected to materialize as operations ramp up [24][25] Question: What are the drivers behind the flat roll margin improvements? - Margin improvements were driven by changes in index pricing and a strategic focus on higher-margin products and fabrication [38][39] Question: How do you see the pricing for hot rolled steel in the second half of the year? - Pricing is expected to stabilize unless there are changes to tariffs, which could introduce pressure [56] Question: Are there still acquisition opportunities available? - The company is actively looking at more acquisition candidates, with a recent increase in opportunities compared to earlier in the year [67][68]

Financial Performance - Gerdau's adjusted EBITDA reached R$26 billion, with North America's improved results offsetting performance in Brazil and South America[16] - Net income was R$864 million, with earnings per share at R$043, a 14% increase compared to 1Q25[16][17] - Gerdau S A issued US$650 million in bonds and R$14 billion in debentures to bolster cash and lengthen the company's debt profile[17] - Gerdau S A executed 68% of its share buyback program, investing approximately R$686 million, representing 22% of outstanding shares[17] Regional Performance - North America achieved its highest all-time share in consolidated EBITDA at 61%, compared to 48% in 1Q25[10] - North America's net sales increased by 42% to R$9139 million, with EBITDA increasing by 365% to R$1635 million[36] - Brazil's shipment volume decreased by 52% from 1Q25[33] - South America's shipments increased by 218% to 288000 tonnes[45] Market Dynamics - The import penetration rate in Brazil reached a critical 26%, a 39 percentage point increase compared to 2Q24[12][33] - Steel imports continue at a record pace despite trade defense measures in place[14] Strategic Investments - Approximately 50% of the total estimated CAPEX for the year, amounting to R$16 billion, has already been invested[16] - The Sustainable Miguel Burnier Mining project is 72% complete and is under pre-operational planning for start-up in 4Q25[16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an EBITDA of BRL 2.6 billion with a margin of 23.5%, reflecting a 5% increase and a 1.4 percentage point expansion compared to Q1 2025 [5] - Gross debt was reduced by BRL 5.7 billion year-to-date, with a reduction of BRL 2.1 billion in the current quarter, leading to a leverage ratio decrease from 3.33x to 3.24x [5][12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Mining**: Achieved second highest sales volume in history, but EBITDA dropped by 36% due to falling iron ore prices [6][20] - **Steel**: Despite a 11.5% drop in sales volume, EBITDA increased by 79% year-on-year, with a margin of 10.08% [10][18] - **Cement**: Sales volume grew by 8% quarter-on-quarter, with a 10% increase in net revenue compared to Q1 2025, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 24% [8][23] - **Logistics**: Achieved a record EBITDA of BRL 519 million with a margin of 41.4% [9][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The steel market faced significant competition from imported materials, leading to a loss of market share for the company [16][33] - The company noted a 40-50% penetration of imported products in certain segments, particularly in tinplate and prepainted products [56][81] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operational excellence, cost reduction, and enhancing productivity across all segments [31][84] - A strategy prioritizing value over volume in the steel segment has been adopted to improve profitability despite market challenges [7][57] - The company is actively seeking partnerships in infrastructure to reduce leverage and improve cash flow [42][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns over the chaotic influx of imported products affecting the domestic market and emphasized the need for government intervention [33][81] - The company remains optimistic about demand in Brazil, projecting a recovery in steel production and profitability in the coming quarters [58][60] Other Important Information - The company is committed to ESG initiatives, reporting a 30% reduction in occupational health and safety incidents compared to 2020 [26] - The company is also focusing on decarbonization efforts, achieving an 11% reduction in GHG emissions compared to the baseline year 2020 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on potential infrastructure partner and Usiminas stake sale - The company is in discussions regarding infrastructure assets, with potential liquidity injection of BRL 8 billion and has not yet defined the next steps for the Usiminas stake sale [42][46] Question: Impact of recent dumping decisions on margins - The company highlighted ongoing issues with imports and the need for government action on anti-dumping measures, while maintaining a focus on product diversification and higher value products [50][57] Question: Measures for cost efficiency in steel production - The company has implemented changes in production processes and is optimistic about cost reductions in the second half of the year [62][65] Question: Expectations for CapEx flexibility and asset sales - The company aims to maintain a lower CapEx focus while exploring asset monetization opportunities, including energy partnerships [66][68] Question: Long steel market dynamics and government conversations - The company noted a decline in long steel sales and emphasized the need for protective measures against imports to stabilize the market [72][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an EBITDA of BRL 2.6 billion with a margin of 23.5%, reflecting a 5% increase and a 1.4 percentage point expansion compared to Q1 2025 [5] - Gross debt was reduced by BRL 5.7 billion year-to-date, with a reduction of BRL 2.1 billion in the current quarter, leading to a leverage decrease from 3.33x to 3.24x [5][12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Mining**: Achieved the second highest sales volume in history with 11.8 million tons sold, but EBITDA dropped by 36% due to falling iron ore prices [6][20] - **Steel**: Despite a 10% drop in sales volume, EBITDA increased by 79% year-on-year, reaching a margin of 10.8% due to effective cost control and a focus on higher-margin products [7][18] - **Cement**: Sales volume grew by 8% quarter-on-quarter, with a 10% increase in net revenue compared to Q1 2025, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 24% [8][23] - **Logistics**: Achieved a record EBITDA of BRL 519 million with a margin of 41.4%, driven by strong performance and the incorporation of TORA [9][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The steel market faced significant competition from imported materials, leading to a loss of market share for the company, although it maintained a focus on value over volume [16][33] - The cement market showed resilience with strong demand, particularly in the housing sector, despite challenges from low pricing compared to other Latin American markets [35][91] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, cost reduction, and enhancing productivity across all segments, with a commitment to deleveraging and managing cash effectively [31][37][84] - The strategy includes prioritizing high-margin products in steel and expanding logistics capabilities through acquisitions like TORA [24][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns over the impact of imported products on the domestic market and the need for government intervention to protect local industries [33][81] - The outlook for the steel market remains cautious, with expectations of improved margins and production levels in the coming quarters, contingent on market conditions and government actions [58][79] Other Important Information - The company is actively working on infrastructure projects, with significant investments planned to enhance operational capacity and efficiency [10][88] - ESG initiatives are progressing, with improvements in occupational health and safety metrics and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions [26][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on infrastructure partner and Usiminas stake - The company is in discussions regarding infrastructure assets, with potential liquidity injection of BRL 8 billion and has not yet defined the next steps for the Usiminas stake [42][46] Question: Impact of dumping decisions on margins - The company is facing challenges due to high import penetration and is advocating for quicker government action on anti-dumping measures to protect local production [49][56] Question: Steel market and government conversations - Management highlighted ongoing discussions with the government regarding protective measures for the steel sector, emphasizing the need for decisive action to combat import pressures [72][80] Question: CapEx flexibility and asset sales - The company plans to maintain a CapEx focus on expansion and productivity, with ongoing discussions about potential asset sales to improve cash flow [66][68] Question: Long steel market dynamics - The long steel segment has seen price increases, but the company is cautious about entering this market due to previous low margins and high competition [72][76]

2Q25 Conference Call August 1, 2025 00 2Q25 – HIGHLIGHTS | | Business diversification and | Quarterly growth of 5% in | Solid cash and gross debt | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | an assertive commercial | adjusted EBITDA in 2Q25, reaching | management resulted in | | | strategy generate resilience | | further deleveraging in the | | | and solid performance | R$ 2.6 billion | quarter | | | EBITDA growth in all segments | Adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.5% | Indicator reached 3.24x, down 9 | | | except mining due ...

Group 1 - The State Council of China, led by Premier Li Qiang, approved the "Artificial Intelligence +" action plan to promote large-scale commercialization of AI applications [1] - The National Development and Reform Commission emphasized the need to advance the construction of a unified national market and promote the "Artificial Intelligence +" initiative [1] - The Ministry of Commerce announced a 90-day extension for the suspension of certain tariffs between China and the US, following the Stockholm trade talks [1] Group 2 - Major steel companies in China issued a joint statement to suspend molybdenum iron procurement due to irrational price increases, which threaten the supply chain of high-end manufacturing [2] - The National Health Commission released a treatment plan for Chikungunya virus, highlighting the absence of a vaccine in China [2] - The gaming industry in China reported a record revenue of 168 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, marking a 14.08% year-on-year increase [2] Group 3 - China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) projected a net profit of 20.1 billion to 21.6 billion yuan for the first half of the year [3] - Amazon reported a second-quarter revenue of $167.7 billion, a 13% year-on-year increase, with a net profit of $18.16 billion, up 34.7% [5] - Apple announced third-quarter revenue of $94.04 billion, a 9.6% increase, with iPhone revenue reaching $44.58 billion, up 13% [4]

Core Insights - ArcelorMittal reported revenue of $15.93 billion for Q2 2025, a 2% decline year-over-year, with an EPS of $1.32 compared to $0.63 a year ago, indicating a significant improvement in profitability despite the revenue drop [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $15.54 billion by 2.47%, while the EPS fell short of the consensus estimate of $1.33 by 0.75% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Crude steel production was 14.40 million metric tons (Mmt), slightly below the average estimate of 14.51 Mmt [4] - North American crude steel production was 2,034.00 thousand metric tons (Kmt), lower than the estimated 2,167.02 Kmt [4] - Total steel shipments were 13.80 Kmt, compared to the average estimate of 14.14 Kmt [4] - Iron ore shipments were 9.90 Mmt, exceeding the average estimate of 7.68 Mmt [4] - Steel shipments in Europe were 7,305.00 Kmt, below the estimated 7,554.19 Kmt [4] - Steel shipments in Brazil matched the estimate at 3,498.00 Kmt [4] - North American steel shipments were 2,531.00 Kmt, lower than the estimated 2,616.37 Kmt [4] Sales Performance - Sales in North America reached $3.1 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $2.94 billion, but reflecting a year-over-year decline of 1.9% [4] - Sales in Brazil were $2.82 billion, below the estimated $2.97 billion, marking a 13.2% decline year-over-year [4] - Sales from Sustainable Solutions were $2.73 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $2.51 billion, with a year-over-year decline of 5.7% [4] - Mining sales were reported at $857 million, above the average estimate of $703.08 million, showing a year-over-year increase of 33.7% [4] - Sales in Europe were $7.65 billion, slightly above the estimated $7.57 billion, with a year-over-year decline of 2.2% [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, ArcelorMittal's shares returned -1.8%, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter EBITDA increased to $135 per ton, indicating structural improvements and higher margins due to asset optimization and growth strategy [5][10] - Compared to the 2024 base, future normalized EBITDA is expected to be $2.1 billion, with one-third of this to be captured in the current financial year [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Calvert achieved a new shipment record in the second quarter, 10% higher than the first quarter and 10% above the same period last year [7] - Liberia posted record volume in the second quarter, with guidance for 10 million tonnes of shipments for the year [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American segment is expected to see marginally higher tariff costs, but this will be offset by the impacts of Calvert consolidation [18] - In Europe, the market is transitioning to a more favorable structure with the promise of trade defense mechanisms and carbon border adjustments [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Full ownership of Calvert is viewed as a positive development, enhancing the North American franchise [7] - The company is investing in a new world-class non-grain oriented electrical steel facility in Alabama, with a billion-dollar investment expected over the next few years [8] - The company aims to maintain growth momentum through strategic projects and an optimized asset portfolio [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining growth momentum and highlighted the importance of strategic projects in supporting EBITDA [6][10] - The company is optimistic about the European market's potential, contingent on the European Commission's actions regarding trade defense mechanisms [9][10] Other Important Information - The company has bought back 38% of its equity over the past four and a half years, enhancing shareholder value [11] - The company is focused on returning capital to shareholders while continuing to invest in growth [122] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the different moving parts for EBITDA in Q3 2025? - Management discussed operational issues in Mexico impacting production, resulting in $40 million losses in Q2, but expected stable shipments moving forward [14][15][17] Question: How do you plan to mitigate the risk of tariffs on slab imports? - Management highlighted a new slab supply agreement with US Steel and indicated that tariff impacts have been largely captured in Q2 results [20][21] Question: What is the expected contribution margin from Liberia's increased shipments? - Management confirmed guidance for Liberia at 10 million tonnes for the year, with expected profitability increases as new products are introduced [30][31] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding M&A in the US? - Management stated that the US remains a key market, with ongoing plans for growth, but did not comment on specific M&A targets [65] Question: How does the company view the potential for capacity restructuring in China? - Management acknowledged the need for capacity reform in China and expressed cautious optimism based on recent statements from Chinese authorities [100][101] Question: What are the expectations for the European market regarding safeguards? - Management indicated that the industry is advocating for limits on imports to boost domestic utilization rates and investments [54][56]

Financial Performance & Strategic Growth - ArcelorMittal reported $3.4 billion EBITDA in 1H'25, with a margin of $125/tonne, exceeding the long-term average of $89/tonne[6] - Strategic growth projects and recent M&A are expected to increase EBITDA potential by $2.1 billion, with $0.2 billion already captured in 1H'25 and an additional $0.5 billion expected in 2H'25[6, 24] - M&A activities, including the full consolidation of Calvert, Tuper, and AMTBA, are projected to contribute $0.5 billion to incremental EBITDA[28] - Strategic projects are expected to further boost Group EBITDA potential by $2.1 billion[24] Calvert Acquisition & Expansion - ArcelorMittal secured 100% ownership of Calvert, recognizing a $1.7 billion gain on consolidation[6, 20] - Calvert's EBITDA was $614 million in 2024, which will now be fully consolidated within the North America segment[20] - Calvert achieved record steel shipments in 2Q'25, with a +5% increase in 1H'25 shipments compared to 1H'24 (2.398 million tonnes vs 2.276 million tonnes)[17] - A new 1.5Mt EAF was commissioned at Calvert, with the first slabs produced in Jun'25[6, 20] AMNS India Expansion - Phase 1 capacity expansion to 15 million tonnes at AMNS India is on track by the end of 2026[35] - AMNS India commissioned CGL3 in Jul'25, enhancing downstream capabilities and automotive steel leadership[38, 41] Capital Allocation & Balance Sheet - The company generated $2.3 billion in investable cash flow over the past 12 months[55] - Shareholder returns amounted to $1.1 billion, including $0.7 billion in share buybacks and $0.4 billion in dividends[55] - Net debt increased due to acquisitions and growth investments, with liquidity at $11.0 billion at the end of the quarter[55] - Consistent buybacks have enhanced book value by $18/share[56, 64]

Company Overview - Live Ventures Incorporated is a diversified holding company focused on value-oriented acquisitions of domestic middle-market companies [2] - The company's acquisition strategy is sector agnostic, targeting well-run, closely held businesses with a proven track record of earnings growth and cash flow generation [2] - Live Ventures aims to partner with management teams of acquired businesses to enhance stockholder value through a disciplined buy-build-hold long-term strategy [2] - Founded in 1968, the company was refocused into a diversified holding company in 2011 under the leadership of CEO Jon Isaac [2] - The current portfolio includes subsidiaries in the textile, flooring, tools, steel, and entertainment industries [2] Upcoming Financial Results - Live Ventures will release its financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended June 30, 2025, before the market opens on August 7, 2025 [1] - A conference call to discuss the results is scheduled for August 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time) [1] - Investors can access a recording of the discussion on the company's Investor Relations page after the call [1]