CMC(US:CMC)2025-06-23 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - CMC reported net earnings of $83.1 million or $0.73 per diluted share on net sales of $2 billion, with adjusted earnings of $84.4 million or $0.74 per diluted share, reflecting a decline from the prior year period [7][29] - Consolidated core EBITDA was $204.1 million with a core EBITDA margin of 10.1%, down from 12.3% in the prior year period [30] - North American Steel Group adjusted EBITDA decreased 24% year-over-year to $186 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11.9% compared to 14.7% in the previous year [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American Steel Group experienced lower margins over scrap, impacting profitability, while Emerging Business Group's net sales increased by 4.7% year-over-year to $197.5 million, with adjusted EBITDA up 7% [30][34] - Europe Steel Group reported adjusted EBITDA of $3.6 million, a significant improvement from a loss of $4.2 million in the prior year, driven by increased shipment volumes and cost management efforts [35][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Finished steel shipments in North America increased by 3.2% year-over-year, with daily rebar shipments growing approximately 1.3% [33] - The construction and industrial activity remained resilient, with strong demand signals in both non-residential and infrastructure markets, despite economic uncertainties [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - CMC is executing a strategy aimed at enhancing financial profiles and achieving higher, more stable margins and cash flows through operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives [6][22] - The company is focused on value-accretive organic growth, particularly through its micro mill projects, which are expected to contribute significantly to EBITDA [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term outlook, citing strong structural drivers for construction activity, including infrastructure investment and reshoring trends [11][12] - The company anticipates improved financial results in the fourth quarter, driven by seasonal trends and higher steel product margins [41][42] Other Important Information - CMC's cash and cash equivalents totaled $893 million, with total liquidity exceeding $1.7 billion, providing flexibility for strategic growth and shareholder returns [37][38] - The company expects to invest between $425 million and $475 million in capital expenditures for fiscal 2025, down from previous guidance due to project delays [39][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Steel products volumes in North America - Management acknowledged that steel product volumes were up only 7% sequentially due to outages and challenges in production, but expects a strong fourth quarter with volumes following normal seasonal trends [45][46][48] Question: U.S. rebar pricing - Management noted that while they do not discuss prices directly, they are focused on creating value over volume and will continue to monitor pricing dynamics [51][52][54] Question: Update on Arizona two utilization rate - Management reported good progress with Arizona two, expecting to exit the year at around 70% to 75% utilization and anticipates profitability in the fourth quarter [58][61] Question: West Virginia project delays - Management clarified that delays were due to tax credit compliance and weather issues, not market conditions, and expressed optimism about future demand [64][70] Question: Inorganic growth opportunities - Management indicated a good pipeline for potential acquisitions, emphasizing discipline in evaluating opportunities and the importance of achieving synergies to enhance value [75][79]