Ryerson(US:RYI)2025-05-01 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported net sales of $1,140 million, a 12.7% increase from Q4 2024 [17] - Adjusted EBITDA, excluding LIFO, was $32.8 million, compared to $10.3 million in the prior quarter [19] - Gross margin contracted by 100 basis points to 18%, influenced by $7 million in LIFO expense, while excluding LIFO, gross margin expanded by 220 basis points to 18.6% [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales volume for Q1 2025 was 500,000 tons, approximately 12% higher quarter over quarter, with North American shipments increasing by almost 14% [9][10] - Average selling prices for carbon products were roughly flat, aluminum products increased by 2%, and stainless steel products decreased by approximately 3% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American industry sales volumes increased by nearly 11% quarter over quarter, indicating a recovery in demand [9] - The company experienced market share gains across most metal product categories, particularly in construction equipment and industrial machinery [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operationalizing significant CapEx investments to improve quality of earnings and customer experiences [4][5] - There is an emphasis on modernizing service center networks and enhancing go-to-market capabilities to drive long-term growth [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there are challenges in the industrial metal supply and demand dynamics, they anticipate a more robust North American manufacturing economy as trade uncertainties resolve [20] - The outlook for Q2 2025 includes expectations for relatively flat volumes and a revenue range of $1,150 million to $1,190 million, with average selling prices expected to increase by 3% to 4% [11] Other Important Information - The company maintained a $60 million expense reduction target, achieving a $32 expense per ton reduction compared to the previous year [11] - Total debt increased to $498 million, with net debt rising to $464 million, but global liquidity remains healthy at $490 million [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans to manage debt levels and drive interest expense lower - Management highlighted the importance of winding down CapEx projects and operationalizing them to improve cash flow and reduce debt [24][26] Question: Second quarter pricing outlook - Management indicated that the OEM contract business has been weak, impacting average selling prices, but noted good transactional growth [29][30] Question: Current split between transactional versus contractual sales - The current split is approximately 47% transactional sales, up from about 43% last year, with a target to reach around 60% [38][40] Question: Portfolio mix and stainless market outlook - Management believes the stainless market will recover and emphasized the importance of maintaining market share while also growing the carbon franchise [42][44]