ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are inherent risks and uncertainties associated with our business that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Set forth below are descriptions of those risks and uncertainties that we currently believe to be material, but the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY
Our industry and the industries we serve are vulnerable to global economic conditions.
Metals industries and commodity products have historically been vulnerable to significant declines in consumption, global overcapacity and depressed product pricing during prolonged periods of economic downturn. Our business supports cyclical industries such as commercial, government and residential construction, energy, metals service center, petrochemical and original equipment manufacturing. We may experience significant fluctuations in demand for our products from these industries based on global or regional economic conditions, energy prices, consumer demand and decisions by governments to fund infrastructure projects such as highways, schools, energy plants and airports. Although the residential housing market is not a significant direct factor in our business, related commercial and infrastructure construction activities, such as shopping centers, schools and roads, could be adversely impacted by a prolonged slump in new housing construction. Our business, results of operations and financial condition are adversely affected when the industries we serve suffer a prolonged downturn or anemic growth. Because we do not have unlimited backlogs, our business, results of operations and financial condition are promptly affected by short-term economic fluctuations.
Although we believe that the long-term prospects for the steel industry remain bright, we are unable to predict the duration of current economic conditions that are contributing to current demand for our products. Future economic downturns or a prolonged period of slow growth or economic stagnation could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are vulnerable to the economic conditions in the regions in which our operations are concentrated.
Economic downturns in the U.S. and Central Europe, or decisions by governments that have an impact on the level and pace of overall economic activity in one of these regions, could adversely affect demand for our products and, consequently, our sales and profitability. As a result, our financial results are substantially dependent upon the overall economic conditions in these areas.
Rapid and significant changes in the price of metals could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Prices for most metals in which we deal have experienced increased volatility over the last several years, and such increased price volatility impacts us in several ways. While our downstream products may benefit from metal margin expansion as rapidly decreasing input costs for previously contracted fixed price work declines, our steel products would likely experience reduced metal margin and may be forced to liquidate high cost inventory at reduced metal margins or losses until prices stabilize. Sudden increases in input costs could have the opposite effect in each case. Overall, we believe that rapid substantial
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price changes are not to our industry's benefit. Our customer and supplier base would be impacted due to uncertainty as to future prices. A reluctance to purchase inventory in the face of extreme price decreases or to sell quickly during a period of rapid price increases would likely reduce our volume of business. Marginal industry participants or speculators may attempt to participate to an unhealthy extent during a period of rapid price escalation with a substantial risk of contract default if prices suddenly reverse. Risks of default in contract performance by customers or suppliers as well as an increased risk of bad debts and customer credit exposure could increase during periods of rapid and substantial price changes.
Excess capacity and over-production by foreign producers in our industry as well as the startup of new steel-making capacity in the U.S. could result in lower domestic prices, which would adversely affect our sales, margins and profitability.
Global steel-making capacity exceeds demand for steel products in some regions around the world. Rather than reducing employment by rationalizing capacity with consumption, steel manufacturers in these countries (often with local government assistance or subsidies in various forms) have traditionally periodically exported steel at prices significantly below their home market prices, which prices may not reflect their costs of production or capital. For example, steel production in China, the world's largest producer and consumer of steel, has continued to exceed Chinese demand. This rising excess capacity in China has resulted in a further increase in imports of artificially low-priced steel and steel products to the U.S. and world steel markets. A continuation of this trend or a significant decrease in China's rate of economic expansion could result in increasing steel imports from China. Excessive imports of steel into the U.S. have exerted, and may continue to exert, downward pressure on U.S. steel prices, which negatively affects our ability to increase our sales, margins, and profitability. The excess capacity may create downward pressure on our steel prices and lead to reduced sales volumes as imports absorb market share that would otherwise be filled by domestic supply, all of which would adversely affect our sales, margins and profitability and could subject us to possible renegotiation of contracts or increases in bad debt. Excess capacity has also led to greater protectionism as is evident in raw material and finished product border tariffs put in place by China, Brazil and other countries.
We believe the downward pressure on, and periodically depressed levels of, U.S. steel prices in some recent years have been further exacerbated by imports of steel involving dumping and subsidy abuses by foreign steel producers. While some tariffs and quotas are periodically put into effect for certain steel products imported from a number of countries that have been found to have been unfairly pricing steel imports to the U.S., there is no assurance that tariffs and quotas will always be levied, even if otherwise justified, and even when imposed many of these are short-lived or ineffective.
On March 8, 2018, President Trump signed a proclamation imposing a 25% tariff on all imported steel products for an indefinite period of time under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 ("Section 232"). The tariff is imposed on all steel imports with the exception of steel imports originating from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea, and the administration is considering exemption requests from other countries. When this or other tariffs or duties expire or if others are further relaxed or repealed, or if relatively higher U.S. steel prices make it attractive for foreign steelmakers to export their steel products to the U.S., despite the presence of duties or tariffs, the resurgence of substantial imports of foreign steel could create downward pressure on U.S. steel prices.
The adverse effects of excess capacity and over-production by foreign producers could be exacerbated by the startup of new steel-making capacity in the U.S. Any of these adverse effects could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Compliance with and changes in environmental compliance requirements and remediation requirements could result in substantially increased capital requirements and operating costs; violations of environmental requirements could result in costs that have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Existing environmental laws or regulations, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, and future laws and regulations, may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations is a significant factor in our business. We are subject to local, state, federal and international environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other matters, waste disposal, air emissions, waste and storm water effluent and disposal and employee health. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties and may seek injunctive relief impacting continuing operations for non-compliance with environmental requirements.
New facilities that we may build, especially steel mills, are required to obtain several environmental permits before significant construction or commencement of operations. Delays in obtaining permits or unanticipated conditions in such permits could delay the project or increase construction costs or operating expenses. Our manufacturing and recycling operations produce significant amounts of by-products, some of which are handled as industrial waste or hazardous waste. For example, our EAF
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mills generate electric arc furnace dust ("EAF dust"), which the EPA and other regulatory authorities classify as hazardous waste. EAF dust and other industrial waste and hazardous waste require special handling, recycling or disposal.
In addition, the primary feed materials for the shredders operated by our recycling facilities are automobile hulks and obsolete household appliances. Approximately 20% of the weight of an automobile hull consists of unrecyclable material known as shredder fluff. After the segregation of ferrous and saleable nonferrous metals, shredder fluff remains. We, along with others in the recycling industry, interpret federal regulations to require shredder fluff to meet certain criteria and pass a toxic leaching test to avoid classification as a hazardous waste. We also endeavor to remove hazardous contaminants from the feed material prior to shredding. As a result, we believe the shredder fluff we generate is not normally considered or properly classified as hazardous waste. If the laws, regulations or testing methods change with regard to EAF dust or shredder fluff or other by-products, we may incur additional significant costs.
Changes to National Ambient Air Quality Standards ("NAAQS") or other requirements on our air emissions could make it more difficult to obtain new permits or to modify existing permits and could require changes to our operations or emissions control equipment. Such difficulties and changes could result in operational delays and capital and ongoing compliance expenditures.
Legal requirements are changing frequently and are subject to interpretation. New laws, regulations and changing interpretations by regulatory authorities, together with uncertainty regarding adequate pollution control levels, testing and sampling procedures, new pollution control technology and cost/benefit analysis based on market conditions are all factors that may increase our future expenditures to comply with environmental requirements. Accordingly, we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of future compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations. We cannot predict whether such costs would be able to be passed on to customers through product price increases. Competitors in various regions or countries where environmental regulation is less restrictive, subject to different interpretation or generally not enforced, may enjoy a competitive advantage.
We may also be required to conduct additional cleanup (and pay for associated natural resource damages) at sites where we have already participated in remediation efforts or take remediation action with regard to sites formerly used in connection with our operations. We may be required to pay for a portion or all of the costs of cleanup or remediation at sites we never owned or on which we never operated if we are found to have arranged for treatment or disposal of hazardous substances on the sites. In cases of joint and several liability, we may be obligated to pay a disproportionate share of cleanup costs if other responsible parties are financially insolvent.
We are involved, and may in the future become involved, in various environmental matters that may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against us or liability imposed upon us which we cannot presently estimate or reasonably foresee and which may have a material impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Under CERCLA or similar state statutes, we may have obligations to conduct investigation and remediation activities associated with alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA (or state agencies as applicable) for such activities and to pay for natural resource damages associated with alleged releases. We have been named a PRP at several federal and state Superfund sites because the EPA or an equivalent state agency contends that we and other potentially responsible scrap metal suppliers are liable for the cleanup of those sites as a result of having sold scrap metal to unrelated manufacturers for recycling as a raw material in the manufacture of new products. We are involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which we are contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, our liability. In addition, we have received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites.
We are presently participating in PRP organizations at several sites, which are paying for certain remediation expenses. Although we are unable to estimate precisely the ultimate dollar amount of exposure to loss in connection with various environmental matters or the effect on our consolidated financial position, we make accruals as warranted. In addition, although we do not believe that a reasonably possible range of loss in excess of amounts accrued for pending lawsuits, claims or proceedings would be material to our financial statements, additional developments may occur, and due to inherent uncertainties, including evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent uncertainties of the estimation process, the uncertainties involved in litigation and other factors, the amounts we ultimately are required to pay could vary significantly from the amounts we accrue, and this could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Increased regulation associated with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions could impose significant additional costs on both our steelmaking and metals recycling operations.
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The U.S. government and various governmental agencies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to the potential impact of climate change. International treaties or agreements may also result in increasing regulation of greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions, including the introduction of carbon emissions trading mechanisms. Any such regulation regarding climate change and GHG emissions could impose significant costs on our steelmaking and metals recycling operations and on the operations of our customers and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs in order to comply with current or future laws or regulations and limitations imposed on our operations by virtue of climate change and GHG emissions laws and regulations. The potential costs of "allowances," "offsets" or "credits" that may be part of potential cap-and-trade programs or similar future regulatory measures are still uncertain. Any adopted future climate change and GHG regulations could negatively impact our ability (and that of our customers and suppliers) to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. From a medium and long-term perspective, as a result of these regulatory initiatives, we may see an increase in costs relating to our assets that emit significant amounts of GHGs. These regulatory initiatives will be either voluntary or mandatory and may impact our operations directly or through our suppliers or customers. Until the timing, scope and extent of any future regulation becomes known, we cannot predict the effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition, but such effect could be materially adverse to our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Physical impacts of climate change could have a material adverse effect on our costs and operations.
There has been public discussion that climate change may be associated with rising sea levels as well as extreme weather conditions such as more intense hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes and snow or ice storms. Extreme weather conditions may increase our costs or cause damage to our facilities, and any damage resulting from extreme weather may not be fully insured. Many of our facilities are located near coastal areas or waterways where rising sea levels or flooding could disrupt our operations or adversely impact our facilities. Furthermore, periods of extended inclement weather or associated flooding may inhibit construction activity utilizing our products, delay or hinder shipments of our products to customers or reduce scrap metal inflows to our recycling facilities. Any such events could have a material adverse effect on our costs or results of operations.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMPANY
Our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and stock price may be adversely affected by global public health epidemics, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and stock price. Other pandemics, epidemics, widespread illness or other health issues that interfere with the ability of our employees, suppliers, customers, financing sources or others to conduct business, or negatively affects consumer confidence or the global economy, could also adversely affect us.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared COVID-19 a national emergency. COVID-19 has resulted in various government actions globally, including governmental actions in both the U.S. and Poland designed to slow the spread of the virus. Shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders were implemented in many of the jurisdictions where we operate. However, because we operate in a critical infrastructure industry, our operations were allowed to remain open in the U.S. Our facilities in Poland have also remained open. In spite of our continued operations, COVID-19 may have negative impacts on our operations, supply chain, transportation networks and customers, which may compress our margins, including as a result of preventative and precautionary measures that we, other businesses and governments are taking. COVID-19 is a widespread public health crisis that is adversely affecting financial markets and the economies of many countries. Any resulting economic downturn could adversely affect demand for our products and contribute to volatile supply and demand conditions affecting prices and volumes in the markets for our products and raw materials. The progression of COVID-19 could also negatively impact our business or results of operations through the temporary closure of our operating facilities or those of our customers or suppliers.
In addition, the ability of our suppliers and customers to work may be significantly impacted by individuals contracting or being exposed to COVID-19 or as a result of the control measures noted above, which may negatively impact our production throughout the supply chain and constrict sales channels. Our customers may be directly impacted by business interruptions or weak market conditions and may not be willing or able to fulfill their contractual obligations. Furthermore, the progression of and global response to COVID-19 increases the risk of delays in construction activities and equipment deliveries related to our capital projects, including potential delays in obtaining permits from government agencies. The extent of such delays and other effects of COVID-19 on our capital projects, certain of which are outside of our control, is unknown, but they could impact or delay the timing of anticipated benefits on capital projects. COVID-19 has also caused volatility in the financial and capital
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markets and may adversely affect our ability to access, and the costs associated with accessing, the debt or equity capital markets, which could adversely affect our liquidity.
The extent to which COVID-19 may adversely impact our business depends on future developments, which are highly uncertain and unpredictable, including new information concerning the severity of the pandemic and the effectiveness of actions globally to contain or mitigate its effects. While we expect COVID-19 to negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position, the current level of uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 and the actions to contain the outbreak or treat its impact means the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
Potential limitations on our ability to access credit, or the ability of our customers and suppliers to access credit, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If our access to credit is limited or impaired, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted. Our senior unsecured debt is rated by Standard & Poor's Corporation, Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Group, Inc. In determining our credit ratings, the rating agencies consider a number of both quantitative and qualitative factors. These factors include earnings (loss), fixed charges such as interest, cash flows, total debt outstanding, off-balance sheet obligations and other commitments, total capitalization and various ratios calculated from these factors. The rating agencies also consider predictability of cash flows, business strategy and diversity, industry conditions and contingencies. Any downgrades in our credit ratings may make raising capital more difficult, increase the cost and affect the terms of future borrowings, affect the terms under which we purchase goods and services and limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities. We could also be adversely affected if our banks refused to honor their contractual commitments or cease lending.
We are also exposed to risks associated with the creditworthiness of our customers and suppliers. In certain markets, we have experienced a consolidation among those entities to whom we sell. This consolidation has resulted in an increased credit risk spread among fewer customers, often without a corresponding strengthening of their financial status. If the availability of credit to fund or support the continuation and expansion of our customers' business operations is curtailed or if the cost of that credit is increased, the resulting inability of our customers or of their customers to either access credit or absorb the increased cost of that credit could adversely affect our business by reducing our sales or by increasing our exposure to losses from uncollectible customer accounts. The consequences of such adverse effects could include the interruption of production at the facilities of our customers, the reduction, delay or cancellation of customer orders, delays or interruptions of the supply of raw materials we purchase and bankruptcy of customers, suppliers or other creditors. Any of these events may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The potential impact of our customers' non-compliance with existing commercial contracts and commitments, due to insolvency or for any other reason, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
From time to time in the past, some of our customers have sought to renegotiate or cancel their existing purchase commitments with us. In addition, some of our customers have breached previously agreed upon contracts to buy our products by refusing delivery of the products.
Where appropriate, we have and will in the future pursue litigation to recover our damages resulting from customer contract defaults and bankruptcy filings. We use credit assessments in the U.S. and credit insurance in Poland to mitigate the risk of customer insolvency. However, a large number of our customers defaulting on existing contractual obligations to purchase our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The agreements governing our notes and our other debt contain financial covenants and impose restrictions on our business.
The indenture governing our 4.875% senior notes due 2023, our 5.750% senior notes due 2026, and our 5.375% senior notes due 2027 contains restrictions on our ability to create liens, sell assets, enter into sale and leaseback transactions and consolidate or merge. In addition to these restrictions, our credit facility contains covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things, enter into transactions with affiliates and guarantee the debt of some of our subsidiaries. Our credit facility also requires that we meet certain financial tests and maintain certain financial ratios, including maximum debt to capitalization and interest coverage ratios.
Other agreements that we may enter into in the future may contain covenants imposing significant restrictions on our business that are similar to, or in addition to, the covenants under our existing agreements. These restrictions may affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise.
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Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. The breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the indenture governing our notes or under our other debt agreements. An event of default under our debt agreements would permit our lenders to declare all amounts borrowed from them to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. If we were unable to repay debt to our secured lenders or if we incur secured debt in the future, these lenders could proceed against the collateral securing that debt. In addition, acceleration of our other indebtedness may cause us to be unable to make interest payments on our notes.
We may not be able to successfully identify, consummate or integrate acquisitions, and acquisitions may adversely affect our financial leverage.
Part of our business strategy includes pursuing synergistic acquisitions. We have expanded, and plan to continue to expand, our business by making strategic acquisitions and regularly seeking suitable acquisition targets to enhance our growth. We may fund such acquisitions using cash on hand, drawing under our credit facility or accessing the capital markets. To the extent we finance such acquisitions with additional debt, the incurrence of such debt may result in a significant increase in our interest expense and financial leverage, which could be further exacerbated by volatility in the debt capital markets. Further, an increase in our leverage could lead to deterioration in our credit ratings.
The pursuit of acquisitions may pose certain risks to us. We may not be able to identify acquisition candidates that fit our criteria for growth and profitability. Even if we are able to identify such candidates, we may not be able to acquire them on terms or financing satisfactory to us. We will incur expenses and dedicate attention and resources associated with the review of acquisition opportunities, whether or not we consummate such acquisitions.
Additionally, even if we are able to acquire suitable targets on agreeable terms, we may not be able to successfully integrate their operations with ours. Achieving the anticipated benefits of any acquisition will depend in significant part upon whether we integrate such acquired businesses in an efficient and effective manner. We may not be able to achieve the anticipated operating and cost synergies or long-term strategic benefits of our acquisitions within the anticipated timing or at all. For example, elimination of duplicative costs may not be fully achieved or may take longer than anticipated. The benefits from any acquisition will be offset by the costs incurred in integrating the businesses and operations. We may also assume liabilities in connection with acquisitions to which we would not otherwise be exposed. An inability to realize any or all of the anticipated synergies or other benefits of an acquisition as well as any delays that may be encountered in the integration process, which may delay the timing of such synergies or other benefits, could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
New and clarifying guidance with regard to interpretation of certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law Public Law No. 115-97, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"), following its passage by the United States Congress, which significantly changed the U.S. corporate income tax system. The TCJA requires complex computations to be performed, which require significant judgments, estimates and calculations to be made in interpreting its provisions. The U.S. Department of Treasury continues to release new and clarifying guidance on certain provisions of the TCJA, which the Company evaluates during the period of enactment. This new guidance could require us to make adjustments to amounts we have previously recorded, which may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Goodwill impairment charges in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We review the recoverability of goodwill annually, as of the first day of our fourth quarter, and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may not be recoverable.
The impairment tests require us to make an estimate of the fair value of our reporting units. An impairment could be recorded as a result of changes in assumptions, estimates or circumstances, some of which are beyond our control. Factors which could result in an impairment include, but are not limited to: (i) reduced demand for our products; (ii) our cost of capital; (iii) higher material prices; (iv) slower growth rates in our industry; and (v) changes in the market based discount rates. Since a number of factors may influence determinations of fair value of goodwill, we are unable to predict whether impairments of goodwill will occur in the future, and there can be no assurance that continued conditions will not result in future impairments of goodwill. The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment could include matters such as (i) a decrease in expected net
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earnings; (ii) adverse equity market conditions; (iii) a decline in current market multiples; (iv) a decline in our common stock price; (v) a significant adverse change in legal factors or the general business climate; (vi) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; (vii) a significant downturn in non-residential construction markets in the U.S.; and (viii) levels of imported steel into the U.S. Any such impairment would result in us recognizing a non-cash charge in our consolidated statements of earnings, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Impairment of long-lived assets in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have a significant amount of property, plant and equipment, finite-lived intangible assets and right of use assets that may be subject to impairment testing. Long-lived assets are subject to an impairment assessment when certain triggering events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may be impaired. If the net carrying value of the asset or group of assets exceeds our estimate of future undiscounted cash flows of the operations related to the asset, the excess of the net book value over estimated fair value is charged to impairment loss in the consolidated statements of earnings. The primary factors that affect estimates of future cash flows for these long-lived asset groups are (i) management's raw material price outlook; (ii) market demand; (iii) working capital changes; (iv) capital expenditures; and (v) selling, general and administrative expenses. There can be no assurance that continued market conditions, demand for our products, or facility utilization levels or other factors will not result in future impairment charges.
Increases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
An increase in the value of the U.S. dollar may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, and in particular, the increased strength of the U.S. dollar as compared to China's renminbi or the euro could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. A strong U.S. dollar makes imported metal products less expensive, resulting in more imports of steel products into the U.S. by our foreign competitors, while a weak U.S. dollar may have the opposite impact on imports. With the exception of exports of nonferrous scrap metal by the recycling facilities in our North America segment, we have not recently been a significant exporter of metal products. Economic difficulties in some large steel-producing regions of the world, resulting in lower local demand for steel products, have historically encouraged greater steel exports to the U.S. at depressed prices which can be exacerbated by a strong U.S. dollar. As a result, our products that are made in the U.S. may become relatively more expensive as compared to imported steel, which has had, and in the future could have, a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
There can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares of our common stock at all or in any particular amounts.
During the first quarter of 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to $100.0 million of shares of our common stock. The stock markets in general have experienced substantial price and trading fluctuations, which have resulted in volatility in the market prices of securities that often are unrelated or disproportionate to changes in operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. Price volatility over a given period may also cause the average price at which we repurchase our own common stock to exceed the stock's price at a given point in time. In addition, significant changes in the trading price of our common stock and our ability to access capital on terms favorable to us could impact our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company's management based on its evaluation of market conditions, capital allocation alternatives and other factors beyond our control. Our share repurchase program may be modified, suspended, extended or terminated by the Company at any time and without notice.
Operating internationally carries risks and uncertainties which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have significant facilities in Poland. Our Polish operations generated approximately 13% of our 2020 net sales. Our stability, growth and profitability are subject to a number of risks inherent in doing business internationally in addition to the currency exchange risk and operating risks discussed above, including:
•political, military, terrorist or major pandemic events;
•local labor and social issues;
•legal and regulatory requirements or limitations imposed by foreign governments (particularly those with significant steel consumption or steel-related production including China, Brazil, Russia and India), including quotas, tariffs or other
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protectionist trade barriers, adverse tax law changes, nationalization or currency restrictions;
•disruptions or delays in shipments caused by customs compliance or government agencies; and
•potential difficulties in staffing and managing local operations.
These factors may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Scrap and other supplies for our business are subject to significant price fluctuations and limited availability, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
At any given time, we may be unable to obtain an adequate supply of critical raw materials at a price and other terms acceptable to us. We depend on ferrous scrap, the primary raw material used by our steel mills, and other supplies such as graphite electrodes and ferroalloys for our steel mill operations. The price of scrap and other supplies has historically been subject to significant fluctuation, and we may not be able to adjust our product prices to recover the costs of rapid increases in material prices, especially over the short-term and in our fixed price contracts. The profitability of our operations would be adversely affected if we are unable to pass increased raw material and supply costs on to our customers. Changing processes could potentially impact the volume of scrap metal available to us and the volume and realized margins of processed metal we sell.
The purchase prices for automobile bodies and various other grades of obsolete and industrial scrap, as well as the selling prices for processed and recycled scrap metals we utilize in our own manufacturing process or resell to others, are highly volatile. A prolonged period of low scrap prices or a fall in scrap prices could reduce our ability to obtain, process and sell recycled material, which could have a material adverse effect on our metals recycling operations business, results of operations and financial condition. Our ability to respond to changing recycled metal selling prices may be limited by competitive or other factors during periods of low scrap prices, when the supply of scrap may decline considerably, as scrap generators hold onto their scrap in the hope of getting higher prices later. Conversely, increased foreign demand for scrap due to economic expansion in countries such as China, India, Brazil and Turkey can result in an outflow of available domestic scrap as well as higher scrap prices that cannot always be passed on to domestic scrap consumers, further reducing the available domestic scrap flows and scrap margins, all of which could adversely affect our sales and profitability.
The availability and process of raw materials may also be negatively affected by new laws and regulations, allocations by suppliers, interruptions in production, accidents or natural disasters, changes in exchange rates, global price fluctuations, and the availability and cost of transportation. If we were unable to obtain adequate and timely deliveries of our required raw materials, we may be unable to timely manufacture significant quantities of our products.
We rely on the availability of large amounts of electricity and natural gas. Disruptions in delivery or substantial increases in energy costs, including crude oil prices, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our EAF mills melt steel scrap in electric arc furnaces and use natural gas to heat steel billets for rolling into finished steel products. As large consumers of electricity and gas, often the largest in the geographic area where our mills are located, we must have dependable delivery of electricity and natural gas in order to operate. Accordingly, we are at risk in the event of an energy disruption. Prolonged black-outs or brown-outs or disruptions caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes would substantially disrupt our production. While we have not suffered prolonged production delays due to our inability to access electricity or natural gas, several of our competitors have experienced such occurrences. Prolonged substantial increases in energy costs would have an adverse effect on the costs of operating our mills and would negatively impact our gross margins unless we were able to fully pass through the additional expense to our customers. Our finished steel products are typically delivered by truck. Rapid increases in the price of fuel attributable to increases in crude oil prices would increase our costs and adversely affect many of our customers' financial results, which in turn could result in reduced margins and declining demand for our products.
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The loss of, or inability to hire, key employees may adversely affect our ability to successfully manage our operations and meet our strategic objectives.
Our future success depends, in large part, on the continued service of our officers and other key employees and our ability to continue to attract and retain additional highly qualified personnel. These employees are integral to our success based on their expertise and knowledge of our business and products. We compete for such personnel with other companies, including public and private company competitors who may periodically offer more favorable terms of employment. The loss or interruption of the services of a number of our key employees could reduce our ability to effectively manage our operations due to the fact that we may not be able to find appropriate replacement personnel in a timely manner should the need arise.
We may have difficulty competing with companies that have a lower cost structure or access to greater financial resources.
We compete with regional, national and foreign manufacturers and traders. Consolidation among participants in the steel manufacturing and recycling industries has resulted in fewer competitors, and several of our competitors are significantly larger than us and have greater financial resources and more diverse businesses than us. Some of our foreign competitors may be able to pursue business opportunities without regard to certain of the laws and regulations with which we must comply, such as environmental regulations. These companies may have a lower cost structure and more operating flexibility, and consequently they may be able to offer better prices and more services than we can. There is no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully with these companies. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Information technology interruptions and breaches in data security could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We rely on computers, information and communications technology and related systems and networks in order to operate our business, including to store sensitive data such as intellectual property, our own proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners and personally identifiable information of our employees. Increased global information technology security requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and a rise in sophisticated and targeted computer crime pose a risk to the security of our systems, networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. Our systems and networks are also subject to damage or interruption from power outages, telecommunications failures, employee error and other similar events. Any of these or other events could result in system interruption, the disclosure, modification or destruction of proprietary and other key information, legal claims or proceedings, production delays or disruptions to operations including processing transactions and reporting financial results and could adversely impact our reputation and our operating results. We have taken steps to address these concerns and have implemented internal control and security measures to protect our systems and networks from security breaches; however, there can be no assurance that a system or network failure, or security breach, will not impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our mills require continual capital investments that we may not be able to sustain.
We must make regular substantial capital investments in our steel mills to maintain the mills, lower production costs and remain competitive. We cannot be certain that we will have sufficient internally generated cash or acceptable external financing to make necessary substantial capital expenditures in the future. The availability of external financing depends on many factors outside of our control, including capital market conditions and the overall performance of the economy. If funding is insufficient, we may be unable to develop or enhance our mills, take advantage of business opportunities and respond to competitive pressures.
Unexpected equipment failures may lead to production curtailments or shutdowns, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Interruptions in our production capabilities would adversely affect our production costs, steel available for sale and earnings for the affected period. Our manufacturing processes are dependent upon critical pieces of steel-making equipment, such as our furnaces, continuous casters and rolling equipment, as well as electrical equipment, such as transformers. This equipment may, on occasion, be out of service as a result of unanticipated failures. We have experienced, and may in the future experience, material plant shutdowns or periods of reduced production as a result of such equipment failures. In addition to equipment failures, our facilities are also subject to the risk of catastrophic loss due to unanticipated events such as fires, explosions or violent weather conditions.
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Competition from other materials may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In many applications, steel competes with other materials, such as aluminum and plastics (particularly in the automobile industry), cement, composites, glass and wood. Increased use of or additional substitutes for steel products could adversely affect future market prices and demand for steel products.
Hedging transactions may expose us to losses or limit our potential gains.
Our product lines and global operations expose us to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. As part of our risk management program, we sometimes use financial instruments, including metals commodity futures, natural gas, electricity and other energy forward contracts, freight forward contracts, foreign currency exchange forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts. While intended to reduce the effects of fluctuations in these prices and rates, these transactions may limit our potential gains or expose us to losses. If our counterparties to such transactions or the sponsors of the exchanges through which these transactions are offered, such as the London Metal Exchange, fail to honor their obligations due to financial distress, we would be exposed to potential losses or the inability to recover anticipated gains from these transactions.
We enter into the foreign currency exchange forward contracts as economic hedges of trade commitments or anticipated commitments denominated in currencies other than the functional currency to mitigate the effects of changes in currency rates. These foreign exchange commitments are dependent on timely performance by our counterparties. Their failure to perform could result in our having to close these hedges without the anticipated underlying transaction and could result in losses if foreign currency exchange rates have changed.
We are subject to litigation and legal compliance risks which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are involved in various litigation matters, including regulatory proceedings, administrative proceedings, governmental investigations, environmental matters and construction contract disputes. The nature of our operations also exposes us to possible litigation claims in the future. Because of the uncertain nature of litigation and coverage decisions, we cannot predict the outcome of these matters. These matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Litigation is very costly, and the costs associated with prosecuting and defending litigation matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Although we are unable to estimate precisely the ultimate dollar amount of exposure to loss in connection with litigation matters, we make accruals as warranted. However, the amounts that we accrue could vary significantly from the amounts we actually pay, due to inherent uncertainties, including the inherent uncertainties of the estimation process, the uncertainties involved in litigation and other factors. See Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings" of this Annual Report, for a description of our current significant legal proceedings.
As noted above, existing laws or regulations, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, and future laws and regulations, may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. See the risk factor "Compliance with and changes in environmental compliance requirements and remediation requirements could result in substantially increased capital requirements and operating costs; violations of environmental requirements could result in costs that have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition" above for a description of such risks relating to environmental laws and regulations. In addition to such environmental laws and regulations, complex foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to our international operations, including without limitation the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws in other countries, which generally prohibit companies and those acting on their behalf from making improper payments to foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, regulations related to import-export controls, the Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions program and antiboycott provisions, may increase our cost of doing business in international jurisdictions and expose us and our employees to elevated risk. While we believe that we have adopted appropriate risk management and compliance programs, the nature of our operations means that legal and compliance risks will continue to exist. A negative outcome in an unusual or significant legal proceeding or compliance investigation could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our operations present significant risk of injury or death.
The industrial activities conducted at our facilities present significant risk of serious injury or death to our employees, customers or other visitors to our operations, notwithstanding our safety precautions, including our material compliance with federal, state and local employee health and safety regulations, and we may be unable to avoid material liabilities for injuries or
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deaths. We maintain workers' compensation insurance to address the risk of incurring material liabilities for injuries or deaths, but there can be no assurance that the insurance coverage will be adequate or will continue to be available on the terms acceptable to us, or at all, which could result in material liabilities to us for any injuries or deaths.
Health care legislation could result in substantially increased costs and adversely affect our workforce.
The health care mandates enacted in connection with the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may cause us to evaluate the scope of health benefits offered to our workforce and the method in which they are delivered, and increase our and our employees' costs. If we are not able to offer a competitive level of benefits, our ability to hire and retain qualified personnel may be adversely affected. Higher health care costs may result in (i) an inability to reinvest sufficient capital in our operations, (ii) an inability to sustain dividends, (iii) lowered debt ratings and (iv) an increase in the cost of capital, all of which may have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The following table describes our principal properties as of August 31, 2020. These properties are either owned by us and not subject to any significant encumbrances, or are leased by us. We consider all properties to be appropriately utilized, suitable and adequate to meet the requirements of our present and foreseeable future operations. Refer to Part I, Item 1, "Business", included in this Annual Report for a discussion of the nature of our operations.
North America
Steel mills 5.4
Mini mill Knoxville, Tennessee 72 — 460,000
Mini mill Sayreville, New Jersey 116 — 340,000
Rerolling mill Magnolia, Arkansas 123 — 280,000
Rerolling mill Rancho Cucamonga, California 80 — 260,000
Europe
Recycling facilities Twelve locations in Poland 108 5 190,000 0.6
Fabrication operations Five locations in Poland 24 1 260,000 0.3
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(1) Consists of 41 recycling facilities, with 18 locations in Texas, seven locations in South Carolina, four locations in Florida, two locations in each of Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, and North Carolina, and one location in each of Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The individual recycling facilities associated with the North America segment are not individually material.
(2) Consists of 62 fabrication operations, with 12 locations in Texas, six locations in California, five locations in Florida, four locations in Georgia, three locations in each of Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, two locations in each of Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia, and one location in each of Alabama, Hawaii, Kentucky, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, and Washington. The individual fabrication operations associated with the North America segment are not individually material.
(3) Refer to Part I, Item 1, Business, included in this Annual Report for a discussion of the calculation of capacity for our steel mills.
We lease the 105,916 square foot office space occupied by our corporate headquarters in Irving, Texas.
We lease certain facilities as described above. These leases expire on various dates over the next six years, with the exception of the leased facilities in our Europe segment. Several of the leases have renewal options. We have generally been able to renew leases prior to their expiration. We estimate our minimum annual rental obligation for our real estate operating leases in effect at August 31, 2020, to be paid during 2021, to be approximately $12.1 million.
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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is a defendant in lawsuits associated with the normal conduct of its businesses and operations. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the pending actions, and as with any litigation, it is possible that these actions could be decided unfavorably to the Company. We believe that there are meritorious defenses to these actions and that these actions will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and where appropriate, these actions are being vigorously contested.
We are the subject of civil actions, or have received notices from the EPA or state agencies with similar responsibility, that we and numerous other parties are considered a PRP and may be obligated under CERCLA, or similar state statutes, to pay for the cost of remedial investigation, feasibility studies and ultimately remediation to correct alleged releases of hazardous substances at eleven locations. The actions and notices refer to the following locations, none of which involve real estate we ever owned or upon which we ever conducted operations: the Sapp Battery Site in Cottondale, Florida, the Interstate Lead Company Site in Leeds, Alabama, the Ross Metals Site in Rossville, Tennessee, the Li Tungsten Site in Glen Cove, New York, the Peak Oil Site in Tampa, Florida, the R&H Oil Site in San Antonio, Texas, the SoGreen/Parramore Site in Tifton, Georgia, the Jensen Drive site in Houston, Texas, the Industrial Salvage site in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Chemetco site in Hartford, Illinois and the Ward Transformer site in Raleigh, North Carolina. We may contest our designation as a PRP with regard to certain sites, while at other sites we are participating with other named PRPs in agreements or negotiations that have resulted or that we expect will result in agreements to remediate the sites. During 2010, we acquired a 70% interest in the real property at Jensen Drive as part of the remediation of that site. We have periodically received information requests from government environmental agencies with regard to other sites that are apparently under consideration for designation as listed sites under CERCLA or similar state statutes. Often we do not receive any further communication with regard to these sites, and as of the date of this Annual Report, we do not know if any of these inquiries will ultimately result in a demand for payment from us.
The EPA notified us and other alleged PRPs that under Section 106 of CERCLA, we and the other PRPs could be subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 per day and the imposition of treble damages if we and the other PRPs refuse to clean up the Peak Oil, Sapp Battery and SoGreen/Parramore sites as ordered by the EPA. We are presently participating in PRP organizations at these sites, which are paying for certain site remediation expenses. We do not believe that the EPA will pursue any fines against us if we continue to participate in the PRP groups or if we have adequate defenses to the EPA's imposition of fines against us in these matters.
We believe that adequate provisions have been made in the financial statements for the potential impact of any loss in connection with the above-described legal proceedings and environmental matters. Management believes that the outcome of the proceedings mentioned, and other miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
MARKET, STOCKHOLDERS AND DIVIDENDS
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CMC. The number of stockholders of record of CMC common stock at October 14, 2020 was 2500.
We have paid quarterly cash dividends for 224 consecutive quarters. We paid quarterly dividends in 2020 and 2019 at the rate of $0.12 per share of CMC common stock. While the Company’s Board of Directors currently intends to continue regular quarterly cash dividend payments, the Board of Directors’ determination with respect to any future dividends will depend upon our profitability and financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant at the time of such determination. Based on its evaluation of these factors, the Board of Directors may determine not to declare a dividend, or declare dividends at rates that are less than currently anticipated.
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STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph below compares the Company's cumulative 5-Year total shareholder return on common stock with the cumulative total returns of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500") and the Standard & Poor's Steel Industry Group Index (the "S&P Steel"). The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each index (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from August 31, 2015 to August 31, 2020.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
There were no purchases of equity securities registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter or year ended August 31, 2020.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data derived from our audited financial statements for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2020. The data presented below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" set forth in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report and the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Year Ended August 31,
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations 2.34 1.69 1.16 0.43 0.54
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 2.31 1.67 1.14 0.43 0.53
__________________________________
* Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations. For additional information on discontinued operations, see Note 3, Changes in Business, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
** 2019 results include 10 months of the Acquired Businesses' results and assets acquired as part of the Acquisition.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes contained in this Annual Report.
OVERVIEW
As a vertically integrated organization, we manufacture, recycle and fabricate steel and metal products, related materials and services through a network including seven EAF mini mills, two EAF micro mills, two rerolling mills, steel fabrication and processing plants, construction-related product warehouses and metal recycling facilities in the U.S. and Poland. Our operations are conducted through two reportable segments: North America and Europe. See Part I, Item 1, "Business", for further information regarding our business and reportable segments.
When considering our results for the period, we evaluate our operating performance by comparing our net sales, in the aggregate and for both of our segments, in the current period to net sales in the corresponding period in the prior year. In doing so, we focus on changes in average selling price per ton and tons shipped for each of our product categories as these are the two variables that typically have the greatest impact on our results of operations. We group our products into three categories: raw materials, steel products and downstream products. Raw materials include ferrous and nonferrous scrap, steel products include rebar, merchant and other steel products, such as billets and wire rod, and downstream products include fabricated rebar and steel fence post.
We use adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations to compare and evaluate the financial performance of our segments. Adjusted EBITDA is the sum of the Company's earnings from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense and impairment expense. Although there are many factors that can impact a segment’s adjusted EBITDA and, therefore, our overall earnings, changes in metal margin of our steel products and downstream products period-over-period is a consistent area of focus for our Company and industry. Metal margin is an important 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 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 due to competitive pressures on prices. The metal margin for our downstream products is the difference between the average selling price per ton of fabricated rebar and steel fence post products and the cost of material utilized by our fabrication facilities to produce these products. The majority of our 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.
Impact of COVID-19
In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency. COVID-19 resulted in various government actions globally, including governmental actions in both the U.S. and Poland designed to slow the spread of the virus. Shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders ("COVID-19 restrictions") were implemented in many of the jurisdictions where we operated in 2020. However, because we operate in a critical infrastructure industry, our facilities were allowed to remain open in the U.S in 2020. Our facilities in Poland also remained open. Accordingly, COVID-19 had limited impact on our operations. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the broader economy, average selling prices per ton and volumes decreased for certain product categories in 2020 compared to 2019. However, net sales and volumes in the second half of 2020 were relatively consistent with, or higher than, net sales and volumes in the first half of 2020. While we implemented new procedures to support the safety of our employees, the costs were not material.
While COVID-19 may negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position in the future, the current level of uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 and the actions to contain the outbreak or treat its impact means the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SUMMARY
The following discussion of our results of operations is based on our continuing operations and excludes any results of our discontinued operations.
Year Ended August 31,
2020 Compared to 2019
Net sales for 2020 decreased $0.4 billion, or 6%, compared to 2019. Net sales in our North America segment decreased in 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to a year-over-year decrease in raw material shipments and a year-over-year decline in steel products average selling prices. This decrease was partially offset by two additional months of shipments from the Acquired Businesses in 2020 compared to 2019. Net sales in our Europe segment also decreased due to a decline in steel products average selling prices in 2020 compared to 2019.
Earnings from continuing operations for 2020 increased by $79.5 million, or 40%, compared to 2019. Earnings increased in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to a year-over-year increase in downstream products metal margin in our North America segment. This increase was partially offset by a year-over-year decrease in steel products metal margin in our Europe segment.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2020 increased $41.3 million compared to 2019. The year-over-year increase was driven primarily by a $49.2 million year-over-year increase in employee-related expenses due, in part, to two additional months of employee-related expenses related to the Acquired Businesses, and a $32.1 million charge recorded in 2020 due to a working capital adjustment related to the Acquisition, which was recorded subsequent to the end of the allowable one-year measurement period. This increase was partially offset by a $23.3 million year-over-year decrease in professional fees and legal expenses, primarily related to the Acquisition, a $5.3 million year-over-year decrease in lease expense as we have closed certain facilities in 2020 as part of the integration of the Acquired Businesses, as described in Note 3, Changes in Business, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, and a $3.2 million year-over-year decrease in travel-related expenses primarily due to COVID-19 restrictions which limited travel in 2020.
Interest Expense
Interest expense in 2020 decreased $9.5 million compared to 2019. The year-over-year decrease was the result of a reduction in interest on long-term debt primarily due to total prepayments of $210.1 million in 2020 on the Term Loan (as defined in Note 10, Credit Arrangements, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report).
Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate for 2020 was 24.9% compared to 26.0% for 2019. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to tax expense recorded during 2019 as a result of the TCJA which did not recur during 2020. See Note 14, Income Tax, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for further discussion of our effective tax rate.
2019 Compared to 2018
Net sales for 2019 increased $1.2 billion, or 26%, compared to 2018 due to the successful execution of our growth strategy and strength in our core markets. The Acquisition, which was completed in the first quarter of 2019, contributed net sales of $1.4 billion in 2019. See Note 3, Changes in Business, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for further information related to the Acquisition. Net sales in our North America segment increased in 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to increased shipments from the Acquired Businesses and an increase in year-over-year steel products and downstream products average selling prices. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in net sales in our Europe segment as steel products average selling prices and volumes were down in 2019, as compared to 2018.
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Earnings from continuing operations for 2019 increased by $63.5 million, or 47%, compared to 2018. The increase in earnings was primarily due to the Acquired Businesses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2019 increased $61.8 million compared to 2018, due to $51.0 million of costs associated with the Acquisition and with the expenses related to the operation of the Acquired Businesses.
Interest Expense
Interest expense in 2019 increased $30.4 million compared to 2018. The increase was primarily the result of financing activities in connection with the Acquisition, including issuance of the 2026 Notes and a draw under the 2018 Term Loan (both defined in Note 10, Credit Arrangements, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report), which increased interest expense by $19.8 million in 2019 as compared to 2018. Also contributing to the increase was a year-over-year reduction in capitalized interest of $6.9 million in 2019 compared to 2018.
Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate for 2019 was 26.0% compared to 18.2% for 2018. Our effective tax rate for 2019 included non-recurring expense of approximately $7.4 million related to the final measurement of our U.S. federal tax expense associated with repatriation tax provisions of the TCJA.Excluding the impacts of the TCJA, the year-over-year increase was primarily due to certain tax benefits recorded during 2018 which did not recur during 2019. See Note 14, Income Tax, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for further discussion of our effective tax rate.
SEGMENTS
All amounts are computed and presented in a manner that is consistent with the basis in which we internally disaggregate financial information for the purpose of making operating decisions. See Note 21, Business Segments, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for further information on how we evaluate financial performance of our segments.
2020 Compared to 2019
North America
Year Ended August 31,
External tons shipped (in thousands)
Average selling price per ton
Cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton $ 238 $ 284
Steel products metal margin per ton 380 397
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Net sales in 2020 decreased $231.2 million, or 5%, compared to 2019. The net sales decrease for 2020 compared to 2019 was due, in part, to a 433 thousand ton decrease in raw materials shipped due to (i) lower availability of raw materials as a result of the declining price environment, (ii) COVID-19 restrictions, which resulted in the temporary idling of many industrial accounts, such as auto manufacturers and (iii) reduced demand from certain of our customers, many of which produce flat rolled steel. A $63 per ton year-over-year decline in steel products average selling prices also contributed to the net sales decrease. This decrease was partially offset by a 117 thousand ton year-over-year increase in steel products shipped due to two additional months of shipments from the Acquired Businesses, and a $70 per ton year-over-year increase in downstream products average selling prices. Net sales for 2020 and 2019 included amortization benefit of $29.4 million and $74.8 million, respectively, related to the unfavorable contract backlog of the Acquired Businesses.
Adjusted EBITDA in 2020 increased $204.9 million compared to 2019. The year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA was due to significant expansion in downstream products metal margin. As the majority of the downstream products are fixed price, the project backlog reflects a lag between current market prices and average selling prices of material shipped. This is beneficial during a time of economic slowdown as the average selling prices per ton fixed at the beginning of a project are typically higher than current market input costs, resulting in metal margin expansion for downstream products. The expansion in downstream products metal margin in 2020 compared to 2019 was partially offset by the year-over-year decrease in raw material volumes discussed above and a $17 per ton year-over-year decrease in steel products metal margin. Adjusted EBITDA did not include the $29.4 million or $74.8 million benefit of the amortization of the unfavorable contract backlog in 2020 or 2019, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA included non-cash stock compensation expense of $12.4 million and $9.4 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Europe
Year Ended August 31,
External tons shipped (in thousands)
Average selling price per ton
Cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton $ 246 $ 288
Steel products metal margin per ton 202 240
Net sales in 2020 decreased $117.9 million, or 14%, compared to 2019. The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by an $80 per ton decline in steel products average selling price primarily due to continued pricing pressure as a result of high levels of imports. Net sales were also impacted by an unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustment of $25.1 million due to the increase in the average value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Polish zloty in 2020, as compared to 2019.
Adjusted EBITDA in 2020 decreased $38.1 million compared to 2019, primarily driven by a $38 per ton, or 16%, compression in steel products metal margin as the input cost of ferrous scrap utilized has not decreased as much as the average selling price of steel products. This decrease was partially offset by a $10.7 million carbon credit received in the fourth quarter of 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation to adjusted EBITDA for 2020 compared to 2019 was immaterial. Adjusted EBITDA included non-cash stock compensation expense of $2.0 million and $1.2 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Corporate and Other
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Year Ended August 31,
Corporate and Other adjusted EBITDA loss in 2020 increased by $14.3 million compared to 2019. The year-over-year increase was driven by a $32.1 million charge recorded in 2020 due to a working capital adjustment related to the Acquisition, which was recorded subsequent to the end of the allowable one-year measurement period and an $11.7 million increase in employee-related expenses in 2020 compared to 2019. These increases were partially offset by a $25.1 million year-over-year decrease in professional services and legal fees, primarily due to the Acquisition in 2019, coupled with a $2.9 million year-over-year increase in other revenue primarily due to an increase in gains on Benefit Restoration Plan ("BRP") assets year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA included non-cash stock compensation expense of $17.5 million and $14.4 million for 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Discontinued Operations
See Note 3, Changes in Business, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for information regarding discontinued operations.
2019 Compared to 2018
North America
Year Ended August 31,
External tons shipped (in thousands)
Average selling price per ton
Cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton $ 284 $ 303
Steel products metal margin per ton 397 337
Net sales in 2019 increased $1.3 billion, or 34%, compared to 2018. The year-over-year increase in net sales was driven by a 991 thousand and 518 thousand ton increase in steel products and downstream products shipped, respectively, due to shipments by the Acquired Businesses. Year-over-year increases in downstream products and steel products average selling prices of $105 per ton and $41 per ton, respectively, also contributed to the increase in net sales in 2019 compared to 2018, as the Section 232 trade actions implemented in the U.S., aimed at unfairly priced steel imports, favorably impacted the pricing environment in 2019. These increases were partially offset by a 215 thousand ton decrease in raw material shipments, coupled with a decrease in raw materials average selling prices year-over-year. Net sales for 2019 included amortization benefit of $74.8 million related to the unfavorable contract backlog of the Acquired Businesses.
Adjusted EBITDA in 2019 increased $132.3 million compared to 2018. This increase was due, in part, to the Acquired Businesses, which contributed $98.2 million to adjusted EBITDA in 2019. Adjusted EBITDA in 2019 also increased, compared to 2018, due to an 18% expansion in steel products metal margin. Partially offsetting steel products metal margin expansion were increases in conversion costs due to increased electrode prices and repairs and maintenance expenses in 2019 compared to
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2018, as well as increases due to the Acquired Businesses. The increase in adjusted EBITDA was partially offset by downstream products metal margin compression in 2019 compared to 2018, as the implementation of Section 232 trade actions resulted in increased input costs, while the projects included in our downstream products backlog were fixed at lower average selling prices agreed upon when the projects began. Adjusted EBITDA did not include the $74.8 million benefit related to the amortization of the unfavorable contract backlog in 2019. Adjusted EBITDA included$4.2 million of costs related to the closure of certain facilities in 2019 and also included non-cash stock compensation expense of $9.4 million and $8.7 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Europe
Year Ended August 31,
External tons shipped (in thousands)
Average selling price per ton
Cost of ferrous scrap utilized per ton $ 288 $ 314
Steel products metal margin per ton 240 246
Net sales in 2019 decreased $70.0 million, or 8%, compared to 2018. The decrease in net sales was primarily related to an unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate impact of $53.9 million due to the increase in the average value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Polish zloty in 2019, as compared to 2018. Excluding the foreign exchange impact, net sales decreased by approximately 2% on a year-over-year basis due to a high volume of steel imports into the European Union which drove prices down.
Adjusted EBITDA in 2019 decreased $31.6 million compared to 2018, primarily driven by a $6 per ton, or 2%, decrease in steel products metal margin and a $7 per ton, or 4%, increase in conversion costs. Adjusted EBITDA for 2019 included an unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate impact of approximately $6.4 million in 2019, as compared to 2018. Adjusted EBITDA included non-cash stock compensation expense of $1.2 million and $1.4 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Corporate and Other
Year Ended August 31,
Corporate and Other adjusted EBITDA loss in 2019 increased by $28.8 million compared to 2018. The increase in adjusted EBITDA loss in 2019 was driven by a $10.2 million decrease in other revenue primarily as a result of a decrease in gains on BRP assets year-over-year and a $12.2 million increase in acquisition and integration-related costs arising from the Acquisition.
Discontinued Operations
See Note 3, Changes in Business, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for information regarding discontinued operations.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Sources of Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our cash and cash equivalents position remained strong in 2020 with $542.1 million at August 31, 2020 compared to $192.5 million at August 31, 2019. Our cash flows from operations result primarily from sales of steel products and downstream products as described in Part I, Item 1, "Business". Historically, our North America operations have generated the majority of our cash. Our foreign operations generated approximately 13% of our net sales in 2020. At August 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents of $27.4 million were held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. From time to time, we use futures or forward contracts to mitigate the risks from fluctuations in metal commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and natural gas, electricity and other energy commodity prices. See Note 12, Derivatives, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report for further information.
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 receivables (and those covered by export letters of credit) was approximately 13% of total receivables at August 31, 2020.
The table below reflects our sources, facilities and availability of liquidity as of August 31, 2020. See Note 10, Credit Arrangements, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for additional information.
(in thousands) Total Facility Availability
__________________________________
* We believe we have access to additional financing and refinancing, if needed.
COVID-19 has not had a material impact on our operations to date. We anticipate our current cash balances, cash flows from operations and our available sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements, including our scheduled debt repayments, payments for our contractual obligations, capital expenditures, working capital needs, dividends and other prudent uses of our capital, as needed, for the next twelve months. However, as the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, and our operations, evolves, we will continue to assess our liquidity needs. In the event of sustained market deterioration, we may need additional liquidity, which would require us to evaluate available alternatives and take appropriate actions.
Stock Repurchase Program
During the first quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $100.0 million of outstanding common stock. As of August 31, 2020, $27.6 million of our common stock was available to be purchased under this program. We may repurchase shares from time to time for cash in the open market or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing and the amount of repurchases, if any, will be determined by management based on an evaluation of market conditions, capital allocation alternatives and other factors. The share repurchase program does not require us to purchase any dollar amount or number of shares of our common stock and may be modified, suspended, extended or terminated at any time without prior notice. We did not purchase any shares of common stock during 2020, 2019 or 2018.
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2020 Compared to 2019
Operating Activities
With the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-15 effective September 1, 2018, cash receipts related to the collection of the deferred purchase price ("DPP") from our accounts receivable programs in the U.S. and Poland (the "Programs"), previously recorded as cash flows from operating activities, were recorded as cash flows from investing activities in the statement of cash flows. Upon the adoption of ASU 2016-15, coupled with amendments made to the Programs as described in Note 6, Accounts Receivable Programs, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, cash collections related to our outstanding DPP balance at August 31, 2018 were reflected as cash flows from investing activities. As a result of the amendments to the Programs, excluding collections related to the outstanding DPP balance at August 31, 2018, cash collections of trade receivables under the Programs are classified as operating activities, and cash advances, including repayment of such advances, are classified as financing activities.
Net cash flows from operating activities were $791.2 million during 2020 compared to $37.0 million in 2019. Due to the adoption of ASU 2016-15 described above, $367.5 million of cash collections of the Programs were reflected in investing activities in 2019 rather than operating activities. Also contributing to the increase in net cash flows from operating activities in 2020 compared to 2019 was an $81.4 million year-over-year increase in net earnings, a $237.4 million year-over-year increase in cash from operating assets and liabilities ("working capital"), and a $45.4 million year-over-year decrease in amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog. The increase in cash from working capital was primarily due to lower volumes and values of steel inventory and lower selling prices reflected in accounts receivable as of August 31, 2020 compared to 2019. For continuing operations, operating working capital days decreased 4 days year-over-year.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows used by investing activities were $192.9 million and $462.0 million during 2020 and 2019, respectively. Cash used by investing activities during 2020 was lower than the corresponding period primarily due to cash used for the Acquisition in 2019 of $700.9 million, as described in Note 3, Changes in Business, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, partially offset by $367.5 million in cash collections of the Programs in 2019, as described above.
We estimate that our 2021 capital spending will range from $200 million to $225 million. We regularly assess our capital spending based on current and expected results.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used by financing activities were $247.8 million during 2020 compared to $13.2 million during 2019. During 2020, we had net debt repayments of $187.3 million, compared to net borrowings of $45.2 million in the corresponding period which were used to fund the Acquisition. See Note 10, Credit Arrangements, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for additional information regarding long-term debt transactions.
2019 Compared to 2018
Operating Activities
Net cash flows from operating activities increased by $470.9 million during 2019 compared to 2018. Working capital generated $48.7 million net cash inflows in 2019 compared to $89.6 million of net cash outflows in 2018. This was primarily due to $89.7 million of cash inflows related to inventories in 2019, excluding the inventory purchased as part of the Acquisition which is reflected in investing activities, compared to $43.2 million of cash outflows in 2018, due to decreases in the raw materials pricing environment and inventory levels at August 31, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 on September 1, 2018, as described above, also contributed to the increase in net cash flows from operating activities as the beneficial interest in securitized accounts receivable decreased $302.9 million year-over year. For continuing operations, operating working capital days increased one day on a year-over-year basis.
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Investing Activities
Net cash flows used by investing activities increased by $984.0 million during 2019 compared to 2018. The year-over-year increase in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to the $700.9 million cash outflows related to the Acquisition. Also contributing to the net increase in cash flows used by investing activities, the adoption of ASU 2016-15, and subsequent amendment to the Programs, resulted in a $302.9 million decrease in cash inflows related to the cash collections of the DPP from the Programs. These increases in cash flows used by investing activities were partially offset by a $35.8 million decrease in cash outflows related to capital expenditures in 2019 compared to 2018.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used by financing activities increased $272.7 million during 2019 compared to 2018. In 2019, we borrowed $180.0 million of long-term debt to fund the Acquisition and repaid $127.7 million, compared to 2018 when we borrowed $350.0 million in long-term debt and repaid $20.0 million.
Contractual Obligations
The following table represents our contractual obligations as of August 31, 2020:
Payments Due By Period
__________________________________
(1)Total amounts are included in the August 31, 2020 consolidated balance sheet. See Note 10, Credit Arrangements, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for more information regarding scheduled maturities of our long-term debt. These amounts exclude any obligation related to finance leases as those are disclosed separately.
(2)Excludes imputed interest related to operating and finance leases.
(3)Includes maturities of lease liabilities, including imputed interest, for real property and equipment leases in effect as of August 31, 2020. See Note 9, Leases, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report for additional information.
(4)Approximately 28% of these purchase obligations are for inventory items to be sold in the normal course of business. Purchase obligations include all enforceable, legally binding agreements to purchase goods or services that specify all significant terms, regardless of the duration of the agreement. Agreements with variable terms are excluded because we are unable to estimate the minimum amounts. We have not discounted the contractual obligations related to purchase obligations included in the table.
We provide certain eligible employees benefits pursuant to our nonqualified BRP equal to amounts that would have been available under our tax qualified plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), but for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. We did not include estimated payments related to the BRP in the above contractual obligation table. Refer to Note 16, Employees' Retirement Plans, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for more information on the BRP.
Other Commercial Commitments
We maintain stand-by letters of credit to provide support for certain transactions that governmental agencies, our insurance providers and suppliers request. At August 31, 2020, we had committed $27.4 million under these arrangements, of which $3.0 million reduced availability under the Credit Agreement (as defined in Note 10, Credit Arrangements, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report).
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of August 31, 2020 and 2019, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that may have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
CONTINGENCIES
In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we become involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters. We may incur settlements, fines, penalties or judgments because of some of these matters. Liabilities and costs associated with litigation-related loss contingencies require estimates and judgments based on our knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding each matter and the advice of our legal counsel. We record liabilities for litigation-related losses when a loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss. We evaluate the measurement of recorded liabilities each reporting period based on the current facts and circumstances specific to each matter. The ultimate losses incurred upon final resolution of litigation-related loss contingencies may differ materially from the estimated liability recorded at a particular balance sheet date. Changes in estimates are recorded in earnings in the period in which such changes occur. We do not believe that any currently pending legal proceedings to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for more information.
Environmental and Other Matters
The information set forth in Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report is hereby incorporated by reference.
General
We are subject to federal, state and local pollution control laws and regulations in all locations where we have operating facilities. We anticipate that compliance with these laws and regulations will involve continuing capital expenditures and operating costs.
Metals recycling was our original business, and it has been one of our core businesses for over a century. In the present era of conservation of natural resources and ecological concerns, we are committed to sound ecological and business conduct. Certain governmental regulations regarding environmental concerns, however well-intentioned, may expose us and our industry to potentially significant risks. We believe that recycled materials are commodities that are diverted by recyclers, such as us, from the solid waste streams because of their inherent value. Commodities are materials that are purchased and sold in public and private markets and commodities exchanges every day around the world. They are identified, purchased, sorted, processed and sold in accordance with carefully established industry specifications.
Solid and Hazardous Waste
We currently own or lease, and in the past we have owned or leased, properties that have been used in our operations. Although we have used operating and disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, wastes may have been disposed of or released on or under the properties or on or under locations where such wastes have been taken for disposal. We are currently involved in the investigation and remediation of several such properties. State and federal laws applicable to wastes and contaminated properties have gradually become more strict over time. Under new laws, we could be required to remediate properties impacted by previously disposed wastes. We have been named as a PRP at a number of contaminated sites, none of which involve real estate we ever owned or upon which we have ever conducted operations. There is no guarantee that the EPA or individual states will not adopt more stringent requirements for the handling of, or make changes to the exemptions upon which we rely for, the wastes that we generate. Any such change could result in an increase in our costs to manage and dispose of waste which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of our operations and financial condition.
We generate wastes, including hazardous wastes, that are subject to the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and comparable state and local statutes where we operate. These statutes, regulations and laws may limit our disposal options with respect to certain wastes.
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Superfund
The EPA, or an equivalent state agency, has notified us that we are considered a PRP at several sites, none of which involve real estate we ever owned or upon which we have ever conducted operations. We may be obligated under CERCLA, or similar state statutes, to conduct remedial investigation, feasibility studies, remediation and/or removal of alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA for such activities and pay costs for associated damages to natural resources. We are involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which we are contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, our liability. In addition, we have received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites. Because of various factors, including the ambiguity of the regulations, the difficulty of identifying the responsible parties for any particular site, the complexity of determining the relative liability among them, the uncertainty as to the most desirable remediation techniques and the amount of damages and cleanup costs and the extended time periods over which such costs may be incurred, we cannot reasonably estimate our ultimate costs of compliance with CERCLA. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, we had $0.7 million accrued as of August 31, 2020 and 2019 in connection with CERCLA sites. We have accrued for these liabilities based upon our best estimates. The amounts paid and the expenses incurred on these sites for 2020, 2019 and 2018 were not material. Historically, the amounts that we have ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material.
Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act ("CWA") imposes restrictions and strict controls regarding the discharge of wastes into waters of the U.S., a term broadly defined, or into publicly owned treatment works. These controls have become more stringent over time, and it is probable that additional restrictions will be imposed in the future. Permits must generally be obtained to discharge pollutants into federal waters or into publicly owned treatment works and comparable permits may be required at the state level. The CWA and many state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants. In addition, the EPA's regulations and comparable state statutes may require us to obtain permits to discharge storm water runoff. In the event of an unauthorized discharge or non-compliance with permit requirements, we may be liable for penalties, costs and injunctive relief.
Clean Air Act
Our operations are subject to regulations at the federal, state and local level for the control of emissions from sources of air pollution. New and modified sources of air pollutants are often required to obtain permits prior to commencing construction, modification or operations. Major sources of air pollutants are subject to more stringent requirements, including the potential need for additional permits and to increase scrutiny in the context of enforcement. The EPA has been implementing its stationary emission control program through expanded enforcement of the New Source Review Program. Under this program, new or modified sources may be required to construct emission sources using what is referred to as the Best Available Control Technology, or in any areas that are not meeting NAAQS, using methods that satisfy requirements for the Lowest Achievable Emission Rate. Additionally, the EPA has implemented, and is continuing to implement, new, more stringent standards for NAAQS, including fine particulate matter. Compliance with new standards could require additional expenditures.
We incurred environmental expenses of $46.6 million, $42.5 million and $32.0 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The expenses included the cost of disposal, environmental personnel at various divisions, permit and license fees, accruals and payments for studies, tests, assessments, remediation, consultant fees, baghouse dust removal and various other expenses. In addition, during 2020, we spent approximately $2.7 million in capital expenditures related to costs directly associated with environmental compliance. Our accrued environmental liabilities were $3.4 million and $3.6 million, of which $2.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, were classified as other long-term liabilities, as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
DIVIDENDS
We have paid quarterly cash dividends for 224 consecutive quarters. We paid quarterly dividends in 2020 and 2019 at the rate of $0.12 per share of CMC common stock.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preceding discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. We evaluate the appropriateness of these estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, income taxes, carrying value of inventory, acquisitions, goodwill, long-lived assets and contingencies, on an ongoing basis. Estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Accordingly, actual results in future periods could differ materially from these estimates. Judgments and estimates related to critical accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include the following.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from contracts where the Company provides fabricated product and installation services is recognized over time using an input method based on costs incurred compared to estimated total costs. Revenue from contracts where the Company does not provide installation services is recognized over time using an output method based on tons shipped compared to estimated total tons. Significant judgment is required to evaluate total estimated costs used in the input method and total estimated tons in the output method. If estimated total consolidated costs on any contract are greater than the net contract revenues, the Company recognizes the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of revisions to estimates related to net contract revenues, costs to complete or total planned quantity is recorded in the period in which such revisions are identified. The Company does not exercise significant judgment in determining the transaction price. See Note 5, Revenue Recognition, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for further details.
Income Taxes
We periodically assess the likelihood of realizing our deferred tax assets based on the amount of deferred tax assets that we believe is more likely than not to be realized. We base our judgment of the recoverability of our deferred tax assets primarily on historical earnings, our estimate of current and expected future earnings, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies and current and future ownership changes.
Our effective income tax rate may fluctuate on a quarterly basis due to various factors, including, but not limited to, total earnings and the mix of earnings by jurisdiction, the timing of changes in tax laws and the amount of income tax provided for uncertain income tax positions. We establish income tax liabilities to reduce some or all of the income tax benefit of any of our income tax positions at the time we determine that the positions become uncertain based upon one of the following: (i) the tax position is not "more likely than not" to be sustained, (ii) the tax position is "more likely than not" to be sustained, but for a lesser amount or (iii) the tax position is "more likely than not" to be sustained, but not in the financial period in which the tax position was originally taken. Our evaluation of whether or not a tax position is uncertain is based on the following: (i) we presume the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information, (ii) the technical merits of a tax position are derived from authorities such as legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings and case law and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position and (iii) each tax position is evaluated without consideration of the possibility of offset or aggregation with other tax positions taken. We adjust these income tax liabilities when our judgment changes as a result of new information. Any change will impact income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made.
Inventory Cost
We state inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Adjustments to inventory may be due to changes in price levels, obsolescence, damage, physical deterioration and other causes. Any adjustments required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to net realizable value are recorded as a charge to cost of goods sold.
Acquisitions
The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The fair value is estimated by the Company using valuation techniques and Level 3 inputs, including expected future cash flows and discount rates. The excess of
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purchase price over the fair value amounts assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, if any, is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Our reporting units represent an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. Additionally, the reporting units are aggregated based on similar economic characteristics, nature of products and services, nature of production processes, type of customers and distribution methods. We use an income and a market approach to calculate the fair value of our reporting units. To calculate the fair value of our reporting units using the income approach, management uses a discounted cash flow model which includes a number of significant assumptions and estimates regarding future cash flows such as discount rates, volumes, prices, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. These estimates could be materially impacted by adverse changes in market conditions.
For 2020 and 2019, the annual goodwill impairment analysis did not result in any impairment charges. Management does not believe that it is reasonably likely that our reporting units will fail the goodwill impairment test in the near term, as the determined fair value of the reporting units with goodwill substantially exceeded their carrying value.
See Note 8, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for additional information.
Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be recoverable from the undiscounted future cash flows from operations. Events or circumstances that could trigger an impairment review of a long-lived asset or asset group include, but are not limited to: (i) a significant decrease in the market price of the asset, (ii) a significant adverse change in the extent or manner that the asset is used or in its physical condition, (iii) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of the asset, (iv) an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of original expectation for the acquisition or construction of the asset, (v) a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset and (vi) a more-likely-than-not expectation that the asset will be sold or disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. If an impairment exists, the net book values are reduced to fair values. Our operations are capital intensive. Some of the estimated values for assets that we currently use in our operations are based upon judgments and assumptions of future undiscounted cash flows that the assets will produce. If these assets were for sale, our estimates of their values could be significantly different because of market conditions, specific transaction terms and a buyer's perspective on future cash flows. Also, we depreciate property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciable lives are based on our estimate of the assets' economical useful lives. To the extent that an asset's actual life differs from our estimate, there could be an impact on depreciation expense or a gain/loss on the disposal of the asset in a later period. We expense major maintenance costs as incurred.
Contingencies
In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we become involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters. We may incur settlements, fines, penalties or judgments in connection with some of these matters. While we are unable to estimate the ultimate dollar amount of exposure or loss in connection with these matters, we make accruals when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The amounts we accrue could vary substantially from amounts we pay due to several factors including the following: evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent uncertainties of the estimation process and the uncertainties involved in litigation. We believe that we have adequately provided for these contingencies in our consolidated financial statements. We also believe that the outcomes will not materially affect our results of operations, our financial position or our cash flows.
Other Accounting Policies and New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report contains "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 our recent acquisitions and strategic investments, demand for our products, metal margins, the effect of COVID-19 and related governmental and economic responses thereto, the ability to operate our steel mills at full capacity, future supplies of raw materials and energy for our operations, share repurchases, legal proceedings, the undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, U.S. non-residential construction activity, international trade, capital expenditures, our liquidity and our ability to satisfy future liquidity requirements, estimated contractual obligations and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by phrases such as we or our management "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "intends," "plans to," "ought," "could," "will," "should," "likely," "appears," "projects," "forecasts," "outlook" or other similar words or phrases. There are inherent risks and uncertainties in any forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
Our forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and beliefs as of the time this Annual Report is filed with the SEC. Although we believe that our expectations are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify any forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, new information or circumstances or any other changes. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include those described in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of this Annual Report as well as the following:
•changes in economic conditions which affect demand for our products or construction activity generally, and the impact of such changes on the highly cyclical steel industry;
•rapid and significant changes in the price of metals, potentially impairing our inventory values due to declines in commodity prices or reducing the profitability of our downstream products contracts due to rising commodity pricing;
•impacts from COVID-19 on the economy, demand for our products and on our operations, including the responses of governmental authorities to contain COVID-19;
•excess capacity in our industry, particularly in China, and product availability from competing steel mills and other steel suppliers including import quantities and pricing;
•compliance with and changes in environmental laws and regulations, including increased regulation associated with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions;
•involvement in various environmental matters that may result in fines, penalties or judgments;
•potential limitations in our or our customers' abilities to access credit and non-compliance by our customers with our contracts;
•activity in repurchasing shares of our common stock under our repurchase program;
•financial covenants and restrictions on the operation of our business contained in agreements governing our debt;
•our ability to successfully identify, consummate and integrate acquisitions, and the effects that acquisitions may have on our financial leverage;
•risks associated with acquisitions generally, such as the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, required approvals under applicable antitrust legislation and other regulatory and third party consents and approvals;
•lower than expected future levels of revenues and higher than expected future costs;
•failure or inability to implement growth strategies in a timely manner;
•impact of goodwill impairment charges;
•impact of long-lived asset impairment charges;
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•currency fluctuations;
•global factors, including trade measures, political uncertainties and military conflicts;
•availability and pricing of electricity, electrodes and natural gas for mill operations;
•ability to hire and retain key executives and other employees;
•competition from other materials or from competitors that have a lower cost structure or access to greater financial resources;
•information technology interruptions and breaches in security;
•ability to make necessary capital expenditures;
•availability and pricing of raw materials and other items over which we exert little influence, including scrap metal, energy and insurance;
•unexpected equipment failures;
•losses or limited potential gains due to hedging transactions;
•litigation claims and settlements, court decisions, regulatory rulings and legal compliance risks;
•risk of injury or death to employees, customers or other visitors to our operations;
•civil unrest, protests and riots;
•new and clarifying guidance with regard to interpretation of certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that could impact our assessment; and
•increased costs related to health care reform legislation.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk
Approach to Mitigating Market Risk
See Note 12, Derivatives, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for disclosure regarding our approach to mitigating market risk and for summarized market risk information by year. Also, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, for additional information. We utilized the following types of derivative instruments during 2020 in accordance with our risk management program. None of the instruments were entered into for trading purposes.
Currency Exchange Forward Contracts
The Company's global operations expose it to risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We enter into currency exchange forward contracts as economic hedges of trade commitments denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of CMC or its subsidiaries. No single foreign currency poses a material risk to us.
Commodity Futures Contracts
The Company's product lines expose it to risks from fluctuations in metal commodity prices and natural gas, electricity and other energy commodity prices. We base pricing in some of our sales and purchase contracts on metal commodity futures exchange quotes, which we determine at the beginning of the contract. Due to the volatility of the metal commodity indices, we enter into metal commodity futures contracts for copper and aluminum. These futures contracts mitigate the risk of unanticipated declines in gross margin due to the price volatility of the underlying commodities. We also enter into energy derivatives to mitigate the risk of unanticipated declines in gross margin due to the price volatility of electricity and natural gas.
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The following tables provide certain information regarding the foreign exchange forward contracts and commodity futures contracts discussed above.
The fair value of our foreign currency exchange forward contract commitments as of August 31, 2020 were as follows:
Functional Currency Foreign Currency
__________________________________
(1) Most foreign currency exchange forward contracts mature within one year. The range of hedge rates represents functional to foreign currency conversion rates.
The fair value of our commodity futures contract commitments as of August 31, 2020 were as follows:
__________________________________
MT = Metric ton
MW(h) = Megawatt hour
(1) All commodity futures contract commitments mature within one year, except for the electricity contract commitment which has a maturity date of December 31, 2030.
(2) There is no terminal exchange for electricity as it is a bilateral agreement with a counterparty.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Commercial Metals Company
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of August 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended August 31, 2020, of the Company and our report dated October 15, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Dallas, Texas
October 15, 2020
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Commercial Metals Company
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2020, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated October 15, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Revenue Recognition — Revenue from Fabricated Product Contracts with Customers in the
North America Segment — Refer to Notes 2 and 5 to the Financial Statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company has certain fabricated product contracts with customers in its North America segment for delivering fabricated steel products, which may also include providing installation services. Each fabricated product contract represents a single performance obligation and revenue is recognized over time as fabricated steel products are delivered and installation services are provided, if applicable. Revenue from contracts where the Company provides fabricated product and installation services is recognized over time using an input method in which the measure of progress is based on contract costs incurred to date compared to total estimated contract costs. Revenue from contracts where the Company provides fabricated product only is recognized over time using an output method in which the measure of progress is based on tons shipped compared to total estimated tons.
The accounting for these contracts involves significant judgment by management to estimate total costs used in the input method and total tons used in the output method. For the year ended August 31, 2020, North America segment revenue was $4.8 billion; of which 12% represents revenue recognized over time using an input method and 11% represents revenue
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recognized over time using an output method. The remaining 77% of revenue in the North America segment was recognized concurrent with the transfer of control or as amounts are billed to the customer.
We identified revenue recognized over time for certain fabricated product contracts in the North America segment as a critical audit matter because of the significant judgments made by management to estimate total costs for the input method and total tons for the output method. Auditing such estimates required extensive audit effort due to the volume and complexity of contracts and required a high degree of auditor judgment to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates used to recognize revenue over time.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to management’s estimates of total costs and total tons used to recognize revenue over time for certain fabricated product contracts in the North America segment included the following, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of management’s controls over the calculation of contract costs incurred to date compared to total estimated contract costs for the input method, and management’s controls over the calculation of tons shipped compared to total estimated tons for the output method.
•We selected a sample of fabricated product contracts with customers that were recognized over time, for both the input method and the output method, and we performed the following:
◦Obtained the contracts, including any change orders, management’s estimated contract costs or tons, including any revisions to date, and evaluated whether the contracts were properly included in management’s calculation of revenue based on the terms and conditions of each contract.
◦Obtained a schedule of costs or tons incurred to date by contract and tested such schedule for completeness and accuracy by obtaining supporting documents for fabricated steel products delivered and installation services provided, if applicable, and evaluated whether the costs or tons were properly included in the costs incurred to date.
◦Evaluated management’s estimated cost to complete the contract, including remaining quantities and costs, by comparing the estimates to management’s job cost forecasts, and performing corroborating inquiries with the Company’s project managers.
◦Tested the mathematical accuracy of management’s calculation of revenue recognized over time for each selection.
•For a sample of contracts, we evaluated management’s ability to accurately estimate total costs and total tons by comparing actual costs and actual tons at completion to management’s previous estimates for such contracts.
Goodwill — A Reporting Unit within the North America Segment — Refer to Notes 2 and 8 to the Financial Statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company has goodwill of $64.3 million, of which $61.9 million relates to the North America segment. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company’s goodwill impairment assessment involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from the income and market approaches. The determination of fair value using the income approach is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, which requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions of revenue growth rates and operating margins, and selection of the discount rate. The determination of the fair value using the market approach requires management to make significant assumptions related to market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit.
At August 31, 2020, based on the results of the Company’s annual impairment testing, no impairment was recognized as the fair value of this reporting unit exceeded its carrying value.
We identified the Company’s goodwill impairment assessment for this reporting unit as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management makes to estimate the fair value of this reporting unit. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions of future cash flows based on estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins and selection of the discount rate for the income approach, and multiples of revenue and earnings for the market approach.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
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Our audit procedures related to the goodwill impairment assessment for the reporting unit within the North America segment included the following, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of controls over the goodwill impairment assessment, including management’s controls over forecasts of future cash flows based on estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins and the selection of the discount rate for the income approach, and determination of multiples of revenue and earnings for the market approach.
•We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecasts of future cash flows based on revenue growth rates and operating margins by comparing the forecasts to (1) historical revenues and operating margins, (2) internal communications to management and the Board of Directors, and (3) forecasted information included in analyst and industry reports for the Company and certain of its peer companies.
•With the assistance of our fair value specialists:
◦We evaluated the reasonableness of the valuation methodologies.
◦We evaluated the reasonableness of the discount rate used in the income approach by testing the underlying source information and the mathematical accuracy of the calculations, and developing an independent range of estimated discount rates and comparing that range to the discount rate used in the Company’s valuation.
◦We evaluated the multiples of revenue and earnings used in the market approach, including testing the underlying source information and mathematical accuracy of the calculations.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Dallas, Texas
October 15, 2020
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1959.
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COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Year Ended August 31,
Costs and expenses:
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations 1,201 (686) 3,269
Basic earnings (loss) per share(1)
Earnings from continuing operations $ 2.34 $ 1.69 $ 1.16
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations 0.01 (0.01) 0.03
Diluted earnings (loss) per share(1)
Earnings from continuing operations $ 2.31 $ 1.67 $ 1.14
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations 0.01 (0.01) 0.03
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
__________________________________
(1) Earnings Per Share ("EPS") is calculated independently for each component and may not sum to Net EPS due to rounding
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Year Ended August 31,
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment:
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) (12,136) (6) 48
Reclassification for gain included in net earnings (304) (244) (279)
Defined benefit obligation:
Amortization of net loss 86 — 126
Amortization of prior services (53) (25) (62)
Reclassification for settlement losses — 1,316 —
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data) 2020 2019
Assets
Current assets:
Property, plant and equipment:
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Acquired unfavorable contract backlog 6,035 35,360
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings 18,149 17,439
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)
Stockholders' equity:
Stockholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interests 212 196
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended August 31,
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog (29,367) (74,784) —
Net gain on sales of a subsidiary, assets and other (4,213) (2,281) (1,322)
Loss on debt extinguishment 1,778 — —
Provision for losses on receivables, net 578 388 2,510
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables 45,718 (15,315) (20,163)
Beneficial interest in securitized accounts receivable — (367,521) (670,457)
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment 11,843 3,910 8,103
Advances under accounts receivable programs — — 226,325
Repayments under accounts receivable programs — — (304,178)
Beneficial interest in securitized accounts receivable — 367,521 670,457
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
Repayments under accounts receivable programs (237,828) (296,033) —
Debt issuance costs — — (5,254)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 759 (598) (703)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Year Ended August 31,
Supplemental information:
Noncash activities:
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Common Stock Additional AccumulatedOther Treasury Stock Non-
Contribution of noncontrolling interests 13 13
Reclassification of share-based liability awards 15,248 15,248
Contribution of noncontrolling interests 10 10
Reclassification of share-based liability awards 2,927 2,927
Contribution of noncontrolling interests 16 16
Reclassification of share-based liability awards 2,510 2,510
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Nature of Operations
Commercial Metals Company ("CMC") and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company," "we," "our" or "us") manufacture, recycle and fabricate steel and metal products, related materials and services through a network of facilities that includes seven electric arc furnace ("EAF") mini mills, two EAF micro mills, two rerolling mills, steel fabrication and processing plants, construction-related product warehouses and metal recycling facilities in the United States ("U.S.") and Poland.
The Company has two reportable segments: North America and Europe.
North America
The North America segment is a vertically integrated network of recycling facilities, steel mills and fabrication operations located in the U.S. The recycling facilities process ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals (collectively known as "raw materials") for use by manufacturers of new metal products. The steel mills manufacture finished long steel products including reinforcing bar ("rebar"), merchant bar, light structural and other special sections as well as semi-finished billets for rerolling and forging applications (collectively known as "steel products"). The fabrication operations primarily manufacture fabricated rebar and steel fence posts (collectively known as "downstream products"). The strategy in North America is to optimize the Company's vertically integrated value chain to maximize profitability by obtaining the lowest possible input costs and highest possible selling prices. The Company operates the recycling facilities to provide low-cost scrap to the steel mills and the fabrication operations to optimize the steel mill volumes. The North America segment's products are sold primarily to steel mills and foundries, construction, fabrication and other manufacturing industries.
Europe
The Europe segment is a vertically integrated network of recycling facilities, an EAF mini mill, and fabrication operations located in Poland. The steel products manufactured by this segment include rebar, merchant bar and wire rod as well as semi-finished billets. In addition, the downstream products manufactured by this segment's fabrication operations include fabricated rebar, fabricated mesh, assembled rebar cages and other fabricated rebar by-products. The Europe segment's products are sold primarily to fabricators, manufacturers, distributors and construction companies.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries and certain variable interest entities ("VIEs") for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include revenue recognition, income taxes, carrying value of inventory, acquisitions, goodwill, long-lived assets and contingencies. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates and assumptions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit and short-term, highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
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Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration received or expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. The Company's performance obligations arise from (i) sales of raw materials, steel products and downstream products and (ii) services such as steel fabrication and installation by its fabrication operations. The shipment of products to customers is considered a fulfillment activity and amounts billed to customers for shipping and freight are included in net sales, and the related costs are included in cost of goods sold. Net sales are presented net of taxes. Revenue related to raw materials and steel products is recognized at a point in time concurrent with the transfer of control, which usually occurs, depending on shipping terms, upon shipment or customer receipt. Revenue related to steel fence posts and other downstream products not described below is recognized equal to billing under an available practical expedient.
Each fabrication product contract sold by the North America segment represents a single performance obligation and revenue is recognized over time. For contracts where the Company provides fabricated product and installation services, revenue is recognized over time using an input measure of progress based on contract costs incurred to date compared to total estimated contract costs ("input measure"). This input measure provides a reasonable depiction of the Company’s progress towards satisfaction of the performance obligation as there is a direct relationship between costs incurred by the Company and the transfer of the fabricated product and installation services. Revenue from contracts where the Company does not provide installation services is recognized over time using an output measure of progress based on tons shipped compared to total estimated tons ("output measure"). This output measure provides a reasonable depiction of the transfer of contract value to the customer, as there is a direct relationship between the units shipped by the Company and the transfer of the fabricated product. If estimated total consolidated costs on any contract are greater than the net contract revenues, the Company recognizes the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of revisions to estimates related to net contract revenues, costs to complete or total planned quantity is recorded in the period in which such revisions are identified.
The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. The Company records an asset when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing and a liability when revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although the Company generally requires customers to pay 30 days after the Company satisfies the performance obligations. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Company has determined the contracts do not include a significant financing component.
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect its estimate of the uncollectability of accounts receivable. These reserves are based on historical trends, current market conditions and customers' financial condition. The Company reviews and sets credit limits for each customer. The Europe segment uses credit insurance to ensure payment in accordance with the terms of sale. Generally, collateral is not required. Approximately 13% of total receivables at August 31, 2020 and 2019 were secured by credit insurance.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value determined by the weighted average cost method.
Elements of cost in finished goods inventory in addition to the cost of material include depreciation, amortization, utilities, consumable production supplies, maintenance, production, wages and transportation costs. Additionally, the costs of departments that support production, including materials management and quality control, are allocated to inventory.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance is expensed as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. Depreciation and amortization is recorded on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
Buildings 7 to 40 years
Land improvements 3 to 25 years
Leasehold improvements 3 to 15 years
Equipment 3 to 25 years
The Company evaluates impairment of its property, plant and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. For each asset or group of assets held for use with indicators of impairment, the Company compares the sum of the expected future cash flows generated by the asset or group of assets with its associated net
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carrying value. If the net carrying value of the asset or group of assets exceeds expected undiscounted future cash flows, the excess of the net book value over estimated fair value is charged to impairment loss. Properties held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or their estimated sales price, less estimated costs to sell.
Leases