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Sep 30, 2020

Steel Dynamics Q3 2020 Earnings Report

Reported a solid performance amidst the coronavirus pandemic, driven by strong domestic steel demand recovery and operational excellence.

Key Takeaways

Steel Dynamics reported Q3 2020 net sales of $2.3 billion and net income of $100 million, or $0.47 per diluted share. Excluding certain items, adjusted net income was $108 million, or $0.51 per diluted share. The company benefited from a strong recovery in domestic steel demand, particularly in the automotive sector, and resilient construction activity.

Steel mills operated at 85% of production capability, with flat roll group achieving 99%.

Steel fabrication operations achieved record quarterly operating income of $39 million.

Metals recycling operations saw improved operating income of $15 million, compared to a loss in the previous quarter.

The company expects continued price strength and customer demand throughout 2020 and into 2021.

Total Revenue
$2.33B
Previous year: $2.53B
-7.8%
EPS
$0.51
Previous year: $0.69
-26.1%
Steel Ops ASP
$734
Ferrous Metal Shipments
259%
Gross Profit
$293M
Previous year: $360M
-18.6%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.27B
Previous year: $1.15B
+10.6%
Free Cash Flow
-$176M
Previous year: $290M
-160.6%
Total Assets
$8.62B
Previous year: $7.94B
+8.5%

Steel Dynamics

Steel Dynamics

Forward Guidance

Steel Dynamics anticipates continued price strength and customer demand throughout 2020 and into 2021, driven by a solid recovery in domestic steel demand, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors. The company's new Texas steel mill project remains on track, with operations expected to commence mid-year 2021.

Positive Outlook

  • Continued price strength in the steel market.
  • Strong customer demand expected throughout 2020 and into 2021.
  • Solid recovery in domestic steel demand.
  • Automotive sector showing the strongest improvement.
  • Construction sector remains resilient.

Challenges Ahead

  • Domestic economy is recovering from the shock of COVID-19.
  • It is still difficult to know the full extent of its eventual impact.
  • Energy remains the weakest end market.
  • Steel service center inventories were extremely low and still remain low compared to historical norms.
  • Uncertainty related to the full impact of COVID-19 on the economy.