CMC(US:CMC)2026-01-08 17:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - CMC reported net earnings of $177.3 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $175.7 million in the prior year period [21] - Adjusted earnings were $206.2 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, compared to $86.9 million and $0.76 per diluted share in the prior year [22] - Consolidated core EBITDA reached $316.9 million, a 52% increase from $208.7 million in the prior year [22] - Core EBITDA margin expanded to 14.9%, reflecting growth both year-over-year and sequentially [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American Steel Group generated adjusted EBITDA of $293.9 million, with an EBITDA margin of 17.7%, up from 12.3% in the prior year [22] - Construction Solutions Group net sales grew by 17% year-over-year to $198.3 million, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 75% to $39.6 million [23] - Europe Steel Group reported adjusted EBITDA of $10.9 million, down from $25.8 million in the prior year, primarily due to a lower CO2 credit [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Shipments of finished steel were virtually unchanged year-over-year, with a less than 1% decline from the previous quarter [10] - The Dodge Momentum Index increased by approximately 50% year-over-year, indicating substantial pent-up demand in non-residential markets [11] - The commercial segment of the DMI grew by 57%, while institutional projects increased by 37% [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - CMC's strategic focus is on transforming into a stronger organization with higher, more stable margins and returns on capital [5] - The TAG initiative aims to drive operational and commercial excellence, targeting a permanent improvement in margins and cash flows [16] - Recent acquisitions of CPMP and Foley Products are expected to enhance CMC's commercial portfolio and financial profile [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the supportive market conditions, with stable demand and limited imports contributing to strong performance [5] - The company anticipates modest declines in consolidated core EBITDA for the second quarter due to seasonal trends, but expects contributions from the precast businesses to offset this [31] - Management remains optimistic about long-term demand drivers, including infrastructure investment and energy generation [12] Other Important Information - CMC's effective tax rate was 3.1% in the first quarter, with expectations of a full-year rate between 5% and 10% for fiscal 2026 [29] - The company plans to spend approximately $625 million in capital expenditures for fiscal 2026, focusing on growth investments and completing the Steel West Virginia micromill [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on CPMP and Foley acquisitions - Management noted positive cultural fit and integration potential, with confidence in achieving synergies [36] Question: North American metal margins outlook - Management expects margins to remain stable, with demand absorbing new supply entering the market [38] Question: Seasonal impacts on volumes - Typical seasonal decline of 5%-10% is expected in the second quarter, despite stronger than anticipated first-quarter volumes [42] Question: Precast business seasonality - The precast business is expected to follow overall seasonal trends, contributing about $30 million of EBITDA in the second quarter [46] Question: Scrap optimization benefits - Scrap optimization initiatives have significantly improved margins, with ongoing efforts to enhance quality and reduce costs [50]