Core Insights - Reliance, Inc. reported Q3 2025 profits of $189.5 million or $3.59 per share, a decrease from $199.2 million or $3.61 per share in the same quarter last year, and earnings of $3.64 per share excluding one-time items, which fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.68 [1][10] - The company achieved net sales of $3,651.2 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of approximately 6.8%, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,529.1 million [1][10] Segment Performance - Shipments increased by 6.2% year-over-year to 1,615.5 thousand tons, exceeding the estimate of 1,567.3 thousand tons, while the average selling price per ton rose 1.1% to $2,271, which was below the estimate of $2,285 [2] - Demand for non-residential construction, Reliance's largest end market, strengthened compared to Q3 2024, with expectations for continued healthy demand supported by investments in data centers and public infrastructure projects [3] - The broader manufacturing market saw improved demand year-over-year, particularly in military, industrial machinery, consumer products, shipbuilding, and rail sectors, although typical seasonal softness is anticipated in Q4 [4] - Aerospace demand remained stable, but commercial aerospace is expected to be subdued in Q4 due to excess inventory, while defense and space-related activities are projected to remain strong [5] - Demand for automotive toll processing services improved year-over-year, with expectations for steady performance in Q4, influenced by trade policy uncertainties [6] - The semiconductor market experienced soft demand relative to Q3 2024, with elevated inventory levels expected to continue impacting activity into Q4 [7] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, Reliance held $261.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, with total outstanding debt of $1.39 billion, including $238 million borrowed from a $1.5 billion revolving credit facility [8] - The company generated $261.8 million in operating cash flow during Q3, factoring in typical seasonal working capital investments, and repurchased 211,873 shares at an average price of $287.71 per share, totaling $60.9 million [9] Outlook - Reliance anticipates stable demand across diverse end markets in Q4, with projected tons sold increasing by 3.5% to 5.5% year-over-year, but declining by 5% to 7% sequentially due to seasonal trends [11] - The average selling price per ton is expected to remain relatively unchanged from Q3 2025, with a forecast for adjusted earnings per share in the range of $2.65 to $2.85 for Q4, including an estimated LIFO expense of $25 million [12] Stock Performance - Reliance's shares have decreased by 3.5% over the past year, contrasting with an 11.7% rise in the industry [13]