Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026 was $75.2 million, with earnings per share at $0.72, and net sales of $872.9 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase in performance [4][13] - Earnings increased from $28.4 million or $0.56 per share in the prior year quarter to $36.8 million or $0.72 per share in the current quarter [13][16] - Adjusted EBIT rose to $54.9 million, up $15.5 million from $39.4 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher gross margin and increased equity earnings [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive shipments increased by 17% year-over-year, with the Detroit Three OEMs experiencing a 5% production increase while Worthington's shipments rose nearly 13% [21][22] - Direct sales volume constituted 63% of the mix in the current quarter, up from 56% in the prior year quarter, with a 6% increase in direct sales volume compared to the previous year [20][21] - Toll processing volumes decreased by 22% year-over-year, attributed to softer market conditions and the closure of the Worthington Samuel Coil Processing facility [23][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market pricing for hot rolled coil peaked at $950 per ton in March but has since declined to approximately $800 per ton due to softer demand [19] - The agricultural market faced challenges, with volumes down nearly 50% compared to the prior year quarter, while construction market shipments fell modestly by 3% [22] - The energy and container markets saw modest increases, contrasting with declines in other sectors [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on electrical steel investments and margin-accretive growth, with production in Canada expected to start in early 2026 [8] - Expansion of the facility in Mexico is set to begin production soon, aimed at supplying electrical steel laminations for hybrid and electric vehicles [9] - The integration of AI into operations is a key part of the company's transformation strategy, aimed at improving efficiency and productivity [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the automotive market for the remainder of 2025, despite ongoing market uncertainties [6][21] - The company is positioned to capitalize on opportunities arising from supply chain shifts and customer complexities [6] - Management anticipates potential inventory holding losses in Q2 2026, estimating losses between $5 million to $10 million [20] Other Important Information - The company reported a cash outflow of $5 million from operations and a free cash flow outflow of $34 million, impacted by increases in working capital [24] - A quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share was announced, payable on December 26, 2025 [24] - The company ended the quarter with $78 million in cash and $233 million in outstanding debt, resulting in net debt of $155 million [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the Sedum transaction and mezzanine financing structure? - The Sedum acquisition cost $60 million in cash, financed through ABL, with a unique mezzanine equity structure due to foreign currency involvement [28][30] Question: What is the outlook for automotive and opportunities for market share in 2026? - Management is cautiously optimistic, projecting a unit build rate of $15 million and identifying further opportunities for market share growth [31] Question: How does the company manage the impact of Section 232 tariffs on electrical steel laminations? - The company has seen little impact from tariffs, with strong demand and a significant portion of customers being USMCA compliant [33] Question: Will the closure of Worthington Samuel affect toll processing volumes? - The decline in toll processing volumes is primarily due to market conditions and the closure of the facility, with some customer program changes also contributing [40] Question: What are the expectations for volumes in fiscal Q2? - Normal seasonality is expected, with Q2 typically being 3% to 4% below Q1, and no significant demand triggers anticipated [42]