Core Insights - Olympic Steel reported Q2 2025 GAAP revenue of $496 million, exceeding analyst estimates of $491.13 million, but down 5.7% year-over-year from $526 million [1][2] - Non-GAAP earnings per share were $0.50, surpassing the consensus of $0.40, although down 16.7% from $0.60 in Q2 2024 [1][2] - The company is facing margin pressure and softening demand in the overall metals market despite successful integration of acquisitions [1][5] Financial Performance - GAAP net income for Q2 2025 was $5.2 million, a decline of 32.5% from $7.7 million in Q2 2024 [2] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 4.7% to $20.3 million compared to $21.3 million in the previous year [2] - The Carbon Flat Products segment saw tons sold drop by 6.2% to 214,894, with net sales down 8.2% year-over-year, although gross profit increased [7] Business Strategy - The company focuses on growth through targeted acquisitions, with plans to pursue at least one acquisition per year [4][6] - Recent acquisition of Metal Works has led to higher operating expenses but also expanded sales contributions [6] - Investments in automation and technology are aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, with approximately $35 million planned for capital expenditures in 2025 [8] Operational Developments - Olympic Steel has reduced inventory balances by 5.8% from December 31, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and generated net cash from operating activities of $64.9 million for the first half of 2025 [8] - Cash on hand was reported at $14.8 million as of June 30, 2025, with a reduction in credit facility revolver balance by $39.3 million during the same period [8] Market Outlook - Management indicated a positive outlook for increased demand in value-added products and fabrication services due to new U.S. tariffs on imported stainless steel and aluminum [9] - There is a trend of rising inquiries for fabrication projects attributed to manufacturers adjusting to tariff changes [9] - The company did not provide formal revenue or earnings guidance for the remainder of fiscal 2025 [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ryerson reported net sales of $1,170 million, an increase of 3% compared to the first quarter, with average selling prices up 2.8% and tons shipped up fractionally [16] - Gross margin during the quarter contracted by 10 basis points to 17.9%, influenced by a higher than anticipated LIFO expense of $13 million [16] - Adjusted EBITDA excluding LIFO achieved $45 million in Q2 2025, compared to $32.8 million in the prior quarter [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American shipments decreased by 1.2% quarter over quarter, generating incremental market share gains, particularly in carbon long, carbon plate, and stainless long products [7] - The consumer durable sector, especially in appliances and recreational vehicles, showed relative strength, while the construction equipment sector experienced sequential volume contraction [8] - Transactional sales accounted for approximately 46% of the business, with a focus on improving service levels and lead times to gain more transactional opportunities [31][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American industry volumes decreased by 2.1% relative to the first quarter, with Ryerson's performance slightly better than the industry average [7] - The company noted bright spots in subsector industries such as data centers and public infrastructure projects driven by federal investment spending [9] - The pricing environment is expected to remain supportive, leading to average selling price appreciation of 1% to 3% in the upcoming quarter [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ryerson continues to operationalize its capital expenditures, having deployed over $650 million since 2021 to modernize its service center network [4] - The company is focused on managing non-value-added costs and precise working capital management to prepare for the next cyclical upturn [6] - Investments in processing capabilities and maintenance projects are ongoing, with a full-year capital expenditure target of $50 million [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about medium to long-term demand trends despite current industry downturn challenges, including high interest rates and tariff uncertainties [4] - The company anticipates a softening of volumes by 2% to 4% in the upcoming quarter, but expects pricing to remain supportive [10] - Management highlighted the importance of improving customer experience through operational efficiencies and better service models [26] Other Important Information - Ryerson ended the second quarter with $510 million of total debt and $479 million of net debt, resulting in a leverage ratio of 4.4 times, above the target range [13] - The company distributed $6 million in dividends during the second quarter and announced a similar cash dividend for the third quarter [14] - The Shelbyville facility is currently at about 67% of its volume ramp-up, with expectations for further improvements as investments mature [42] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the North American market share growth in Carbon Long and Plate? - Management noted that investments have improved service models and reduced frictional costs, leading to better customer experiences and market share gains [24][26] Question: What was the tax benefit impact on EPS in the second quarter? - The tax benefit was due to reduced earnings and discrete state tax credits, with an expected effective tax rate of around 25% to 26% going forward [28][29] Question: What is the current split between transactional and contractual sales? - The current split is approximately 46% transactional and 54% contractual, with a focus on increasing transactional sales through improved service [31][32] Question: How is the CapEx trend compared to the $50 million target? - Management indicated that the CapEx is a function of timing, and they remain committed to the $50 million target for the year [36] Question: What are the expectations for second half cash flow and leverage ratio? - Management expects to generate cash through the balance of the year, with the leverage ratio anticipated to move back towards the target range [48]

Q2 2025 Performance - Ryerson generated Q2 2025 revenue of $1.17 billion, aligning with guidance, with average selling prices increasing by 2.8% and tons shipped up fractionally compared to the prior quarter[8] - Net income attributable to Ryerson Holding Corporation was $1.9 million, or diluted income per share of $0.06, and Adjusted EBITDA, excluding LIFO, reached $45.0 million[8] - Ryerson ended Q2 2025 with debt of $510 million and net debt of $479 million, compared to $498 million and $464 million, respectively, at the end of Q1 2025[8] - The company's LTM Free Cash Flow Yield is 19.8%[26] Market Trends and Share - Ryerson gained market share while increasing transactional business mix for the fifth consecutive quarter, partially offsetting recessed contractual business[8] - Ryerson's Q2 shipments reflected relative strength in the consumer durable sector and HVAC sector on a QoQ volume basis, offset by weakness in construction and commercial ground transportation[17] - Ryerson grew North American market share in Q2 2025 compared to the industry as measured by the MSCI, with particular growth in carbon long, carbon plate, and stainless long products[18] - North American Industry shipments declined by 2.1% in the second quarter while Ryerson North American shipments declined by 1.2%, implying Ryerson market share growth[8] Q3 2025 Guidance - Ryerson anticipates Q3 2025 net sales between $1.14 billion and $1.18 billion, net income between $0 million and $2 million, and Adjusted EBITDA, excluding LIFO, between $40 million and $45 million[22] - Q3 2025 guidance assumes shipments will decrease between 2% and 4% due to demand environment challenges and normal seasonality patterns, while average selling prices are expected to increase 1% to 3%[24]

Financial Performance - Net sales for Q2 2025 reached $3.66 billion, marking a 5.0% increase from Q1 2025 and a 0.5% increase year-over-year [2][5] - Non-GAAP gross profit margin was reported at 29.9%, slightly up from 29.7% in Q1 2025 [7] - Pretax income increased by 16% from Q1 2025 to $304.3 million, while net income attributable to Reliance was $233.7 million, up 17% year-over-year [2][34] - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 was $4.42, an 18% increase from Q1 2025 [2][34] Sales and Market Dynamics - The company sold a record 1,615.0 thousand tons in Q2 2025, a 4.0% increase year-over-year, despite a 0.9% decline from Q1 2025 [5][9] - Average selling price per ton sold increased by 6.1% compared to Q1 2025, exceeding the company's guidance [6][7] - Demand for non-residential construction, the largest end market, improved, and is expected to remain healthy in Q3 2025 [10] Cash Flow and Capital Allocation - Cash flow from operations was $229.0 million in Q2 2025, reflecting a significant increase of 255% from Q1 2025 [16] - The company repurchased $79.9 million of common stock in Q2 2025, with a total of $143.0 million returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [18][17] Business Outlook - Reliance anticipates a seasonal decline in tons sold of 1.0% to 3.0% in Q3 2025 compared to Q2 2025, but an increase of 3.0% to 5.0% compared to Q3 2024 [19] - The company expects average selling prices in Q3 2025 to remain stable, with potential fluctuations in carbon steel and aluminum prices [19]