CMC(US:CMC)2026-01-08 17:02Financial 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 [26] - Adjusted earnings for the quarter totaled $206.2 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, compared to $86.9 million in the prior year period [27] - Consolidated Core EBITDA of $316.9 million grew by over 50% from a year ago, reaching its highest level in two years [7][27] - Core EBITDA margin expanded to 14.9%, reflecting improvements year-over-year and sequentially [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American Steel Group generated Adjusted EBITDA of $293.9 million for the quarter, with an EBITDA margin of 17.7%, up from 12.3% in the prior year [27][28] - 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 [28][29] - 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 [30][31] 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 [12] - The Dodge Momentum Index increased by approximately 50% year-over-year, indicating substantial pent-up demand in non-residential markets [13] - The commercial segment of the DMI grew by 57%, while institutional projects increased by 37% [13] 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 $150 million annualized run rate EBITDA benefit by the end of Fiscal 2026 [19][22] - Recent acquisitions of CPMP and Foley Products are expected to enhance CMC's commercial portfolio and financial profile [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to absorb new supply in the market due to stable demand and lower imports [43] - The company anticipates a modest decline in consolidated Core EBITDA in Q2 due to seasonal trends, but expects contributions from the precast business to offset some of this decline [36] - Management remains optimistic about long-term demand drivers, including infrastructure investment and energy generation [15] Other Important Information - CMC's cash and cash equivalents totaled $3 billion, including proceeds from a senior notes offering [32] - The effective tax rate for the first quarter was 3.1%, with expectations of a full-year rate between 5% and 10% for Fiscal 2026 [34][35] - Capital spending for Fiscal 2026 is anticipated to be approximately $625 million, with significant investments in the Steel West Virginia micromill [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on CPMP and Foley acquisitions - Management noted positive surprises and cultural affinity observed post-acquisition, with confidence in achieving synergies [40][41] Question: Outlook on North American metal margins - Management indicated that while new supply is expected, current demand levels should absorb it, and margins are anticipated to remain stable [43][44] Question: Seasonal impacts on volumes - Management expects typical seasonal declines of 5%-10% in Q2, despite stronger than expected volumes in Q1 [50][51] Question: Update on West Virginia mill ramp-up - The hot commissioning for the West Virginia mill is set to begin in June, with expectations of ramping up operations over the following 12 months [52][54] Question: Outlook for the precast business - Management expects the precast business to contribute about $30 million of EBITDA in Q2, reflecting seasonal impacts [60] Question: Counterparty risk in fabrication business - Management clarified that while counterparty risk has not increased, they are taking steps to reduce risks associated with long-term fixed-price contracts [72][74] Question: Impact of CBAM on European pricing - Management anticipates that the CBAM will positively impact pricing over the course of 2026, with gradual effects expected [76][79]