Steel Dynamics (STLD) Tops Q1 EPS by 2c

Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ: STLD) reported Q1 EPS of $0.17, $0.02 better than the analyst estimate of $0.15. Revenue for the quarter came in at $2.05 billion versus the consensus estimate of $2.17 billion.

"The first quarter 2015 market environment was extremely challenging for our steel and metals recycling operations," said Mark D. Millett, Chief Executive Officer. "The elevated steel import volume and customer inventory overhang resulted in significantly lower first quarter 2015 steel shipments, which was the primary driver of a 44 percent reduction in our consolidated operating income, when compared to the fourth quarter 2014 (excluding fourth quarter impairment charges). Our steel operations experienced margin compression as product pricing declined and the full benefit of lower mid-quarter scrap costs were not able to be realized in first quarter 2015 results, due to our inventory accounting methodology (FIFO) and lower production rates. However, we should see the benefit of the lower scrap prices in the second quarter 2015, and we believe scrap prices will remain lower through the remainder of the year, as there are no strong drivers to support significant price appreciation.

"We believe the reduction in both steel and scrap prices, coupled with continued strength in domestic steel consumption from the automotive, manufacturing and construction sectors, should support a stronger domestic steel industry later this year, predicated upon the expectation of reduced levels of imported steel, sustainable lower raw material costs and increased orders, as customer inventory overhang dissipates," continued Millett.

"An important barometer for domestic steel consumption is the strength of the construction industry. Historically, the construction industry has been the largest single domestic steel consuming sector, and it is continuing to strengthen this year. For the first quarter 2015, our fabrication operations achieved its second highest quarterly financial result, despite a seasonal decline in shipments. Strong demand has allowed for increased product pricing, while order inquiries and bookings remain robust, confirming the positive trend in the non-residential construction market."

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Steel Dynamics (STLD) click here.

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