Summary of Reliance (NYSE:RS) FY Conference Call - November 13, 2025 Industry Overview - Reliance operates primarily in the metal service center industry, focusing on a diversified product mix to mitigate volatility in earnings due to fluctuating metal prices [1][2] - The company has a significant presence in the U.S. market, with operations also in Canada and Mexico, targeting specialty products in various end markets [2] Core Business Insights - Reliance reported $15 billion in sales with an average order size of $3,000, emphasizing a transactional business model with 40% of orders delivered the next day [3] - The company has increased its gross profit margin target from 25%-27% to 29%-31% by enhancing value-added processing, which is less susceptible to metal price fluctuations [5] - Currently, 50% of orders involve some level of value-added processing, up from 40% a decade ago, indicating a strategic focus on improving service and profitability [5] Market Dynamics - The company has seen a 6% increase in tons sold year-to-date, while the industry overall has experienced a 3% decline, showcasing Reliance's ability to gain market share [7] - Key end markets include infrastructure, data centers, and energy, with data centers identified as a particularly strong growth area [11][12] - The company anticipates continued growth in data center infrastructure spending, suggesting that the current cycle is still in its early stages [18] Financial Performance - Reliance has maintained a strong financial position with countercyclical cash flows, managing working capital effectively to sustain profitability [9] - The company has a history of paying dividends for 66 years and aims to increase dividends annually while also considering share repurchases [10] Strategic Growth and Acquisitions - Reliance has completed 76 acquisitions since going public in 1994, with a focus on opportunistic growth rather than setting specific targets [9] - In 2024, the company made four acquisitions, including an energy company and a flat roll company, which are performing well [42] - The company remains open to future acquisitions but emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit for its business model [43] Challenges and Considerations - The company has faced challenges related to tariffs and pricing strategies, particularly following the implementation of Section 232 tariffs in 2018, which initially created a favorable pricing environment [20][21] - Recent market conditions have led to a pinch in margins due to decreased demand and increased inventory levels, impacting the ability to pass through higher costs [22][23] Conclusion - Reliance's diversified approach, focus on value-added processing, and strategic market positioning have allowed it to outperform competitors in the metal service center industry [7][9] - The company is well-positioned for future growth, particularly in high-demand sectors like data centers and infrastructure, while maintaining a flexible approach to capital allocation and acquisitions [18][40]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported net sales of $1,140 million, a 12.7% increase from Q4 2024 [17] - Adjusted EBITDA, excluding LIFO, was $32.8 million, compared to $10.3 million in the prior quarter [19] - Gross margin contracted by 100 basis points to 18%, influenced by $7 million in LIFO expense, while excluding LIFO, gross margin expanded by 220 basis points to 18.6% [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales volume for Q1 2025 was 500,000 tons, approximately 12% higher quarter over quarter, with North American shipments increasing by almost 14% [9][10] - Average selling prices for carbon products were roughly flat, aluminum products increased by 2%, and stainless steel products decreased by approximately 3% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American industry sales volumes increased by nearly 11% quarter over quarter, indicating a positive demand environment [9] - The company experienced market share gains across most metal product categories, particularly in construction equipment, metal fabrication, and industrial machinery [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operationalizing significant CapEx investments to improve quality of earnings and customer experiences [4][5] - There is an emphasis on increasing the proportion of transactional sales, targeting a rise from 47% in Q1 2025 towards 60% in the future [39][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the current industrial metal supply and demand dynamics are challenging, they anticipate a more robust North American manufacturing economy as trade uncertainties resolve [20] - The outlook for Q2 2025 includes expectations for relatively flat volumes and a revenue range of $1,150 million to $1,190 million, with average selling prices expected to increase by 3% to 4% [11] Other Important Information - The company maintained a $60 million expense reduction target, achieving a $32 expense per ton reduction compared to the previous year [11] - Total debt increased to $498 million, with net debt rising to $464 million, but available global liquidity improved to $490 million [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans to manage debt levels and reduce interest expense - Management highlighted the importance of winding down CapEx projects and operationalizing them to improve cash flow and reduce debt [25][26] Question: Second quarter pricing outlook - Management indicated that the pricing outlook is affected by OEM contract cuts and customer destocking, impacting average selling prices [30][32] Question: Current split between transactional versus contractual sales - The current split is approximately 47% transactional sales, up from 43% last year, with a target to reach about 60% [39][40] Question: Portfolio mix and stainless market outlook - Management believes the stainless market will recover and emphasized the importance of maintaining market share while also growing the carbon franchise [43][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, Ryerson reported net sales of $1,140 million, a 12.7% increase from Q4 2024, with low double-digit sequential volume growth across all product categories [16] - Adjusted EBITDA, excluding LIFO, was $32.8 million in Q1 2025, compared to $10.3 million in the prior quarter [18] - Gross margin contracted by 100 basis points to 18%, influenced by $7 million in LIFO expense, while excluding LIFO, gross margin expanded by 220 basis points to 18.6% [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ryerson's first quarter sales volume was 500,000 tons, approximately 12% higher quarter over quarter, with North American shipments increasing by almost 14% [9] - Average selling price was $2,271 per ton, representing a 1% increase quarter over quarter, with carbon products flat, aluminum products up by 2%, and stainless steel products down by approximately 3% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American industry sales volumes increased by nearly 11% quarter over quarter, indicating a strong market recovery [9] - The company experienced market share gains across most metal product categories, particularly in construction equipment, metal fabrication, and industrial machinery [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ryerson is focusing on operationalizing significant CapEx investments to improve quality of earnings and customer experiences [4] - The company aims to increase its transactional sales from 43% to 60% by improving service levels and lead times through strategic asset placement [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while demand visibility is opaque, average selling price and transactional margin trends have improved early into Q2 2025, leading to expectations of sequentially improving operating income [7] - The company anticipates a balanced inventory environment and good domestic metal availability, with revenues expected to range from $1,150 million to $1,190 million in Q2 2025 [11] Other Important Information - Ryerson maintained a $60 million expense reduction target, achieving a $32 expense per ton reduction compared to Q1 2024 [11] - The company ended Q1 2025 with $498 million in total debt and $464 million in net debt, with available global liquidity increasing to $490 million [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans to manage debt levels and reduce interest expense - Management highlighted the importance of winding down CapEx projects and operationalizing them to improve cash flow and reduce debt [24][28] Question: Second quarter pricing outlook - Management indicated that the pricing outlook is affected by OEM contract cuts and customer destocking, with a focus on transactional growth [30][32] Question: Current split between transactional and contractual sales - The current split is approximately 47% transactional sales, up from 43% last year, with a target to reach about 60% [39][40] Question: Portfolio mix and stainless market outlook - Management believes the stainless market will recover and emphasized the importance of maintaining market share while also growing the carbon franchise [42][44]