Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported non-GAAP earnings per share of $4.43, an increase of more than 17% compared to the prior quarter [5] - Non-GAAP pre-tax income increased by over 15% sequentially [5] - Gross profit margin was maintained within the sustainable range of 29% to 31% [4][5] - Operating cash flow for the second quarter was $229 million, supporting investments and shareholder returns [5][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tons sold decreased by 0.9% compared to the first quarter of 2025 but increased by 4% year-over-year [10] - The non-residential construction market, which includes carbon steel tubing, plate, and structural products, represented roughly one-third of Q2 sales, with shipments up year-over-year [12] - Aerospace products accounted for approximately 10% of Q2 sales, with stable demand in commercial aerospace [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company outperformed the service center industry's year-over-year decline of 3.1% [10] - Average selling price per ton sold increased by 6.1% compared to the first quarter of 2025 [11] - Pricing for carbon and aluminum products peaked in April but declined for the remainder of the second quarter [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on smart profitable growth, maintaining gross profit margins while expanding market share [4][39] - Capital expenditure budget for 2025 is set at $325 million, with over 50% dedicated to growth projects [5] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities that align with its growth strategy and financial discipline [6][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates some weakness in the third quarter but remains confident in the ability to grow amid market uncertainty [7][21] - The company expects demand to remain stable in the third quarter, with tons sold projected to be down 1% to 3% compared to Q2 [21] - Management highlighted the competitive advantage of sourcing metal from domestic mills in the current trade environment [8] Other Important Information - The company returned $143 million to shareholders in the second quarter through dividends and share repurchases [6] - The total debt as of June 30 was $1.43 billion, with a favorable net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than one [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on FIFO gross margin pressure - Management indicated that Q3 typically sees demand weakness due to seasonal patterns, but year-over-year demand remains strong [26][31] Question: Customer sentiment regarding the tariff environment - Management noted continued activity in non-residential construction and confidence in project pipelines despite tariff uncertainties [32][34] Question: Market share gains sustainability - Management emphasized that market share gains are sustainable due to superior customer service and a decentralized structure that allows quick responses to market opportunities [39][54] Question: Acquisition opportunities in the current market - Management observed an uptick in acquisition activity in Q2 and noted that seller expectations are aligning more closely with their valuation perspectives [40][42] Question: Aluminum pricing acceptance by customers - Management confirmed that customers are accepting higher aluminum prices, although they may buy less and more frequently [58][60]

Core Insights - Cleveland-Cliffs reported a revenue of $4.63 billion for Q1 2025, marking an 11% decline year-over-year, with an EPS of -$0.92 compared to $0.18 a year ago [1] - The revenue slightly exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.6 billion, resulting in a surprise of +0.71%, while the EPS fell short of the consensus estimate of -$0.78 by -17.95% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Total steel shipments were reported at 4,140 KTon, surpassing the average estimate of 4,064.01 KTon [4] - The average net selling price per net ton of steel products was $980, slightly below the estimated $985.85 [4] - Steelmaking revenues totaled $4.47 billion, exceeding the estimate of $4.43 billion but reflecting an 11.1% decline year-over-year [4] - Revenues from coated steel were $1.36 billion, compared to the estimate of $1.34 billion, showing a year-over-year decline of 16.1% [4] - Revenues from slab and other steel products were $247 million, below the estimate of $312.45 million, indicating a 26.3% year-over-year decline [4] - Revenues from cold-rolled steel were $591 million, exceeding the estimate of $555.93 million, with a year-over-year decline of 21.1% [4] - Revenues from hot-rolled steel were $1.17 billion, slightly below the estimate of $1.18 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.4% [4] Stock Performance - Cleveland-Cliffs shares have returned +6.8% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +11.3% 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]

Core Viewpoint - Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF) is expected to report a quarterly loss of $0.67 per share, reflecting a significant year-over-year decline of 472.2%, with anticipated revenues of $4.6 billion, down 11.6% from the previous year [1]. Earnings Projections - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised downward by 59.1%, indicating a significant reassessment by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price movements [3]. Revenue Estimates - Analysts estimate 'Revenues- Other Businesses' will reach $164.80 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 4.2% [5]. - 'Revenues- Steelmaking' is projected to be $4.43 billion, indicating an 11.9% decrease from the same quarter last year [5]. - The average prediction for 'Revenues- Steelmaking- Coated steel' is $1.34 billion, reflecting a 17.4% year-over-year decline [5]. - 'Revenues- Steelmaking- Slab and other steel products' is estimated at $312.45 million, down 6.7% from the prior year [6]. Sales Volumes - Analysts predict 'External Sales Volumes- Steel Products' will reach 4,064.01 tons, compared to 3,940 tons in the same quarter last year [6]. - The 'Average net selling price per net ton of steel products' is expected to be $985.85, down from $1,175 in the same quarter last year [7]. - 'Volumes - Steelmaking - Coated steel' is projected at 1,084.44 tons, compared to 1,216 tons in the previous year [7]. - 'Volumes - Steelmaking - Slab and other steel products' is expected to be 422.79 tons, down from 449 tons year-over-year [8]. - 'Volumes - Steelmaking - Plate' is projected at 201.33 tons, slightly up from 201 tons in the previous year [8]. - 'Volumes - Steelmaking - Cold-rolled steel' is expected to be 541.11 tons, down from 663 tons in the same quarter last year [9]. - 'Volumes - Steelmaking - Hot-rolled steel' is forecasted to reach 1,651.52 tons, compared to 1,266 tons in the same quarter last year [9]. - 'Volumes - Steelmaking - Stainless and electrical steel' is estimated at 151.36 tons, slightly up from 145 tons in the previous year [10]. Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Cleveland-Cliffs have returned +27.6%, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.4% change [10]. - Currently, CLF holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [11].