COMMERCIAL METALS Co
For the period ended May 31, 2024. Filed Jun 25, 2024.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
May 31, 2024 · Filed Jun 25, 2024
CMC$62.28+0.1%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-02-29; filed 2024-03-26.
0000022444-24-000069
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-05-31; filed 2024-06-25.
0000022444-24-000089
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 125 previous paragraphs and 126 current paragraphs.
92 unchanged; 30 reworded; 4 added; 3 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 6 previous and 6 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (4)
Current report
Interest expense increased by $3.2 million and $3.9 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. Although lower average balances of long-term debt outstanding decreased interest expense by $2.3 million and $9.7 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods, these decreases were offset by $4.9 million and $12.5 million of reduced capitalized interest during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The decreases in capitalized interest were attributable to the timing of micro mill construction activities, as construction of our third micro mill was nearing completion during the nine months ended May 31, 2023, whereas construction of our fourth micro mill was in the beginning stages during the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Current report
Net sales to external customers in our North America Steel Group segment decreased $147.0 million, or 8%, and $236.1 million, or 5%, during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The decreases primarily resulted from reductions in steel products average selling prices per ton of 9% and 10% during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods, and reductions in downstream products average selling prices per ton of 8% and 5% during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. For both steel products and downstream products, the reductions in selling prices were due to increased competitive pricing in our key markets and fluctuations in the price of ferrous scrap during the periods. Furthermore, downstream products average selling prices during the corresponding period reflect contracts that were awarded during a period of heightened steel commodity pricing, which has since declined. Despite excessive rainfall throughout the third quarter of 2024, steel products and downstream products volumes decreased only modestly during the three months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, and volumes remained relatively flat or increased slightly across our major product lines during the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period.
Current report
Adjusted EBITDA in our North America Steel Group segment decreased $121.3 million, or 33%, and $256.2 million, or 26%, during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA in the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding periods, was caused by metal margin compression for both steel products and downstream products in each period. The cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton is the largest single driver of cost of goods sold for steel products and downstream products and is driven by market conditions and demand. The cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton decreased $31 quarter-over-quarter, compared to selling price per ton decreases for steel products and downstream products of $88 and $122, respectively, during the three months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, resulting in margin compression. Similarly, there was a slight increase in the cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton during the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, which negatively impacted adjusted EBITDA for both steel products and downstream products, while selling prices decreased for both product lines, as explained above.
Current report
For 239 consecutive quarters, we have declared and paid a cash dividend. In March 2024, our Board authorized an increase of $0.02 to our quarterly cash dividend, resulting in an $0.18 per share cash dividend paid during the three months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the $0.16 per share quarterly cash dividends paid during the preceding quarters of 2024 and during the nine months ended May 31, 2023. During the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 we paid $58.2 million and $56.3 million, respectively, of cash dividends to our stockholders.
Removed paragraphs (3)
Previous report
Interest expense increased by $1.9 million during the three months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, and remained relatively flat during the six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. While quarter-over-quarter interest expense decreased by $2.7 million due to a lower average balance of long-term debt outstanding during the second quarter of 2024 compared to the corresponding period, this decrease was offset by a $4.2 million reduction in capitalized interest during the three months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period.
Previous report
Net sales from external customers in our North America Steel Group segment decreased 1% and 3% during the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The decreases primarily resulted from a reduction in steel products average selling prices per ton of 8% and 10% during the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods, and reductions in downstream products average selling prices per ton, compared to the corresponding periods, in both cases due to increased competitive pricing in our key markets. These reductions in net sales from external customers driven by lower average selling prices were partially offset by increased shipments of raw materials and steel products in both periods presented due to strong construction activity and demand in our end-use markets.
Previous report
During the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, we achieved adjusted EBITDA of $222.3 million and $489.1 million, respectively, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $274.2 million and $624.0 million, during the respective corresponding periods. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA during the three and six months ended February 29, 2024 was primarily due to an 18% and a 20% erosion of steel products metal margin per ton, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods, and 9% and 6% decreases in downstream products margin over scrap per ton, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The decreased margins resulted from the decreased steel products and downstream products average selling prices per ton mentioned above, combined with increases in the cost of ferrous scrap during both periods.
Reworded paragraphs (30)
Previous wording
Any reference in this Form 10-Q to the "corresponding period" or "comparable period" relates to the relevant three or six month period ended February 28, 2023. Any reference in this Form 10-Q to a year refers to the fiscal year ended August 31st of that year, unless otherwise noted.
Current wording
Any reference in this Form 10-Q to the "corresponding period" or "comparable period" relates to the relevant three or nine month period ended May 31, 2023. Any reference in this Form 10-Q to a year refers to the fiscal year ended August 31st of that year, unless otherwise noted.
Previous wording
During the first quarter of 2024, we changed our reportable segments to reflect a change in the manner in which our business is managed. Based on changes to our organizational structure, the evolution of our solutions offerings outside of traditional steel products, the growing importance of non-steel solutions to our financial results and future outlook and how our chief operating decision maker, our President and Chief Executive Officer, reviews operating results and makes decisions about resource allocation, the Company now hasthree reportable segments that represent the primary businesses reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements: North America Steel Group, Europe Steel Group and Emerging Businesses Group. See the section titled "Results of Operations Summary" below for more information regarding our reportable segments. As a result of this change, certain prior year amounts have been recast to conform to the current year presentation. Throughout this Form 10-Q, unless otherwise indicated, amounts and activity reflect reclassifications related to the Company's change in reportable segments.
Current wording
During the first quarter of 2024, we changed our reportable segments to reflect a change in the manner in which our business is managed. Based on changes to our organizational structure, the evolution of our solutions offerings outside of traditional steel products, the growing importance of non-steel solutions to our financial results and future outlook and how our chief operating decision maker, our President and Chief Executive Officer, reviews operating results and makes decisions about resource allocation, we now have three reportable segments that represent the primary businesses reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements: North America Steel Group, Europe Steel Group and Emerging Businesses Group. See the section titled "Results of Operations Summary" below for more information regarding our reportable segments. As a result of this change, certain prior year amounts have been recast to conform to the current year presentation. Throughout this Form 10-Q, unless otherwise indicated, amounts and activity reflect reclassifications related to our change in reportable segments.
Previous wording
During the fourth quarter of 2023, our third micro mill was placed into service. The new facility, located in Mesa, Arizona, allows us to more efficiently meet underlying West Coast and Pacific Northwest demand for steel products. Designed to produce both rebar and merchant bar, this micro mill is the first in the world to produce merchant bar quality products through a continuous production process. Initial commercial production of rebar commenced during commissioning, prior to the startup of merchant bar production, which commenced during the second quarter of 2024. The merchant bar products produced at this facility will consist of a wide variety of shapes and sizes of long steel, and, combined with rebar production, the capacity of this micro mill is approximately 40% greater than that of the other micro mills we have constructed. The micro mill will employ the latest technology in electric arc furnace ("EAF") power supply systems which will allow us to directly connect the EAF and the ladle furnace to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Additionally, this micro mill is the Company’s first micro mill to utilize Q-ONE technology on an EAF, which provides energy efficiencies and precise electrical control during production, creating a stable and consistent output.
Current wording
During the fourth quarter of 2023, our third micro mill was placed into service. The new facility, located in Mesa, Arizona, allows us to meet underlying West Coast and Pacific Northwest demand for steel products. Designed to produce both rebar and merchant bar, this micro mill is the first in the world to produce merchant bar quality products through a continuous production process. Initial commercial production of rebar commenced during commissioning, prior to the startup of merchant bar production, which commenced during the second quarter of 2024. The merchant bar products produced at this facility consist of a wide variety of shapes and sizes of long steel, and, combined with rebar production, the capacity of this micro mill is approximately 40% greater than that of the other micro mills we have constructed. The micro mill was designed with the latest technology in electric arc furnace ("EAF") power supply systems, which can allow us to directly connect the EAF and the ladle furnace to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Additionally, this micro mill is the Company’s first micro mill to utilize Q-ONE technology on an EAF, which provides energy efficiencies and precise electrical control during production, creating a stable and consistent output.
Previous wording
In December 2022, we announced that our planned fourth micro mill will be located in Berkeley County, West Virginia. This new micro mill will be geographically situated to serve the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Mid-Western U.S. markets and will enhance our steel production capabilities by achieving synergies within the existing network of downstream fabrication plants. Site improvements and foundations for the micro mill are nearing completion. We expect this micro mill to be commissioned in late calendar 2025.
Current wording
In December 2022, we announced that our planned fourth micro mill will be located in Berkeley County, West Virginia. This new micro mill will be geographically situated to serve the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Mid-Western U.S. markets and will be supported by our existing network of downstream fabrication plants. Site improvements and foundation work for the micro mill continue to progress and we expect an operational start-up in late calendar 2025.
Previous wording
The Russian invasion of Ukraine did not have a direct material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations during the three or six months ended February 29, 2024 or February 28, 2023. Our Europe Steel Group segment has not experienced an interruption in energy supply and was able to identify alternate sources for a limited number of materials previously procured through Russia. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to economic slowdowns in Europe, including significant volatility in commodity prices and credit markets, as well as reductions in demand and supply chain interruptions, and has contributed to global inflation. We will continue to monitor disruptions in supply of energy and materials and the indirect effects on our operations of inflationary pressures, reductions in demand, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, commodity pricing, potential cybersecurity risks and sanctions resulting from the invasion.
Current wording
The Russian invasion of Ukraine did not have a direct material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations during the three or nine months ended May 31, 2024 or 2023. Our Europe Steel Group segment has not experienced an interruption in energy supply and was able to identify alternate sources for a limited number of materials previously procured through Russia. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to economic slowdowns in Europe, including significant volatility in commodity prices and credit markets, reductions in demand, supply chain interruptions and higher global inflation. We will continue to monitor disruptions in supply of energy and materials and the indirect effects on our operations of inflationary pressures, reductions in demand, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, commodity pricing, potential cybersecurity risks and sanctions resulting from the invasion.
Previous wording
The scrap metal recycling facilities process and sell ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals (collectively referred to as "raw materials") to steel mills and foundries, aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers, brass and bronze ingot makers, copper refineries and mills, secondary lead smelters, specialty steel mills, high temperature alloy manufacturers and other consumers. Ferrous scrap metal processed by our recycling operations is the primary raw material used by our steel mills.
Current wording
Our scrap metal recycling facilities process and sell ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals (collectively referred to as "raw materials") to steel mills and foundries, aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers, brass and bronze ingot makers, copper refineries and mills, secondary lead smelters, specialty steel mills, high temperature alloy manufacturers and other consumers. Ferrous scrap metal processed by our recycling operations is the primary raw material used by our steel mills.
Previous wording
Our steel mill operations consist of six EAF mini mills, three EAF micro mills and one rerolling mill. The steel mills manufacture finished long steel products including rebar, merchant bar, light structural and other special sections and wire rod, as well as semi-finished billets for rerolling and forging applications (collectively referred to as "steel products"). The primary end markets for our steel mills are construction and fabricating industries, metals service centers, original equipment manufacturers and agricultural, energy and petrochemical industries.
Current wording
Our steel mill operations consist of six EAF mini mills, three EAF micro mills and one rerolling mill. Our steel mills manufacture finished long steel products including rebar, merchant bar, light structural and other special sections and wire rod, as well as semi-finished billets for rerolling and forging applications (collectively referred to as "steel products"). The primary end markets for our steel mills are construction and fabricating industries, metals service centers, original equipment manufacturers and agricultural, energy and petrochemical industries.
Previous wording
The fabricated rebar operations shear, bend, weld and fabricate steel that is used to reinforce concrete during the construction of commercial and non-commercial buildings, hospitals, convention centers, industrial plants, power plants, highways, bridges, arenas, stadiums and dams, among other projects. Many of the projects are fixed price over the life of the project. We also provide installation services of fabricated rebar in certain markets. Steel for our fabrication operations is obtained primarily from our steel mills. Additionally, we fabricate steel fence posts primarily for use in residential and commercial landscaping and agricultural and livestock containment. Further, we supply post-tension cable for use in a variety of projects, such as slab-on-grade foundations, bridges, buildings, parking structures and rock-and-soil anchors. The fabrication and post-tension cable offerings are collectively referred to as "downstream products" in the context of the North America Steel Group segment.
Current wording
Our fabricated rebar operations shear, bend, weld and fabricate steel that is used to reinforce concrete during the construction of commercial and non-commercial buildings, hospitals, convention centers, industrial plants, power plants, highways, bridges, arenas, stadiums and dams, among other projects. Many of the projects are fixed price over the life of the project. We also provide installation services of fabricated rebar in certain markets. Steel for our fabrication operations is obtained primarily from our steel mills. Additionally, we fabricate steel fence posts primarily for use in residential and commercial landscaping and agricultural and livestock containment. Further, we supply post-tension cable for use in a variety of projects, such as slab-on-grade foundations, bridges, buildings, parking structures and rock-and-soil anchors. The fabrication and post-tension cable offerings are collectively referred to as "downstream products" in the context of the North America Steel Group segment.
Previous wording
The scrap metal recycling facilities process ferrous scrap metals for use almost exclusively by the mini mill. Nonferrous scrap metal is not material to this segment’s operations. The mini mill is a significant manufacturer of steel products including rebar, merchant bar, wire rod and semi-finished billets in Central Europe and includes three rolling lines. The first rolling line is designed to allow efficient and flexible production of a range of medium section merchant bar products. The second rolling line is dedicated primarily to rebar production. The third rolling line is designed to produce high grade wire rod. The mini mill sells steel products primarily to fabricators, manufacturers, distributors and construction companies, mostly to customers located within Poland. However, the mini mill also exports steel products to the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and other countries.
Current wording
Our scrap metal recycling facilities process ferrous scrap metals for use almost exclusively by the mini mill. Nonferrous scrap metal is not material to this segment’s operations. Our mini mill is a significant manufacturer of steel products including rebar, merchant bar, wire rod and semi-finished billets in Central Europe and includes three rolling lines. The first rolling line is designed to allow efficient and flexible production of a range of medium section merchant bar products. The second rolling line is dedicated primarily to rebar production. The third rolling line is designed to produce high grade wire rod. Our mini mill sells steel products primarily to fabricators, manufacturers, distributors and construction companies, mostly to customers located within Poland. However, we also export steel products to the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and other countries.
Previous wording
The fabrication operations obtain rebar and wire rod primarily from the mini mill for use in the production of fabricated rebar, fabricated mesh, wire mesh, assembled rebar cages, welded steel mesh, cold rolled wire rod, cold rolled rebar and other fabricated rebar by-products. The products manufactured by the fabrication operations (collectively referred to as "downstream products" in the context of the Europe Steel Group segment) are sold primarily to contractors for incorporation into construction projects. In addition to sales of downstream products in the Polish market, the Company also exports downstream products to neighboring countries such as the Czech Republic and Germany.
Current wording
Our fabrication operations obtain rebar and wire rod primarily from our mini mill for use in the production of fabricated rebar, fabricated mesh, wire mesh, assembled rebar cages, welded steel mesh, cold rolled wire rod, cold rolled rebar and other fabricated rebar by-products. The products manufactured by our fabrication operations (collectively referred to as "downstream products" in the context of the Europe Steel Group segment) are sold primarily to contractors for incorporation into construction projects. In addition to sales of downstream products in the Polish market, we also export downstream products to neighboring countries such as the Czech Republic and Germany.
Previous wording
Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to compare and evaluate the period-over-period underlying business operational performance of our reportable segments. Adjusted EBITDA is the sum of the Company's earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and impairment expense. Although there are many factors that can impact a segment’s adjusted EBITDA and, therefore, our overall earnings, changes in metal margins of our steel products and downstream products period-over-period in the North America Steel Group and Europe Steel Group segments is a consistent area of focus for our Company and industry. Metal margin is a metric used by management to monitor the results of our vertically integrated organization. For our steel products, metal margin is the difference between the average selling price per ton of rebar, merchant bar and other steel products and the cost of ferrous scrap per ton utilized by our steel mills to produce these products. An increase or decrease in input costs can impact profitability of these products when there is no corresponding change in selling prices. The metal margin for our North America Steel Group and Europe Steel Group segments' downstream products is the difference between the average selling price per ton of fabricated rebar and steel fence post products and the scrap input costs to produce these products. The majority of our North America Steel Group and Europe Steel Group segments' downstream products selling prices per ton are fixed at the beginning of a project and these projects last one to two years on average. Because the selling price generally remains fixed over the life of a project, changes in input costs over the life of the project can significantly impact profitability.
Current wording
Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to compare and evaluate the period-over-period underlying business operational performance of our reportable segments. Adjusted EBITDA is the sum of the Company's earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and impairment expense. Although there are many factors that can impact a segment’s adjusted EBITDA and, therefore, our overall earnings, changes in metal margins of our steel products and downstream products period-over-period in the North America Steel Group and Europe Steel Group segments is a consistent area of focus for our Company and industry. Metal margin is a metric used by management to monitor the results of our vertically integrated organization. For our steel products, metal margin is the difference between the average selling price per ton of rebar, merchant bar and other steel products and the cost of ferrous scrap per ton utilized by our steel mills to produce these products. An increase or decrease in input costs can impact profitability of these products when there is no corresponding change in selling prices. The metal margin for the North America Steel Group and Europe Steel Group segments' downstream products is the difference between the average selling price per ton of fabricated rebar and steel fence post products and the scrap input costs to produce these products. The majority of the North America Steel Group and Europe Steel Group segments' downstream products selling prices per ton are fixed at the beginning of a project and these projects last one to two years on average. Because the selling price generally remains fixed over the life of a project, changes in input costs over the life of the project can significantly impact profitability.
Previous wording
Net sales decreased $169.7 million, or 8%, for the three months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, and decreased $394.0 million, or 9%, for the six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. See discussions below, labeled North America Steel Group, Europe Steel Group and Emerging Businesses Group within our Segment Operating Data section, for further information on our period-over-period net sales results.
Current wording
Net sales decreased $266.5 million, or 11%, for the three months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, and decreased $660.5 million, or 10%, for the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. See discussions below, labeled North America Steel Group, Europe Steel Group and Emerging Businesses Group within our Segment Operating Data section, for further information on our period-over-period net sales results.
Previous wording
During the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, we achieved net earnings of $85.8 million and $262.1 million, respectively, compared to net earnings of $179.8 million and $441.6 million, respectively, during the corresponding periods. The change in net earnings in the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding periods, was primarily due to compression in steel products metal margins in both our North America Steel Group segment and Europe Steel Group segment, driven by decreases in steel products average selling prices, while the cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton increased. The year-over-year change in net earnings includes $66.3 million of government assistance recognized in the Europe Steel Group segment during the six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to $9.5 million of government assistance recognized in the corresponding period.
Current wording
During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, we achieved net earnings of $119.4 million and $381.6 million, respectively, compared to net earnings of $234.0 million and $675.6 million, respectively, during the corresponding periods. The decreases in net earnings in the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding periods, were primarily due to compression in steel products metal margins in both our North America Steel Group and Europe Steel Group segments, driven by declining steel products average selling prices per ton, while the cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton decreased at a lesser rate or increased slightly compared to the corresponding periods. The year-over-year change in net earnings includes $66.3 million of government assistance recognized in the Europe Steel Group segment during the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to $13.8 million of government assistance recognized in the corresponding period.
Previous wording
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased $16.6 million and $22.8 million during the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. Contributing to the period-over-period increases were $2.9 million and $6.6 million of incremental SG&A expenses from the 2023 acquisitions in the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively, compared to the expenses recorded during the corresponding periods. Additionally, as compared to the respective corresponding periods, the three and six months ended February 29, 2024 included $4.2 million and $4.4 million of increased benefit restoration plan expenses and $2.9 million and $3.0 million of increased professional services expenses. The increase in SG&A expenses during the six months ended February 29, 2024 was offset, in part, by a $4.2 million pension plan settlement charge in the six months ended February 28, 2023, with no such settlement charge in the six months ended February 29, 2024. The remaining fluctuations in SG&A expenses during the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding periods, were due to multiple factors of which no single category was material.
Current wording
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased $4.2 million and $27.0 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. Contributing to the period-over-period increases were $2.7 million and $9.3 million of incremental SG&A expenses attributable to the 2023 acquisitions in the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to expenses recorded during the corresponding periods. During the nine months ended May 31, 2024 there were $5.7 million of increased professional services expenses, $5.0 million of increased benefit restoration plan expenses and $4.0 million of increased information technology expenses, compared to the corresponding period. Additionally, the nine months ended May 31, 2023 included a $4.2 million pension plan settlement charge, with no such settlement charge in the nine months ended May 31, 2024. The remaining fluctuations in SG&A expenses during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding periods, were due to multiple factors of which no single category was material.
Previous wording
The effective income tax rates for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024 were 26.6% and 23.3%, respectively, compared to 23.6% and 23.1%, respectively, in the corresponding periods. The increase for the three months ended February 29, 2024, compared with the corresponding period, is due to multiple factors of which no single item was material. The effective income tax rate remained relatively flat for the six months ended February 29, 2024 when compared to the corresponding period.
Current wording
The effective income tax rates for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 were 25.5% and 24.0%, respectively, compared to 24.5% and 23.6%, respectively, in the corresponding periods. The increases for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared with the corresponding periods, were due to multiple factors of which no single item was material.
Previous wording
The operational data by product category presented in the North America Steel Group and Europe Steel Group tables below is calculated using averages during each period presented. See Note 13, Segment Information, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information on our reportable segments.
Current wording
The operating data by product category presented in the North America Steel Group and Europe Steel Group tables below is calculated using averages for each period presented. See Note 13, Segment Information, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information on our reportable segments.
Previous wording
Net sales from external customers in our Europe Steel Group segment decreased $145.1 million, or 43%, and $306.4 million, or 42%, during the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The decreases were primarily due to reductions in steel products shipment volumes of 37% and 32% during the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods, and reductions in steel products average selling prices per ton of 11% and 16% during the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The slowdown in demand and reduced steel products average selling prices per ton were driven by the indirect impacts of macroeconomic factors affecting the business climate in European end markets, such as inflation and rising interest rates, which resulted in lower construction and industrial activity. During both the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, overall, the U.S. dollar weakened compared to the Polish zloty. Using actual results for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, measured at the comparable periods' average currency rates, foreign currency translation would result in decreases in net sales from external customers of approximately $18.0 million and $43.7 million for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively.
Current wording
Net sales to external customers in our Europe Steel Group segment decreased $122.0 million, or 37%, and $428.3 million, or 41%, during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The decreases were primarily due to reductions in steel products shipment volumes of 31% and 32% during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods, and reductions in steel products average selling prices per ton of 10% and 14% during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The slowdown in demand and reduced steel products average selling prices per ton were driven by the sustained indirect impacts of macroeconomic factors affecting the business climate in European end markets, which resulted in lower construction and industrial activity. During both the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, overall, the U.S. dollar weakened compared to the Polish zloty. Estimated by using actual results for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, measured at the comparable periods' average currency rates, the effect of foreign currency translation was an increase in net sales to external customers of approximately $13.7 million and $57.4 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively.
Previous wording
Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024 decreased $20.1 million and $42.4 million, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The adjusted EBITDA loss of $8.6 million in the three months ended February 29, 2024 resulted primarily from a decrease in steel products metal margin per ton of $88, or 24%, during the three months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. Steel products metal margin per ton also decreased $127, or 32%, during the six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. Both decreases were a result of the declines in steel products average selling prices described above, while the cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton remained relatively flat. Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024 was also negatively impacted by lower shipment volumes compared to the corresponding periods, as described above. Offsetting the impact of the decrease in steel products metal margin per ton, results during the six months ended February 29, 2024 benefited from government assistance programs established to offset the rising costs of electricity and natural gas and the indirect costs of rising carbon emission rights included in energy costs. The government assistance recognized under the programs during the six months ended February 29, 2024 was $66.3 million, compared to $9.5 million of government assistance recognized in the six months ended February 28, 2023. Using actual results for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, measured at the comparable periods' average currency rates, foreign currency translation would result in an immaterial change to adjusted EBITDA loss during the three months ended February 29, 2024 and a decrease in adjusted EBITDA of approximately $4.1 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024.
Current wording
Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 decreased $10.0 million and $52.4 million, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The adjusted EBITDA loss of $4.2 million in the three months ended May 31, 2024 resulted primarily from a decrease in steel products metal margin per ton of $34, or 10%, during the three months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. Steel products metal margin per ton also decreased $95, or 25%, during the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. Both decreases were a result of the declines in steel products average selling prices described above, which outpaced the decreases in the cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton. Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024 was also negatively impacted by lower shipment volumes compared to the corresponding periods, as described above. Offsetting the impact of the decrease in steel products metal margin per ton, results during the nine months ended May 31, 2024 benefited from government assistance programs established to offset the rising costs of electricity and natural gas and the indirect costs of rising carbon emission rights included in energy costs. The government assistance recognized under the programs during the nine months ended May 31, 2024 was $66.3 million, compared to $13.8 million of government assistance recognized in the nine months ended May 31, 2023. Estimated by using actual results for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, measured at the comparable periods' average currency rates, the effect of foreign currency translation was immaterial for the three months ended May 31, 2024 and was an increase in adjusted EBITDA of approximately $3.8 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024.
Previous wording
Net sales from external customers in our Emerging Businesses Group segment increased $2.4 million, or 2%, for the three months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, and increased $9.1 million, or 3%, for the six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. The acquired CMC Anchoring Systems operations contributed to the year-over-year changes by providing $12.0 million and $24.7 million of net sales from external customers in the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively, with no such activity in the corresponding periods. See Note 2, Changes in Business, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information on the acquisition of CMC Anchoring Systems. These increases were offset, in part, by decreases in net sales from CMC Construction Services' operations for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods, primarily resulting from job site delays caused by weather disruptions. Our Tensar operations also experienced reduced net sales for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding periods, due to weather-related shipment disruptions in the U.S. and economic conditions in international markets.
Current wording
Net sales to external customers in our Emerging Businesses Group segment remained flat for the three months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, and increased $8.6 million, or 2%, for the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. The acquired CMC Anchoring Systems' operations contributed $10.8 million and $35.4 million of net sales to external customers in the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, respectively, with no such activity in the corresponding periods. See Note 2, Changes in Business, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information on the acquisition of CMC Anchoring Systems. Alternatively, CMC Construction Services' operations experienced a decline in net sales for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding periods, primarily resulting from job site delays caused by weather disruptions.
Previous wording
Adjusted EBITDA decreased $8.6 million, or 32%, for the three months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, and decreased $9.2 million, or 16%, for the six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. The decreases in adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding periods, were primarily a result of the decline in net sales from external customers for CMC Construction Services and our Tensar operations as described above, which impacted fixed cost leverage, and more than offset the positive contribution from the acquired CMC Anchoring Systems operations.
Current wording
Adjusted EBITDA remained flat for the three months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, and decreased $9.4 million, or 10%, for the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, was primarily a result of the decline in net sales to external customers for CMC Construction Services as described above, which impacted fixed cost leverage, and more than offset the positive contribution from the acquired CMC Anchoring Systems operations.
Previous wording
Adjusted EBITDA loss for Corporate and Other increased $18.9 million and $10.2 million during the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. The increase in adjusted EBITDA loss during each period is partially due to the recognition of $17.7 million of other revenue from our New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) transactions during the three and six months ended February 28, 2023, with no such transactions in the three and six months ended February 29, 2024. Additionally, there were $4.1 million and $6.6 million of increased professional services expenses during the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the respective corresponding periods. These increases to adjusted EBITDA loss were offset by $3.9 million and $7.7 million of increased interest income on short-term investments during the three and six months ended February 29, 2024, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods. Additionally, the six months ended February 28, 2023 included a $4.2 million pension plan settlement charge, with no such settlement charge in the six months ended February 29, 2024.
Current wording
Adjusted EBITDA loss for Corporate and Other remained relatively flat during the three months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, and increased $9.6 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. The increase in adjusted EBITDA loss during the nine months ended May 31, 2024 is partially due to transactions that occurred only during the corresponding period, including the recognition of $17.7 million of other revenue from our New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) transactions, offset, in part, by a $4.2 million pension plan settlement charge, with no such transactions in the nine months ended May 31, 2024. During the nine months ended May 31, 2024, there were $9.1 million of increased professional services expenses, compared to the corresponding period, offset by $10.5 million of increased interest income on short-term investments, compared to the corresponding period. The remaining fluctuations in Corporate and Other adjusted EBITDA loss during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding periods, were due to multiple factors of which no single category was material.
Previous wording
We have a diverse and generally stable customer base, and regularly maintain a substantial amount of accounts receivable. We actively monitor our accounts receivable and, based on market conditions and customers' financial condition, record allowances when we believe accounts are uncollectible. We use credit insurance internationally to mitigate the risk of customer insolvency. We estimate that the amount of credit-insured or financially assured receivables was approximately 11% of total trade receivables at February 29, 2024.
Current wording
We have a diverse and generally stable customer base, and regularly maintain a substantial amount of accounts receivable. We actively monitor our accounts receivable and, based on market conditions and customers' financial condition, record allowances when we believe accounts are uncollectible. We use credit insurance internationally to mitigate the risk of customer insolvency. We estimate that the amount of credit-insured or financially assured receivables was approximately 12% of total trade receivables at May 31, 2024.
Previous wording
We continually review our capital resources to determine whether we can meet our short and long-term goals. We anticipate our current cash balances, cash flows from operations and available sources of liquidity will be sufficient to maintain operations, make necessary capital expenditures, invest in the development of new micro mills, pay dividends, fund potential expenditures in connection with litigation or other legal proceedings and opportunistically repurchase shares for at least the next twelve months. Additionally, we expect our long-term liquidity position will be sufficient to meet our long-term liquidity needs with cash flows from operations and financing arrangements. However, in the event of changes in business conditions or other developments, including a sustained market deterioration, unanticipated regulatory developments, significant acquisitions, competitive pressures, or to the extent our liquidity needs prove to be greater than expected or cash generated from operations is less than anticipated, we may need additional liquidity. To the extent we elect to finance our long-term liquidity needs, we believe that the potential financing capital available to us in the future will be sufficient.
Current wording
We continually review our capital resources to determine whether we can meet our short and long-term goals. For at least the next twelve months, we anticipate our current cash balances, cash flows from operations and available sources of liquidity will be sufficient to maintain operations, make necessary capital expenditures, invest in the development of new micro mills, pay dividends and opportunistically repurchase shares. Additionally, we expect our long-term liquidity position will be sufficient to meet our long-term liquidity needs with cash flows from operations and financing arrangements. However, in the event of changes in business conditions or other developments, including a sustained market deterioration, unanticipated regulatory developments, significant acquisitions, competitive pressures, or to the extent our liquidity needs prove to be greater than expected or cash generated from operations is less than anticipated, we may need additional liquidity. To the extent we elect to finance our long-term liquidity needs, we believe that the potential financing capital available to us in the future will be sufficient.
Previous wording
We estimate that our 2024 capital spending will range from $550 million to $600 million. We regularly assess our capital spending based on current and expected results and the amount is subject to change.
Current wording
We estimate that our 2024 capital spending will range from $400 million to $425 million. We regularly assess our capital spending based on current and expected results and the amount is subject to change.
Previous wording
In January 2024, our Board authorized an increase of $500.0 million to the existing share repurchase program. We had remaining authorization to repurchase $510.4 million of shares of CMC common stock at February 29, 2024. See Note 11, Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information on the share repurchase program.
Current wording
In January 2024, our Board authorized an increase of $500.0 million to the existing share repurchase program. During the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 we repurchased $128.2 million and $82.8 million, respectively, of shares of CMC common stock. We had remaining authorization to repurchase $458.6 million of shares of CMC common stock at May 31, 2024. See Note 11, Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information on the share repurchase program.
Previous wording
Net cash flows from operating activities were $350.0 million and $558.9 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, respectively. Contributing to the change was a decrease in net earnings of $179.5 million year-over-year and a $25.0 million decrease in deferred income taxes and other long-term taxes. Additionally, there was a $49.0 million year-over-year net increase in cash used by operating assets and liabilities. Cash used by inventory increased year-over-year due to both greater inventory volumes and prices during a higher scrap price environment in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the corresponding period, offset, in part, by a year-over-year decrease in cash used by accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables. These reductions to cash flows from operating activities were offset, in part, by $35.1 million of additional depreciation and amortization expense year-over-year, primarily attributable to our third micro mill being placed into service during the fourth quarter of 2023.
Current wording
Net cash flows from operating activities were $547.9 million and $934.7 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively. Contributing to the change was a $294.0 million decrease in net earnings year-over-year and a $38.9 million decrease in deferred income taxes and other long-term taxes, partially offset by $50.6 million of additional depreciation and amortization expense year-over-year. The additional depreciation and amortization expense was largely attributable to placing our third micro mill into service during the fourth quarter of 2023. Additionally, there was a $109.2 million year-over-year net increase in cash used by operating assets and liabilities. Cash provided by accounts receivable decreased year-over-year, in line with the fluctuations in net sales to external customers described in the Segment Operating Data section, above. Additionally, cash used by inventory increased year-over-year due to greater inventory volumes in our North America Steel Group segment, offset, in part, by less cash used by inventory in our Europe Steel Group segment during the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. These working capital fluctuations were offset, in part, by a year-over-year decrease in cash used by accrued expenses and other payables, primarily due to accrued labor-related expenses.
Previous wording
Net cash flows used by investing activities were $158.5 million and $352.6 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, respectively. The fluctuation in net cash flows used by investing activities was driven by a $65.2 million decrease in cash used by acquisitions during the six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, along with a $128.5 million reduction of capital expenditures during the six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. See Note 2, Changes in Business, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information about the acquisitions completed during the corresponding period.
Current wording
Net cash flows used by investing activities were $240.9 million and $605.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively. During the nine months ended May 31, 2023, cash flows used by investing activities included $167.1 million of cash used for acquisitions, with no such acquisitions during the nine months ended May 31, 2024. Additionally, capital expenditures decreased by $196.9 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period. The decrease in capital expenditures was largely driven by the timing of micro mill construction, which resulted in greater cash outflows as we neared the completion of our third micro mill during the nine months ended May 31, 2023, compared to the expenditures to begin construction of our fourth micro mill during the nine months ended May 31, 2024. See Note 2, Changes in Business, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information about the acquisitions completed during the corresponding period.
Previous wording
Net cash flows used by financing activities were $147.8 million and $283.7 million for the six months ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, respectively. The $135.9 million decrease in net cash flows used by financing activities during the six months ended February 29, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, included a $143.1 million decrease in repayments of long-term debt, offset, in part, by a $10.0 million increase in treasury stock acquired under the share repurchase program and a $4.7 million increase in net repayments under our Polish accounts receivable facility. See Note 11, Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information on the share repurchase program and Note 7, Credit Arrangements, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information regarding our Polish accounts receivable facility.
Current wording
Net cash flows used by financing activities were $202.7 million and $537.0 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023, respectively. The decrease in net cash flows used by financing activities during the nine months ended May 31, 2024, compared to the corresponding period, included a $353.2 million decrease in repayments of long-term debt and a $21.4 million increase in net proceeds under our Polish accounts receivable facility, offset, in part, by a $45.3 million increase in treasury stock acquired under the share repurchase program. See Note 7, Credit Arrangements, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information regarding our Polish accounts receivable facility and Note 11, Stockholders' Equity and Earnings per Share, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q for more information on the share repurchase program.
Previous wording
We maintain stand-by letters of credit to provide support for certain transactions that governmental agencies, our insurance providers and suppliers require. At February 29, 2024, we had committed $41.7 million under these arrangements, of which $0.9 million reduced availability under the Revolver (as defined in Note 7, Credit Arrangements, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q).
Current wording
We maintain stand-by letters of credit to provide support for certain transactions that governmental agencies, our insurance providers and suppliers require. At May 31, 2024, we had committed $44.8 million under these arrangements, of which $0.9 million reduced availability under the Revolver (as defined in Note 7, Credit Arrangements, in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q).
Previous wording
This Form 10-Q contains or incorporates by reference a number of "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to general economic conditions, key macro-economic drivers that impact our business, the effects of ongoing trade actions, the effects of continued pressure on the liquidity of our customers, potential synergies and organic growth provided by acquisitions and strategic investments, demand for our products, shipment volumes, metal margins, the ability to operate our steel mills at full capacity, future availability and cost of supplies of raw materials and energy for our operations, growth rates in certain segments, product margins within our Emerging Businesses Group, share repurchases, legal proceedings, construction activity, international trade, the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, capital expenditures, tax credits, our liquidity and our ability to satisfy future liquidity requirements, estimated contractual obligations, the expected capabilities and benefits of new facilities, the timeline for execution of our growth plan and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. The statements in this report that are not historical statements, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by phrases such as we or our management "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "future," "intends," "may," "plans to," "ought," "could," "will," "should," "likely," "appears," "projects," "forecasts," "outlook" or other similar words or phrases, as well as by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions.
Current wording
This Form 10-Q contains or incorporates by reference a number of "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to general economic conditions, key macro-economic drivers that impact our business, the effects of ongoing trade actions, the effects of continued pressure on the liquidity of our customers, potential synergies and growth provided by acquisitions and strategic investments, demand for our products, shipment volumes, metal margins, the ability to operate our steel mills at full capacity, future availability and cost of supplies of raw materials and energy for our operations, growth rates in certain segments, product margins within our Emerging Businesses Group, share repurchases, legal proceedings, construction activity, international trade, the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, capital expenditures, tax credits, our liquidity and our ability to satisfy future liquidity requirements, estimated contractual obligations, the expected capabilities and benefits of new facilities, the timeline for execution of our growth plan and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. The statements in this report that are not historical statements, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by phrases such as we or our management "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "future," "intends," "may," "plans to," "ought," "could," "will," "should," "likely," "appears," "projects," "forecasts," "outlook" or other similar words or phrases, as well as by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions.