Olympic Steel(ZEUS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter sales of $493 million with net income of$2.5 million, a decrease from $8.7 million in the same period last year [6][18] - EBITDA for the first quarter was$16.1 million compared to $23.3 million in the prior year [18] - Consolidated operating expenses increased to$110.6 million from $103.2 million year-over-year, influenced by the acquisition of Metalworks [19][21] - The effective tax rate for the first quarter was 30.1$10.9 million, driven by increased shipping volumes and growth in coated carbon steel products [13] - The Pipe and Tube segment delivered EBITDA of $6.4 million, although it experienced slower OEM orders [14] - The Specialty Metals segment reported EBITDA of$3.6 million, with ongoing investments in growth and expansion [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hot roll pricing increased by more than 30% during the quarter due to the announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum [12] - The company noted that over 90% of its metal supply and nearly all sales are domestically based, positioning it well in the current tariff environment [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building a stronger, more resilient Olympic Steel, emphasizing profitable growth through diversification into metal-intensive end markets and expanding fabrication capabilities [6][7] - The commitment to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remains a key growth strategy, with the recent acquisition of Metalworks proving immediately accretive [7][8] - Ongoing capital investments are planned to enhance throughput and safety, with several new facilities and equipment upgrades expected to come online in the near future [15][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to drive profitable growth regardless of market conditions, citing strong operational discipline and effective working capital management [10][11] - The management team highlighted the importance of onshoring opportunities and the potential for growth in the pipe and tube market, particularly in data centers [40] Other Important Information - The company announced a five-year extension of its $625 million asset-based revolving credit facility, providing flexible capital for growth initiatives [10][20] - A quarterly dividend of$0.16 per share was declared, continuing a history of regular dividends since February 2006 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much of the first quarter volume boost is due to pull forward demand? - Management indicated that a significant portion of the volume increase was due to stronger spot sales, with traditional sales being 65% contract and 35% spot [26][28] Question: Expectations for the Pipe and Tube segment's performance? - The Pipe and Tube segment did not see the same sales increase as the Carbon segment, primarily due to its more contractual nature [29][30] Question: Current appetite for M&A and marketplace conditions? - Management confirmed that M&A remains a key growth strategy, with a return of potential sellers observed in April [31][32] Question: Outlook for the Pipe and Tube segment beyond Q2? - Management expects a more traditional year for the Pipe and Tube segment, with growth opportunities in onshoring [40] Question: Thoughts on working capital and inventory management? - The company successfully reduced debt by $37 million in Q1 and expects modest decreases in the following quarters [43][45] Question: Impact of tariffs on M&A strategy? - Management stated that tariffs have not directly impacted M&A strategy, as all acquisitions have been domestic [53][56]