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- **Record Performance**: 13.7M tons steel shipped (2025) and $2.2B adjusted EBITDA, with Aluminum Dynamics EBITDA-positive in Q4.
- **Aluminum Momentum**: 90% utilization target for aluminum mill by end-2026, up from 75%, driven by faster ramp-up and certifications.
- **Financial Strength**: $1.2B net income in 2025; $900M share buybacks; $2.2B liquidity; free cash flow >$2B annually.
- **Disciplined Growth**: No major M&A updates, but open to high-return opportunities; 2026 capex $600M (down from $948M in 2025).
- **Operational Excellence**: 86% steel mill utilization vs. 77% industry average; metals recycling operating income +29% YoY.


**【CEO Summary Section】**
- Achieved record annual steel shipments of 13.7 million tons and adjusted EBITDA of $2.2 billion in 2025.
- Aluminum Dynamics achieved EBITDA positivity in December 2025 with 10,000 metric tons shipped, despite ongoing commissioning.
- Proposed BlueScope transaction was rejected, but the company remains focused on disciplined, high-return growth opportunities.
- Emphasized safety culture, with 0 incident goal, and the importance of circular manufacturing model.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- Full year 2025 net income: $1.2 billion ($7.99 per diluted share); Q4 net income: $266 million ($1.82 per diluted share).
- Operating income from steel operations: $1.4 billion (down 12% YoY due to margin compression).
- Metals recycling operating income: $97 million (29% YoY increase); steel fabrication operating income: $407 million.
- 2025 capital expenditures: $948 million; 2026 guidance: $600 million.
- Share buybacks: $900 million in 2025 (4% of outstanding shares); $801 million remaining under authorization.
- Liquidity: $2.2 billion at year-end; free cash flow profile improved to $2.2 billion annually (excluding recent investments).

**【COO Operational Update】**
- Steel shipments: 13.7 million tons (record high); steel mills operated at 86% utilization vs. industry average of 77%.
- Q4 steel operating income: $322 million (down 12% sequentially due to lower pricing and planned outages).
- Aluminum hot band production ramping up, with certifications for automotive, industrial, and beverage can sheet.
- Sinton facility transformer incident resolved with minimal impact; operations resumed within 12 hours.

**【Q&A Highlights】**
- Aluminum mill expected to reach 90% utilization by end of 2026 (previously 75%), driven by equipment performance and team execution.
- Working capital impact from aluminum investments: $450 million in 2025, with minimal incremental impact in 2026.
- Capital allocation: prioritize high-return growth while maintaining investment-grade credit metrics (target <2x net leverage).
- Energy costs represent ~10% of production expenses, with no material impact from recent price volatility.
- No major planned outages in Q1 2026; focus on optimizing new aluminum capabilities.


Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

**【CEO Summary Section】**
Steel Dynamics reported record third-quarter 2025 revenue of $4.8 billion, driven by 3.6 million tons of steel shipments, up 15% year-over-year. CEO Mark Millett highlighted the success of the Sinton flat-rolled steel mill, which achieved $664 million in adjusted EBITDA, and the ramp-up of the Columbus aluminum flat-rolled operations, which shipped its first product in September. The company also announced the launch of its biocarbon initiative, producing its first low-carbon steel product in September. Millett emphasized the company's focus on operational excellence, safety, and capital allocation, with $723 million in cash flow from operations and $661 million in share repurchases year-to-date.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
CFO Theresa Wagler detailed financial performance, including $4.8 billion in revenue and $664 million in adjusted EBITDA, up 30% sequentially. The Sinton mill contributed $498 million in operating income, while the aluminum business achieved breakeven in the quarter. The company maintained a strong liquidity position of $2.2 billion and announced $500-600 million in 2026 capital expenditures, focusing on aluminum and biocarbon projects. Wagler also highlighted the impact of $147 million in tax benefits from accelerated depreciation and R&D credits, boosting free cash flow.

**【Q&A Highlights】**
1. **Aluminum Project Progress**: The Columbus aluminum mill achieved first-quarter 2026 breakeven, with 75% utilization expected by year-end. The company secured certifications for automotive and can sheet products, enabling higher-margin sales. 
2. **Sinton Mill Performance**: The Sinton mill set a record with 1.486 million tons of coated steel shipments, driven by strong demand in the automotive and construction sectors. 
3. **Capital Allocation**: The company plans to prioritize share buybacks and dividend growth, with $1 billion remaining under the repurchase program. 
4. **Tariff Impact**: The 50% aluminum import tariff is expected to reduce the domestic supply deficit of 1.4 million tons, creating long-term growth opportunities. 
5. **Biocarbon Initiative**: The biocarbon joint venture with Aymium aims to produce 100,000 tons of low-carbon steel annually, targeting premium pricing in the automotive sector.

Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

- **Record Safety Performance**: 80% of locations with zero recordable injuries, marking a new safety benchmark.
- **Aluminum Breakthrough**: First commercial shipment achieved in June, with EBITDA breakeven targeted by end-2025 and 75% utilization by 2026.
- **Sinton Recovery**: Overcame 55,000 tons of production loss, now operating at 80% utilization, with Q3 EBITDA improvement expected.
- **Biocarbon Potential**: Commissioning in late Q3, capable of reducing Scope 1 emissions by 35% and supporting green steel differentiation.
- **Strong Cash Flow**: Generated $302M in Q2, with $1.9B liquidity and $1.2B remaining for share buybacks.
- **Steel Fabrication Growth**: Order backlog up 15% YTD, with Q3 EBITDA improvement driven by volume recovery.


**【CEO Summary Section】**
- **Safety Milestones**: Achieved all-time low quarterly recordable injury rates, with 80% of locations reporting zero recordable injuries.
- **Sinton Mill Progress**: Despite 55,000 tons of production loss due to oxygen supply issues, the mill achieved pretax breakeven and positive EBITDA. Oxygen supply has been restored, and utilization is now ~80%.
- **Aluminum Breakthrough**: Shipped first commercial-quality aluminum coils in June, marking a new growth platform. Targeting EBITDA breakeven by end-2025 and 75% utilization by 2026.
- **Biocarbon Commissioning**: Expected to begin production in late Q3, with potential to reduce Scope 1 emissions by 35%.
- **Sustainability Recognition**: Awarded Volkswagen Global Group Award for Sustainability, solidifying position as low-carbon steel supplier of choice.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- **Q2 Financials**: 
  - Net income: $299M ($2.01/diluted share)
  - Adjusted EBITDA: $533M
  - Revenue: $4.6B (sequential increase due to higher steel pricing)
  - Operating income: $383M (39% sequential growth)
- **Steel Operations**: Operating income $382M (65% sequential growth), driven by $136/ton price increase. Non-cash write-off of $32M impacted results.
- **Aluminum Costs**: Q2 operating loss $69M, expected to narrow to $40M in Q3 and $15-20M in Q4. Interest expense to rise to $45M/Q4 due to capitalization stop.
- **Cash Flow**: Generated $302M from operations, with $1.9B liquidity. Repurchased $200M of shares, leaving $1.2B available.
- **Capital Allocation**: 2025H2 capex ~$400M for aluminum and biocarbon projects.

**【COO Operations Update】**
- **Steel Fabrication**: 
  - Operating income $93M (sequential decline due to margin compression)
  - Order backlog up 15% YTD, extending into 2026
  - Expect sequential EBITDA improvement in Q3
- **Metals Recycling**: 
  - Record shipments despite $50-80/ton price decline
  - Strategic advantage for steel, aluminum, and copper operations
- **Steel Market**: 
  - Domestic utilization 77% vs. SDI's 85%
  - Coated flat-rolled overhang from imports, but favorable AD/CVD rulings expected
  - Sinton API pipe and high-strength grades gaining traction

**【Q&A Key Highlights】**
- **Aluminum Utilization**: Target 40-50% by end-2025, 75% by 2026. EBITDA breakeven by year-end remains on track.
- **Sinton EBITDA**: Q2 improvement vs. Q1, with 2026 targeting $500M annualized run rate.
- **Tariff Impact**: Pig iron tariffs could increase scrap utilization, but SDI's captive scrap network provides resilience.
- **Biocarbon Benefits**: Potential to replace pig iron with low-carbon alternative, supporting green steel credentials.
- **Customer Demand**: Automotive and beverage can customers excited about SDI's aluminum capabilities, with rapid product certification underway.


Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

- **Record Steel Shipments**: Q1 2025 revenue of $4.4 billion (+13% sequential) driven by 3.5 million tons shipped, with new coating lines at 50-55% utilization.
- **Aluminum Momentum**: First ingot cast in January, commercial coils expected in June, with 2025 exit capacity utilization at 50% and 2026 at 75%.
- **Profitability Growth**: Steel operations EBITDA of $230 million, Sinton EBITDA-positive Q1, and fabrication backlog extending to Q4 2025.
- **Tariff Benefits**: Coated steel tariffs and 232 tariffs expected to boost domestic demand, supporting long-term margin expansion.
- **Cash Strength**: $2.6 billion liquidity, $306 million capex, and 23% ROIC over 5 years, enabling shareholder returns and strategic growth.

**【CEO Summary Section】**
- First quarter 2025 revenue reached $4.4 billion, a 13% sequential increase driven by record steel shipments of 3.5 million tons.
- Adjusted EBITDA was $448 million, with steel shipments surpassing prior records. The company's 4 new value-add coating lines achieved 50-55% utilization, contributing to higher-margin products.
- Aluminum Dynamics made significant progress, casting its first aluminum ingot in January and preparing to ship commercial coils in June. The Columbus, Mississippi facility is nearing full commissioning, with 2025 exit capacity utilization expected at 50% and 75% for 2026.
- Safety remains a top priority, with teams focusing on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

**【CFO Financial Commentary】**
- Net income of $217 million ($1.44 per diluted share) and operating income of $275 million, both up 16% sequentially.
- Steel operations generated $230 million in operating income, offsetting metal spread contraction through higher scrap prices and volume growth.
- Metal recycling contributed $26 million, supported by ferrous scrap volume increases and new separation technologies.
- Steel fabrication operating income was $117 million, despite seasonal shipment declines, with backlog extending into Q4 2025.
- Aluminum Dynamics incurred $37 million in non-capitalizable SG&A costs but expects second-half 2025 EBITDA positivity.
- Cash flow from operations was $153 million, with strong liquidity of $2.6 billion and $306 million in capital expenditures.

**【Q&A Key Takeaways】**
- **Tariff Impact**: Tariffs on coated steel and long products are expected to benefit domestic demand, with Sinton's coated steel lines capturing market share. The 232 tariffs may further support U.S.-produced steel.
- **Sinton Performance**: Sinton achieved EBITDA positivity in Q1, with utilization rates over 86%, and expects significant earnings growth in 2025.
- **Fabrication Growth**: March saw the highest order entry in 2 years, with backlog extending into Q4 2025. Volume-driven margins are expected to improve as tariffs stabilize demand.
- **Aluminum Strategy**: The $2.4 billion aluminum investment is nearing completion, with Columbus, Mississippi and Mexican facilities on track for 2025 commercial production. Through-cycle EBITDA of $650-700 million is projected, supported by labor savings, recycled content, and yield improvements.
- **Capital Allocation**: Share buybacks and dividend growth will complement high-return projects, maintaining investment-grade credit metrics while returning 23% after-tax ROIC over the past 5 years.

Steel Dynamics (STLD)-23 Apr 25-2025 Q1 Earnings call transcript

- **Revenue beat by $200M**: Q3 $12.3B (+12% YoY), driven by 25% North America orders.
- **AI investment acceleration**: $1B+ R&D spend over 2 years for generative models.
- **Profitability surge**: 16.5% operating margin (vs. 14.5% last year), $3.2B free cash flow.
- **China growth resilience**: Cloud business +30% YoY despite macro headwinds.

**【CEO Opening Remarks】**
- Q3 revenue reached $12.3B, up 12% YoY, exceeding guidance by $200M.
- North America orders surged 25% YoY, driven by enterprise AI adoption.
- Announced $1B+ investment in generative AI R&D over next 2 years.

**【CFO Financial Highlights】**
- GAAP EPS of $1.25 vs. $1.10 consensus; Non-GAAP EPS $1.42 (+18% YoY).
- Operating margin expanded 200bps to 16.5% due to cost optimization.
- Free cash flow $3.2B, up 15% YoY; $10B+ buyback authorized.

**【Q&A Key Takeaways】**
- China cloud business: 30% YoY growth despite macro challenges.
- AI chip supply: 12-month backlog resolved; Q4 shipments up 3x YoY.
- 2024 guidance: Revenue +10-12%, EPS +15-18% (Non-GAAP).

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