ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
We recycle, manufacture, fabricate and distribute steel and metal products and related materials and services through a network of locations throughout the United States and Internationally. Effective at the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year we realigned the management of our businesses into two operating divisions - the CMC Americas Division and the CMC International Division. We consider our business to be organized into five segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication and Distribution, all operating as part of the CMC Americas Division, with the CMC International Division comprised of two segments, International Mills and International Fabrication and Distribution.
We were incorporated in 1946 in the State of Delaware. Our predecessor company, a metals recycling business, has existed since approximately 1915. We maintain our executive offices at 6565 MacArthur Boulevard in Irving, Texas, telephone number (214) 689-4300. Our fiscal year ends August 31 and all references in this Form 10-K to years refer to the fiscal year ended August 31 of that year unless otherwise noted. Financial information for the last three fiscal years concerning our five business segments and the geographic areas of our operations is incorporated herein by reference from “Note 15. Business Segments” of the notes to consolidated financial statements which are in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports will be made available free of charge through the Investor Relations section of our Internet website, http://www.cmc.com, as soon as practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as otherwise stated in these reports, the information contained on our website or available by hyperlink from our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or other documents we file with, or furnish to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CMC AMERICAS DIVISION OPERATIONS
AMERICAS RECYCLING SEGMENT
The Americas Recycling segment processes scrap metals for use as a raw material by manufacturers of new metal products. This segment operates 42 scrap metal processing facilities with 20 locations in Texas, 7 in Florida, 4 in South Carolina, 2 in each of Alabama and Missouri, and one each in Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
We purchase ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals, processed and unprocessed, from a variety of sources in a variety of forms for our metals recycling plants. Sources of metal for recycling include manufacturing and industrial plants, metal fabrication plants, electric utilities, machine shops, factories, railroads, refineries, shipyards, ordinance depots, demolition businesses, automobile salvage and wrecking firms. Collectively, small scrap metal collection firms are a major supplier.
In 2009, our scrap metal recycling segment’s plants processed and shipped approximately 2,033,000 tons of scrap metal compared to 3,391,000 tons in 2008. Ferrous scrap metals comprised the largest tonnage of metals recycled at approximately 1,817,000 tons, a decrease of approximately 1,236,000 tons as compared to 2008. We shipped approximately 203,000 tons of nonferrous scrap metals, primarily aluminum, copper and stainless steel, a decrease of approximately 102,000 tons as compared to 2008. With the exception of precious metals, our scrap metal recycling plants recycle and process practically all types of metal. In addition, one scrap metal recycling facility operated by our Americas Mills segment processed 304,000 tons of primarily ferrous scrap metal for consumption at the adjoining Americas Mills facility during 2009.
Our scrap metal recycling plants typically consist of an office and warehouse building equipped with specialized equipment for processing both ferrous and nonferrous metal located on several acres of land that we use for receiving, sorting, processing and storing metals. Several of our scrap metal recycling plants use a small portion of their site or a nearby location to display and sell metal products that may be reused for their original purpose without further processing. We equip our larger plants with scales, shears, baling presses, briquetting machines, conveyors and magnetic separators which enable these plants to efficiently process large volumes of scrap metals.
Two plants have extensive equipment that segregates metallic content from large quantities of insulated wire. To facilitate processing, shipping and receiving, we equip our ferrous metal processing centers with presses, shredders or hydraulic shears to prepare and compress scrap metal for easier handling. Cranes are utilized to handle scrap metals for processing and to load material for shipment. Many facilities have rail access as processed ferrous scrap is primarily transported to consumers by open gondola railcar or barge when water access is available.
Americas Recycling owns six large shredding machines, four in Texas and one in each of Florida and South Carolina, capable of pulverizing obsolete automobiles or other sources of scrap metal. We have three additional shredders, one operated by our Americas Mills segment and two by our International Mills segment.
We sell scrap metals to steel mills and foundries, aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers, brass and bronze ingot makers, copper refineries and mills, secondary lead smelters, specialty steel mills, high temperature alloy manufacturers and other consumers. Ferrous scrap metal is the primary raw material for electric arc furnaces such as those operated by our Americas Mills segment and other minimills. Some minimills periodically supplement purchases of ferrous scrap metal with direct reduced iron and pig iron for certain product lines. Our Dallas office coordinates the sales of scrap metals from our scrap metal processing plants to our customers. We negotiate export sales through our network of foreign offices as well as our Dallas office.
We do not purchase a material amount of scrap metal from one source. One customer represents 11% of our Americas Recycling segment’s revenues. Our recycling segment competes with other scrap metals processors and primary nonferrous metals producers, both domestic and foreign, for sales of nonferrous materials. Consumers of nonferrous scrap metals frequently can utilize primary or “virgin” ingot processed by mining companies instead of nonferrous scrap metals. The prices of nonferrous scrap metals are closely related to, but generally less than, the prices of primary or “virgin” ingot.
AMERICAS MILLS SEGMENT
We conduct our Americas Mills operations through a network of:
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5 steel mills, commonly referred to as “minimills” or in the case of the Arizona mill a “micro mill” that produce one or more of reinforcing bar, angles, flats, rounds, small beams, fence-post sections and other shapes;
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a copper tube minimill; and
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one scrap metal shredder processing facility that directly supports the adjoining steel minimill.
We operate four steel minimills which are located in Texas, Alabama, South Carolina and Arkansas and one micro mill located in Arizona. We utilize a fleet of trucks that we own as well as private haulers to transport finished products from the minimills to our customers and our fabricating shops. To minimize the cost of our products, to the extent feasibly consistent with market conditions and working capital demands, we prefer to operate all minimills near full capacity. Market conditions such as increases in quantities of competing imported steel, production rates at domestic competitors, customer inventory levels or a decrease in construction activity may reduce demand for our products and limit our ability to operate the minimills at full capacity. Through our operations and capital improvements, we strive to increase productivity and capacity at the minimills and enhance our product mix. Since the steel minimill business is capital intensive, we make substantial capital expenditures on a regular basis to remain competitive with other low cost producers. Over the past three fiscal years we have spent approximately $284 million or 31% of our total capital expenditures on projects at the steel minimills operated by our Americas Mills segment.
Beginning in 2009, this segment operated a business that purchases and removes rail and other materials from abandoned railroads. Most of the salvaged rail is utilized by our Arkansas minimill. Prior to 2009, this operation was included in the Americas Recycling segment.
The following table compares the amount of steel (in short tons) melted, rolled and shipped by our four steel minimills in the past three fiscal years:
We acquired our largest steel minimill in 1963. It is located in Seguin, Texas, near San Antonio. In 1983, we acquired our minimill in Birmingham, Alabama, and in 1994 we acquired our minimill in Cayce, South Carolina. We have operated our smallest mill since 1987, and it is located near Magnolia, Arkansas. In September, 2009, we opened our newest mill, a “micro mill,” in Mesa, Arizona.
The Texas, Alabama and South Carolina minimills each consist of:
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melt shop with electric arc furnace that melts ferrous scrap metal;
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continuous casting equipment that shape the molten metal into billets;
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reheating furnace that prepares billets for rolling;
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rolling mill that forms products from heated billets;
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mechanical cooling bed that receives hot product from the rolling mill;
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finishing facilities that cut, straighten, bundle and prepare products for shipping; and
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supporting facilities such as maintenance, warehouse and office areas.
Descriptions of minimill capacity, particularly rolling capacity, are highly dependent on the specific product mix manufactured. Each of our minimills can and do roll many different types and sizes of products in their range depending on market conditions including pricing and demand. Therefore our capacity estimates assume a typical product mix and will vary with the products actually produced. Our Texas minimill has annual capacity of approximately 1,000,000 tons melted and 900,000 rolled. Our Alabama minimill’s annual capacity is approximately 700,000 tons melted and 575,000 tons rolled. We have annual capacity at our South Carolina minimill of approximately 800,000 tons melted and 900,000 tons rolled.
Our Texas minimill manufactures a full line of bar size products including reinforcing bar, angles, rounds, channels, flats, and special sections used primarily in building highways, reinforcing concrete structures and manufacturing. It sells primarily to the construction, service center, energy, petrochemical, and original equipment manufacturing industries. The Texas minimill primarily ships its products to customers located in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. It also ships products to approximately 22 other states and to Mexico. Our Texas minimill melted 746,000 tons during 2009 compared to 997,000 tons during 2008, and rolled 667,000 tons, a decrease of 125,000 tons from 2008.
The Alabama minimill recorded 2009 melt shop production of 342,000 tons, a decrease of 334,000 tons from 2008. It rolled 235,000 tons, a decrease of 195,000 tons from 2008. The minimill primarily manufactures products that are larger in size as compared to products manufactured by our other three minimills. Such larger size products include mid-size structural steel products including angles, channels, beams of up to eight inches and special bar quality rounds and flats. It does not produce reinforcing bar. Our Alabama minimill sells primarily to service centers, as well as to the construction, manufacturing, and fabricating industries. The Alabama minimill primarily ships its products to customers located in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and Mississippi.
Our South Carolina minimill manufactures a full line of bar size products which primarily include steel reinforcing bar. The minimill also manufactures angles, rounds, squares, fence post sections and flats. The South Carolina minimill ships its products to customers located in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic areas which include the states from Florida through southern New England. During 2009 the minimill melted 511,000 tons and rolled 481,000 tons compared to 723,000 tons melted and 732,000 tons rolled during 2008.
The primary raw material for our Texas, Alabama and South Carolina minimills is ferrous scrap metal. We purchase the raw material from suppliers generally within a 300 mile radius of each minimill including a substantial amount from the CMC Americas Recycling segment. Our Texas minimill runs an automobile shredding facility as a part of the mill operations with that entire shredder’s processed ferrous scrap consumed at the Texas minimill. We believe the supply of ferrous scrap metal is adequate to meet our future needs, but it has historically been subject to
significant price fluctuations which have occurred more rapidly over the last five years. All three minimills also consume large amounts of electricity and natural gas. We have not had any significant curtailments and believe that supplies are adequate. The supply and demand of regional and national energy and the extent of applicable regulatory oversight of rates charged by providers affect the prices we pay for electricity and natural gas.
The smaller Arkansas minimill does not have a melt shop or continuous casting equipment. The Arkansas minimill manufacturing process begins with a reheating furnace utilizing used rail primarily salvaged from railroad abandonments and excess billets acquired either from our other mills or unrelated suppliers as its raw material. The remainder of the manufacturing process utilizes a rolling mill, cooling bed and finishing equipment and support facilities similar to, but on a smaller scale, than those at our other minimills. The Arkansas minimill primarily manufactures metal fence post stock, small diameter reinforcing bar, sign posts and bed frame angles with some flats, angles and squares. At our Arkansas minimill and at our facilities in San Marcos, Texas, Brigham City, Utah, and West Columbia, South Carolina, we fabricate fence post stock into studded “T” metal fence posts. Since our Arkansas minimill does not have melting facilities, the minimill depends on an adequate supply of competitively priced used rail or billets. The availability of these raw materials fluctuates with the pace of railroad abandonments, rail replacement by railroads, demand for used rail from competing domestic and foreign rail rerolling mills and the level of excess billet production offered for sale at steel producers. We have annual capacity at our Arkansas minimill of approximately 150,000 tons rolled.
In August, 2009, we began the commissioning process at our new mill in Arizona, designated a “micro mill” due to its relatively small estimated capacity of approximately 280,000 tons per year. The micro mill utilizes a “continuous continuous” design where metal flows uninterrupted from melting to casting to rolling. It is more compact than existing, larger capacity steel minimills taking advantage of both lower initial capital construction costs and ongoing operating efficiencies by focusing on cost-effective production of a limited product range, primarily reinforcing bar. Ferrous scrap will be sourced locally. A reinforcing bar fabrication facility is located on the same site. Full startup of this mill is anticipated in early fiscal year 2010.
Our subsidiary, CMC Howell Metal Company, operates a copper tube minimill in New Market, Virginia, which manufacturers copper tube, primarily water tubing, for the plumbing, air conditioning and refrigeration industries. It recently supplemented its product line with selected steel products and copper fittings. Both high quality copper scrap and occasionally virgin copper ingot are melted, cast, extruded and drawn into tubing. The minimill supplies tubing in straight lengths and coils for use in commercial, industrial and residential construction and by original equipment manufacturers. Our customers, largely equipment manufacturers, wholesale plumbing supply firms and large home improvement retailers, are located in 44 states and supplied directly from the minimill as well as from or four warehouses. The demand for copper tube depends on the level of new apartment, hotel/motel and residential construction and renovation. Copper scrap is readily available, but subject to rapid price fluctuations. The price or supply of virgin copper causes the price of copper scrap to fluctuate rapidly. Our Americas Recycling segment supplies a portion of the copper scrap needed by CMC Howell. CMC Howell’s facilities include melting, casting, piercing, extruding, drawing, finishing and office facilities. During 2009, the facility produced approximately 46 million pounds of copper tube. CMC Howell has annual manufacturing capacity of approximately 80 million pounds.
No single customer purchases 10% or more of our Americas Mills segment’s production. Due to the nature of certain stock products we sell in the Americas Mills segment, we do not have a long lead time between receipt of a purchase order and delivery. We generally fill orders for stock products from inventory or with products near completion. As a result, we do not believe that backlog levels are a significant factor in the evaluation of these operations. Backlog for our four steel minimills at August 31, 2009 was approximately $142 million as compared to $311 million at August 31, 2008. The Arizona micro mill was not yet fully commissioned as of this date.
AMERICAS FABRICATION AND DISTRIBUTION SEGMENT
We conduct our Americas Fabrication operations through a network of:
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steel plants that bend, cut, weld and fabricate steel, primarily reinforcing bar and angles;
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warehouses that sell or rent products for the installation of concrete;
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plants that produce special sections for floors and ceiling support;
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plants that produce steel fence posts; and
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plants that treat steel with heat to strengthen and provide flexibility.
Steel Fabrication. Our Americas Fabrication group operates 74 facilities that we consider to be engaged in the various aspects of steel fabrication. Most of the facilities engage in general fabrication of reinforcing and structural steel with eight locations specializing in fabricating joists, special beams and decking for floor and ceiling support and four facilities fabricating only steel fence posts. We obtain steel for these facilities from our own minimills, purchases from other steel manufacturers through our distribution business and directly from unrelated steel vendors. In 2009, we shipped 1,424,000 tons of fabricated steel, a decrease of 302,000 tons from 2008.
We conduct steel fabrication activities in facilities located in Arkansas at Little Rock and Hope; in Arizona at Chandler; California at Bloomington, Claremont, Emeryville (2), Etiwanda, Fontana (2), Fresno, Santee, Stockton, and Tracy; in Colorado at Brighton and Denver; in Florida at Fort Myers, Jacksonville, and Kissimmee; in Georgia at Garden City and Lawrenceville; in Illinois at Kankakee; in Louisiana at Baton Rouge, Keithville and Pearl River; in Mississippi at Lumberton; in North Carolina at Gastonia; in New Mexico at Albuquerque; in Nevada at Las Vegas (3); in Ohio at Cleveland; in Oklahoma at Oklahoma City and Tulsa; in South Carolina at Columbia and Taylors; in Tennessee at Nashville; in Texas at Beaumont, Buda, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Harlingen, Houston (2), Kennedale, Laredo, Melissa, Pharr, San Antonio, Seguin, Victoria, Waco and Waxahachie (2); and in Virginia at Farmville (2), Fredericksburg and Norfolk.
Fabricated steel products are used primarily in the construction of commercial and non-commercial buildings, hospitals, convention centers, industrial plants, power plants, highways, bridges, arenas, stadiums, and dams. Generally, we sell fabricated steel in response to a bid solicitation from a construction contractor or the project owner. Typically, the contractor or owner of the project awards the job based on the competitive prices of the bids and does not individually negotiate with the bidders.
Our joist manufacturing operations headquartered in Hope, Arkansas, manufacture steel joists for roof supports. The joist manufacturing operations fabricate joists from steel obtained primarily from our Americas Mill at facilities in Hope, Arkansas; Starke, Florida; Juarez, Mexico, Cayce and Eastover, South Carolina; Fallon, Nevada; Iowa Falls, Iowa; and New Columbia, Pennsylvania.. We manufacture steel deck, a companion product for joist sales, at facilities in South Plainfield, New Jersey; Peru, Illinois; and Rock Hill, South Carolina. Our typical joist and deck customer is a construction contractor or large chain store owner. Joists are generally made to order and sales may include custom design, fabrication and painting. Deck is often sold in combination with joists. We obtain our sales primarily on a competitive bid basis. We also manufacture and sell castellated and cellular steel beams. These beams, recognizable by their hexagonal or circular pattern of voids, permit greater design flexibility in steel construction, especially floor structures. We fabricate these beams at a facility adjacent to our Hope, Arkansas, joist manufacturing plant.
Construction Services. We sell and rent construction related products and equipment to concrete installers and other construction businesses. We have 44 locations in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Arkansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Idaho and California where we store and sell these products which, with the exception of a small portion of steel products, are purchased for resale from unrelated suppliers.
Heat Treating. Our subsidiary, AHT, Inc. operates plants in Chicora, Pennsylvania, Struthers, Ohio and Pell City, Alabama that heat treat steel products for special applications. AHT works closely with our Alabama minimill, other steel mills and our distribution business that sell specialized heat-treated steel for customer specific use. Such steel is primarily used in original or special equipment manufacturing where special hardening or flexibility is required. A portion of this steel is used for post-manufactured armor plating. We have annual operating capacity in our heat treating operation of approximately 125,000 tons. We also operate a warehousing and distribution operation known as CMC Impact Metals which distributes not only the specialized products provided by AHT, but also similar products obtained from other similar specialty processors located around the world.
CMC Dallas Trading. Our Americas division distribution business consists of our CMC Dallas Trading operation. CMC Dallas Trading markets and distributes semi-finished, long, and flat steel products into the Americas which it purchases from a diverse base of international and domestic sources. During the past year, CMC Dallas Trading sold approximately 580 thousand tons of steel products through and with the assistance of our offices in Irving, Texas. Our network of offices in the International Fabrication and Distribution segment works closely with CMC Dallas Trading to share information regarding supply and demand for the products sold and assists with locating and maintains relationships with sources of supply.
Backlog in our steel fabrication operations was approximately $621 million at August 31, 2009 as compared to $784 million at August 31, 2008. Other backlogs in the Americas Fabrication and Distribution segment are not considered material. No single customer accounts for 10% or more of our Americas Fabrication and Distribution segment’s sales.
CMC INTERNATIONAL DIVISION OPERATIONS
INTERNATIONAL MILLS SEGMENT
Our Swiss subsidiary, CMC International AG owns two steel minimills - CMC Zawiercie S.A. (CMCZ) with operations at Zawiercie, Poland and CMC Sisak d.o.o. (CMCS) with operations at Sisak, Croatia. These two mills constitute the International Mills segment.
CMCZ is a steel minimill with equipment similar to our domestic steel minimills, but also includes a second rolling mill which produces wire rod and a specialty rod finishing mill. We own all or a substantial interest in several smaller metals related operations, including fourteen scrap metals processing facilities in Poland that directly support CMCZ with approximately one-third of its scrap requirements.
CMCZ has annual melting capacity of approximately 1,900,000 tons with annual rolling capacity of approximately 1,300,000 tons. During 2009, the facility melted 1,269,000 tons of steel compared to 1,502,000 tons the prior year; rolled 997,000 compared to the prior year’s 1,100,000 tons and shipped 1,258,000 tons compared to 1,434,000 tons during 2008. Principal products manufactured include rebar and wire rod as well as smaller quantities of merchant bar. CMCZ is a significant manufacturer of rebar and wire rod in Central Europe selling rebar primarily to fabricators, distributors and construction companies. Principal customers for wire rod are meshmakers, end users and distributors. CMCZ’s products are generally sold to customers located within a market area of 400 miles of the mill. The majority of sales are to customers within Poland with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Germany being the major export markets. Ferrous scrap metal is the principal raw material for CMCZ and is generally obtained from scrap metal processors and generators within 400 miles of the mill. Ferrous scrap metal, electricity, natural gas and other necessary raw materials for the steel manufacturing process are generally readily available although subject to periodic significant price fluctuations. A large capacity scrap metal shredding facility similar to the largest automobile shredder we operate in the United States is located at CMCZ and supplies CMCZ with a portion of its scrap metal requirements.
During 2009 we had two significant expansions underway at CMCZ. Installation of a new wire rod block at a cost of approximately $40 million which was completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. This addition has increased capacity approximately 110,000 tons and enhanced CMCZ’s product range. We also began installation of a new rolling mill at an estimated cost of $190 million. The new mill, designed to allow efficient and flexible production of an increased medium section product range, will complement the facility’s existing rolling mill dedicated primarily to rebar production. The new mill will have a rolling capacity of approximately 716,000 tons of rebar, merchant bar and wire rod. The first phase of the new mill is expected to be completed during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 while the second phase is expected to be completed at the end of fiscal year 2010 or during fiscal year 2011, and is in addition to CMCZ’s two existing rolling mills.
In September 2007, we acquired from the Croatian Privatization Fund all outstanding shares of Valjaonica Cijevi Sisak which we subsequently renamed CMCS. CMCS is an electric arc furnace steel pipe mill. Current melting capacity at CMCS is approximately 80,000 tons. We have announced plans to replace the existing 34 short ton electric arc furnace with a larger 67 short ton furnace and add a ladle furnace. These modifications will increase capacity to approximately 360,000 tons in the first phase and approximately 500,000 tons in the second phase, with the first phase expected to be completed during the second quarter of fiscal 2010. CMCS operates a seamless pipe mill. CMCS discontinued use of a cold processing mill and a welded mill during this fiscal year.
CMCS has an annual capacity of about 116,000 short tons of steel pipe. Prior to our purchase the mill had been operating at minimal production rates due to inadequate financing, poorly maintained equipment and poor employee morale. We commenced what amounted to a restart of the facility, employing new key managers, reviewing and revising operating, maintenance and safety procedures, staffing requirements and analyzing potential capital improvements to increase productivity. CMCS melted 49,000 tons, rolled 63,000 tons and shipped 67,000 tons in 2009.
INTERNATIONAL FABRICATION AND DISTRIBUTION SEGMENT
Our International Distribution operations buy and sell primary and secondary metals, fabricated metals and other industrial products. During the past year, the International Distribution facilities sold approximately 1.5 million tons of steel products. We market and distribute these products through a network of offices, processing facilities and joint venture offices located around the world. We purchase steel products, industrial minerals, ores, metal concentrates and ferroalloys from producers in domestic and foreign markets. Occasionally, we purchase these materials from suppliers, such as trading companies or industrial consumers, who have a surplus of these materials. We utilize long-term contracts, spot market purchases and trading or barter transactions to purchase materials. To obtain favorable long term supply agreements, we occasionally offer assistance to producers by arranging structured finance transactions to suit their objectives. Our exposure to these structured finance transactions is negligible to our business. See discussion in Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, to our consolidated financial statements.
We sell our products to customers, primarily manufacturers, in the steel, nonferrous metals, metal fabrication, chemical, refractory and transportation businesses. We sell directly to our customers through and with the assistance of our offices in Fort Lee, New Jersey; Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, Australia; Singapore; Zug, Switzerland; Kürten, Germany; Curditt, UK; Temse, Belgium; Hong Kong; Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai China. We have a representative office in Moscow. We have agents or joint venture partners in additional offices located in significant international markets. Our network of offices share information regarding demand for our materials, assist with negotiation and performance of contracts and other services for our customers, and identify and maintain relationships with our sources of supply.
In most transactions, we act as principal by taking title and ownership of the products. We are at times designated as a marketing representative, sometimes exclusively, by product suppliers. We utilize agents when appropriate, and on occasion we act as a broker for these products. We buy and sell these products in almost all major markets throughout the world where trade by American-owned companies is permitted.
We market physical products as compared to companies that trade commodity futures contracts and frequently do not take delivery of the commodity. As a result of sophisticated global communications, our customers and suppliers often have easy access to quoted market prices, although such price quotes are not always indicative of actual transaction prices. Therefore, to distinguish ourselves we focus on value added services for both sellers and buyers. Our services include actual physical market pricing and trend information in contrast to market information from more speculative metal exchange futures, and technical information and assistance, financing, transportation and shipping (including chartering of vessels), storage, warehousing, just-in-time delivery, insurance, hedging and the ability to consolidate smaller purchases and sales into larger, more cost efficient transactions. These services are performed in the normal course of business and the majority are included in the transaction price as there is no separate revenue stream for each service. We attempt to limit exposure to price fluctuations by offsetting purchases with concurrent sales. We also enter into currency exchange contracts as economic hedges of sales and purchase commitments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar or the functional currency of our international subsidiaries. Our policies are designed to prohibit speculation on changes in the markets.
We have previously made investments to acquire approximately 11% of the outstanding stock of a Czech Republic long products steel mill and 24% of a Belgium business that processes and pickles hot rolled steel coil.
These investments allow us to expand our marketing and distribution activities by selling a portion of the products they produce and on occasion supplying a portion of their raw material requirements.
Our Australian operations are believed to be the largest marketer of imported steel in Australia. We utilize warehouse facilities at several Australian ports to facilitate distribution, including just-in-time delivery and logistics management. Our CMC Coil Steels Group is a major distributor and processor of steel sheet and coil products predominately procured from Australian sources and has recently expanded into distribution of long products including reinforcing bar. Coil Steels operates processing facilities in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, warehouses in Adelaide and Perth and smaller regional sales outlets including Darwin and Toowoomba. The Australian operations also operate an industrial products distribution business supplying metals related industries including steel mills, foundries and smelters. In 2008, we acquired the assets of a small Sydney based ferrous and non-ferrous recycling facility.
Our International Fabrication operations have expanded downstream captive uses for a portion of the rebar and wire rod manufactured at CMCZ with construction of a reinforcing bar fabrication facility at CMCZ and the acquisition of rebar fabrication facilities in Rosslau, Germany as well as having commenced operation of a new fabrication facility in Zyrardow, near Warsaw. These three rebar fabrication facilities are similar to those operated by our domestic fabrication facilities and sell fabricated rebar to contractors for incorporation into construction projects generally within 150 miles of each facility. In 2008 we acquired Nike S.A. located in Dabrowa Górnicza, Poland which merged with our downstream operation, CMC Poland, in fiscal year 2009. This operation is a producer of welded steel mesh, cold rolled wire rod and cold rolled reinforcing bar with total production capacity of approximately 99,000 tons of steel products annually. This acquisition enables our International Fabrication operations to supplement sales of fabricated reinforcing bar by also offering wire mesh to customers including metals service centers as well as construction contractors.
In 2008 we acquired a recycling facility in Singapore. The facility is similar to those operated by the Recycling segment of CMC Americas but on a smaller scale, and is operated as part of the International Fabrication and Distribution segment due to its oversight by managers in this segment.
For a discussion of the risks attendant to our foreign operations, see “Risk Factors - Operating Internationally Carries Risks and Uncertainties which Could Negatively Affect Our Results of Operations.”
For financial data on the above segments, see “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 15, Business Segments.”
SEASONALITY
Many of our mills and fabrication facilities’ customers are in the construction business. Due to the increase in construction during the spring and summer months, our sales are generally higher in the third and fourth quarters than in the first and second quarters of our fiscal year.
COMPETITION
We believe our Americas Recycling segment is one of the largest entities engaged in the recycling of nonferrous scrap metals in the United States. We are also a major regional processor of ferrous scrap metal. The scrap metal recycling business is subject to cyclical fluctuations based upon the availability and price of unprocessed scrap metal and the demand for steel and nonferrous metals. Buying prices and service to scrap suppliers and generators are the principal competitive factors for the recycling segment. The price offered for scrap metal is the principal competitive factor in acquiring material from smaller scrap metals collection firms, while industrial generators of scrap metal may also consider the importance of other factors such as supplying appropriate collection containers, timely removal, reliable documentation including accurate and detailed purchase records with customized reports, the ability to service multiple locations, insurance coverage, and the buyer’s financial strength.
Our Americas Mills compete with regional, national and foreign manufacturers of steel and copper. We do not produce a significant percentage of the total domestic output of most of our products. However, we are considered a substantial supplier in the markets near our facilities. We compete primarily on the price and quality of our products and our service. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Industry.”
Our Americas Fabrication business competes with regional and national suppliers. We believe that we are among the largest fabricators of reinforcing bar in the United States, and our joist facilities are the second largest manufacturer of joists in the United States, although significantly smaller than the largest joist supplier. We believe that we are the largest manufacturer of steel fence posts in the United States.
We believe that CMCZ is the second largest supplier of wire rod and the second largest supplier of reinforcing bar in the Polish market. It competes with several large manufacturers of rebar and wire rod in Central and Eastern Europe, primarily on the basis of price and product availability.
Our distribution business is highly competitive. Our products in the distribution business are standard commodity items. We compete primarily on the price, quality and reliability of our products, our financing alternatives and our additional services. In this business, we compete with other domestic and foreign trading companies, some of which are larger and may have access to greater financial resources. In addition, some of our competitors may be able to pursue business without being restricted by the laws of the United States. We also compete with industrial consumers who purchase directly from suppliers, and importers and manufacturers of semi-finished ferrous and nonferrous products. Our CMC Coil Steels Group, a distributor of steel sheet and coil in Australia, is believed to be the third largest distributor of those products in Australia.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
A significant factor in our business is our compliance with environmental laws and regulations. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Industry” below. Compliance with and changes in various environmental requirements and environmental risks applicable to our industry may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Occasionally, we may be required to clean up or take certain remediation action with regard to sites we formerly used in our operations. We may also be required to pay for a portion of the costs of clean up or remediation at sites we never owned or on which we never operated if we are found to have treated or disposed of hazardous substances on the sites. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has named us a potentially responsible party, or PRP, at several federal Superfund sites. The EPA alleges that we and other PRP scrap metal suppliers are responsible for the cleanup of those sites solely because we sold scrap metal to unrelated manufacturers for recycling as a raw material in the manufacturing of new products. We contend that an arms length sale of valuable scrap metal for use as a raw material in a manufacturing process that we have no control of should not constitute “an arrangement for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances” as defined under federal law. In 2000 the Superfund Recycling Equity Act was signed into law which, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, provides legitimate sellers of scrap metal for recycling with some relief from Superfund liability under federal law. Despite Congress’ clarification of the intent of the federal law, some state laws and environmental agencies still seek to impose such liability. We believe efforts to impose such liability are contrary to public policy objectives and legislation encouraging recycling and promoting the use of recycled materials and we continue to support clarification of state laws and regulations consistent with Congress’ action.
New federal, state and local laws, regulations and the varying interpretations of such laws by regulatory agencies and the judiciary impact how much money we spend on environmental compliance. In addition, uncertainty regarding adequate control levels, testing and sampling procedures, new pollution control technology and cost benefit analysis based on market conditions impact our future expenditures in order to comply with environmental requirements. We cannot predict the total amount of capital expenditures or increases in operating costs or other expenses that may be required as a result of environmental compliance. We also do not know if we can pass such costs on to our customers through product price increases. During 2009, we incurred environmental costs including disposal, permits, license fees, tests, studies, remediation, consultant fees and environmental personnel expense of approximately $24 million. In addition, we estimate that we spent approximately $5 million during 2009 on capital expenditures for environmental projects. We believe that our facilities are in material compliance with currently applicable environmental laws and regulations. We anticipate capital expenditures for new environmental control facilities during 2010 of approximately $10 million.
EMPLOYEES
During the past year, the Company has adjusted its workforce by implementing global reductions in force of approximately 2,600 employees, with approximately 2,100 of those reductions affecting employees in the U.S. As of August 31, 2009, we had 13,586 employees. The Americas Recycling segment employed 1,654 people, the Americas Mills segment employed 2,074 people, the Americas Fabrication and Distribution segment employed
5,314 people, the International Mills segment employed 3,135 people and the International Fabrication and Distribution segment employed 842 people. As of August 31, 2009, we had 567 employees providing services to our divisions and subsidiaries in shared service operations, general corporate administration (including treasury, tax, IT, internal audit and other services), and management. Production employees at one metals recycling plant and two fabrication facilities are represented by unions for collective bargaining purposes. Approximately one half of International Mills’ employees are represented by unions. We believe that our labor relations are generally good to excellent and our work force is highly motivated.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Before making an investment in our company, you should be aware of various risks, including those described below. You should carefully consider these risk factors together with all of the other information included in this annual report on Form 10-K. The risks described below are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or those we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected and you may lose all or part of your investment.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY
OUR INDUSTRY IS AFFECTED BY CYCLICAL AND GLOBAL ECONOMIC FACTORS INCLUDING THE RISK OF A RECESSION AND OUR CUSTOMERS’ ACCESS TO CREDIT FACILITIES.
Our financial results are substantially dependent upon the overall economic conditions in the United States and the European Union. A continued recession in the United States, the European Union, or globally - or the public perception that a recession is continuing - could substantially decrease the demand for our products and adversely affect our business. Many of our products are commodities subject to cyclical fluctuations in supply and demand in metal consuming industries and construction. Metals industries have historically been vulnerable to significant declines in consumption and product pricing during prolong periods of economic downturn. Likewise the pace of construction has historically slowed significantly during economic downturns. Many of our customers rely on access to credit to adequately fund their operations or to finance construction projects. The inability of our customers to access credit facilities will adversely affect our business by reducing our sales, increasing our exposure to accounts receivable bad debts and reducing our profitability. Our geographic concentration in the southern and southwestern United States as well as Central Europe, Australia, China, and the Middle East exposes us to the local market conditions in these regions. Economic downturns in these areas or decisions by governments that have an impact on the level and pace of overall economic activity in a particular region could also adversely affect our sales and profitability.
Our business supports cyclical industries such as commercial, residential and government construction, energy, metals service center, petrochemical and original equipment manufacturing. These industries may experience significant fluctuations in demand for our products based on economic conditions, energy prices, consumer demand and decisions by governments to fund infrastructure projects such as highways, schools, energy plants and airports. Many of these factors are beyond our control. As a result of the volatility in the industries we serve, we may have difficulty increasing or maintaining our level of sales or profitability. If the industries we serve suffer a prolonged downturn, then our business may be adversely affected. Although the residential housing market is not a significant direct factor in our business, related commercial and infrastructure construction activities, such as shopping centers and roads could be impacted by a prolonged slump in new housing construction.
Our industry is characterized by low backlogs, which means that our results of operations are promptly affected by short-term economic fluctuations.
A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN CHINA’S STEEL CONSUMPTION OR INCREASED CHINESE STEEL PRODUCTION SUBSTANTIALLY EXCEEDING LOCAL DEMAND MAY RESULT IN CHINA BECOMING A LARGE EXPORTER OF STEEL AND DISRUPTION TO WORLD STEEL MARKETS.
Chinese economic expansion has affected the availability and heightened the volatility of many commodities that we market and use in our manufacturing process, including steel. It is reported that in calendar year 2008 China produced approximately 510 million metric tons of crude steel, representing 38% of world production. China’s estimated consumption was approximately 448 million metric tons and was a net exporter of approximately 52 million tons in 2008. Expansions and contractions in China’s economy can have major effects on the pricing of not only the price of our finished steel products but also many commodities that affect us such as secondary metals, energy, marine freight rates, steel making supplies such as ferroalloys and graphite electrodes and materials we
market such as iron ore and coke. Should Chinese demand weaken or Chinese steel production be allowed to expand unchecked to the point that it significantly exceeds the country’s consumption, prices for many of the products that we both sell to and export from China may fall causing erosion in our gross margins and subjecting us to possible renegotiation of contracts or increases in bad debts. Significant exports from China of steel in the product lines we manufacture would cause selling prices to decline and negatively impact our gross margins.
RAPID AND SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE PRICE OF METALS COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR INDUSTRY.
Prices for most metals in which we deal have experienced increased volatility over the last several years. More recently steel prices sharply declined from their peaks and are at still relatively low levels.. However, should metals prices experience further substantial rapid decreases or increases it would impact us in several ways. Some of our operations, the fabrication operations for example, may benefit from rapidly decreasing steel prices as their material cost for previously contracted fixed price work declines. Others, such as our Americas Mills and International Mills segments, would likely experience reduced margins and may be forced to liquidate high cost inventory at reduced margins or losses until prices stabilized. Sudden increases could have the opposite effect. Overall, we believe that rapid substantial price changes, would not be 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 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 should 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 would increase during periods of rapid and substantial price changes.
EXCESS CAPACITY IN OUR INDUSTRY COULD INCREASE THE LEVEL OF STEEL IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED STATES RESULTING IN LOWER DOMESTIC PRICES WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR SALES, MARGINS AND PROFITABILITY.
Steel-making capacity exceeds demand for steel products in some countries. 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 and which may not reflect their costs of production or capital. This supply of imports can decrease the sensitivity of domestic steel prices to increases in demand or our ability to recover increased manufacturing costs.
COMPLIANCE WITH AND CHANGES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND REMEDIATION REQUIREMENTS COULD RESULT IN SUSTANTIALLY INCREASED CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND OPERATING COSTS.
Existing laws or regulations, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, or future laws or regulations, may have a material adverse effect on our 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. New facilities that we may build, especially steel minimills, 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 minimills generate electric arc furnace dust (EAF dust), which the EPA and other regulatory authorities classify as hazardous waste. EAF dust requires special handling, recycling or disposal.
In addition, the primary feed materials for the shredders operated by our scrap metal 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 non-ferrous 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, we may incur additional significant expenditures.
Although we believe that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, 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 can be passed on to customers through product price increases. Competitors in various regions or countries where environmental regulation might not be so restrictive, subject to different interpretation or generally not enforced, may enjoy a competitive advantage.
We may also be required to conduct additional clean up at sites where we have already participated in remediation efforts or to take remediation action with regard to sites formerly used in connection with our operations. We may be required to pay for a portion of the costs of clean up 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.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMPANY
POTENTIAL LIMITATIONS ON OUR ABILITY TO ACCESS CREDIT FACILITIES MAY NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS.
Although we believe we have adequate access to several sources of contractually committed borrowings and other available credit facilities (see the discussion at page 36 of our liquidity), we could be adversely affected if our banks, the buyers of our commercial paper or other of the traditional sources supplying our short term borrowing requirements refused to honor their contract commitments or ceased lending. While we believe the lending institutions participating in our credit arrangements are financially capable, recent events in the global credit markets, including the failure, takeover or rescue by various government entities of major financial institutions, have created uncertainty of credit availability to an extent not experienced in recent decades. Our commercial paper program is ranked in the second highest category by Moody’s Investors Service (P-2) and the third highest by Standard & Poor’s Corporation (A-3). Our senior unsecured debt is investment grade rated by Standard & Poor’s Corporation (BBB) and Moody’s Investors Service (Baa2). In determining our credit ratings, the rating agencies consider a number of both quantitative and qualitative factors. These factors include earnings, 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. Lower ratings on our commercial paper program or our senior unsecured debt could impair our ability to obtain additional financing and will increase the cost of the financing that we do obtain.
WE HAVE INITIATED IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SYSTEM WHICH, IF NOT EFFECTIVELY MANAGED AND CONTROLLED, COULD THREATEN THE ACHIEVEMENT OF OPERATION AND FINANCIAL GOALS.
In 2006 we began planning and design of a new enterprise resource planning system which continued through 2007 with phased implementation during 2008 and 2009 and currently scheduled to continue through the next several years. There are risks that the effort may not result in a successful implementation resulting in resources being inappropriately diverted, untimely completion, substantial cost overruns, or inadequate information to manage our businesses and prepare accurate financial information. Should the project not be successfully completed the capitalized cost for this project might have to be expensed resulting in an unanticipated reduction in profitability.
SOME OF OUR CUSTOMERS MAY DEFAULT ON THE DEBTS THEY OWE TO US.
Should the recent constraints on access to credit continue for a prolonged period some of our customers may struggle or fail to meet their obligations, especially if they in turn experience defaults on receivables due from their customers. A continued recession could result in our incurring bad debt costs in excess of our expectations and prior experience. In certain markets we have experienced a consolidation among those entities to whom we sell. This consolidation, along with higher metals and other commodity prices, has resulted in an increased credit risk spread
among fewer customers often without a corresponding strengthening of their financial status. We have expanded our use of credit insurance for accounts receivable in our businesses. While we believe the insurance companies with whom our accounts receivable are insured are capable of meeting their contract obligations, it is possible that we may not be capable of recovering all of our insured losses should they experience significant losses threatening their viability. Additionally, credit insurance policies typically have relatively short policy periods and require pre-approval of customers with maximum insured limits established by customer. Should credit insurers incur large losses, the insurance may be more difficult to secure and when available likely only at increased costs with decreased coverage. While in many international sales transactions we require letters of credit from financial institutions which we believe to be financially secure, we may be at risk in the event the financial institution subsequently fails and the customer is unable to pay for the products we sold. A substantial amount of our accounts receivable are considered to be open account uninsured accounts receivable. We regularly maintain a substantial amount of accounts receivable, at year end $773 million. During the fiscal year, we incured bad debt expense of $34 million, charged off accounts receivable of $13 million and had recoveries of $3 million and at year end our allowance for collection losses was $42 million.
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF OUR CUSTOMERS’ NON-COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS.
Most consumers of the metals products we sell have been negatively impacted by the recession. Many of our customers have experienced reductions, some substantial, in their operations. Prices for many of the metals products we sell have declined, some substantially. These factors have contributed to attempts by some customers to seek renegotiation or cancellation of their existing purchase commitments. 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. A large number of our customers defaulting on existing contractual obligations to purchase our products, would have a material impact on our results of operations.
THE AGREEMENTS GOVERNING THE NOTES AND OUR OTHER DEBT CONTAIN FINANCIAL COVENANTS AND IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS ON OUR BUSINESS.
The indenture governing our 5.625% notes due 2013, 6.50% notes due 2017 and 7.35% notes due 2018 contains restrictions on our ability to create liens, sell assets, enter into sale and leaseback transactions and consolidate or merge. In addition, our credit facility contains covenants that place restrictions on our ability to, among other things:
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create liens;
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enter into transactions with affiliates;
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sell assets;
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in the case of some of our subsidiaries, guarantee debt; and
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consolidate or merge.
Our credit facility also requires that we meet certain financial tests and maintain certain financial ratios, including a 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.
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 restrictions could result in a default under the indenture governing the notes or under our other debt agreements. An event of default under our debt agreements would permit some of 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 the notes.
FLUCTUATIONS IN THE VALUE OF THE U.S. DOLLAR RELATIVE TO OTHER CURRENCIES MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
Fluctuations in the value of the dollar can be expected to affect our business. In particular major changes in the rate of exchange of China’s renminbi or the value of the euro to the U.S. dollar could negatively impact our business. A strong U.S. dollar makes imported metal products less expensive, resulting in more imports of steel products into the United States by our foreign competitors while a weak U.S. dollar may have the opposite impact on imports. With the exception of exports of non-ferrous scrap metal by our Americas Recycling segment we have not recently been a significant exporter of metal products from our United States operations. 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 United States at depressed prices and can be exacerbated by a strong dollar. As a result, our products which are made in the United States, may become relatively more expensive as compared to imported steel, which has had and in the future could have a negative impact on our sales, revenues, profitability and cash flows.
A strong U.S. dollar hampers our international marketing and distribution business. Weak local currencies limit the amount of U.S. dollar denominated products that we can import for our international operations and limits our ability to be competitive against local producers selling in local currencies.
OPERATING INTERNATIONALLY CARRIES RISKS AND UNCERTANTIES WHICH COULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We have our heaviest concentration of manufacturing facilities in the United States but also have significant facilities in Europe and Australia. Our marketing and trading offices are located in most major markets of the world with our suppliers and our customers located throughout the world. Our marketing and distribution segment relies on substantial international shipments of materials and products in the ordinary course of its business. Our stability, growth and profitability are subject to a number of risks inherent in doing business internationally in addition to the currency exchange risk discussed above, including:
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political, military, terrorist or major pandemic events;
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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 protectionist trade barriers, adverse tax law changes, nationalization or currency restrictions;
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disruptions or delays in shipments caused by customs compliance or government agencies; and
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potential difficulties in staffing and managing local operations.
WE RELY ON THE AVAILABILITY OF LARGE AMOUNTS OF ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS FOR OUR MINIMILL OPERATIONS. DISRUPTIONS IN DELIVERY OR SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN ENERGY COSTS, INCLUDING CRUDE OIL PRICES, COULD ADVERSLY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE.
Minimills melt steel scrap in electric arc furnaces and use natural gas to heat steel billets for rolling into finished products. As large consumers of electricity and gas, often the largest in the geographic area where our minimills 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 or by political considerations 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 affect on the costs of operating our minimills and would negatively impact our gross margins unless we were able to fully pass through the additional expense. Our finished steel products are typically delivered by truck. Rapid increases in the price of fuel attributable to increases in crude oil prices will have a negative impact on our costs and many of our customers’ financial results which could result in reduced margins and declining demand for our products. Rapid increases in fuel costs may also negatively impact our ability to charter ships for international deliveries at anticipated freight rates thereby decreasing our margins on those transactions or causing our customers to look for alternative sources.
IF WE LOSE THE SERVICES OF KEY EMPLOYEES WE MAY NOT BE ABLE 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. While we have an employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, we typically do not have employment agreements with other key employees. The loss or interruption of the services of a number of our key employees would reduce our ability to effectively manage our operations due to the fact that we may not be able to find in a timely manner, appropriate replacement personnel 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 but several which are significantly larger. Some of our larger competitors have greater financial resources and more diverse businesses than us. Some of our foreign competitors may be able to pursue business opportunities without regard for the laws and regulations with which we must comply, such as environmental regulations. These companies may have a lower cost structure, more operating flexibility and consequently they may be able to offer better prices and more services than we can. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully with these companies.
OUR STEEL MINIMILL BUSINESS REQUIRES CONTINUOUS CAPITAL INVESTMENTS THAT WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN.
We must make regular substantial capital investments in our steel minimills to 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 minimills, take advantage of business opportunities and respond to competitive pressures.
SCRAP AND OTHER SUPPLIES FOR OUR BUSINESSES ARE SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT PRICE FLUCTUATIONS, WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
We depend on ferrous scrap, the primary feedstock for our steel minimills and other supplies such as graphite electrodes and ferroalloys for our steel minimill operations. Although we believe that the supply of scrap is adequate to meet future needs, the price of scrap and other supplies have historically been subject to significant fluctuation. Our future profitability will be adversely affected if we are unable to pass on to our customers increased raw material and supplies costs. 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 domestic fabrication segment’s fixed price fabrication contracts.
The raw material used in manufacturing copper tubing is copper scrap, supplemented occasionally by virgin copper ingot. Copper scrap has generally been readily available, and a small portion of our copper scrap comes from our metal recycling yards. However, copper scrap is subject to rapid price fluctuations related to the price and supply of virgin copper. Price increases for high quality copper scrap could adversely affect our business. Our Arkansas mill does not have melting capacity, so it is dependent on an adequate supply of competitively priced used rail. The availability of used rail fluctuates with the pace of railroad abandonments, rail replacement by railroads in the United States and abroad and demand for used rail from other domestic and foreign rail rerolling mills. Price increases for used rail could adversely affect our business.
UNEXPECTED EQUIPMENT FAILURES MAY LEAD TO PRODUCTION CURTAILMENTS OR SHUTDOWNS.
Interruptions in our production capabilities will adversely affect our production costs, steel available for sales and earnings for the affected period. 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. 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.
HEDGING TRANSACTIONS MAY EXPOSE US TO LOSS OR LIMIT OUR POTENTIAL GAINS.
Our product lines and worldwide operations expose us to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange, commodity prices and interest rates. As part of our risk management program, we use financial instruments, including commodity futures or forwards, foreign currency exchange forward contracts and interest rate swaps. While intended to reduce the effects of the fluctuations, these transactions may limit our potential gains or expose us to loss. Should 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 forwards 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. Although we do not enter into these instruments for trading purposes or speculation, and although our management believes all of these instruments are economically effective as hedges of underlying physical transactions, 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 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 EARNINGS AND CASH FLOWS.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, called 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 potentially responsible party 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 at the sites. In addition, we have received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites.
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. Due to inherent uncertainties, including evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process, the uncertainties involved in litigation and other factors, the amounts we accrue could vary significantly from the amounts we ultimately are required to pay.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO LITIGATION WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR PROFITABILITY.
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 expose us to possible litigation claims in the future. Although we make every effort to avoid litigation, these matters are not totally within our control. We will contest these matters vigorously and have made insurance claims where appropriate, but 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 affect on our financial condition and profitability. Litigation is very costly, and the costs associated with prosecuting and defending litigation matters could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and profitability. 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 and the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process, the uncertainties involved in litigation and other factors.
OUR SYSTEM OF INTERNAL CONTROLS MUST BE AUDITED ANNUALLY AND THE OCCURRENCE OF A MATERIAL WEAKNESS MAY NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS REPUTATION, CREDIT RATINGS AND PARTICIPATION IN CAPITAL MARKETS.
Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act management must now assess the design and functioning of our system of financial internal control. Our registered independent accountants must then certify the effectiveness of our internal controls. Discovery and disclosure of a material weakness, by definition may have a material adverse impact on our financial statements. Such an occurrence may discourage certain customers or suppliers from doing business with us, may cause downgrades in our debt ratings leading to higher borrowing costs, and may affect how our stock trades. This may in turn negatively affect our ability to access public debt or equity markets for capital.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our Texas steel minimill is located on approximately 600 acres of land that we own. Our Texas minimill facilities include several buildings that occupy approximately 747,000 square feet. Our Alabama steel minimill is located on approximately 70 acres of land, and it includes several buildings that occupy approximately 544,000 square feet. We utilize our facilities at the Texas and Alabama steel minimills for manufacturing, storage, office and other related uses. Our South Carolina steel minimill is located on approximately 112 acres of land, and the buildings occupy approximately 706,000 square feet. Our Arkansas steel minimill is located on approximately 137 acres of land, and the buildings occupy approximately 238,000 square feet. Our Arizona steel micro mill is located on approximately 230 acres of land, and the buildings occupy approximately 130,000 square feet. We lease approximately 30 acres of land at the Alabama minimill and all the land at the Arkansas and South Carolina minimills in connection with revenue bond financing or property tax incentives. We may purchase the land at the termination of the leases or earlier for a nominal sum. Howell Metal Company owns approximately 75 acres of land in New Market, Virginia, with buildings occupying approximately 410,000 square feet.
Our Americas Recycling segment’s plants occupy approximately 819 acres of land that we own in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The recycling segment’s other scrap metal processing locations are on leased land.
The facilities of our Americas Fabrication operations utilize approximately 1,337 acres of land, of which we lease approximately 102 acres of land, at various locations in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Juarez, Mexico. Our International Fabrication operations utilize approximately 136,000 square meters of land which is either owned or subject to a perpetual usufruct.
CMCZ’s steel manufacturing operations are located in Zawiercie in South Central Poland about 40 kilometers from Katowice. CMCZ and subsidiaries lease approximately 98% of the 2 million square meters of land utilized by the principal operations with a small balance owned. The land is leased from the State of Poland under contracts with 99 year durations and are considered to create a right of perpetual usufruct. The leases expire beginning in 2089 through 2100. The principal operations are conducted in buildings having an area of approximately 234,000 square meters. The seven major buildings in use have all been constructed on or after 1974. The real estate is also developed with approximately 133 other buildings including warehouses, administrative offices, workshops, garage, transformer stations, pumping stations, gas stations, boiler houses, gate houses and contains some structures leased to unrelated parties, CMCZ subsidiaries and affiliated companies. Other much smaller tracts of land are leased or owned in nearby communities including those utilized by six affiliated scrap processing facilities.
CMCS is located on approximately 882,000 square meters at Sisak in Central Croatia, approximately 30 miles southeast of Zagreb. The principal operations are conducted in buildings having an area of approximately 179,000 square meters.
We own two warehouse buildings which our operations in Australia utilize, one of which is located on leased real estate. We lease the other warehouse facilities located in Australia as well as our Australian headquarters, marketing and administration offices.
We lease the office space occupied by our corporate headquarters as well as that occupied by all of our marketing and distribution offices.
The leases on the leased properties described above will expire on various dates and with the exception of the CMCZ leases described above, generally over the next nine years. Several of the leases have renewal options. We have had little difficulty renewing such leases as they expire. We estimate our minimum annual rental obligation for real estate operating leases in effect at August 31, 2009, to be paid during fiscal 2010, to be approximately $24 million. We also lease a portion of the equipment we use in our plants. We estimate our minimum annual rental obligation for equipment operating leases in effect at August 31, 2009, to be paid during fiscal 2010, to be approximately $17 million.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On September 18, 2008, we were served with a class action antitrust lawsuit alleging violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, brought by Standard Iron Works of Scranton, Pennsylvania, against nine steel manufacturing companies, including Commercial Metals Company. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that the defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the price at which steel products were sold in the United States by artificially restricting the supply of such steel products. The lawsuit, which purports to be brought on behalf of a class consisting of all purchasers of steel products directly from the defendants between January 1, 2005 and the present, seeks treble damages and costs, including reasonable attorney fees and pre- and post-judgment interest. Since the filing of this lawsuit, additional plaintiffs have filed class action lawsuits naming the same defendants and containing allegations substantially identical to those of the Standard Iron Works complaint. We believe that the lawsuits are entirely without merit and plan to aggressively defend the actions.
We have received notices from the EPA or state agencies with similar responsibility that we and numerous other parties are considered potentially responsible parties, or PRPs, and may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, or CERCLA, or similar state statute to pay for the cost of remedial investigation, feasibility studies and ultimately remediation to correct alleged releases of hazardous substances at ten locations. 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. The EPA or respective state agency refers to these locations, none of which involve real estate we ever owned or conducted operations upon, as 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 Stoller Site in Jericho, South Carolina, the Jensen Drive site in Houston, Texas, and the Industrial Salvage site in Corpus Christi, Texas. 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. 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 Sec. 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, SoGreen/Parramore and Stoller site 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.
In 1993, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission entered an order against our wholly-owned subsidiary CMC Oil Company, or CMC Oil, which has been inactive since 1985. As a result of the order, CMC Oil is subject to a judgment which the Federal District Court upheld in 1994 and the Court of Appeals affirmed in 1995. The order found CMC Oil liable for overcharges constituting violations of crude oil reseller regulations from December 1977 to January 1979. The alleged overcharges occurred in connection with our joint venture transactions with RFB Petroleum, Inc. The overcharges total approximately $1,330,000 plus interest calculated from the transaction dates to the date of the District Court judgment under the Department of Energy’s interest rate policy, and with interest thereafter at the rate of 6.48% per annum. Although CMC Oil accrued a liability on its books during 1995, it does not have sufficient assets to satisfy the judgment. No claim has ever been asserted against us as a result of the CMC Oil litigation. We will vigorously defend ourselves if any such claim is asserted.
We are unable to estimate the ultimate dollar amount of any loss in connection with the above-described legal proceedings, environmental matters, government proceedings, and disputes that could result in additional litigation, some of which may have a material impact on earnings and cash flows for a particular quarter. Management believes that the outcome of the suits and proceedings mentioned, and other miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not have a material adverse effect on our business or consolidated financial position.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not Applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
PURCHASES OF STOCK
MARKET AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
The table below summarizes the high and low sales prices reported on the New York Stock Exchange for our common stock and the quarterly cash dividends we paid for the past two fiscal years.
PRICE RANGE
OF COMMON STOCK
Since 1982, our common stock has been listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. From 1959 until the NYSE listing in 1982, our common stock was traded on the American Stock Exchange. The number of shareholders of record of our common stock at October 26, 2009, was 4,072.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
Information about our equity compensation plans as of August 31, 2009, that were either approved or not approved by our stockholders is as follows:
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the cumulative total return of our common stock during the five year period beginning September 1, 2004 and ending August 31, 2009 with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index also known as the “S&P 500” and the Standard & Poor’s Steel Industry Group Index also known as the “S&P Steel Group.” Each index assumes $100 invested at the close of trading August 31, 2004, and reinvestment of dividends
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Commercial Metals Company, The S&P 500 Index
And The S&P Steel Index
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The table below sets forth a summary of our selected consolidated financial information for the periods indicated. The per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect two-for-one stock splits in the form of stock dividends on our common stock paid May 22, 2006 and January 10, 2005.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
*
Excludes the net sales of a division classified as discontinued operations.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
This annual report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and business, and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including net earnings, economic conditions, credit availability, product pricing and demand, currency valuation, production rates, energy expense, interest rates, inventory levels, acquisitions, construction and operation of new facilities and general market conditions. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by phrases such as we or our management “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “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. Variances will occur and some could be materially different from our current opinion. Developments that could impact our expectations include the following:
•
absence of global economic recovery or possible recession relapse;
•
solvency of financial institutions and their ability or willingness to lend;
•
success or failure of governmental efforts to stimulate the economy including restoring credit availability and confidence in a recovery;
•
customer non-compliance with contracts;
•
construction activity;
•
decisions by governments affecting the level of steel imports, including tariffs and duties;
•
ability to integrate acquisitions into operations;
•
litigation claims and settlements;
•
difficulties or delays in the execution of construction contracts resulting in cost overruns or contract disputes;
•
unsuccessful implementation of new technology;
•
metals pricing over which we exert little influence;
•
increased capacity and product availability from competing steel minimills and other steel suppliers including import quantities and pricing;
•
execution of cost minimization strategies;
•
court decisions;
•
industry consolidation or changes in production capacity or utilization;
•
global factors including political and military uncertainties;
•
currency fluctuations;
•
interest rate changes;
•
scrap metal, energy, insurance and supply prices; and
•
the pace of overall economic activity, particularly in China.
See the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this annual report for a more complete discussion of these risks and uncertainties and for other risks and uncertainties. These factors and the other risk factors described in this annual report are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, we cannot assure you that the actual results or developments we anticipate will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us. Given these uncertainties, we caution prospective investors not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes contained in this annual report.
We recycle, manufacture, market and distribute steel and metal products through a network of over 220 locations in the United States and Internationally.
Our business is organized into the following five segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication and Distribution, International Mills and International Fabrication and Distribution. Our domestic and international distribution business activities consist only of physical transactions and not market speculation.
Americas Recycling Operations
We conduct our recycling operations through metal processing plants located in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Americas Mills Operations
We conduct our domestic mills operations through a network of:
•
steel mills, commonly referred to as “minimills,” that produce reinforcing bar, angles, flats, rounds, fence post sections and other shapes; and
•
a copper tube minimill. Our copper tube minimill is aggregated with the Company’s steel minimills because it has similar economic characteristics.
Americas Fabrication and Distribution Operations
We conduct our domestic fabrication operations through a network of:
•
steel fabrication and processing plants that bend, weld, cut, fabricate, distribute and place steel, primarily reinforcing bar and angles;
•
warehouses that sell or rent products for the installation of concrete;
•
plants that produce special sections for floors and support for ceilings and floors;
•
plants that produce steel fence posts; and
•
plants that treat steel with heat to strengthen and provide flexibility.
Additionally, our domestic distribution includes our CMC Dallas Trading division which markets and distributes semi-finished, long and flat steel products into the Americas from a diverse base of international and domestic sources.
International Mills Operations
International Mills includes our Polish (“CMCZ”) and Croatian (“CMCS”) mills and have been presented as a separate segment because the economic characteristics of the market and the regulatory environment in which our international mills operate is different from our domestic minimills. We conduct our international mill operations through:
•
a rolling mill that produces primarily reinforcing bar and high quality merchant products;
•
a rolling mill that produces primarily wire rod;
•
our scrap processing facilities that directly support the CMCZ minimill; and
•
an electric arc furnace based steel pipe manufacturer.
International Fabrication and Distribution Operations
We conduct our international fabrication operations through four steel fabrication plants in Europe primarily for reinforcing bar and mesh. Additionally, we market and distribute steel, copper and aluminum coil, sheet and tubing, ores, metal concentrates, industrial minerals, ferroalloys and chemicals through our network of marketing and distribution offices, processing facilities and joint ventures internationally. Our customers use these products in a variety of industries.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The following are important accounting policies, estimates and assumptions that you should understand as you review our financial statements. We apply these accounting policies and make these estimates and assumptions to prepare financial statements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Our use of these accounting policies, estimates and assumptions affects our results of operations and our reported amounts of assets and liabilities. Where we have used estimates or assumptions, actual results could differ significantly from our estimates.
Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We recognize sales when title passes to the customer either when goods are shipped or when they are delivered based on the terms of the sale, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When we estimate that a contract with one of our customers will result in a loss, we accrue the calculated loss as soon as it is probable and estimable. We account for fabrication projects in accordance with Statement of Position 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect our estimate of the uncollectability of accounts receivable. These reserves are based on historical trends, current market conditions and customer’s financial condition.
Contingencies In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we become involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and government investigations, including environmental matters. We may incur settlements, fines, penalties or judgments because of some of these matters. While we are unable to estimate precisely the ultimate dollar amount of exposure or loss in connection with these matters, we make accruals as warranted. 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 shortcomings of the estimation process, and the uncertainties involved in litigation. Accordingly, we cannot always estimate a meaningful range of possible exposure. We believe that we have adequately provided in our consolidated financial statements for the impact of these contingencies. We also believe that the outcomes will not significantly affect the
long-term results of operations or our financial position. However, they may have a material impact on earnings for a particular quarter.
Inventory Cost We determine inventory cost for most domestic inventories by the last-in, first-out method, or LIFO. We calculate our LIFO reserve by using quantities and costs at year end and recording the resulting LIFO income or expense in its entirety. Inventory cost for international and remaining inventories is determined by the first-in, first-out method, or FIFO. We record all inventories at the lower of their cost or market value.
Goodwill We test for impairment of goodwill by estimating the fair value of each reporting unit compared to its carrying value. We use a discounted cash flow model to calculate the fair value of our reporting units. The model includes a number of significant assumptions and estimates regarding future cash flows including discount rates, volumes, prices, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. We perform the goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter each fiscal year and when changes in circumstances indicate an impairment event may have occurred. We incurred no impairment charges of goodwill for the years ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Property, Plant and Equipment Our domestic and international mills, fabrication and recycling businesses are capital intensive. We evaluate the value of these assets and other long-lived assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that their carrying value may not be recoverable. 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 different viewpoint of 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’ economically useful lives and are evaluated annually. 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.
Other Accounting Policies and New Accounting Pronouncements See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Results of Operations
*
Excludes the net sales of a division classified as discontinued operations.
**
Last in, first out inventory valuation method.
In the table above, we have included a financial statement measure that was not derived in accordance with GAAP. We use EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) as a non-GAAP performance measure. In calculating EBITDA, we exclude our largest recurring non-cash charge, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA provides a core operational performance measurement that compares results without the need to adjust for federal, state and local taxes which have considerable variation between domestic jurisdictions. Tax regulations in international operations add additional complexity. Also, we exclude interest cost in our calculation of EBITDA. The results are, therefore, without consideration of financing alternatives of capital employed. We use EBITDA as one guideline to assess our unleveraged performance return on our investments. EBITDA is also the target benchmark for our long-term cash incentive performance plan for management. Reconciliations to net earnings are provided below for the years ended August 31:
*
Includes asset impairment charges.
EBITDA does not include interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Because we have borrowed money in order to finance our operations, interest expense is a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate revenues. Because we use capital assets, depreciation and amortization are also necessary elements of our costs. Also, the payment of income taxes is a necessary element of our operations. Therefore, any measures that exclude these elements have material limitations. To compensate for these limitations, we believe that it is appropriate to consider both net earnings determined under GAAP, as well as EBITDA, to evaluate our performance. Also, we separately analyze any significant fluctuations in interest expense, depreciation and amortization and income taxes.
The following events and performances had a significant financial impact during 2009 as compared to 2008 or are expected to be significant for our future operations:
Segments
Unless otherwise indicated, all dollars below are before minority interests and income taxes. Financial results for our reportable segments are consistent with the basis and manner in which we internally disaggregate financial information for making operating decisions. See Note 15, Business Segments, to the consolidated financial statements.
We use adjusted operating profit (loss) to compare and evaluate the financial performance of our segments. Adjusted operating profit (loss) is the sum of our earnings (loss) before income taxes and financing costs. Adjusted operating profit (loss) is equal to earnings (loss) before income taxes for Americas Mills and Americas Fabrication and Distribution segments because these segments require minimal outside financing.
The following table shows net sales and adjusted operating profit (loss) by business segment:
LIFO Impact on Adjusted Operating Profit (Loss) LIFO is an inventory costing method that assumes the most recent inventory purchases or goods manufactured are sold first. This results in current sales prices offset against current inventory costs. In periods of rising prices it has the effect of eliminating inflationary profits from net income. In periods of declining prices it has the effect of eliminating deflationary losses from net income. In either case the goal is to reflect economic profit. The table below reflects LIFO income or (expense) representing decreases or (increases) in the LIFO inventory reserve. International Mills is not included in this table as it uses FIFO valuation exclusively for its inventory:
*
LIFO income or (expense) includes a division classified as discontinued operations.
2009 Compared to 2008
Americas Recycling During 2009, this segment experienced a decline in scrap prices and market demand resulting in reduced net sales and an adjusted operating loss as compared to 2008, a year with record operating results. The decline in gross margins for ferrous and nonferrous was almost evenly attributable to both volume and prices as compared to 2008. The decrease in margins was partially offset by a swing of $43.9 million in LIFO income due to declining prices during 2009. Ferrous and nonferrous pricing reversed the declining trends of the opening six months of fiscal 2009. We exported 11% of our ferrous scrap and 25% of our nonferrous scrap during the year.
The following table reflects our Americas Recycling segment’s average selling prices per ton and tons shipped (in thousands) for the year ended August 31:
Americas Mills We include our four domestic steel minimills and our copper tube minimill in our Americas Mills segment. While this segment had a decrease in net sales during 2009 as compared to 2008, adjusted operating profit increased due to LIFO income recorded in 2009 as compared to LIFO expense recorded in 2008.
Within the segment, adjusted operating profit for our four domestic steel minimills was $239.6 million for 2009 as compared to $195.3 million for 2008. Metal margins increased over 2008 primarily due to rapidly declining ferrous scrap prices in excess of selling prices and a swing in LIFO income of $223.0 million. Tons shipped declined as compared to 2008, but were rising late in fiscal 2009 as a result of restocking, seasonal demand and continued public sector projects. Our mills ran at 60% utilization during 2009 as compared to 89% during 2008. We rolled 30% fewer tons in 2009 as compared to 2008 to meet lagging demand. Rebar accounted for 58% of tonnage shipped, an increase from 45% in 2008. The price premium of merchant bar over reinforcing bar averaged $206 per ton, up $86 per ton from 2008. Lower production rates as well as price decreases in some alloys and natural gas rates resulted in an overall decrease of $76.4 million in electrode, alloys and energy costs. During the fourth quarter of 2009, we completed construction of our new micro mill in Arizona and in September of 2009 began start-up operations.
The table below reflects steel and ferrous scrap prices per ton for the year ended August 31:
The table below reflects our steel minimills’ operating statistics (short tons in thousands) for the year ended August 31:
Our copper tube minimill’s adjusted operating profit increased $11.3 million to $23.8 million in 2009 as compared to 2008 primarily due to an increase in LIFO income for 2009 of $22.3 million. Continued weakness remains in residential housing while demand is primarily from public projects and healthcare.
The table below reflects our copper tube minimill’s prices per pound and operating statistics for the year ended August 31:
Americas Fabrication and Distribution During 2009, rebar, structural, decking, and construction services were profitable while post and joist and the domestic steel import and distribution operations incurred losses. Profits were attributable to margin improvements on lower material costs supplying relatively high-priced backlog shipments as compared to 2008 which included rising prices and margin compression for our fabrication business. As the economic conditions continued to deteriorate during 2009, the prices and the volume associated with the backlog decreased leading to lower sales and shipments during the end of fiscal 2009. Losses in post operations were caused by high-priced raw material in inventory running through production and strong competition for dwindling tons in joist operations. The composite average fabrication selling price was $1,131 per ton, up from $1,064 per ton in 2008. Rebar shipments have been positively impacted by recent acquisitions of CMC Coating and CMC Regional Steel. Our largest challenge for this segment remains in our domestic steel import and distribution business which incurred substantial losses. The decline in spot pricing coupled with customer liquidity issues has led to unprecedented and unwarranted contract cancellations, market claims, price negotiations and unanticipated inventory positions resulting in charges of $48.4 million in 2009.
The tables below shows our average fabrication selling prices per short ton and total fabrication plant shipments for the year ended August 31:
* Excludes stock and buyout sales.
International Mills Weak international steel markets, metal margin compression, mill start-up costs and lower of cost or market inventory adjustments caused by rapidly falling sales prices resulted in an adjusted operating loss for this segment in 2009. CMC Zawiercie (“CMCZ”) had an adjusted operating loss of $39.5 million in 2009 compared to an adjusted operating profit of $122.1 million in 2008 primarily due to compressed metal margins combined with a 12% decline in volume. Shipments included 241 thousand tons of billets compared to 373 thousand tons of billets in the prior year. We successfully rolled 22 thousand tons of material on our newly commissioned wire rod block and we will continue to test different sizes and grades incurring additional start-up costs in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010. This major strategic expansion captures the advantage of the underutilized melting capacity of CMCZ’s two existing electric arc furnaces.
The table below reflects CMCZ’s operating statistics (in thousands) and average prices per short ton:
CMCS reported an adjusted operating loss of $37.9 million during 2009 as compared to an adjusted operating loss of $25.3 million during 2008. The decline is primarily due to decreased demand including the collapse of energy markets, increased Chinese competition in the North Africa and Middle East markets and inventory valuation adjustments. CMCS melted 49 thousand tons, rolled 63 thousand tons and shipped 67 thousand tons during 2009 as compared to 34 thousand tons melted, 67 thousand tons rolled and 58 thousand tons shipped during 2008. Our yields have steadily improved during 2009, and we have successfully completed castings of all major sizes of billets from phase one of our upgraded melt shop. The installation of the renovated furnace is underway and should be completed during the second quarter of fiscal year 2010. The turnaround at CMCS is contingent on the successful completion of our capital expenditure programs for a replacement furnace, improvements to the continuous caster and increased sales as part of a market turnaround.
International Fabrication and Distribution This segment’s net sales decreased and we incurred an adjusted operating loss during 2009 driven by reduced market demand and inventory valuation adjustments as pricing fell during 2009 offset by pre-tax LIFO income primarily related to a division classified as a discontinued operation. The downturn in steel markets continues in Europe while parts of Asia and Australia are showing signs of recovery. The global financial crisis contributed to customer noncompliance with contracts, market claims and price renegotiations. Additionally, demand was negatively impacted as customers were not willing to be exposed to lead times for imported material in the volatile pricing environment. This segment recorded over $100 million in charges for inventory adjustments and customer non-compliance during 2009. Our raw materials import business remained profitable and we opened a fabrication facility in Zyrardow, Poland, located west of Warsaw.
In August 2007, CMC’s Board approved a plan to offer for sale a division which was involved with the buying, selling and distribution of nonferrous metals. At August 31, 2009, in connection with the closure of the division, all inventory of this division had been sold or absorbed by other divisions of the Company. See Note 5, Discontinued Operations, to the consolidated financial statements.
Corporate Our corporate expenses decreased $4.7 million in 2009 to $94.8 million primarily due to reductions in bonus and profit sharing expenses and costs incurred for the global installation of SAP software which were offset by increased salary and severance expense.
Discontinued Operations Adjusted operating profit for our division classified as a discontinued operation decreased to $2.6 million from adjusted operating profit of $2.9 million in 2008. The change primarily resulted from an increase in LIFO income of $24.0 million as compared to 2008 offset by costs incurred with ceasing operations.
Consolidated Data On a consolidated basis, the LIFO method of inventory valuation increased our net earnings by $208.4 million ($1.83 per diluted share) for 2009 as compared to decreasing our net earnings by $209.1 million ($1.78 diluted share) for 2008. Our overall selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses decreased by $36.6 million (5%) for 2009 as compared to 2008. SG&A expense primarily declined due to decreased bonus and profit sharing expenses and cost incurred for the global installation of SAP software partially offset by increased salary expense because of company growth, including recent acquisitions, increased bad debt expense and severance expense.
Our interest expense increased by $18.7 million to $77.0 million during 2009 as compared to 2008 primarily due to the issuance of $500 million in senior unsecured notes in August 2008 and increased debt outstanding internationally during the current fiscal year which was offset in part by the repayment of $100 million senior unsecured notes in February 2009.
Our effective tax rate for the year ended August 31, 2009 increased to 40.3% as compared to 31.1% in 2008. Our effective tax rate for 2009 varies from our statutory rate due to lower tax rate jurisdictions (predominately international) incurring losses and higher rate jurisdictions generating income. As of August 31, 2009, it is our intention to indefinitely reinvest earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. As a result, the deferred income tax liability relating to prior periods has been reversed positively impacting our effective tax rate for 2009.
Outlook
We believe fiscal 2010 will be a year of two contrasting halves; we expect (i) the first half of the year will suffer the lingering effects of the down economy and the downturn during the winter season and (ii) the second half of the year should benefit from an improving economy and the traditional increase from the spring construction season. Domestic market conditions appear to be stabilizing, but at modest levels. The U.S. stimulus programs are likely to become effective in calendar year 2010. Private nonresidential construction is likely to remain weak. The Asian markets are the most encouraging. China continues to fund steel intensive projects including infrastructure, public housing and energy plans. China may curb new steel production to control excess steel capacity. China may increase exports of higher value steel products, but we believe this will be mainly to nearby Asian markets. We believe most markets in Asia are likely to continue to improve including Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia. Australia’s economic recovery is ahead of the U.S., and we believe recovery in Europe is likely to be mixed. Poland is expected to lead Central Eastern Europe with improving GDP growth.
2008 Compared to 2007
Americas Recycling This segment had record sales and adjusted operating profit in 2008 which was driven by higher scrap prices, primarily ferrous. The record adjusted operating income of $145.8 million was strong enough to overcome LIFO expense of $16.9 million in 2008 compared to $0.4 million in 2007. Spurred by ferrous price increases, our ferrous scrap operations accounted for three-fourths of the segment’s profitability. The average ferrous scrap sales price increased 56% and shipments increased 7% compared to 2007. Although lower than ferrous scrap, the average sales price of nonferrous scrap increased 4% but shipments decreased 13% due to continued weak residential markets and lower manufacturing output. We exported 31% of our nonferrous scrap during the year.
The following table reflects our Americas Recycling segment’s average selling prices per short ton and tons shipped (in thousands) for the year ended August 31:
Americas Mills We include our four domestic steel minimills and our copper tube minimill in our Americas Mills segment. While 2008 resulted in record sales for this segment, adjusted operating profit decreased 20% from 2007 resulting from a significant increase in LIFO expense due to spiking ferrous scrap prices. This segment had LIFO expense of $109.8 million, an increase of $82.5 million over 2007.
Within the segment, adjusted operating profit for our four domestic steel minimills was $195.3 million for 2008 as compared to $239.8 million for 2007. The decrease in adjusted operating profit was mainly due to additional LIFO expense of $102.1 million recorded during 2008 as compared to 2007. Metal margins were 2% higher as weighted average sales prices barely stayed ahead of rapidly increasing ferrous scrap prices. The price of ferrous scrap consumed rose 50% compared to 2007. The increase in ferrous scrap prices drove the average selling price up $125 per ton while the average selling price for finished goods increased $136 per ton. Margins were negatively impacted by a 77% increase in alloys and electrodes and a 31% increase in energy cost during 2008 as compared to 2007. Combined, these two costs accounted for an increase of $65 million. Sales volumes increased 12% to 2.5 million tons, an all-time record, while tonnage rolled increased 7% to 2.1 million tons. We have invested $63 million for our micro mill project in Arizona.
The table below reflects steel and ferrous scrap prices per ton for the year ended August 31:
The table below reflects our steel minimills’ operating statistics (short tons in thousands) for the year ended August 31:
Our copper tube minimill experienced continued strength from commercial markets while residential markets remained weak. Adjusted operating profit decreased 36% to $12.5 million primarily due to an increase in LIFO expense for 2008 of $7.7 million. Pounds shipped, including sales of steel pipe, a new product line in 2008, remained flat as compared to 2007. The average copper selling price increased 7% to $4.34 per pound and the metal margin increased 5% to $1.12 per pound overcoming average copper scrap purchase price increases of $0.29 to $3.38 per pound. The decline in the residential housing market coupled with the extraordinary high price of copper has reduced the demand for copper plumbing tube across the U.S.
The table below reflects our copper tube minimill’s prices per pound and operating statistics for the year ended August 31:
Americas Fabrication and Distribution During 2008, this segment reported adjusted operating loss of $67.5 million as compared to adjusted operating income of $100.0 million in the prior year due primarily to rapidly increasing prices which caused massive LIFO charges and margin compression on fixed price contracts. LIFO expense was $197.4 million for 2008 as compared to $11.5 million in the prior year. We also recorded job loss reserves of $26.7 million during 2008 based on our estimate of fixed rate contracts. The composite average selling price increased 13%, however, the overall job mix represented by the backlog did not have sufficient time to rollover to higher prices to match the increase in steel finished goods. These negative results were offset by an $8.6 million litigation settlement we received during the third quarter of 2008 related to costs incurred on a large structural fabrication job in an operating unit we sold several years ago. Driven by pipe, tubular goods and merchant products, our domestic distribution operation had excellent sales volumes and profits during 2008.
The tables below shows our average fabrication selling prices per short ton and total fabrication plant shipments for the year ended August 31:
*
Excludes stock and buyout sales.
**
Average sales price not presented as deck operation represents minimal activity during 2007.
International Mills Net sales for 2008 increased 49%, impacted by favorable foreign exchange rates which resulted in an increase in net sales of approximately 19%. Adjusted operating profit for 2008 decreased 14% mainly due to continued start-up costs at our CMCS mill which was acquired in the first quarter of 2008. During 2008, adjusted operating profit at our mill in Poland increased 8.6% to $122.1 million. Average mill selling price increased 8% and the average ferrous scrap production cost increased 19% resulting in a decrease in the average metal margin of 6% to 659 PLN.
The table below reflects CMCZ’s operating statistics (in thousands) and average prices per short ton:
CMCS reported an adjusted operating loss of $25.3 million during 2008 due to start-up costs and regaining customer acceptance. During 2008, CMCS melted 34 thousand tons, rolled 67 thousand tons and shipped 58 thousand tons.
International Fabrication and Distribution Net sales for 2008 increased 37%, impacted by favorable foreign exchange rates which resulted in an increase in net sales of approximately 5%. Adjusted operating income increased 69% to $124.3 million, this segment’s all-time record, driven by strong pricing in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Europe, and with the German economy growing at its fastest rate in a decade. Our Australian operations performed well as the domestic economy remains strong and commodity prices remain high. Our raw materials division set a record for sales and operating profit in 2008. With China reducing export tonnages, prices in Southeast Asia have risen and profits in inter-Asian trade remained positive.
Corporate Our corporate expenses for 2008 increased $27.5 million over the prior year due primarily to an increase of $19.9 million in costs incurred for our investment in the global installation of SAP software.
Discontinued Operations Adjusted operating profit for our division classified as a discontinued operation increased to $2.9 million from adjusted operating loss of $3.5 million in 2007. The change primarily resulted from LIFO income of $2.4 million recorded in 2008 as compared to expense of $12.0 million during 2007.
Consolidated Data On a consolidated basis, the LIFO method of inventory valuation decreased our net earnings by $209.1 million and $33.3 million ($1.78 and $0.27 per diluted share) for 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our overall selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased by $124.0 million (21%) for 2008 as compared to 2007. SG&A expense in 2008 includes $53.7 million expense associated with our investment in the global deployment of SAP software. In addition, salaries and discretionary incentive compensation increased because of company growth, including acquisitions.
Our interest expense increased by $21.9 million during 2008 as compared to 2007 primarily due to the issuance of $500 million in senior unsecured notes in August 2008, the issuance of $400 million in unsecured notes in July 2007 and increased debt outstanding internationally during 2008.
Our effective tax rate for the year ended August 31, 2008 decreased to 31.1% as compared to 31.9% in 2007 due to shifts in profitability among tax jurisdictions.
2009 Liquidity and Capital Resources
See Note 6, Credit Arrangements, to the consolidated financial statements.
We believe we have adequate access to several sources of contractually committed borrowings and other available credit facilities. However, we could be adversely affected if our banks, the buyers of our commercial paper or other of the traditional sources supplying our short term borrowing requirements refuse to honor their contract commitments, cease lending or declare bankruptcy. While we believe the lending institutions participating in our
credit arrangements are financially capable, recent events in the global credit markets, including the failure, takeover or rescue by various government entities of major financial institutions, have created uncertainty of credit availability to an extent not experienced in recent decades.
Our sources, facilities and availability of liquidity and capital resources as of August 31, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
Certain of our financing agreements include various financial covenants. Our revolving credit agreement requires compliance with certain covenants each fiscal quarter, of which we were in compliance as of August 31, 2009. The CMCZ notes require compliance with certain covenants each February and August. At August 31, 2009, CMCZ was not in compliance with these covenants which resulted in a guarantee by Commercial Metals Company becoming effective. As a result of the guarantee, the financial covenant requirements became void, however, all other terms of the loan remain in effect, including the payment schedule. The guarantee will cease to be effective when CMCZ is in compliance with the financial covenants for two consecutive quarters.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements For added flexibility, we may secure financing through securitization and sales of certain accounts receivable both in the U.S. and Internationally. See Note 3, Sales of Accounts Receivable, to the consolidated financial statements. We may sell accounts receivable on an ongoing basis to replace those receivables that have been collected from our customers. Our domestic securitization program contains certain cross-default provisions whereby a termination event could occur should we default under another credit arrangement, and contains covenants that conform to the same requirements contained in our revolving credit agreement.
Cash Flows Our cash flows from operating activities primarily result from sales of steel and related products, and to a lesser extent, sales of nonferrous metal products. We also sell and rent construction-related products and accessories. We have a diverse and generally stable customer base. We use futures or forward contracts as needed to mitigate the risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and metals commodity prices. See Note 7, Financial Instruments, Market and Credit Risk, to the consolidated financial statements.
During 2009, we generated $806.5 million of net cash flows from operating activities as compared to using $43.5 million in 2008. Significant fluctuations in working capital were as follows:
•
decreased accounts receivable - decreased sales and prices during 2009;
•
decreased inventories - decreased inventory on hand and lower inventory costs; and
•
decreased accounts payable and accrued expenses - more cash being used during 2009 as current liabilities increased at the end of 2008 as a result of higher volume. Lower volume in 2009 led to less purchasing of material and reduced accounts payable. Additionally, accrued expenses were reduced as a result of minimal amounts accrued for bonus and profit sharing during 2009.
During 2009, we used $368.0 million of net cash flows from investing activities as compared to $581.8 million in 2008. We had no significant acquisitions in 2009 which resulted in a decrease in cash used for acquisitions of $227.5
million. During 2009, we invested $369.7 million in property, plant and equipment. Significant capital expenditures in 2009 related to construction of the new micro mill in Arizona, the installation of a new wire rod block and rolling mill at CMCZ, the melt shop and caster upgrades at CMCS and capitalization of costs associated with the global implementation of SAP.
We expect our total capital spending for 2010 to be approximately $150 million. We continually assess our capital spending and reevaluate our requirements based on current and expected results.
Net cash flows from financing activities used $246.5 million for 2009 as compared to cash provided of $423.8 million for 2008. The increase in cash used was primarily due to net repayments of short term borrowings and long-term debt during 2009 of $94.7 million as compared to net proceeds in 2008 of $589.2 million from new debt issued. During 2009, we used $18.5 million to purchase 1.8 million shares of our common stock as part of our stock repurchase program, a decrease of $153.8 million as compared to 2008. Additionally, we decreased documentary letters of credit which resulted in a change in the use of cash of $122.3 million as compared to 2008.
Our contractual obligations for the next twelve months of $907 million are typically expenditures with normal revenue producing activities. We believe our cash flows from operating activities and debt facilities are adequate to fund our ongoing operations and planned capital expenditures.
Contractual Obligations
The following table represents our contractual obligations as of August 31, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
*
We have not discounted the cash obligations in this table.
(1)
Total amounts are included in the August 31, 2009 consolidated balance sheet. See Note 6, Credit Arrangements, to the consolidated financial statements.
(2)
Interest payments related to our short-term debt are not included in the table as they do not represent a significant obligation as of August 31, 2009.
(3)
Includes minimum lease payment obligations for non-cancelable equipment and real-estate leases in effect as of August 31, 2009. See Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements.
(4)
Approximately 79% of these purchase obligations are for inventory items to be sold in the ordinary 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. Another significant obligation relates to capital expenditures.
Other Commercial Commitments
We maintain stand-by letters of credit to provide support for certain transactions that our insurance providers and suppliers request. At August 31, 2009, we had committed $31.8 million under these arrangements. All commitments expire within one year.
Contingencies
In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we become involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and government investigations, including environmental matters. We may incur settlements, fines, penalties or
judgments because of some of these matters. While we are unable to estimate precisely the ultimate dollar amount of exposure or loss in connection with these matters, we make accruals as warranted. 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 shortcomings of the estimation process, and the uncertainties involved in litigation. Accordingly, we cannot always estimate a meaningful range of possible exposure. We believe that we have adequately provided in our consolidated financial statements for the impact of these contingencies. We also believe that the outcomes will not significantly affect the long-term results of operations or our financial position. However, they may have a material impact on earnings for a particular quarter.
Environmental and Other Matters
See Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements.
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.
Our original business and one of our core businesses for over nine decades is metals recycling. 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 the 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 owned or leased, properties that have been used in our operations. Although we used operating and disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, wastes may have been disposed 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 stricter over time. Under new laws, we could be required to remediate properties impacted by previously disposed wastes. We have been named as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) at a number of contaminated sites.
We generate wastes, including hazardous wastes, that are subject to the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) and comparable state and/or local statutes where we operate. These statutes, regulations and laws may have limited disposal options for certain wastes.
Superfund The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or an equivalent state agency notified us that we are considered a PRP at ten sites, none owned by us. We may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) or a similar state statute to conduct remedial investigation, feasibility studies, remediation and/or removal of alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA for such activities. 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 we may contest, our liability at the sites. 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. At August 31, 2009, based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, we had $2.2 million accrued for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with eight of the ten CERCLA sites. We have accrued for these liabilities based upon our best estimates. We are not able to reasonably estimate an amount for the two other CERCLA sites. The amounts paid and the expenses incurred on these sites for the years ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 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 United States, 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; comparable permits may be required at the state level. The CWA and many state agencies provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants. In addition, the EPA’s regulations and comparable state regulations 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 and costs.
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 and/or operations. Major sources of air pollutants are subject to more stringent requirements, including the potential need for additional permits and to increased 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 national ambient air quality standards, using methods that satisfy requirements for Lowest Achievable Emission Rate. Additionally, the EPA is implementing new, more stringent standards for ozone and fine particulate matter. The EPA recently has promulgated new national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for steel mills which will require specific sources in this category to meet the standards by reflecting application of maximum achievable control technology. Compliance with the new standards could require additional expenditures.
In 2009, we incurred environmental expenses of $24.4 million. The expenses included the cost of 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. During 2009, $4.6 million of our capital expenditures related to costs directly associated with environmental compliance. At August 31, 2009, $14.3 million was accrued for environmental liabilities of which $6.4 million was classified as other long-term liabilities.
Dividends
We have paid quarterly cash dividends in each of the past 180 consecutive quarters. We paid dividends in 2009 at the rate of $0.12 per share for all quarters.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk
Approach to Minimizing Market Risk See Note 7, Financial Instruments, Market and Credit Risk, to the consolidated financial statements for disclosure regarding our approach to minimizing market risk. Also, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements. The following types of derivative instruments were outstanding at August 31, 2009, in accordance with our risk management program.
Currency Exchange Forwards We enter into currency exchange forward contracts as economic hedges of international trade commitments denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company or its subsidiaries. No single foreign currency poses a primary risk to us. Fluctuations that cause temporary disruptions in one market segment tend to open opportunities in other segments.
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 indexes, we enter into metal commodity futures contracts for copper, aluminum and nickel. These futures mitigate the risk of unanticipated declines in gross margin due to the volatility of the commodity prices on these contractual commitments. Physical transaction quantities will not match exactly with standard commodity lot sizes, leading to minimal gains and losses from ineffectiveness.
Natural Gas We enter into natural gas forward contracts as economic hedges of the Company’s Americas Mills operations based on anticipated consumption of natural gas in order to mitigate the risk of unanticipated increase to operating cost due to the volatility of natural gas prices.
Freight We occasionally enter into freight forward contracts when sales commitments to customers include a fixed price freight component in order to minimize the effect of the volatility of ocean freight rates.
Interest Rates If interest rates increased or decreased by one percentage point, the impact on interest expense related to our variable-rate debt would be approximately $1 million and the impact on fair value of our long-term debt would be approximately $64 million as of August 31, 2009.
The following table provides certain information regarding the foreign exchange and commodity financial instruments discussed above.
Gross foreign currency exchange contract commitments as of August 31, 2009:
*
Substantially all foreign currency exchange contracts mature within one year. The range of hedge rates represents functional to foreign currency conversion rates.
**
Singapore dollar
Gross metal commodity contract commitments as of August 31, 2009:
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of company assets are made in accordance with management authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of August 31, 2009. Deloitte & Touche LLP has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; their report is included on page 43 of this Form 10-K.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Commercial Metals Company
Irving, Texas
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of August 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 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 Report of Management 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel 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 the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended August 31, 2009 of the Company and our report dated October 30, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Dallas, Texas
October 30, 2009
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Commercial Metals Company
Irving, Texas
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of August 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2009. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries at August 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated October 30, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Dallas, Texas
October 30, 2009
Commercial Metals Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Commercial Metals Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Commercial Metals Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Commercial Metals Company and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Commercial Metals Company and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations The Company recycles, manufactures, and markets steel and metal products and related materials. Its domestic recycling facilities, mills, fabrication facilities, and markets are primarily located in the Sunbelt from the mid-Atlantic area through the west. Additionally, the Company operates steel minimills in Poland and Croatia, fabrication shops in Poland and Germany and processing facilities in Australia. Through its global marketing offices, the Company markets and distributes steel and nonferrous metal products and other industrial products worldwide. See Note 15, Business Segments.
Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.
Investments in 20% to 50% owned affiliates are accounted for on the equity method. All investments under 20% are accounted for under the cost method.
On March 2, 2007, the Company purchased all of the minority shares of CMC Zawiercie (“CMCZ”) owned by the Polish government, representing 26.4% of the total CMCZ shares. During 2008, the Company acquired all of the remaining outstanding minority shares of CMCZ and now owns 100% of CMCZ.
Revenue Recognition Sales are recognized when title passes to the customer either when goods are shipped or when they are delivered based upon the terms of the sale, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When the Company estimates that a contract with a customer will result in a loss, the entire loss is accrued as soon as it is probable and estimable. The Company accounts for fabrication projects in accordance with Statement of Position 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts. As of August 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded unbilled revenue related to fabrication projects of $27.2 million and $16.1 million, respectively, included in accounts receivable in the consolidated financial statements.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect an estimate of the uncollectability of accounts receivable. These reserves are based on historical trends, current market conditions and customer’s financial condition.
Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers temporary investments that are short term (with original maturities of three months or less) and highly liquid to be cash equivalents.
Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost for most domestic inventories is determined by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method; cost of international and remaining inventories is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) 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 and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Provision for amortization of leasehold improvements are made at annual rates based upon the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or terms of the leases. Major maintenance is expensed as incurred. At August 31, 2009, the useful lives used for depreciation and amortization was as follows:
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired businesses and the fair value of their net assets. The Company accounts for goodwill under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS 142”). Under SFAS 142, goodwill is not amortized but reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or if a triggering event occurs. The Company tests for the impairment of goodwill by estimating the fair value of each reporting unit compared to its carrying value. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to calculate the fair value of its reporting units. The model includes a number of significant assumptions and estimates regarding future cash flows including discount rates, volumes, prices, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. The Company performs the goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter each fiscal year and when changes in circumstances indicate an impairment event may have occurred. The Company incurred no impairment charges for goodwill for the years ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
The following intangible assets subject to amortization are included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets as of August 31:
Excluding goodwill, there are no other significant intangible assets with indefinite lives. During 2009, the gross carrying value of intangible assets increased and goodwill decreased approximately $10 million due to final purchase price allocations for certain acquisitions acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008. Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended August 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $18.9 million, $8.3 million and $7.1 million, respectively. At August 31, 2009, the weighted average remaining useful lives of these intangible assets, excluding the favorable land leases in Poland, was five years. The weighted average lives of the favorable land leases was 80 years. Estimated amounts of amortization expense for the next five years are as follows:
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS 144”), the Company evaluates the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and definite-lived assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be recoverable from the undiscounted future cash flows from operations. If an impairment exists, the net book values are reduced to fair values as warranted. During the second quarter of 2009, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $5.1 million to write down the value of plant, property and equipment at two divisions. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company ceased using the brand names of several acquired businesses and the Company recorded an impairment charge of $3.4 million to write off the value of these brand names. The Company recorded impairment charges of $1.0 million and $3.4 million during 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Severance Charges During 2009, the Company incurred severance costs of $12.5 million related to involuntary employee terminations initiated as part of the Company’s focus on operating expense management and reductions in headcount to meet current production levels. These termination benefits have been included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additionally, during 2008, the Company accrued severance costs related to the division classified as a discontinued operation of $4.1 million. As of
August 31, 2009 and 2008, the remaining liability to be paid in the future related to termination benefits was $2.0 million and $4.1 million, respectively.
Environmental Costs The Company accrues liabilities for environmental investigation and remediation costs when it is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Environmental costs are based upon estimates regarding the sites for which the Company will be responsible, the scope and cost of work to be performed at each site, the portion of costs that will be shared with other parties and the timing of remediation. Where timing and amounts cannot be reasonably determined, a range is estimated and the lower end of the range is recorded.
Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes share-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123 (R), Share-Based Payments (“SFAS 123 (R)”), which requires compensation cost relating to share-based transactions be recognized at fair value in financial statements. The fair value of each share-based award is estimated at the date of grant using either the Black-Scholes pricing model or a binomial model. Total compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of issued awards.
The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $17.5 million, $19.0 million and $12.5 million as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses for the twelve months ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. At August 31, 2009, the Company had $9.0 million of total unrecognized pre-tax compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized over the next 32 months.
The Black-Scholes pricing model was used for stock options and Stock Appreciation rights (“SARs”) and the following weighted average assumptions were used for grants in the years ended August 31:
The weighted average per share fair value of these awards granted in 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $4.69, $12.58, and $11.28, respectively.
The binomial model was used for performance-based awards and the following assumptions were used for grants in the year ended August 31:
The average per share fair value of these awards granted in 2009 was $8.89.
See Note 10, Capital Stock, for share information on options, SARs and performance-based awards at August 31, 2009.
Accounts Payable - Documentary Letters of Credit In order to facilitate certain trade transactions, the Company utilizes documentary letters of credit to provide assurance of payment to its suppliers. These letters of credit may be for prompt payment or for payment at a future date conditional upon the bank finding the documentation presented to be in strict compliance with all terms and conditions of the letter of credit. The banks issue these letters of credit under informal, uncommitted lines of credit which are in addition to the Company’s contractually committed revolving credit agreement. In some cases, if the Company’s suppliers choose to discount the future dated obligation, the Company may pay the discount cost.
Income Taxes The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return, and federal income taxes are allocated to subsidiaries based upon their respective taxable income or loss. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. The principal differences are described in Note 9, Income Taxes. Benefits from tax credits are reflected currently in earnings. As of August 31, 2009, the Company intends to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries.
The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement 109 (“FIN 48”) and records income tax positions based on a more likely than not threshold that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities having full knowledge of all relevant information.
Foreign Currencies The functional currency of most of the Company’s European marketing and distribution operations is the euro. The functional currencies of the Company’s Australian, CMCZ, CMCS, United Kingdom, and certain Chinese, Mexican and Singaporean operations are their local currencies. The remaining international subsidiaries’ functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains (losses) from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies, recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, were $(5.3) million, $4.4 million and $(0.9) million for the years ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make significant estimates regarding assets and liabilities and associated revenues and expenses. Management believes these estimates to be reasonable; however, actual results may vary.
Derivative Financial Instruments The Company records derivative instruments on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses from the changes in the values of the derivative instruments and hedged items are recorded in the statement of earnings, or are deferred if they are designated for hedge accounting and are highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items during the term of the hedge.
Comprehensive Income (Loss) The Company reports comprehensive income (loss) in its consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity. Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net earnings plus gains and losses affecting stockholders’ equity that, under generally accepted accounting principles, are excluded from net earnings, such as gains and losses related to certain derivative instruments, defined benefit plan obligations and translation effect of foreign currency assets and liabilities, net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, is comprised of the following:
Recent Accounting Pronouncements In December 2007, The FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) establishes principles for recognizing and measuring the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquired business and goodwill acquired in a business combination. In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 141(R)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (“FSP 141(R)-1”). FSP 141(R)-1 amends and clarifies SFAS 141(R), to address application issues raised on initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of these statements in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. This standard will impact our accounting treatment for future business combinations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an Amendment of ARB 51 (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 requires minority interests to be reported as equity on the balance sheet, changes the reporting of net earnings to include both the amounts attributable to the affiliate’s parent and the noncontrolling interest and clarifies the accounting for changes in the parent’s interest in an affiliate. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities (“FSP 03-6-1”). FSP 03-6-1 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and are to be included in the computation of
earnings per share under the two-class method described in SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share. FSP 03-6-1 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year 2010. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (“FSP 107-1”). FSP 107-1 requires disclosures regarding fair value of financial instruments for interim and annual reporting periods of publicly traded companies to provide financial statement users with more timely and transparent information. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of 2010. The adoption is not expected to have any material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140 (“SFAS 166”). SFAS 166 clarifies the determination of a transferor’s continuing involvement in a transferred financial asset and limits the circumstances in which a financial asset should be derecognized when the transferor has not transferred the entire original financial asset. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The Company is still in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, SFAS 166 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 (“SFAS 168”). SFAS 168 replaces SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative non-governmental generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company is required to adopt the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The Company does not expect this pronouncement to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, though it will change future references of accounting literature disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS
During the year ended August 31, 2009, the Company did not have any material business acquisitions.
During the year ended August 31, 2008, the Company acquired the following businesses:
•
On September 19, 2007, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Valjaonica Cijevi Sisak (“VCS”) from the Croatian Privatization Fund and Croatian government. VCS’s name has been changed to CMC Sisak d.o.o. (“CMCS”). CMCS is an electric arc furnace based steel pipe manufacturer located in Sisak, Croatia with annual capacity estimated of 336,000 short tons.
•
On September 19, 2007, the Company acquired the operating assets of Economy Steel, Inc. of Las Vegas, Nevada. The acquired assets operate under the name of CMC Economy Steel. This operation is a rebar fabricator, placer, construction-related products supplier and steel service center. The acquisition supports the development and success of the Company’s mill in Arizona.
•
On December 31, 2007, the Company acquired a 70% interest in a newly incorporated business, CMC Albedo Metals which acquired an existing metals recycling business in Singapore. On April 16, 2008, the Company acquired the remaining 30% interest in CMC Albedo Metals. CMC Albedo Metals name has been changed to CMC Recycling Singapore.
•
On April 29, 2008, the Company acquired the operating assets of Rebar Services and Supply Company of Fort Worth, Texas. The acquired assets operate under the name of CMC Rebar, as part of CMC Americas Fabrication and Distribution Segment.
•
On June 5, 2008, the Company’s subsidiary, CMC Poland, completed the acquisition of substantially all the outstanding shares of PHP NIKE S.A. (“PHP Nike”). PHP Nike is a producer of welded steel meshes, cold rolled wire rod and cold rolled rebar in Poland with annual production capacity of 100,000 short tons.
•
On July 1, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the operating assets of ABC Coating Companies and affiliates (“ABC Coating”). ABC Coating is involved in rebar fabrication and epoxy
coated reinforcing bar servicing the Southwest, Midwest and Southeast U.S. with an annual capacity of 150,000 short tons. ABC Coating is included as part of CMC Americas Fabrication and Distribution segment.
•
On August 29, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the operating assets of Reinforcing Post-Tensioning Services, Inc. and affiliates (“RPS”). RPS is a fabricator and installer of concrete reinforcing steel, post-tensioning cable and related products for commercial and public construction projects with an annual capacity of approximately 150,000 tons. RPS is included as part of CMC Americas Fabrication and Distribution segment.
These acquisitions are expected to strengthen the Company’s marketing position in the respective regions and product lines. The total purchase price of $231.5 million ($228.4 million in cash and $3.1 million in notes payable) for the acquisitions in 2008 was allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on estimates of their respective fair values. The Company also has committed to spend not less than $38 million over five years in capital expenditures for CMCS and increase working capital by approximately $39 million. The following is a summary of the allocation of the total purchase price as of the date of the respective acquisitions:
The intangible assets acquired include customer bases, trade names and non-competition agreements which are being amortized between four and eight years and backlog, which is being amortized over 12 months.
The pro forma effect of the acquisitions on consolidated net earnings would not have been materially different than reported.
During the year ended August 31, 2007, the Company acquired the following businesses:
•
On August 24, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the operating assets of Mayfield Salvage, Inc., a scrap recycling business located in Alexander City, Alabama.
•
On August 15, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all the operating assets of Conesco, Inc., with facilities in Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho. Conesco, Inc. is a supplier of concrete equipment, forms and accessories.
•
On April 17, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all the operating assets of the related companies consisting of Nicholas J. Bouras, Inc., United Steel Deck, Inc., The New Columbia Joist Company, and ABA Trucking Corporation. The acquisition establishes CMC as a manufacturer of steel deck.
•
On January 4, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of the operating assets and inventory of Bruhler Stahlhandel GmbH steel fabrication business in Rosslau/Saxony-Anhalt in eastern Germany. The acquisition was made by CMC’s subsidiary Commercial Metals Deutschland GmbH.
These acquisitions are expected to strengthen the Company’s marketing position in the respective regions and product lines. The total purchase price of $165.0 million ($164.0 million in cash and $1.0 million in notes payable) for the acquisitions in 2007 was allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on estimates of their respective fair values. The following is a summary of the allocation of the total purchase price as of the date of the respective acquisitions:
The intangible assets acquired include customer bases, trade names and non-competition agreements which are being amortized over five years and a backlog, which is being amortized over nine months.
The pro forma effect of the acquisitions on consolidated net earnings would not have been materially different than reported.
On March 2, 2007, the Company purchased all of the shares of CMCZ owned by the Polish Ministry of State Treasury for approximately $60 million. The shares acquired represent 26.4% of the total CMCZ shares outstanding.
NOTE 3. SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The Company has an accounts receivable securitization program which it utilizes as a cost-effective, short-term financing alternative. Under this program, the Company and several of its subsidiaries periodically sell certain eligible trade accounts receivable to the Company’s wholly-owned consolidated special purpose subsidiary (“CMCRV”). CMCRV is structured to be a bankruptcy-remote entity and was formed for the sole purpose of buying and selling receivables generated by the Company. The Company, irrevocably and without recourse, transfers all applicable trade accounts receivable to CMCRV. CMCRV, in turn, sells an undivided percentage ownership interest in the pool of receivables to affiliates of two third party financial institutions. On June 12, 2009, the agreement with the financial institution affiliates was amended and extended to December 18, 2009. The amended agreement reduced the total facility from $200 million to $100 million. The Company intends to amend and extend the facility in fiscal year 2010.
The Company accounts for its transfers of receivables to CMCRV together with CMCRV’s sales of undivided interests in these receivables to the financial institutions as sales in accordance with SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2009, the Company adopted FSP No. 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8, Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities, to provide additional disclosures about transfers of financial assets and involvement with variable interest entities. At the time an undivided interest in the pool of receivables is sold, the amount is removed from the consolidated balance sheet and the proceeds from the sale are reflected as cash provided by operating activities.
At August 31, 2009 and 2008, accounts receivable of $141 million and $420 million, respectively, had been sold to CMCRV. The Company’s undivided interest in these receivables (representing the Company’s retained interest) was 100% at August 31, 2009 and 2008. The sale of receivables to institutional buyers provides the Company with added financial flexibility, if needed, to fund the Company’s ongoing operations. The average monthly amounts of undivided interests owned by the financial institutional buyers were $20.8 million, $8.3 million and $6.2 million for the years ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The carrying amount of the Company’s retained interest in the receivables approximated fair value due to the short-term nature of the collection period. No other material assumptions are made in determining the fair value of the retained interest. This retained interest is subordinate to, and provides credit enhancement for, the financial institution buyers’ ownership interest in CMCRV’s receivables, and is available to the financial institution buyers to pay any fees or expenses due to them and to absorb all credit losses incurred on any of the receivables. The Company is responsible for servicing the entire pool of receivables; however, no servicing asset or liability is recorded as these receivables are collected in the normal course of business and the collection of receivables related to any sales to third party institutional buyers are normally short term in nature. This U.S. securitization program contains certain cross-default provisions whereby a termination event could occur if the Company defaulted under one of its credit arrangements.
In addition to the securitization program described above, the Company’s international subsidiaries in Australia, Europe, Poland and a domestic subsidiary periodically sell accounts receivable without recourse. These arrangements constitute true sales and, once the accounts are sold, are no longer available to satisfy the Company’s creditors in the event of bankruptcy. Uncollected accounts receivable sold under these international arrangements and removed from the consolidated balance sheets were $93.7 million and $222.9 million at August 31, 2009 and
2008, respectively. The average monthly amounts of international accounts receivable sold were $110.8 million, $206.8 million and $99.0 million for the years ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company’s Australian subsidiary entered into an agreement with a financial institution to periodically sell certain trade accounts receivable up to a maximum of AUD 126 million ($107 million). This Australian program contains financial covenants whereby our subsidiary must meet certain coverage and tangible net worth levels, as defined. At August 31, 2009, our Australian subsidiary was not in compliance with these covenants. As a result, the financial institution could terminate the accounts receivable program. On October 15, 2009, Commercial Metals Company provided a guarantee of our subsidiary’s performance resulting in the financial covenants at August 31, 2009 being waived. The guarantee will cease to be effective when the subsidiary is in compliance with the financial covenants for two consecutive quarters.
During 2009, proceeds from the sale of receivables were $966.5 million and cash payments to the owners of receivables were $1,095.7 million. Discounts on domestic and international sales of accounts receivable were $4.9 million, $11.1 million and $5.6 million for the years ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These losses primarily represented the costs of funds and were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
NOTE 4. INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost for most domestic inventories is determined by the LIFO method. LIFO inventory reserves were $241.7 million and $562.3 million at August 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Inventory cost for international inventories and the remaining inventories are determined by the FIFO method.
At August 31, 2009 and 2008, 62% and 45%, respectively, of total inventories were valued at LIFO. The remainder of inventories, valued at FIFO, consisted mainly of material dedicated to CMCZ and certain marketing and distribution businesses.
The majority of the Company’s inventories are in the form of finished goods, with minimal work in process. At August 31, 2009 and 2008, $52.9 million and $104.5 million, respectively, were in raw materials.
During 2009, 2008 and 2007, inventory quantities in certain LIFO pools were reduced. This reduction resulted in a liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years as compared with the cost of current purchases. The effect for 2009 decreased cost of goods sold by $75.9 million and increased net earnings by $49.3 million. The effect for 2008 decreased cost of goods sold by $8.4 million and increased net earnings by $5.4 million. The effect for 2007 decreased cost of goods sold by $12.9 million and increased net earnings by $8.4 million
NOTE 5. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On August 30, 2007, the Company’s Board approved a plan to offer for sale a division (the “Division”) which is involved with the buying, selling and distribution of nonferrous metals, namely copper, aluminum and stainless steel semifinished products. At August 31, 2009, in connection with the closure of the Division, all inventory of this Division had been sold or absorbed by other divisions of the Company. As a result, the Division is presented as a discontinued operation in the consolidated statements of earnings. In connection with the closure, the Division established a $2.6 million reserve for the termination of the office lease during 2009. During 2009 and 2008, the Division recorded LIFO income of $26.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively.
The Division is in the International Fabrication and Distribution segment. Various financial information for the Division is as follows:
NOTE 6. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
The Company’s commercial paper program permits maximum borrowings of up to $400 million. The program’s capacity is reduced by outstanding standby letters of credit which totaled $27.9 million as of August 31, 2009. It is the Company’s policy to maintain contractual bank credit lines equal to 100% of the amount of the commercial paper program. The $400 million unsecured revolving credit agreement has a minimum interest coverage ratio requirement of two and one-half times and a maximum debt to capitalization requirement of 60%. The agreement provides for interest based on LIBOR, Eurodollar or Bank of America’s prime rate. The facility fee is 12.5 basis points per annum and no compensating balances are required. The Company was in compliance with these requirements at August 31, 2009. At August 31, 2009 and 2008, no borrowings were outstanding under the commercial paper program or the related revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit agreement matures on May 23, 2010 and the Company intends to renegotiate and extend the facility in fiscal year 2010.
The Company has numerous uncommitted credit facilities available from domestic and international banks. No commitment fees or compensating balances are required under these credit facilities. These credit facilities are used, in general, to support import Letters of Credit (including accounts payable settled under bankers’ acceptances as described in Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Polices), foreign exchange transactions and short term advances which are priced on a cost of funds basis.
Long-term debt was as follows, as of August 31:
Interest on the notes, except for the CMCZ notes, is payable semiannually.
In August 2008, the Company issued $500 million in senior unsecured notes due in August 2018. These notes have a coupon rate of 7.35% per annum. In anticipation of the offering, the Company entered into hedge transactions which reduced the Company’s effective interest rate on these notes to 7.29% per annum.
In February 2009, the Company repaid the $100 million of 6.75% coupon rate notes.
CMCZ has a five year term note of PLN 400 million ($139.9 million) with a group of four banks. At August 31, 2009, the notes had an outstanding balance of PLN 300 million ($104.9 million). The term note is used to finance operating expenses of CMCZ and the development of a rolling mill. The note has scheduled principal and interest payments in 15 equal quarterly installments beginning in November 2009. Interest is accrued at WIBOR plus 0.79%. The weighted average rate at August 31, 2008 was 5.7%. The term note contains certain financial covenants for CMCZ. At August 31, 2009, CMCZ was not in compliance with these covenants which resulted in a guarantee by Commercial Metals Company becoming effective. As a result of the guarantee, the financial covenant requirements became void; however, all other terms of the loan remain in effect, including the payment schedule. The guarantee will cease to be effective when CMCZ is in compliance with the financial covenants for two consecutive quarters.
CMCP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, owns and operates equipment at the CMCZ mill site. In connection with the equipment purchase, CMCP issued equipment notes under a term agreement dated September 2005 with PLN 7.0 million ($2.4 million) outstanding at August 31, 2009. Installment payments under these notes are due through 2010. Interest rates are variable based on the Poland Monetary Policy Council’s rediscount rate, plus an applicable margin. The weighted average rate at August 31, 2009 was 5.0%. The notes are secured by the shredder equipment.
CMCP had a five year term note of PLN 80 million with two banks. The outstanding balance of $28.0 million was repaid in August 2009.
CMC Sisak had current notes to banks with maximum borrowings of HRK 140 million. The outstanding balance in the amount of $24.8 million was repaid in December 2008.
CMCZ had a revolving credit facility with maximum borrowings of PLN 100 million bearing interest at the Warsaw Interbank Offered Rate (“WIBOR”) plus 0.5% and collateralized by CMCZ’s accounts receivable. This facility expired on June 3, 2009. CMCZ intends to enter into a new revolving credit facility in fiscal 2010.
The scheduled maturities of the Company’s long-term debt are as follows:
Interest of $12.6 million, $6.9 million, and $3.2 million was capitalized in the cost of property, plant and equipment constructed in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Interest of $91.2 million, $63.3 million, and $37.2 million was paid in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
NOTE 7. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, MARKET AND CREDIT RISK
Due to near-term maturities, allowances for collection losses, investment grade ratings and security provided, the following financial instruments’ carrying amounts are considered equivalent to fair value:
The Company’s long-term debt is predominantly publicly held. Fair value was determined by indicated market values:
The Company maintains both corporate and divisional credit departments. Credit limits are set for each customer. Some of the Company’s divisions use credit insurance or letters of credit to ensure prompt payment in accordance with terms of sale. Generally, collateral is not required. The Company’s accounts receivable were secured by credit insurance and/or letters of credit in the amount of $371 million and $824 million at August 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
In the normal course of its marketing activities, the Company transacts business with substantially all sectors of the metal industry. Customers are internationally dispersed, cover the spectrum of manufacturing and distribution, deal with various types and grades of metal and have a variety of end markets in which they sell. The Company’s historical experience in collection of accounts receivable falls within the recorded allowances. Due to these factors, no additional credit risk, beyond amounts provided for collection losses, is believed inherent in the Company’s accounts receivable.
On December 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS 161”), which requires enhanced disclosures about a company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. The adoption of SFAS 161 did not have any financial impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The Company’s worldwide operations and product lines expose it to risks from fluctuations in metals commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and natural gas prices. The objective of the Company’s risk management
program is to mitigate these risks using futures or forward contracts (derivative instruments). The Company enters into metal commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated declines in gross margin due to the volatility of the commodities’ prices, enters into foreign currency forward contracts which match the expected settlements for purchases and sales denominated in foreign currencies and enters into natural gas forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in operating cost due to the volatility of natural gas prices. Also, when sales commitments to customers include a fixed price freight component, the Company occasionally enters into freight forward contracts to minimize the effect of the volatility of ocean freight rates.
The Company designates only those contracts which closely match the terms of the underlying transaction as hedges for accounting purposes. These hedges resulted in substantially no ineffectiveness in the statements of operations, and there were no components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the year ended August 31, 2009. Certain of the foreign currency and commodity contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, although management believes they are essential economic hedges.
The following tables summarize activities related to the Company’s derivative instruments and hedged (underlying) items recognized within the statements of operations (in thousands) for the year ended August 31:
The Company’s fair value hedges are designated for accounting purposes with gains and losses on the hedged item (underlying) items offsetting the gain or loss on the related derivative transaction. Hedged (underlying) items mainly relate to firm commitments on commercial sales, purchases and capital expenditures.
The Company’s derivative instruments were recorded at their respective fair values as follows on the consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):
*
Derivative assets and liabilities disclosed under SFAS 161 do not include the hedged (underlying) items designated as fair value hedges.
During the twelve months following August 31, 2009, $0.3 million in gains related to commodity hedges and capital expenditures are anticipated to be reclassified into net earnings as the related transactions mature and the assets are placed into service, respectively. Also, an additional $0.5 million in gains will be reclassified as interest income related to an interest rate lock.
As of August 31, 2009, all of the Company’s derivative instruments designated to hedge exposure to the variability in future cash flows of the forecasted transactions will mature within 12 months.
All of the instruments are highly liquid, and none are entered into for trading purposes.
NOTE 8. FAIR VALUE
On September 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities (“SFAS 159”), which permits entities to choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The adoption of SFAS 159 had no impact on the consolidated financial statements because the Company did not elect the fair value option for any financial assets or financial liabilities that were not already recorded at fair value.
On September 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities. SFAS 157 is effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The following table summarizes information regarding the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value:
*
The Company provides a nonqualified benefit restoration plan to certain eligible executives equal to amounts that would have been available under tax qualified ERISA plans but for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. Though under no obligation to fund this plan, the Company has segregated assets in a trust. The plan assets and liabilities consist of securities included in various mutual funds.
NOTE 9. INCOME TAX
The provision for income taxes includes the following:
Taxes of $33.8 million, $155.4 million and $185.3 million were paid in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Deferred taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported amount in the consolidated financial statements. The sources of deferred tax assets and liabilities associated with these differences are:
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
The Company uses substantially the same depreciable lives for tax and book purposes. Changes in deferred taxes relating to depreciation are mainly attributable to differences in the basis of underlying assets recorded under the purchase method of accounting and the use of accelerated depreciation in the United States.
The tax benefits of net operating losses consist of $10.5 million of state net operating losses that expire during the tax years ending from 2011 to 2029 and foreign net operating losses of $41.5 million that expire during the tax years from 2010 to 2015. These assets will be reduced as tax expense is recognized in future periods.
In prior periods, the Company has provided United States taxes on unremitted foreign earnings except for its operations in Poland, Croatia, and Australia. As of August 31, 2009 it is the Company’s intention to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which amounts to approximately $407 million dollars. Accordingly, the deferred income tax liability related to prior periods has been reversed.
Reconciliations of the United States statutory rates to the effective rates are as follows:
The negative impact of state and local taxes on the effective tax rate is exaggerated due to the high percentage of income earned in the United States compared to non-U.S, locations. The negative impact of foreign tax rates is due to losses generated in low tax jurisdictions. Significant items included in the category of “Other” are reductions in tax expense due to a Federal tax refund and reductions in the Company’s FIN 48 reserve balance, along with a non deductible item related to the employee stock purchase plan.
As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized an asset of $0.8 million and an increase to reserves of $5.8 million related to uncertain tax positions, including $1.6 million in interest and penalties, which were accounted for as a net reduction to the September 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings of $5 million. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
As of August 31, 2009, no additional uncertain tax positions had been identified. The current Company policy classifies any interest recognized on an underpayment of income taxes as interest expense and classifies any statutory penalties recognized on a tax position taken as selling, general and administrative expense and the balances at the end of a reporting period are recorded as part of the current or non-current reserve for uncertain income tax positions. If these tax positions were recognized, the impact on the effective tax rate would not be significant. The Company does not expect the total amounts of unrecognized benefits to significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months.
The Company files income tax returns in the United States and multiple foreign jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. The following is a summary of tax years subject to examination:
U.S Federal - 2006 and forward
U.S. States - 2005 and forward
Foreign - 2002 and forward
The federal tax returns for fiscal years 2006 to 2008 are under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). However, we believe our recorded tax liabilities as of August 31, 2009 sufficiently reflect the anticipated outcome of these examinations.
NOTE 10. CAPITAL STOCK
During 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company purchased 1,752,900, 6,212,238 and 2,116,975 common shares for treasury, respectively. The Company’s board of directors authorized the purchase of an additional 5,000,000 shares
on November 5, 2007 and 10,000,000 shares on October 21, 2008 and the Company had remaining authorization to purchase 8,259,647 of its common stock as of August 31, 2009.
Stock Purchase Plan Almost all U.S. resident employees with one year of service at the beginning of each calendar year may participate in the Company’s employee stock purchase plan. Each eligible employee may purchase up to 400 shares annually. The Board of Directors establishes the purchase discount from the market price. The discount was 25% for each of the three years ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Yearly activity of the stock purchase plan was as follows:
The Company recorded compensation expense for this plan of $3.2 million, $3.4 million and $3.2 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Stock Incentive Plans
The 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”) was approved by shareholders on January 25, 2007. Under the 2006 Plan, stock options, SARs, restricted stock and performance-based restricted units (“PSUs”) may be awarded to employees and provides that 5,000,000 shares are reserved for future awards. For grants made during the years ended August 31, 2008 and 2007, options, SARs and restricted stock vest over a three-year period in increments of one-third. For grants of PSUs made during the year ended August 31, 2009, such PSUs vest as described below. Options and SARs expire seven years after the grant date. All awards are valued at the fair market value at the date of grant.
On May 19, 2009, The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company approved an award of PSUs which upon vesting would result in the issuance of 403,000 shares of common stock. The awards vest upon the following performance conditions: (i) for 20 consecutive trading days between the date of grant and May 19, 2012, the closing price of the Company’s common stock is at least $30 per share and the Company ranks at or greater than the 50th percentile on a total stockholder return basis as compared to its peer group with total stockholder return being based on the average of the closing prices for the month of December 2008 versus the average of the closing prices for the month of December 2011; or (ii) for 20 consecutive trading days between the date of grant and May 19, 2012, the closing price of the Company’s common stock is at least $24 per share and the Company ranks at or greater than the 80th percentile on a total stockholder return basis as compared to its peer group with the total stockholder return based on the average of the closing prices for the month of December 2008 versus the average of the closing prices the month of December 2011. The determination of whether any vesting criteria have been met is to be made by the Committee. The unvested units will be forfeited on the earlier of the date of the participant’s termination of service or May 19, 2012.
In January 2000, stockholders approved the 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (“1999 Plan”) and authorized 800,000 shares to be made available for option grants to non-employee directors. The price of these options is the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the date of the grant. The options granted vest 50% after one year and 50% after two years from the grant date. Under the 1999 Plan, any outside director could elect to receive all or part of fees otherwise payable in the form of a stock option. Options granted in lieu of fees are immediately vested. All options expire seven years from the date of grant. The 1999 Plan was amended with stockholder approval in January 2005 and 2007 in order to provide annual grants of either non-qualified options, restricted stock or restricted stock units to non-employee directors. This annual award can either be in the form of a nonqualified stock option or SAR grant for 14,000 shares or a restricted stock or unit award of 4,000 shares. On January 22, 2009, the Company issued SARs which are exercisable into 126,000 shares of common stock to nine non-employee directors. SARs vest over a two-year period. Prior to vesting, restricted stock award recipients receive an amount equivalent to any dividend declared on the Company’s common stock.
Combined information for shares subject to options and SARs for the plans were as follows:
Share information for options and SARs at August 31, 2009:
Information for restricted stock awards as of August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and changes during each of the three years then ended:
At August 31, 2009, the Company has 2,459,893 shares available for future grants of options, SARs and restricted stock.
Preferred Stock Preferred stock has a par value of $1.00 a share, with 2,000,000 shares authorized. It may be issued in series, and the shares of each series shall have such rights and preferences as fixed by the Board of Directors when authorizing the issuance of that particular series. There are no shares of preferred stock outstanding.
Stockholder Rights Plan On July 28, 2009, the Company’s stockholder rights plan expired.
NOTE 11. EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT PLANS
Substantially all employees in the U.S. are covered by a defined contribution profit sharing and savings plan. This tax qualified plan is maintained and contributions made in accordance with ERISA. The Company also provides certain eligible executives’ benefits pursuant to a nonqualified benefit restoration plan (“BRP Plan”) equal to amounts that would have been available under the tax qualified ERISA plans, save for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. Company expenses, which are discretionary, for these plans were $20.8 million, $55.1 million and $70.8 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The deferred compensation liability under the BRP Plan was $96.9 million and $93.0 million at August 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and recorded in other long-term liabilities. Though under no obligation to fund the plan, the Company has segregated assets in a trust with a current value at August 31, 2009 and 2008 of $55.6 million and $74.0 million, respectively, recorded in other long-term assets. The net holding gain (loss) on these segregated assets was $(12.2) million, $(6.5) million and $8.2 million for the years ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
A certain number of employees outside of the U.S. participate in defined contribution plans maintained in accordance with local regulations. Company expenses for these international plans were $2.4 million, $4.3 million and $3.8 million for the years ended August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The Company provides and recognizes post retirement defined benefits to employees at certain divisions in accordance with SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans (an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132R (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158 requires the Company to recognize the unfunded status of defined benefit plans as a liability with a corresponding reduction to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes. On August 31, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 158 and recognized the $0.9 million unfunded status of defined benefit plans as a liability with a corresponding reduction of $0.8 million to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes. During 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded an additional liability of $0.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and a corresponding reduction to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to the unfunded status of the Company’s defined benefit plans.
NOTE 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Minimum lease commitments payable by the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for noncancelable operating leases in effect at August 31, 2009, are as follows:
Total rental expense was $68.4 million, $63.7 million and $36.1 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Legal and Environmental Matters
In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and government investigations, including environmental matters.
On September 18, 2008, the Company was served with a class action antitrust lawsuit alleging violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, brought by Standard Iron Works of Scranton, Pennsylvania, against nine steel manufacturing companies, including Commercial Metals Company. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that the defendants conspired to fix, raise, maintain and stabilize the price at which steel products were sold in the United States by artificially restricting the supply of such steel products. The lawsuit, which purports to be brought on behalf of a class consisting of all purchasers of steel products directly from the defendants between January 1, 2005 and the present, seeks treble damages and costs, including reasonable attorney fees and pre- and post-judgment interest. Since the filing of this lawsuit, additional plaintiffs have filed class action lawsuits naming the same defendants and containing allegations substantially identical to those of the Standard Iron Works complaint. The Company believes that the lawsuits are entirely without merit and plans to aggressively defend the actions.
The Company has received notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) or equivalent state agency that it is considered a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) at ten sites, none owned by the Company, and may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) or similar state statute to conduct remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remediation and/or removal of alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA for such activities. The Company is involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of theses sites in which the Company is contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, its liability at the sites. In addition, the Company has received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites. Some of these environmental matters or other proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against the Company. At August 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had $2.2 million and $2.2 million, respectively, accrued for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with eight of the ten CERCLA sites. The estimation process is based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete. As a result, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate an amount relating to cleanup and remediation costs for two CERCLA sites. Total environmental liabilities, including CERCLA sites, were $14.3 million and $14.7 million, of which $6.4 million and $6.8 million were classified as other long-term liabilities, at August 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Due to evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process and other factors, amounts accrued could vary significantly from amounts paid. Historically, the amounts the Company has ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material.
Management believes that adequate provision has been made in the financial statements for the potential impact of these issues, and that the outcomes will not significantly impact the results of operations or the financial position of the Company, although they may have a material impact on earnings for a particular quarter.
Guarantees In February 2007, the Company entered into a guarantee agreement with a bank in connection with a credit facility granted by the bank to a supplier of the Company. The fair value of the guarantee is negligible. As of August 31, 2009, the maximum credit facility with the bank was $80 million and the maximum Company exposure was $2.1 million.
NOTE 13. EARNINGS PER SHARE
In calculating earnings per share, there were no adjustments to net earnings to arrive at earnings for any years presented. The reconciliation of the denominators of the earnings per share calculations are as follows at August 31:
All of the Company’s outstanding stock options and restricted stock were dilutive at August 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 based on the average share price of $16.62, $32.55 and $32.16, respectively. SARs with total share commitments of 2,879,707 and 2,414,027 were antidilutive at August 31, 2009 and 2008. All of the Company’s SARs were dilutive at August 31, 2007. All stock options and SARs expire by 2016.
The Company’s restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, but omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.
NOTE 14. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES
NOTE 15. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Company’s reportable segments are based on strategic business areas, which offer different products and services. These segments have different lines of management responsibility as each business requires different marketing strategies and management expertise.
The Company structures the business into the following five segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication and Distribution, International Mills and International Fabrication and Distribution.
The Americas Recycling segment consists of the scrap metal processing and sales operations primarily in Texas, Florida and the southern United States including the scrap processing facilities which directly support the Company’s domestic steel mills. The Americas Mills segment includes the Company’s domestic steel minimills and the copper tube minimill. The copper tube minimill is aggregated with the Company’s steel minimills because it has similar economic characteristics. The Americas Fabrication and Distribution segment consists of the Company’s rebar and joist and deck fabrication operations, fence post manufacturing plants, construction-related and other products facilities. Additionally, the Americas Fabrication and Distribution consists of the CMC Dallas Trading division which markets and distributes steel semi-finished long and flat products into the Americas from a diverse base of international and domestic sources. The International Mills segment includes the minimills in Poland and Croatia and subsidiaries in Poland which have been presented as a separate segment because the economic characteristics of their markets and the regulatory environment in which they operate are different from that of the Company’s domestic minimills. International Fabrication and Distribution includes international operations for the sales, distribution and processing of both ferrous and nonferrous metals and other industrial products in addition to rebar fabrication operations in Europe. The domestic and international distribution operations consist only of physical transactions and not positions taken for speculation. Corporate contains expenses of the Company’s corporate headquarters, expenses related to its deployment of SAP, and interest expense relating to its long-term public debt and commercial paper program.
The financial information presented for the International Fabrication and Distribution segment includes its copper, aluminum, and stainless steel import operating division. This division has been classified as a discontinued operation in the consolidated financial statements. Net sales of this division have been removed in the eliminations/discontinued operations column in the table below to reconcile net sales by segment to net sales in the consolidated financial statements. See Note 5. for more detailed information.
The Company uses adjusted operating profit (loss) to measure segment performance. Intersegment sales are generally priced at prevailing market prices. Certain corporate administrative expenses are allocated to segments based upon the nature of the expense. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
The following is a summary of certain financial information by reportable segment (in thousands):
*
Includes intercompany interest expense (income) in the segments.
**
Includes asset impairment charges.
The following table provides a reconciliation of consolidated adjusted operating profit to net earnings:
The following represents the Company’s external net sales by major product and geographic area:
*
Excludes a division classified as discontinued operations. See Note 5.
The following represents long-lived assets by geographic area:
NOTE 16. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly financial data for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in thousands except per share data):
*
Excludes the operations of a division classified as discontinued operations. See Note 5.
NOTE 17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
One of the Company’s international subsidiaries has a marketing and distribution agreement with a key supplier of which the Company owns an 11% interest. The following presents related party transactions:
NOTE 18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events (“SFAS 165”). SFAS 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The adoption in the fourth quarter of 2009 did not have any material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the Company evaluated subsequent events through October 30, 2009, the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The term “disclosure controls and procedures” is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. This term refers to the controls and procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods, including controls and disclosures designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report, and they have concluded that as of that date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Management concluded that, as of August 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was effective. Our Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, as of August 31, 2009, can be found on page 42 of this Form 10-K, and the related Report of Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting can be found on page 43 of this Form 10-K, each of which is incorporated by reference into this Item 9A.
(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company implemented SAP at certain domestic fabrication divisions in connection with the Company-wide rollout of SAP which was initiated in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008. The implementation resulted in modifications to internal controls over the related accounting and operating processes at these locations and for these functions. We evaluated the control environment as affected by the implementation and believe our controls remained effective. We intend to implement SAP globally to most business segments within the next several years. Other than the changes mentioned above, no other changes to our internal control over financial reporting occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over our financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Some of the information required in response to this item with regard to directors is incorporated by reference into this annual report from our definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 28, 2010, which will be filed no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year. The following is a listing of employees we believe to be our “Executive Officers” as of October 26, 2009, as defined under Rule 3b-7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Our board of directors usually elects officers at its first meeting after our annual stockholders meeting. Our executive officers continue to serve for terms set from time to time by the board of directors in its discretion.
Effective September 1, 2008 Mr. McClean was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors. In July, 2006, Mr. McClean was elected a director and on September 1, 2006, was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Mr. McClean served as President and Chief Operating Officer from September 20, 2004 to September 1, 2006. Mr. McClean continues in his capacity as President in addition to his positions as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Messer’s Rinn and Zoellner were promoted to their respective positions effective September 1, 2007. Mr. Rinn had previously been President of the CMC Steel Group and an officer since 2002 having been employed by CMC since 1979. Mr. Zoellner replaced Mr. McClean in 2004 as President of the Marketing and Distribution Segment. Mr. Zoellner had previously served as President of the International Division - Europe, having been employed by the division initially in 1981 and continuously since 1991. Leon K. Rusch was named Controller of the Company in 2006. Mr. Rusch replaced Malinda G. Passmore who was appointed to the position of Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Company in 2006. Ms. Passmore had previously served as Controller of the Company since 1999. Mr. Rusch joined the Company in December 2003 as Director of Internal Audit. Effective September 1, 2009, Ms. Bruder was appointed Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Prior to such appointment, Ms. Bruder served as Deputy General Counsel since joining the Company on September 17, 2007. Ms. Bruder had previously been employed from January, 2004 to August, 2007 at CARBO Ceramics, Inc. as Chief Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary. We have employed all of our other executive officers in the positions indicated above or in positions of similar responsibility for more than five years. There are no family relationships among our officers or among the executive officers and directors.
We have adopted a Financial Code of Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller and any of our other officers that may function as a Chief Accounting Officer. We intend to post any amendments to or waivers from our Financial Code of Ethics on our website (www.cmc.com) to the extent applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller, any other officer that may function as a Chief Accounting Officer. We hereby undertake to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of our Financial Code of Ethics. Requests may be directed to Commercial Metals Company, 6565 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 800, Irving, Texas 75039, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or by calling (214) 689-4300.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information required in response to this Item 11 is incorporated by reference into this annual report from our definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 28, 2010. We will file our definitive proxy statement no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required in response to this Item 12 is incorporated by reference into this annual report from our definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 28, 2010. We will file our definitive proxy statement no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
To the extent applicable, information required in response to this Item 13 is incorporated by reference into this annual report from our definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 28, 2010. We will file our definitive proxy statement no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required in response to this Item 14 is incorporated by reference into this annual report from our definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held January 28, 2010. We will file our definitive proxy statement no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
1.
All financial statements are included at Item 8 above.
2.
Financial statement schedule: The following financial statement schedule is attached to this report.
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, are not required, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
3.
The following is a list of the Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
*
Denotes management contract or compensatory plan.
**
Does not contain Schedules or exhibits. A copy of any such Schedules or exhibits will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
(in thousands)
(1)
Acquisitions and recoveries.
(2)
Uncollectable accounts charged to the allowance and translation adjustments.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
/s/ Murray R. McClean
By: Murray R. McClean
President, Chief Executive Officer,
and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Date: October 30, 2009
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
/s/ Murray R. McClean
/s/ Robert D. Neary
Murray R. McClean, October 30, 2009
Robert D. Neary, October 30, 2009
President, Chief Executive Officer,
and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Director
/s/ Harold L. Adams
/s/ Dorothy G. Owen
Harold L. Adams, October 30, 2009
Dorothy G. Owen, October 30, 2009
Director
Director
/s/ Moses Feldman
/s/ J. David Smith
Moses Feldman, October 30, 2009
J. David Smith, October 30, 2009
Director
Director
/s/ Robert L. Guido
/s/ Robert R. Womack
Robert L. Guido, October 30, 2009
Robert R. Womack, October 30, 2009
Director
Director
/s/ Ralph E. Loewenberg
/s/ William B. Larson
Ralph E. Loewenberg, October 30, 2009
William B. Larson, October 30, 2009
Director
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
/s/ Anthony A. Massaro
/s/ Leon K. Rusch
Anthony A. Massaro, October 30, 2009
Leon K. Rusch, October 30, 2009
Director
Controller