STEEL DYNAMICS INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Feb 27, 2026.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Feb 27, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-28.
0001558370-25-001886
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-02-27.
0001104659-26-021395
Item 7. 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 74 previous paragraphs and 81 current paragraphs.
36 unchanged; 30 reworded; 14 added; 8 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 5 previous and 5 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 (14)
Current report
During 2025 we achieved record steel shipments of 13.7 million tons. Underlying domestic steel demand was stable during 2025, as imports declined from the elevated levels experienced during the first half of the year and as the Sinton Flat Roll Division’s year-over-year operating performance improved. Our metals recycling operations segment achieved notable improvement in operating income in 2025 compared to 2024 on higher ferrous metals volumes and higher ferrous and nonferrous pricing. Our steel fabrication operations experienced historically strong, yet moderating product pricing compared to 2024, with stabilization in selling values realized in the fourth quarter of 2025. Finally, our aluminum operations segment achieved successful production and qualifications of industrial, beverage can, and automotive quality flat rolled aluminum products, with shipments commencing in the late second half of 2025.
Current report
Steel Operations Segment Shipments (tons):
Current report
Steel Operations Segment Results 2025 vs. 2024
Current report
During 2025, our steel operations achieved record annual shipments of 13.7 million tons (12.3 million excluding intra-segment), 9% higher than 2024 shipments, primarily due to significant sales volume increases at our Sinton and Heartland facilities as the four new value-added lines operated for a full year in 2025. Customer order activity and steel demand were strong during 2025, particularly as imports declined in the latter half of the year. Demand was supported by manufacturing onshoring, infrastructure program funding, lower interest rates, and the increasing regionalization of supply chains in the US. Despite these favorable market demand conditions, in the face of trade policy uncertainty, average selling prices were modestly lower during 2025 compared to 2024. Steel segment average selling prices decreased 1%, or $14 per ton, compared to 2024. Net sales for the steel operations segment were 7% higher in 2025 when compared to 2024, due to a 9% increase in segment shipments.
Current report
Metals Recycling Operations Segment Shipments:
Current report
Metals Recycling Operations Segment Results 2025 vs. 2024
Current report
Steel Fabrication Operations Segment Results 2025 vs. 2024
Current report
Net sales for the steel fabrication operations decreased 20% during 2025 compared to 2024, as average selling prices decreased 13% and volumes decreased 8% compared to 2024. Order activity remained strong during 2025, with our order backlog maintaining solid levels and extending through the first half of 2026, supported by stable and historically strong pricing. Demand was largely driven by the commercial, data center, manufacturing, warehouse, and healthcare sectors.
Current report
Our aluminum operations consist of a 650,000-metric-ton recycled aluminum flat rolled products mill in Columbus, Mississippi; two 150,000-metric-ton satellite recycled aluminum slab centers, one in Central Mexico and one under construction in the Southwest U.S.; and an ancillary recycled aluminum deox-rod facility. The recycled aluminum flat roll products mill produces flat rolled aluminum products from aluminum scrap and is a complementary extension of the company’s metals recycling platform. Our product offerings will be supported by various value-added finishing lines that are still under construction, including two CASH (Continuous Annealing Solutions Heat Treating) lines, a can end and tab coating line, and downstream processing and packaging lines. Aluminum operations accounted for 2% and 1% of our consolidated net sales during 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Current report
Aluminum Operations Segment Results 2025 vs. 2024
Current report
During 2025, the results of this segment largely consisted of sales from the ancillary recycled aluminum deox-rod facility, as well as construction, start-up, and commissioning costs associated with the recycled aluminum flat roll products mill and satellite recycled aluminum slab centers. The flat rolled products mill shipped 15,000 metric tons of finished product during the second half of 2025. In 2025, aluminum operations sales, including those of our ancillary recycled aluminum deox-rod facility, totaled $473.9 million, an increase of 49%, compared to $318.7 million in 2024 primarily due to the volumes from the aluminum flat rolled products mill beginning in the second half of 2025.
Current report
Consolidated Results
Current report
Interest Expense, net of Capitalized Interest. During 2025, interest expense of $70.0 million increased 24% from $56.3 million during 2024. This increase is primarily a result of higher outstanding long-term debt balances during 2025 compared to 2024 due to our issuance of senior unsecured notes in March and November 2025.
Current report
during 2025 to $4.4 billion at December 31, 2025, due to a $265.5 million increase in accounts receivable, as well as a $624.8 million dollar increase in inventories, primarily within our aluminum operations segment as our recycled aluminum flat rolled products mill began commissioning and operations in the second half of 2025.
Removed paragraphs (8)
Previous report
During 2024 we achieved steel shipments of 12.7 million tons, our second highest annual volume behind 2023’s 12.8 million tons. Underlying domestic steel demand was stable during 2024, but imports of certain steel products, most notably coated flat rolled steels, caused pricing pressure for flat rolled steel products. While facing a challenging pricing environment throughout much of the year, our metals recycling teams maintained consistent volumes during 2024 compared to 2023. A solid non-residential construction market during 2024 benefited our steel fabrication operations, as the segment achieved historically strong volumes and average selling prices, compared to pre-Covid levels. Consolidated net sales were $17.5 billion during 2024, with cash flow from operations of $1.8 billion. Metal spread compression in our steel and, particularly, steel fabrication segments resulted in significantly lower operating income in 2024 compared to 2023.
Previous report
Steel Operations Shipments (tons):
Previous report
During 2024, our steel operations achieved annual shipments of 12.7 million tons (11.4 million excluding intra-segment), slightly less than 2023 total record shipments. Customer order activity and steel demand were stable during 2024, with the construction, automotive, industrial, and energy sectors leading demand. In spite of strong market demand, average selling prices were lower during 2024 compared to 2023, as total steel segment average selling prices decreased 4%, or $46 per ton, compared to 2023. Net sales for the steel operations segment were 4% lower in 2024 when compared to 2023, due to lower average steel selling prices on consistent volumes.
Previous report
Metals Recycling Operations Shipments:
Previous report
Net sales for the steel fabrication operations decreased 37% during 2024 compared to 2023, as average selling prices decreased 31% and volumes decreased 8% compared to 2023. Our steel fabrication operations benefited from a solid non-residential construction market, as evidenced by historically solid order backlog that extends deep into the first half of 2025 at attractive pricing levels. The continued onshoring of manufacturing, coupled with the robust U.S. infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Act programs, supports consistent strong demand for steel joist and deck products.
Previous report
Aluminum operations include the recycled aluminum flat rolled products mill nearing completion of construction in Columbus, Mississippi, two satellite recycled aluminum slab centers in the southwest United States (US) and Central Mexico, and an entity with aluminum operations, formerly included in the results of our metals recycling operations segment. The aluminum flat rolled products mill and the Mexico and US recycled aluminum slab centers are expected to begin operations in mid to late 2025. Net sales relate to an entity with aluminum operations, previously reported as part of our metals recycling operations. The results of this segment largely consist of construction and start-up costs recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses, which continued to increase during 2024, consistent with increased headcount and start-up costs.
Previous report
Other Operations
Previous report
Interest Expense, net of Capitalized Interest. During 2024, interest expense of $56.3 million decreased 26% from $76.5 million during 2023. The lower interest expense in 2024 compared to 2023 is due to higher capitalized interest in 2024 ($66.8 million, compared to $33.0 million in 2023) related to our ongoing expansion projects, most notably within Aluminum Operations.
Reworded paragraphs (30)
Previous wording
This report contains some predictive statements about future events, including statements related to conditions in domestic or global economies, conditions in steel, aluminum, and recycled metals market places, Steel Dynamics' revenues, costs of purchased materials, future profitability and earnings, and the operation of new, existing or planned facilities. These statements, which we generally precede or accompany by such typical conditional words as "anticipate", "intend", "believe", "estimate", "plan", "seek", "project", or "expect", or by the words "may", "will", or "should", are intended to be made as "forward-looking", subject to many risks and uncertainties, within the safe harbor protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements speak only as of this date and are based upon information and assumptions, which we consider reasonable as of this date, concerning our businesses and the environments in which they operate. Such predictive statements are not guarantees of future performance, and we undertake no duty to update or revise any such statements. Some factors that could cause such forward-looking statements to turn out differently than anticipated include: (1) domestic and global economic factors; (2) global steelmaking overcapacity and imports of steel, together with increased scrap prices; (3) pandemics, epidemics, widespread illness or other health issues; (4) the cyclical nature of the steel industry and the industries we serve; (5) volatility and major fluctuations in prices and availability of scrap metal, scrap substitutes and supplies, and our potential inability to pass higher costs on to our customers; (6) cost and availability of electricity, natural gas, oil, and other energy resources are subject to volatile market conditions; (7) increased environmental, greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability considerations from our customers and investors or related regulations; (8) compliance with and changes in environmental and remediation requirements; (9) significant price and other forms of competition from other steel and aluminum producers, scrap processors and alternative materials; (10) availability of an adequate source of supply of scrap for our metals recycling operations; (11) cybersecurity threats and risks to the security of our sensitive data and information technology; (12) the implementation of our growth strategy; (13) our ability to retain, develop and attract key personnel; (14) litigation and legal compliance; (15) unexpected equipment downtime or shutdowns; (16) governmental agencies may refuse to grant or renew some of our licenses and permits; (17) our senior unsecured credit facility contains, and any future financing agreements may contain, restrictive covenants that may limit our flexibility; and (18) the impacts of impairment charges.
Current wording
This report contains some predictive statements about future events, including statements related to conditions in domestic or global economies, conditions in steel, aluminum, and recycled metals market places, Steel Dynamics' revenues, costs of purchased materials, future profitability and earnings, and the operation of new, existing or planned facilities. These statements, which we generally precede or accompany by such typical conditional words as "anticipate", "intend", "believe", "estimate", "plan", "seek", "project", or "expect", or by the words "may", "will", or "should", are intended to be made as "forward-looking", subject to many risks and uncertainties, within the safe harbor protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements speak only as of this date and are based upon information and assumptions, which we consider reasonable as of this date, concerning our businesses and the environments in which they operate. Such predictive statements are not guarantees of future performance, and we undertake no duty to update or revise any such statements. Some factors that could cause such forward-looking statements to turn out differently than anticipated include: (1) domestic and global economic factors; (2) global steelmaking overcapacity and imports of steel, together with increased scrap prices; (3) the cyclical nature of the metals industries and the industries we serve; (4) volatility and major fluctuations in prices and availability of scrap metal, scrap substitutes and supplies, and our potential inability to pass higher costs on to our customers; (5) cost and availability of electricity, natural gas, oil, and other energy resources are subject to volatile market conditions; (6) increased environmental, greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability considerations from our customers and investors or related regulations; (7) compliance with and changes in environmental and remediation requirements; (8) significant price and other forms of competition from other steel and aluminum producers, scrap processors and alternative materials; (9) availability of an adequate source of supply of scrap for our metals recycling operations; (10) cybersecurity threats and risks to the security of our sensitive data and information technology; (11) the implementation of our growth strategy; (12) our ability to retain, develop and attract key personnel; (13) litigation and legal compliance; (14) unexpected equipment downtime or shutdowns; (15) difficulties in the launch or production ramp-up of new products; (16) our aluminum operations depend on a core group of significant customers; (17) governmental agencies may refuse to grant or renew some of our licenses and permits; (18) our existing debt agreements contain, and any future financing agreements may contain, restrictive covenants that may limit our flexibility; and (19) the impacts of impairment charges.
Previous wording
Net Sales. Net sales from our operations are a factor of volumes shipped, product mix, and related pricing. We charge premium prices for certain grades of steel, product dimensions, certain smaller volumes, and for value-added processing or coating of our steel products. Except for the steel fabrication operations, we recognize revenues from sales and the allowance for estimated returns and claims from these sales at the point in time control of the product transfers to the customer, upon shipment or delivery. Our steel fabrication operations recognize revenues over time based on completed fabricated tons to date as a percentage of total tons required for each contract.
Current wording
Net Sales. Net sales from our operations are a factor of volumes shipped, product mix, and related pricing. We charge premium prices for certain grades of steel and aluminum, product dimensions, certain smaller volumes, and for value-added processing or coating of our steel products. Except for the steel fabrication operations, we recognize revenues from sales and the allowance for estimated returns and claims from these sales at the point in time control of the product transfers to the customer, upon shipment or delivery. Our steel fabrication operations recognize revenues over time based on completed fabricated tons to date as a percentage of total tons required for each contract.
Previous wording
Consolidated operating income for 2024 decreased $1.2 billion, or 38%, to $1.9 billion, compared to $3.2 billion in 2023. Net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. for 2024 decreased $913.7 million, or 37%, to $1.5 billion, compared to 2023. Diluted earnings per share attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. was $9.84 for 2024, compared to $14.64 for 2023.
Current wording
Consolidated net sales were $18.2 billion during 2025, with cash flow from operations of $1.4 billion. Metal spread compression in our steel and, particularly, steel fabrication segments resulted in lower operating income in 2025 compared to 2024. Consolidated operating income for 2025 decreased $467.1 million, or 24%, to $1.5 billion, compared to $1.9 billion in 2024. Net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. for 2025 decreased $351.5 million, or 23%, to $1.2 billion, compared to 2024. Diluted earnings per share attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. was $7.99 for 2025, compared to $9.84 for 2024.
Previous wording
Refer to Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operationsin Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, for additional information regarding results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, and segment operating results for 2023 as compared to 2022. Our 2024 change in reportable segments did not change the discussion previously provided. Refer to the Aluminum Operations segment discussion for additional information.
Current wording
Refer to Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operationsin Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, for additional information regarding results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, and segment operating results for 2024 as compared to 2023.
Previous wording
Steel operations include our EAF steel mills, including Butler Flat Roll Division, Columbus Flat Roll Division, Southwest-Sinton Flat Roll Division, Structural and Rail Division, Engineered Bar Products Division, Roanoke Bar Division, Steel of West Virginia, steel coating and processing operations at The Techs, Heartland Flat Roll Division, United Steel Supply, Vulcan Threaded Products, Inc., warehouse operations in Mexico, and SDI Biocarbon Solutions, LLC, a joint venture to construct and operate a biocarbon production facility. Steel operations accounted for 69% and 67% of our consolidated net sales during 2024 and 2023, respectively. See Item 1.Business for further information on Steel Operations segment operations.
Current wording
Steel operations include our electric arc furnace (EAF) steel mills, including Butler Flat Roll Division, Columbus Flat Roll Division, Southwest-Sinton Flat Roll Division, Structural and Rail Division, Engineered Bar Products Division, Roanoke Bar Division, and Steel of West Virginia; steel coating and processing operations at The Techs, Heartland Flat Roll Division, United Steel Supply, New Process Steel, L.P. (acquired December 1, 2025), and Vulcan Threaded Products, Inc.; warehouse operations in Mexico; and a 75% controlling equity interest in SDI Biocarbon Solutions, LLC. Steel operations accounted for 72% and 69% of our consolidated net sales during 2025 and 2024, respectively. See Item 1.Business for further information on Steel Operations segment operations.
Previous wording
Metallic raw materials used in our electric arc furnaces represent our single most significant steel manufacturing cost, generally comprising approximately 55% to 65% of our steel mill operations’ manufacturing costs. Our metallic raw material cost consumed in our steel mills decreased $28 per net ton, or 7%, in 2024 compared to 2023, consistent with overall decreased domestic scrap pricing noted below in the metals recycling operations segment discussion.
Current wording
Metallic raw materials used in our electric arc furnaces represent our single most significant steel manufacturing cost, generally comprising approximately 55% to 65% of our steel mill operations’ manufacturing costs. Our metallic raw material cost consumed in our steel mills was unchanged on a per net ton basis in 2025 compared to 2024, consistent with overall steady domestic scrap pricing noted below in the metals recycling operations segment discussion.
Previous wording
As a result of average selling prices decreasing more than scrap costs, specifically for long products, metal spread (which we define as the difference between average steel mill selling prices and the cost of ferrous scrap consumed in our steel mills) decreased 3% in 2024 compared to 2023. Due to metal spread compression, operating income for the steel operations decreased 16% to $1.6 billion in 2024 compared to 2023.
Current wording
As a result of average selling prices decreasing more than scrap costs, metal spread (which we define as the difference between average steel mill selling prices and the cost of ferrous scrap consumed in our steel mills) decreased 2% in 2025 compared to 2024. Due to metal spread compression, operating income for the steel operations decreased 10% to $1.4 billion in 2025 compared to 2024.
Previous wording
Metals recycling operations include our OmniSource ferrous and nonferrous processing, transportation, marketing, brokerage, and scrap management services primarily throughout the United States and Mexico. Our steel mills utilize a large portion of the ferrous scrap sold by our metals recycling operations as raw material in our steelmaking operations, and the remainder is sold to other consumers, such as other steel manufacturers and foundries. In 2024 and 2023, 62% of metals recycling operations ferrous scrap was sold to our own steel mills, while our steel mill utilization remained consistent at 81% and 82% in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Metals recycling operations accounted for 11% of our consolidated net sales during 2024 and 2023.
Current wording
Metals recycling operations include our Omni ferrous and nonferrous processing, transportation, marketing, brokerage, and scrap management services located throughout the United States and in Central and Northern Mexico. Our steel mills utilize a large portion of the ferrous scrap sold by our metals recycling operations as raw material in our steelmaking operations, and the remainder is sold to other consumers, such as other steel manufacturers and foundries. In 2025 and 2024, 65% and 62%, respectively, of metals recycling operations ferrous scrap was sold to our own steel mills, as our steel mill utilization increased to 86% in 2025 compared to 81% 2024, with production levels at our Sinton facility increasing during 2025. Metals recycling operations accounted for 11% of our consolidated net sales during 2025 and 2024.
Previous wording
During 2024, our metals recycling operations continued to benefit from solid domestic steel industry demand, resulting in consistent ferrous and nonferrous scrap shipments compared to 2023. Net sales for our metals recycling operations in 2024 were comparable to 2023 based on consistent shipments. Due to a challenging pricing environment throughout much of 2024, ferrous average selling prices decreased 7% while nonferrous average selling prices increased 10% during 2024 compared to 2023.
Current wording
During 2025, our metals recycling operations continued to benefit from solid domestic steel industry demand, resulting in increased ferrous scrap shipments compared to 2024. Net sales for our metals recycling operations in 2025 increased 5% compared to 2024, driven by increased ferrous volumes and increased selling prices for both ferrous and nonferrous metals. Ferrous and nonferrous scrap average selling prices increased 2% and 7%, respectively, during 2025 compared to 2024. Ferrous shipments increased 5% and nonferrous shipments decreased 5% in 2025 compared to 2024.
Previous wording
Ferrous metal spread (which we define as the difference between average selling prices and the cost of purchased scrap) was flat and nonferrous metal spread increased 13% during 2024 compared to 2023. As a result of the overall increased metals spreads, metals recycling operations operating income increased 61% to $76.8 million in 2024 compared to 2023.
Current wording
Ferrous metal spreads (which we define as the difference between average selling prices and the cost of purchased scrap) were flat, while nonferrous metal spreads, primarily aluminum, increased 24% in 2025 compared to 2024, with aluminum prices rising in the fourth quarter of 2025. As a result of these volume and metal spread changes, metals recycling operations operating income in 2025 of $97.2 million increased 27% from 2024.
Previous wording
Steel fabrication operations include the company’s New Millennium Building Systems’ joist and deck plants located throughout the United States, and in Northern Mexico. Revenues from these plants are generated from the fabrication of girders, steel joists and steel deck used within the non-residential construction industry. Steel fabrication operations accounted for 10% and 15% of our consolidated net sales during 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current wording
Steel fabrication operations include our New Millennium Building Systems’ joist and deck plants located throughout the United States, and in Northern Mexico. Revenues from these plants are generated from the fabrication of steel joists, joist girders, and steel deck systems used within the non-residential construction industry. Steel fabrication operations accounted for 8% and 10% of our consolidated net sales during 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Previous wording
The purchase of various steel products is the largest single cost of production for our steel fabrication operations, historically representing approximately two-thirds of the total cost of manufacturing. The average cost of steel consumed decreased 5% in 2024, as compared to 2023. Due to decreased selling prices per ton more than offsetting decreased steel input costs per ton, metal spread (which we define as the difference between average selling prices and the cost of purchased steel) contracted 41% in 2024 compared to 2023. Metal spread compression coupled with decreased volume resulted in operating income decreasing 58% to $667.0 million in 2024, compared to $1.6 billion in 2023.
Current wording
The purchase of various steel products is the largest single cost of production for our steel fabrication operations, historically representing approximately two-thirds of the total cost of manufacturing. The average cost of steel consumed decreased 7% in 2025, as compared to 2024. Lower selling prices per ton offset decreased steel input costs per ton,
Previous wording
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $664.1 million during 2024 increased 13% from $588.6 million during 2023 primarily due to an increase in payroll and benefits expense related to the growth of the aluminum operations segment during 2024. Selling, general and administrative expenses represented 3.8% and 3.1% of net sales during 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current wording
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $765.3 million during 2025 increased 15% from $664.1 million during 2024 primarily due to an increase in payroll and benefits expense primarily related to construction, start-up, and commissioning costs associated with the recycled aluminum flat rolled products mill and satellite recycled aluminum slab centers during 2025. Selling, general and administrative expenses represented 4.2% and 3.8% of net sales during 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Previous wording
Profit sharing expense during 2024 of $164.9 million decreased 39% from $272.0 million during 2023, consistent with decreased pretax earnings. This decrease in profit sharing expense was the primary driver of decreased operating loss for other operations of 20% in 2024 compared to 2023. Profit sharing expense for eligible employees is 8% of consolidated pretax income excluding noncontrolling interests and other items. Refer to Note 10.Retirement Plans to the consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report for further information.
Current wording
Profit sharing expense during 2025 of $123.0 million decreased 25% from $164.9 million during 2024, consistent with decreased pretax earnings. This decrease in profit sharing expense was the primary driver of decreased operating loss for our other operations of 11% in 2025 compared to 2024. Profit sharing expense for eligible employees is 8% of consolidated pretax income excluding noncontrolling interests and other items. Refer to Note 10.Retirement Plans to the consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report for further information.
Previous wording
Other (Income) Expense, net. Net other income was $96.2 million in 2024, compared to $144.2 million in 2023, due primarily to the impact of foreign currency exchange rate losses of $18.7 million in 2024 compared to gains of $10.5 million in 2023, as well as a $21.8 million reduction in interest income on investments in 2024 compared to 2023 due to a decrease in the balance of invested cash during 2024.
Current wording
Other (Income) Expense, net. Net other income was $87.0 million in 2025, compared to $96.2 million in 2024, a decrease of $9.2 million due primarily to the impact of decreased interest income due to declining rates of return and lower invested cash balances in 2025 compared to 2024.
Previous wording
Income Tax Expense. During 2024, income tax expense of $432.9 million, at an effective income tax rate of 21.8%, decreased 42% compared to the $751.6 million, at an effective income tax rate of 23.3%, during 2023, consistent with decreased pretax earnings. Our effective tax rate decrease was due primarily to certain discrete tax adjustments during the third quarter and fourth quarters of 2024. Refer to Note 4.Income Taxes to the consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report for additional information.
Current wording
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense of $305.7 million, at an effective income tax rate of 20.5%, during 2025 decreased 29% compared to $432.9 million, at an effective income tax rate of 21.8%, during 2024, consistent with decreased pretax earnings. In July 2025, U.S. Congress enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”), which included significant provisions modifying the U.S. tax framework. These legislative changes did not and are not expected to have a material impact on 2025 and future effective tax rates, tax liabilities, and cash taxes. Refer to Note 4.Income Taxes to the consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report for additional information.
Previous wording
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2024, are potential benefits of $26.4 million that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. We recognize interest and penalties related to our tax contingencies on a net-of-tax basis in income tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized expense from the increase of interest expense and penalties of $710,000, net of tax. In addition to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, we had $4.2 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2024.
Current wording
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2025, are potential benefits of $27.2 million that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. We recognize interest and penalties related to our tax contingencies on a net-of-tax basis in income tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recognized income from the decrease of interest expense and penalties of $340,000, net of tax. In addition to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, we had $3.7 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2025.
Previous wording
We file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction as well as income tax returns in various state jurisdictions. The tax years 2021 through 2023 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and various state and local jurisdictions. At this time, we do not believe there will be any significant examination adjustments that would result in a material change to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could change in the next twelve months in an amount ranging from zero to $12.0 million, as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations and other federal and state income tax audits.
Current wording
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as income tax returns in various state jurisdictions. The tax years 2022 through 2025 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and various state and local jurisdictions. At this time, we do not believe there will be any significant examination adjustments that would result in a material change to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Previous wording
Capital Resources and Long-term Debt. Our business is capital intensive and requires substantial expenditures for, among other things, the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in our operations, and to remain in compliance with environmental laws. Our short-term and long-term liquidity needs arise primarily from working capital requirements, capital expenditures, including expansion projects, principal and interest payments related to our outstanding indebtedness, dividends to our shareholders, potential stock repurchases and acquisitions or investments. We have met and intend to continue to meet these liquidity requirements primarily with available cash and cash provided by operations, long-term borrowings, and we also have availability under our unsecured Revolver. Our liquidity at December 31, 2024, is as follows (in thousands):
Current wording
Capital Resources and Long-term Debt. Our business is capital intensive and requires substantial expenditures for, among other things, the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in our operations. Our short-term and long-term liquidity needs arise primarily from working capital requirements, capital expenditures, including expansion projects, principal and interest payments related to our outstanding indebtedness, dividends to our shareholders, potential stock repurchases and acquisitions or investments. We have met and intend to continue to meet these liquidity requirements primarily with available cash and cash provided by operations, long-term borrowings, and we also have availability under our unsecured Revolver. Our liquidity at December 31, 2025, is as follows (in thousands):
Previous wording
Our total outstanding debt of $3.2 billion increased $160.0 million compared to December 31, 2023, due to our issuance of $600.0 million of senior unsecured notes in July 2024 as described in Note 3, the proceeds of which were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of our 2.800% senior notes due December 2024, working capital, capital expenditures, advances for or investments in subsidiaries, acquisitions, redemption and repayment of other outstanding indebtedness, and purchases of the company’s common stock. Our total long-term debt to capitalization ratio (representing our long-term debt, including current maturities, divided by the sum of our long-term debt, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and our total stockholders’ equity) was 26.5% and 25.8% at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current wording
Our total outstanding debt of $4.2 billion increased $980.2 million compared to December 31, 2024, due to our issuance of $600.0 million of 5.250% notes due 2035 and $400.0 million of 5.750% notes due 2055 in March 2025 and $650.0 million of 4.000% notes due 2028 and an additional $150.0 million of 5.250% notes due 2035 in November 2025 as described in Note 3, the proceeds of which were used to redeem our $400.0 million of 2.400% notes due June 2025 and our $400.0 million of 5.000% notes due December 2026, and other general corporate purposes. Our total long-term debt to capitalization ratio (representing our long-term debt, including current maturities, divided by the sum of our long-term debt, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and our total stockholders’ equity) was 32.1% and 26.5% at December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively.
Previous wording
Our unsecured credit agreement has a senior unsecured revolving credit facility (Facility), which provides a $1.2 billion Revolver and matures in July 2028. Subject to certain conditions, we have the ability to increase the Facility size by $500.0 million. The unsecured Revolver is available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes. The Facility contains financial covenants and other covenants pertaining to our ability to incur indebtedness and permit liens on certain assets. Our ability to borrow funds within the terms of the unsecured Revolver is dependent upon our continued compliance with the financial and other covenants. At December 31, 2024, we had $1.2 billion of availability on the Revolver, $9.3 million of outstanding letters of credit and other obligations which reduce availability, and there were no borrowings outstanding.
Current wording
Our unsecured credit agreement has a senior unsecured revolving credit facility (Facility), which provides a $1.2 billion Revolver and matures in July 2028. Subject to certain conditions, we have the ability to increase the Facility size by $500.0 million. The unsecured Revolver is available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes. The Facility contains financial covenants and other covenants pertaining to our ability to incur indebtedness and permit liens on certain assets. Our ability to borrow funds within the terms of the unsecured Revolver is dependent upon our continued compliance with the financial and other covenants. At December 31, 2025, we had $1.2 billion of availability on the Revolver, $9.2 million of outstanding letters of credit and other obligations which reduce availability, and there were no borrowings outstanding.
Previous wording
The financial covenants under our Facility state that we must maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.50:1.00. Our interest coverage ratio is calculated by dividing our last-twelve-months (LTM) consolidated Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the Facility (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and certain other non-cash transactions as defined in the Facility) by our LTM gross interest expense, less amortization of financing fees. In addition, a debt to capitalization ratio of not more than 0.60:1.00 must be maintained. At December 31, 2024, our interest coverage ratio and debt to capitalization ratio were 21.68:1.00 and 0.27:1.00, respectively. We were, therefore, in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2024, and we anticipate we will continue to be in compliance during the next twelve months.
Current wording
The financial covenants under our Facility state that we must maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.50:1.00. Our interest coverage ratio is calculated by dividing our last-twelve-months (LTM) consolidated EBITDA as defined in the Facility (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and certain other non-cash transactions as defined in the Facility) by our LTM gross interest expense, less amortization of financing fees. In addition, a debt to capitalization ratio of not more than 0.60:1.00 must be maintained. At December 31, 2025, our interest coverage ratio and debt to capitalization ratio were 13.33:1.00 and 0.32:1.00, respectively. We were in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2025, and we anticipate we will continue to be in compliance during the next twelve months.
Previous wording
Working Capital (representing excess of current assets over current liabilities). We generated cash flow from operations of $1.8 billion in 2024 compared to $3.5 billion in 2023. Working capital decreased $1.2 billion, or 26%, during 2024 to $3.3 billion at December 31, 2024, due primarily to a $1.4 billion decrease in cash and equivalents and short-term investments in support of our capital investments within our aluminum and steel operations.
Current wording
Working Capital (representing excess of current assets over current liabilities). We generated cash flow from operations of $1.4 billion in 2025 compared to $1.8 billion in 2024. Working capital increased $1.1 billion, or 33%,
Previous wording
Capital Investments. During 2024, we invested $1.9 billion in property, plant and equipment, primarily within our aluminum operations and steel operations segments, compared with $1.7 billion invested during 2023. We are currently executing our plan to invest $2.7 billion in a new state-of-the-art lower-carbon recycled aluminum flat rolled products mill with two new supporting satellite recycled aluminum slab centers, which are being funded by available cash and cash flow from operations. Related expenditures began in the third quarter of 2022 and are expected to continue through 2025. Our liquidity of $2.2 billion and anticipated future operating cash flow generation is sufficient to provide for our planned 2025 capital requirements.
Current wording
Capital Investments. During 2025, we invested $948.0 million in property, plant and equipment, primarily within our aluminum operations and steel operations segments, compared with $1.9 billion invested during 2024. Our liquidity of $2.2 billion and anticipated future operating cash flow generation is sufficient to provide for our planned 2026 capital requirements.
Previous wording
Cash Dividends. As a reflection of continued confidence in our current and future cash flow generation capability and financial position, we increased our quarterly cash dividend by 8% to $0.46 per share in the first quarter of 2024 (from $0.425 per share for each quarter in 2023), resulting in declared cash dividends of $284.1 million during 2024, compared to $280.5 million in 2023. We paid cash dividends of $282.6 million and $271.3 million during 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our board of directors, along with executive management, approves the payment of dividends on a quarterly basis. The determination to pay cash dividends in the future is at the discretion of our board of directors, after taking into account various factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, outstanding indebtedness, current and anticipated cash needs and growth plans.
Current wording
Cash Dividends. As a reflection of continued confidence in our current and future cash flow generation capability and financial position, we increased our quarterly cash dividend by 9% to $0.50 per share in the first quarter of 2025 (from $0.46 per share for each quarter in 2024), resulting in declared cash dividends of $294.1 million during 2025, compared to $284.1 million during 2024. We paid cash dividends of $291.2 million and $282.6 million during 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our board of directors approves the payment of dividends on a quarterly basis. The determination to pay cash dividends in the future is at the discretion of our board of directors, after taking into account various factors provided by executive management, including our financial condition, results of operations, outstanding indebtedness, current and anticipated cash needs and growth plans.
Previous wording
Other. Our board of directors has authorized share repurchase programs during prior years, the most recent of which occurred in November 2023 for a program of up to $1.5 billion of the company’s common stock. In February 2025, our board of directors authorized an additional share repurchase program of up to $1.5 billion of our common stock. Under the share repurchase programs, purchases take place as and when we determine in open market or private transactions made based upon the market price of our common stock, the nature of other investment opportunities or growth projects, our cash flows from operations, and general economic conditions. The share repurchase programs do not require us to acquire any specific number of shares, and may be modified, suspended, extended, or terminated by us at any time. The share repurchase programs do not have an expiration date. There were $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion of share repurchases during 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, we had $193.5 million remaining available to purchase under the November 2023 share repurchase program. See Part II, Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities for additional information.
Current wording
Other. Our board of directors has authorized share repurchase programs during prior years and the current year, the most recent of which occurred in February 2025 for a program of up to $1.5 billion of the company’s common stock. Under the share repurchase programs, purchases take place as and when we determine in open market or private transactions made based upon the market price of our common stock, the nature of other investment opportunities or growth projects, our cash flows from operations, and general economic conditions. The share repurchase programs do not require us to acquire any specific number of shares, and may be modified, suspended, extended, or terminated by us at any time. The share repurchase programs do not have an expiration date. There were $900.9 million and $1.2 billion of share repurchases during 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, we had $801.0 million remaining available to purchase under the February 2025 share repurchase program. See Part II, Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities for additional information.
Previous wording
Long-term debt and estimated interest. Refer to Note 3.Long-Term Debt to the consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report for our long-term debt maturities. Estimated interest payments on our senior unsecured notes were determined based on their outstanding balances through maturity at their contractual interest rates, as detailed in Note 3. Estimated interest payments also include a 0.175% commitment fee on our available Revolver, and an average interest rate of 6.23% on our other debt of $28.8 million. Our estimated interest payments are $116.4 million, $109.4 million, $89.0 million, $83.4 million, and $82.2 million, for the years 2025 through 2029, respectively, and $442.4 million thereafter.
Current wording
Long-term debt and estimated interest. Refer to Note 3.Long-Term Debt to the consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report for our long-term debt maturities. Estimated interest payments on our senior unsecured notes were determined based on their outstanding balances through maturity at their contractual interest rates, as detailed in Note 3. Estimated interest payments also include a 0.175% commitment fee on our available Revolver, and an average interest rate of 5.44% on our other debt of $36.6 million. Our estimated interest payments are $180.5 million, $177.4 million, $168.5 million, $144.6 million, and $129.9 million, for the years 2026 through 2030, respectively, and $1.1 billion thereafter.
Previous wording
We have incurred, and in the future will continue to incur, capital expenditures and operating expenses for matters relating to environmental control, remediation, monitoring, and compliance. During 2024, we incurred costs related to the monitoring and compliance of environmental matters in the amount of approximately $60.2 million and capital expenditures related to environmental compliance of approximately $4.3 million. Of the costs incurred during 2024 for monitoring and compliance, approximately 74% were related to the normal transportation of certain types of by-products produced in our steelmaking processes and other facilities in accordance with legal requirements. We incurred combined environmental remediation costs of approximately $4.9 million at all of our facilities during 2024. We have an accrual of $3.8 million recorded for environmental remediation related to our metals recycling operations, $2.6 million related to our idled Minnesota ironmaking operations, and $712,000 related to our steel operations. We believe, apart from our dependence on environmental construction and operating permits for our existing and any future manufacturing facilities, that compliance with current environmental laws and regulations is not likely to have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. However, environmental laws and regulations evolve and change, and we may become subject to more stringent environmental laws and regulations in the future, such as the impact of various governmental legislatures and agencies introducing regulatory changes in response to the potential of climate change.
Current wording
We have incurred, and in the future will continue to incur, capital expenditures and operating expenses for matters relating to environmental control, remediation, monitoring, and compliance. During 2025, we incurred costs related to the monitoring and compliance of environmental matters in the amount of approximately $60.4 million and capital expenditures related to environmental compliance of approximately $10.0 million. Of the costs incurred during 2025 for monitoring and compliance, approximately 72% were related to the normal transportation and disposal of certain types of by-products produced in our steelmaking processes and other facilities in accordance with legal requirements. We incurred combined environmental remediation costs of approximately $9.3 million at all of our facilities during 2025. We have an accrual of $4.4 million recorded for environmental remediation related to our metals recycling operations, $2.6 million related to our idled Minnesota ironmaking operations, and $566,000 related to our steel operations. We believe, apart from our dependence on environmental construction and operating permits for our existing and any future manufacturing facilities, that compliance with current environmental laws and regulations is not likely to have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. However, environmental laws and regulations evolve and change, and we may become subject to more stringent environmental laws and regulations in the future, such as the impact of various governmental legislatures and agencies introducing regulatory changes in response to the potential of climate change.
Previous wording
Impairments of Long-Lived Tangible and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts. The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying amount. We consider various factors and determine whether an impairment test is necessary, including by way of examples, a significant and prolonged deterioration in operating results and/or projected cash flows, significant changes in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, technological advances with respect to assets which would potentially render them obsolete, our strategy and capital planning, and the economic environment in markets to be served. When determining future cash flows, and, if necessary, fair value, we must make judgments as to the expected utilization of assets and estimated future cash flows related to those assets. We consider historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, the impact of planned business and operational strategies, and all other available information at the time the estimates are made. Those estimates and judgments may or may not ultimately prove accurate. There were no indicators of impairment or impairment charges recorded during 2024, 2023, or 2022.
Current wording
Impairments of Long-Lived Tangible and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts. The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying amount. We consider various factors and determine whether an impairment test is necessary, including by way of examples, a significant and prolonged deterioration in operating results and/or projected cash flows, significant changes in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, technological advances with respect to assets which would potentially render them obsolete, our strategy and capital planning, and the economic environment in markets to be served. When determining future cash flows, and, if necessary, fair value, we must make judgments as to the expected utilization of assets and estimated future cash flows related to those assets. We consider historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, the impact of planned business and operational strategies, and all other available information at the time the estimates are made. Those estimates and judgments may or may not ultimately prove accurate. There were no material indicators of impairment or impairment charges recorded during 2025, 2024, or 2023.
Previous wording
Our fourth quarter 2024, 2023, and 2022 annual goodwill impairment analyses did not result in any impairment charges. During 2024, we performed a qualitative assessment and performed quantitative tests in 2023 and 2022. Management does not believe that it is reasonably likely that our reporting units will fail the goodwill impairment test in the near term, given the results of our most recent qualitative assessment and the determined fair value of the reporting units with goodwill from our most recent quantitative test exceeded their carrying value by more than an insignificant amount. Changes in judgments and estimates underlying our analysis of goodwill for possible impairment, including expected future operating cash flows and discount rate, could decrease the estimated fair value of our reporting units in the future and could result in an impairment of goodwill.
Current wording
Our fourth quarter 2025, 2024, and 2023 annual goodwill impairment analyses did not result in any impairment charges. During 2025 and 2024, we performed a qualitative assessment and performed a quantitative test in 2023. Management does not believe that it is reasonably likely that our reporting units will fail the goodwill impairment test in the near term, given the results of our most recent qualitative assessment and the determined fair value of the reporting units with goodwill from our most recent quantitative test exceeded their carrying value by more than an insignificant amount. Changes in judgments and estimates underlying our analysis of goodwill for possible impairment, including expected future operating cash flows and discount rate, could decrease the estimated fair value of our reporting units in the future and could result in an impairment of goodwill.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
resulting in contraction of metal spread (which we define as the difference between average selling prices and the cost of purchased steel) by 17% in 2025 compared to 2024. Metal spread compression coupled with decreased volume resulted in operating income decreasing 39% to $407.4 million in 2025, compared to $667.0 million in 2024.