Ryerson(US:RYI)2026-02-20 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported net sales of $1.1 billion, a decrease of approximately 5% compared to the previous quarter, but an increase of 9.7% year-over-year [18] - The net loss for the quarter was $38 million, or $1.18 per share, compared to a net loss of $4.3 million in Q4 2024 [20] - Adjusted EBITDA, excluding LIFO, was $20.4 million for Q4 2025, compared to $10.3 million in Q4 2024 [20] - Gross margin contracted by 190 basis points to 15.3% during Q4 2025 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fabrication and welding sector saw the most year-over-year volume growth, followed by the machine shop and machinery and equipment sectors [10] - The commercial transportation sector experienced weakness, along with the climate and heavy equipment sectors [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American industry volumes decreased by 5.8% sequentially in Q4 2025, while Ryerson's shipments decreased by 6.8% [9] - For the full year 2025, Ryerson's total company tons shipped were up by 0.5 percentage points compared to the previous year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to realize $120 million in annual run rate synergies from the merger with Olympic Steel, focusing on optimizing asset utilization and capturing cost and revenue benefits [4] - Priorities for 2026 include integrating the combined organization, improving earnings quality, and reducing leverage [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improving manufacturing conditions and expects gross margin expansion and operating income improvements in 2026 [6] - The company anticipates strong activity in Q1 2026, with tons shipped expected to increase by 13%-15% compared to Q4 2025 [12] Other Important Information - The company generated $113 million in cash from operating activities in Q4 2025 and reduced net debt by $34 million [15] - Ryerson distributed $6.1 million in dividends during Q4 2025 and plans to continue dividends in Q1 2026 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of price increases on customer acceptance - Management noted that there has been a pleasant surprise in business activity, with quoting and conversion rates improving, indicating that price increases are starting to be accepted [25] Question: Capital allocation post-merger - The focus will be on achieving the $120 million in synergies and deleveraging, with dividends being an important part of capital allocation [29][31] Question: Challenges in passing through rising mill prices - Aluminum has been the slowest commodity to see price increases accepted, but there is now momentum in getting those prices through the value chain [38] Question: First quarter volume guidance - The company is seeing stronger market conditions, with improvements in transactional business and a positive outlook for growth [40][42] Question: Future M&A considerations - Management emphasized the importance of focusing on current synergies and performance before considering additional M&A opportunities [48]