UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

or

For the transition period from                      to                     .

Commission File Number 001-34735

 

RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

227 W. Monroe St., 27^th Floor

Chicago, Illinois 60606

(Address of principal executive offices)

(312) 292-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  o    No  x

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

As of November 5, 2015 there were 32,099,700 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

 

 

 

 

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RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

INDEX

 

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

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RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In millions)

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In millions, except shares)

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Ryerson Holding Corporation (“Ryerson”), a Delaware corporation, is the parent company of Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, Inc. (“JT Ryerson”), a Delaware corporation. Affiliates of Platinum Equity, LLC (“Platinum”) own approximately 21,037,500 shares of our common stock, which is approximately 66% of our issued and outstanding common stock.

Ryerson conducts materials distribution operations in the United States through JT Ryerson, in Canada through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Ryerson Canada, Inc., a Canadian corporation (“Ryerson Canada”) and in Mexico through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Ryerson Metals de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican corporation (“Ryerson Mexico”). In addition to our North American operations, we conduct materials distribution operations in China through Ryerson China Limited (“Ryerson China”), and in Brazil through Açofran Aços e Metais Ltda (“Açofran”), a company in which we have a 50% direct ownership percentage. Unless the context indicates otherwise, Ryerson, JT Ryerson, Ryerson Canada, Ryerson China, Ryerson Mexico and Açofran together with their subsidiaries, are collectively referred to herein as “Ryerson,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company.”

On July 23, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a 4.25 for 1.00 stock split of the Company’s common stock effective August 5, 2014. Per share and share amounts presented herein have been adjusted for all periods presented to give retroactive effect to 4.25 for 1.00 stock split.

On August 13, 2014, Ryerson completed an initial public offering of 11 million shares of common stock at a price to the public of $11.00 per share. Net proceeds from the offering totaled $112.4 million, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses, and were used to (i) redeem $99.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 11 ¹⁄₄% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”), (ii) pay Platinum Equity Advisors, LLC (“Platinum Advisors”) and its affiliates $15.0 million of the $25.0 million owed as consideration for terminating the advisory services agreement between JT Ryerson and Platinum Advisors, an affiliate of Platinum (the remaining $10.0 million was paid in August 2015) and (iii) pay related transaction fees, expenses and debt redemption premiums in connection with the offering, which were approximately $11.2 million. We borrowed an additional $23.3 million under our then existing $1.35 billion revolving credit facility as part of the funding of these transactions.

The following table shows our percentage of sales by major product lines for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively:

 

Results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results of any other periods or for the year. The financial statements as of September 30, 2015 and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are unaudited, but in the opinion of management include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data contained in this report was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

 

 

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NOTE 2: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-08 “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” This update amends the criteria for reporting discontinued operations to, among other things, raise the threshold for disposals to qualify as discontinued operations. Under the revised standard, a discontinued operation must represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The revised standard will also allow an entity to have certain continuing cash flows or involvement with the component after the disposal. This update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this guidance for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which creates Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605 “Revenue Recognition”. The update outlines a comprehensive model for all entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers as well as required disclosures. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt the new guidance. The new revenue standard is effective for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We will adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. We are still assessing the impact of adoption on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15 “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” The guidance in ASU 2014-15 sets forth management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern as well as required disclosures. ASU 2014-15 indicates that, when preparing financial statements for interim and annual periods, management should evaluate whether conditions or events, in the aggregate, raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern one year from the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This evaluation should include consideration of conditions and events that are either known or are reasonably knowable at the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, as well as whether it is probable that management’s plans to address the substantial doubt will be implemented and, if so, whether it is probable that the plans will alleviate the substantial doubt. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods and annual periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We will adopt this guidance for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on our financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. If the Company adopted this guidance as of September 30, 2015, the impact of the ASU would result in the reclassification of approximately $12.5 million of capitalized debt issuance costs from non-current deferred charges and other assets to long-term debt. We will adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2016.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” The amendments in this update provide guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the update specifies that the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. The update further specifies that the customer should account for a cloud computing arrangement as a service contract if the arrangement does not include a software license. ASU 2015-05 is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We will adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on our financial statements.

 

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In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, “Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent).”  The update removes the requirement within ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurement” to categorize investments for which the fair value is measured using the net asset value per share within the fair value hierarchy.  Disclosure of the fair value of the investments measured using the net asset value per share is still required in order to permit reconciliation of the fair value of investments included in the fair value hierarchy to the line items presented in the financial statements.  ASU 2015-07 is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015.  The ASU requires retrospective application and early adoption is permitted.  We will adopt this guidance for our annual period ending December 31, 2015.  We expect this guidance to impact our pension asset annual disclosures to remove the categorization of our pension investments valued using the net asset value per share from the fair value hierarchy.  

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combinations: Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.”  The amendment eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively.  Instead the acquirer will recognize a measurement-period adjustment during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment.  The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015.  Early adoption is permitted.  We will adopt this guidance for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2016.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

 

NOTE 3: INVENTORIES

The Company primarily uses the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of valuing inventory. Interim LIFO calculations are based on actual inventory levels.

Inventories, at stated LIFO value, were classified at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 as follows:

 

 

 

If current cost had been used to value inventories, such inventories would have been $95 million and $25 million lower than reported at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Approximately 90% of inventories are accounted for under the LIFO method at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Non-LIFO inventories consist primarily of inventory at our foreign facilities using the weighted-average cost and the specific cost methods. Substantially all of our inventories consist of finished products.

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. We record amounts required, if any, to reduce the carrying value of inventory to its lower of cost or market as a charge to cost of materials sold. Due to the decline in metals prices we recorded a lower of cost or market charge of $9.0 million to cost of materials sold to reflect this lower value at September 30, 2015.

The Company has consignment inventory at certain customer locations, which totaled $9.5 million and $10.0 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

 

 

NOTE 4: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill, which represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired, amounted to $103.2 million at September 30, 2015. Pursuant to ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other,” we review the recoverability of goodwill annually as of October 1 or whenever significant events or changes occur which might impair the recovery of recorded amounts. The most recently completed impairment test of goodwill was performed as of October 1, 2014 and it was determined that no impairment existed. Other intangible assets with finite useful lives continue to be amortized over their useful lives. We review the recoverability of our long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.

 

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NOTE 5: ACQUISITIONS

Fay Industries

On December 31, 2014, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Fay Industries, Inc. and the membership interests of Fay Group, Ltd. (collectively, “Fay”). Fay is a distributor of long products, predominantly processed bars, and is based in Strongsville, Ohio. The acquisition is not material to our consolidated financial statements.

Southern Tool Steel

On August 3, 2015, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Southern Tool Steel, Inc. (“Southern Tool”). Southern Tool is a distributor of long products, predominantly processed bars and tool steel, and is based in Chattanooga, TN. The acquisition is not material to our consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 6: LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

 

Ryerson Credit Facility

On July 24, 2015, Ryerson terminated its $1.35 billion revolving credit facility agreement (the “Old Credit Facility”) and entered into a new $1.0 billion revolving credit agreement (the “New Credit Facility”). Borrowings under the New Credit Facility were used to repay indebtedness under the Old Credit Facility. The New Credit Facility has a maturity date of the earlier of (a) July 24, 2020 or (b) 60 days prior to the stated maturity of any outstanding indebtedness with a principal amount of $50,000,000 or more. As a result of the New Credit Facility, the Company recorded a $2.9 million charge in the third quarter of 2015 to write-off a portion of the issuance costs associated with the Old Credit Facility.

At September 30, 2015, Ryerson had $331.0 million of outstanding borrowings, $18 million of letters of credit issued and $196 million available under the New Credit Facility compared to $435.0 million of outstanding borrowings, $20 million of letters of credit issued and $245 million available at December 31, 2014 under the Old Credit Facility. Total credit availability is limited by the amount of eligible accounts receivable, inventory, and qualified cash pledged as collateral under the agreement insofar as Ryerson is subject to a borrowing base comprised of the aggregate of these three amounts, less applicable reserves. Eligible accounts receivable, at any date of determination, is comprised of the aggregate value of all accounts directly created by a borrower (and in the case of Canadian accounts, a Canadian guarantor) in the ordinary course of business arising out of the sale of goods or the rendering of services, each of which has been invoiced, with such receivables adjusted to exclude various ineligible accounts, including, among other things, those to which a borrower (or guarantor, as applicable) does not have sole and absolute title and accounts arising out of a sale to an employee, officer, director, or affiliate of a borrower (or guarantor, as applicable). Eligible inventory, at any date of determination, is comprised of the aggregate value of all inventory owned by a borrower (and in the case of Canadian accounts, a Canadian guarantor), with such inventory adjusted to exclude various ineligible inventory, including, among other things, (i) any inventory that is classified as “supplies” or is unsaleable in the ordinary course of business, (ii) 50% of the value of any inventory that (A) has not been sold or processed within a 180 day period and (B) which is calculated to have more than 365 days of supply based upon the immediately preceding 6 months consumption, and (iii) 50% of the value of inventory classified as partial inventory pieces on the basis that the inventory has been cut below sales lengths customary for such inventory. Qualified cash consists of cash in an eligible deposit account that is subject to customary restrictions and liens in favor of the lenders. The weighted average interest rate on the borrowings was 1.7 percent under the New Credit Facility at September 30, 2015 and 2.0 percent under the Old Credit Facility at December 31, 2014.

 

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The total $1.0 billion revolving credit facility has an allocation of $940 million to the Company’s subsidiaries in the United States and an allocation of $60 million to Ryerson’s Canadian subsidiary that is a borrower. Amounts outstanding under the New Credit Facility bear interest at (i) a rate determined by reference to (A) the base rate (the highest of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, Bank of America, N.A.’s prime rate and the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.00%) or (B) a LIBOR rate or, (ii) for Ryerson’s Canadian subsidiary that is a borrower, (A) a rate determined by reference to the Canadian base rate (the greatest of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, Bank of America-Canada Branch’s “base rate” for pricing loans in U.S. Dollars made at its “base rate” and the 30 day LIBOR rate plus 1.00%), (B) the prime rate (the greatest of the Bank of Canada overnight rate plus 0.50%, Bank of America-Canada Branch’s “prime rate” for commercial loans made by it in Canada in Canadian Dollars and the one-month Canadian bankers’ acceptance rate plus 1.00%) or (C) the bankers’ acceptance rate. The spread over the base rate and prime rate is between 0.25% and 0.75% and the spread over the LIBOR and for the bankers’ acceptances is between 1.25% and 1.75%, depending on the amount available to be borrowed under the New Credit Facility. Overdue amounts and all amounts owed during the existence of a default bear interest at 2% above the rate otherwise applicable thereto. Ryerson also pays commitment fees on amounts not borrowed at a rate of 0.25%.

Borrowings under the New Credit Facility are secured by first-priority liens on all of the inventory, accounts receivables, lockbox accounts and related assets of the borrowers and the guarantors.

The New Credit Facility also contains covenants that, among other things, restrict Ryerson and its restricted subsidiaries with respect to the incurrence of debt, the creation of liens, transactions with affiliates, mergers and consolidations, sales of assets and acquisitions. The New Credit Facility also requires that, if availability under the New Credit Facility declines to a certain level, Ryerson maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter, and includes defaults upon (among other things) the occurrence of a change of control of Ryerson and a cross-default to other financing arrangements.

The New Credit Facility contains events of default with respect to, among other things, default in the payment of principal when due or the payment of interest, fees and other amounts due thereunder after a specified grace period, material misrepresentations, failure to perform certain specified covenants, certain bankruptcy events, the invalidity of certain security agreements or guarantees, material judgments and the occurrence of a change of control of Ryerson. If such an event of default occurs, the lenders under the New Credit Facility will be entitled to various remedies, including acceleration of amounts outstanding under the New Credit Facility and all other actions permitted to be taken by secured creditors.  

The lenders under the New Credit Facility have the ability to reject a borrowing request if any event, circumstance or development has occurred that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company. If Ryerson, JT Ryerson, any of the other borrowers or any restricted subsidiaries of JT Ryerson becomes insolvent or commences bankruptcy proceedings, all amounts borrowed under the New Credit Facility will become immediately due and payable.

Proceeds from borrowings under the New Credit Facility and repayments of borrowings thereunder that are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows represent borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit agreement with original maturities greater than three months. Net proceeds (repayments) under the New Credit Facility represent borrowings under the New Credit Facility with original maturities less than three months.

2017 and 2018 Notes

On October 10, 2012, JT Ryerson issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Notes (the “2017 Notes”) and $300 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes (together with the 2017 Notes, the “2017 and 2018 Notes”). The 2017 Notes bear interest at a rate of 9% per annum. The 2018 Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.25% per annum. The 2017 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis and the 2018 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries that are co-borrowers or that have guarantee obligations under the New Credit Facility.

The 2017 Notes and related guarantees are secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all of our and our guarantors’ present and future assets located in the United States (other than receivables, inventory, related general intangibles, certain other assets and proceeds thereof), subject to certain exceptions and customary permitted liens. The 2017 Notes and related guarantees are secured on a second-priority basis by a lien on the assets that secure our obligations under the New Credit Facility. The 2018 Notes are not secured. The 2017 and 2018 Notes contain customary covenants that, among other things, limit, subject to certain exceptions, our ability, and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries, to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on our capital stock or repurchase our capital stock, make investments, sell assets, engage in acquisitions, mergers or consolidations or create liens or use assets as security in other transactions. Subject to certain exceptions, JT Ryerson may only pay dividends to Ryerson to the extent of 50% of future net income, once prior losses are offset.

 

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The 2017 Notes became redeemable by the Company, in whole or in part on April 15, 2015 (the “2017 Redemption Date”) and the 2018 Notes will become redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after October 15, 2015 (the “2018 Redemption Date”), in each case at specified redemption prices. The 2018 Notes are redeemable prior to such date at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a make-whole premium. Additionally, we may redeem up to 35% of the 2018 Notes prior to the 2018 Redemption Date with net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at a price equal to 111.25% of the principal amount thereof, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. On August 13, 2014, Ryerson completed an initial public offering of 11 million shares of common stock at a price to the public of $11.00 per share. Net proceeds from the offering were used to redeem $99.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes and pay redemption premiums of $11.2 million, which were recorded within other income and (expense), net. If a change of control occurs, JT Ryerson must offer to purchase the 2017 and 2018 Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

As of September 30, 2015, $569.9 million and $170.4 million of the original outstanding principal amount of the 2017 and 2018 Notes remain outstanding, respectively. The Company has repurchased and in the future may repurchase 2017 and 2018 Notes in the open market. During the first nine months of 2015, a principal amount of $30.1 million of the 2017 Notes were repurchased for $29.4 million and retired, resulting in the recognition of a $0.7 million gain within other income and (expense), net on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. During the first nine months of 2015, a principal amount of $30.1 million of the 2018 Notes were repurchased for $30.5 million and retired, resulting in the recognition of a $0.4 million loss within other income and (expense), net on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Foreign Debt

At September 30, 2015, Ryerson China’s total foreign borrowings were $22.8 million, which were owed to banks in Asia at a weighted average interest rate of 4.6% and secured by inventory and property, plant and equipment. At December 31, 2014, Ryerson China’s total foreign borrowings were $23.6 million, which were owed to banks in Asia at a weighted average interest rate of 4.4% and secured by inventory and property, plant and equipment. At September 30, 2015, Açofran’s total foreign borrowings were $0.1 million, which were owed to foreign banks at a weighted average interest rate of 16.2%. At December 31, 2014, Açofran had no foreign borrowings.

Availability under the foreign credit lines was $22 million and $12 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Letters of credit issued by our foreign subsidiaries totaled $3 million and $2 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

 

 

NOTE 7: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 for the Ryerson pension plans and postretirement benefits other than pension:

 

 

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Contributions

The Company has contributed $42 million to the pension plan fund through the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and anticipates that it will have a minimum required pension contribution funding of approximately $1 million for the remaining three months of 2015.

 

 

NOTE 8: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

From time to time, we are named as a defendant in legal actions incidental to our ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We maintain liability insurance coverage to assist in protecting our assets from losses arising from or related to activities associated with business operations.

In October 2011, the United States Environmental Protection Agency named us as one of more than 100 businesses that may be a potentially responsible party for the Portland Harbor Superfund Site (“Portland Harbor”). We do not currently have sufficient information available to us to determine the total cost of any required investigation or remediation of the Portland Harbor site and therefore, management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter or estimate a range of potential loss at this time.

There are various claims and pending actions against the Company. The amount of liability, if any, for those claims and actions at September 30, 2015 is not determinable but, in the opinion of management, such liability, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

 

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NOTE 9: DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, and commodity price risk. Interest rate swaps are entered into to manage interest rate risk associated with the Company’s floating-rate borrowings. We use foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge our Canadian subsidiaries’ variability in cash flows from the forecasted payment of currencies other than the functional currency. From time to time, we may enter into fixed price sales contracts with our customers for certain of our inventory components. We may enter into metal commodity futures and options contracts periodically to reduce volatility in the price of metals. We may also enter into natural gas and diesel fuel price swaps to manage the price risk of forecasted purchases of natural gas and diesel fuel. The Company currently does not account for its derivative contracts as hedges but rather marks them to market with a corresponding offset to current earnings. The Company regularly reviews the creditworthiness of its derivative counterparties and does not expect to incur a significant loss from the failure of any counterparties to perform under any agreements.

The following table summarizes the location and fair value amount of our derivative instruments reported in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

 

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts had a U.S. dollar notional amount of $2.0 million and $3.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had 98 tons and 144 tons, respectively, of nickel futures or option contracts related to forecasted purchases. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had net 16,240 tons and 14,700 tons, respectively, of hot roll steel coil option contracts related to forecasted purchases and sales. The Company has aluminum price swaps related to forecasted purchases, which had a notional amount of 14,972 tons and 6,366 tons as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company has 728,000 gallons and 624,000 gallons, respectively, of diesel fuel hedge contracts related to forecasted purchases.

The following table summarizes the location and amount of gains and losses reported in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

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Fair Value Measurements

To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels as follows:

The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2015:

 

 

 

The following table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014:

 

 

 

 

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The fair value of each derivative contract is determined using Level 2 inputs and the market approach valuation technique, as described in ASC 820. The Company has various commodity derivatives to lock in nickel prices for varying time periods. The fair value of these derivatives is determined based on the spot price each individual contract was purchased at and compared with the one-month daily average actual spot price on the London Metals Exchange for nickel on the valuation date. The Company also has commodity derivatives to lock in hot roll coil and aluminum prices for varying time periods. The fair value of hot roll coil and aluminum derivatives is determined based on the spot price each individual contract was purchased at and compared with the one-month daily average actual spot price on the New York Mercantile Exchange and the London Metals Exchange, respectively, for the commodity on the valuation date. The Company has various commodity derivatives to lock in diesel prices for varying time periods. The fair value of these derivatives is determined based on the spot price each individual contract was purchased at and compared with the one-month daily average actual spot price of the Platts Index for Gulf Coast Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel on the valuation date. In addition, the Company has numerous foreign exchange contracts to hedge our Canadian subsidiaries’ variability in cash flows from the forecasted payment of currencies other than the functional currency, the Canadian dollar. The Company defines the fair value of foreign exchange contracts as the amount of the difference between the contracted and current market value at the end of the period. The Company estimates the current market value of foreign exchange contracts by obtaining month-end market quotes of foreign exchange rates and forward rates for contracts with similar terms. The Company uses the exchange rates provided by Reuters. Each contract term varies in the number of months, but on average is between 3 to 12 months in length.

The carrying and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

 

The estimated fair value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, receivables less provision for allowances, claims and doubtful accounts and accounts payable approximate their carrying amounts due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt and the current portions thereof is determined by using quoted market prices of Company debt securities (Level 2 inputs).

Assets Held for Sale

The Company had $11.3 million and $2.5 million of assets held for sale, classified within “prepaid expenses and other current assets,” as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company recorded a net impairment charge of $1.9 million and zero in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to certain assets held for sale in order to recognize the assets at their fair value less cost to sell in accordance with ASC 360-10-35-43, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Other Presentation Matters.” The fair values less costs to sell of long-lived assets held for sale are assessed each reporting period that they remain classified as held for sale. Any increase or decrease in the held for sale long-lived asset’s fair value less cost to sell is reported as an adjustment to its carrying amount, except that the adjusted carrying amount cannot exceed the carrying amount of the long-lived asset at the time it was initially classified as held for sale. The fair values of each property were determined based on appraisals obtained from a third-party, pending sales contracts, or recent listing agreements with third-party brokerage firms.

The following table presents those assets that were measured at fair value on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet on a non-recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy at September 30, 2015:

 

 

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The following table presents those assets that were measured and recorded at fair value on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet on a non-recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2014:

 

Available-For-Sale Investments

The Company has classified investments made during 2010 and 2012 as available-for-sale at the time of their purchase. Investments classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Management evaluates investments in an unrealized loss position on whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred on a periodic basis. Factors considered by management in assessing whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred include: the nature of the investment; whether the decline in fair value is attributable to specific adverse conditions affecting the investment; the financial condition of the investee; the severity and the duration of the impairment; and whether we intend to sell the investment or will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis. When it is determined that an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, the investment is written down to its market value at the end of the period in which it is determined that an other-than-temporary decline has occurred. The investment was in a gross unrealized loss position for twelve months as of March 31, 2015. Based on the duration and severity of our unrealized loss, management determined that an other-than-temporary impairment occurred and thus recognized a $12.3 million impairment charge within other income and (expense), net in the first quarter of 2015.  As of September 30, 2015, the investment has been in an unrealized loss position from its adjusted cost basis for three months. Management does not currently intend to sell the investment before recovery of its adjusted cost basis.  Realized gains and losses are recorded within the statement of operations upon sale of the security and are based on specific identification.

The Company’s available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2015 can be summarized as follows:

 

 

 

The Company’s available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2014 can be summarized as follows:

 

 

 

There is no maturity date for these investments and there have been no sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

 

 

 

 

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NOTE 10: STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT), ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

The following table details changes in these accounts:

 

 

 

The following table details the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

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The following table details the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015:

 

 

 

The following table details the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014:

 

 

 

 

NOTE 11: RELATED PARTIES

JT Ryerson, one of our subsidiaries, was party to a corporate advisory services agreement with Platinum Advisors, an affiliate of Platinum, pursuant to which Platinum Advisors provided JT Ryerson certain business, management, administrative and financial advice. On July 23, 2014, JT Ryerson’s Board of Directors approved the termination of this services agreement contingent on the closing of the initial public offering of Ryerson common stock, which occurred on August 13, 2014. As consideration for terminating the advisory fee services agreement, Platinum Advisors and its affiliates were paid $15.0 million in August 2014, with an additional $10.0 million paid in August 2015. The total advisory fee, including the termination fee, recorded in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014 was zero and $28.3 million, respectively.

 

 

 

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NOTE 12: INCOME TAXES

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense from operations of $6.1 million compared to an income tax benefit of $4.9 million in the prior year. The $6.1 million tax expense in the third quarter of 2015 primarily represents taxes at local statutory rates where the Company operates, but generally excludes any tax benefit for losses in jurisdictions with historical losses.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense of $16.1 million compared to $0.7 million in the prior year. The $16.1 million tax expense in the first nine months of 2015 primarily represents taxes at local statutory rates where the Company operates, but generally excludes any tax benefit for losses in jurisdictions with historical losses, and the discrete tax effect of the other-than-temporary impairment charge recorded during the first three months of 2015.

In accordance with FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” the Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets. The Company records a valuation allowance when, based upon the evaluation of all available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making this determination, we analyze, among other things, our recent history of earnings, the nature and timing of reversing book-tax temporary differences, tax planning strategies and future income. The Company maintains a valuation allowance on certain foreign and U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets until such time as in management’s judgment, considering all available positive and negative evidence, the Company determines that these deferred tax assets are more likely than not realizable. The valuation allowance is reviewed quarterly and will be maintained until sufficient positive evidence exists to support the reversal of some or all of the valuation allowance. The valuation allowance was $22.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

 

NOTE 13: EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Ryerson’s common stock is determined based on earnings (loss) for the period divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Ryerson’s common stock considers the effect of potential common shares, unless inclusion of the potential common shares would have an antidilutive effect.

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

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NOTE 14: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

On October 10, 2012, JT Ryerson issued the 2017 and 2018 Notes. The 2017 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis and the 2018 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries that are co-borrowers or that have guarantee obligations under the New Credit Facility. On December 30, 2014, Ryerson entered into agreements with JT Ryerson, as issuer, Wells Fargo Bank, as trustee, and each of the guarantors of the 2017 and 2018 Notes, whereby Ryerson provided unconditional guarantees of the 2017 and 2018 Notes, jointly and severally with the other guarantors of the 2017 and 2018 Notes. Each guarantor of the 2017 and 2018 Notes is 100% owned by Ryerson and the guarantees are joint and several. JT Ryerson may only pay dividends to Ryerson to the extent of 50% of future net income, once prior losses are offset. Presented below is the condensed consolidating financial information of Ryerson and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

 

RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

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RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

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RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

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RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

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RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

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RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

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RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

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RYERSON HOLDING CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

DECEMBER 31, 2014

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This Quarterly Report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “estimates,” “will,” “should,” “plans” or “anticipates” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and may involve significant risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may vary materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various factors, including those set forth under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed on March 16, 2015 and the caption “Industry and Operating Trends” included herein “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. Moreover, we caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Quarterly Report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto in Item 1, “FINANCIAL STATEMENTS” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed on March 16, 2015.

Industry and Operating Trends

We purchase large quantities of metal products from primary producers and sell these materials in smaller quantities to a wide variety of metals-consuming industries. More than one-half of the metals products sold are processed by us by burning, sawing, slitting, blanking, cutting to length or other techniques. We sell our products and services to many industries, including industrial equipment manufacturing, industrial fabrication, electrical machinery production, transportation equipment manufacturing, heavy equipment manufacturing and oil and gas. Revenue is recognized upon delivery of product to customers. The timing of shipment is substantially the same as the timing of delivery to customers given the proximity of our distribution sites to our customers.

Sales, cost of materials sold, gross profit and operating expense control are the principal factors that impact our profitability:

Net sales. Our sales volume and pricing is driven by market demand, which is largely determined by overall industrial production and conditions in specific industries in which our customers operate. Sales prices are also primarily driven by market factors such as overall demand and availability of product. Our net sales include revenue from product sales, net of returns, allowances, customer discounts and incentives.

Cost of materials sold. Cost of materials sold includes metal purchase and in-bound freight costs, third-party processing costs and direct and indirect internal processing costs. The cost of materials sold fluctuates with our sales volume and our ability to purchase metals at competitive prices. Increases in sales volume generally enable us both to improve purchasing leverage with suppliers, as we buy larger quantities of metals inventories, and to reduce operating expenses per ton sold.

Gross profit. Gross profit is the difference between net sales and the cost of materials sold. Our sales prices to our customers are subject to market competition. Achieving acceptable levels of gross profit is dependent on our acquiring metals at competitive prices, our ability to manage the impact of changing prices and efficiently managing our internal and external processing costs.

Operating expenses.  Optimizing business processes and asset utilization to lower fixed expenses such as employee, facility and truck fleet costs which cannot be rapidly reduced in times of declining volume, and maintaining a low fixed cost structure in times of increasing sales volume, have a significant impact on our profitability. Operating expenses include costs related to warehousing and distributing our products as well as selling, general and administrative expenses.

The metals service center industry is generally considered cyclical with periods of strong demand and higher prices followed by periods of weaker demand and lower prices due to the cyclical nature of the industries in which the largest consumers of metals operate. However, domestic metals prices are volatile and remain difficult to predict due to their commodity nature and the extent which prices are affected by interest rates, foreign exchange rates, energy prices, international supply/demand imbalances, surcharges and other factors.

 

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Results of Operations—Comparison of Third Quarter 2015 to Third Quarter 2014

 

 

The following table shows the Company’s percentage of sales revenue by major product lines for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014:

 

 

Net sales. Revenue for the third quarter of 2015 decreased 16.7% from the same period a year ago to $790.0 million. Average selling price decreased 12.2% and tons sold decreased 5.0% in the third quarter of 2015 reflecting weaker economic conditions in the metals market. Average selling price decreased for all of our product lines with the largest decreases in our stainless plate, stainless flat and carbon plate products. Tons sold also decreased for all of our product lines with the largest decreases in our stainless long, carbon long and carbon plate products.

Cost of materials sold. Cost of materials sold decreased 19.9% to $639.7 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $798.4 million in the third quarter of 2014. The decrease in cost of materials sold in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same period a year ago is primarily due to a decrease in average cost of materials sold per ton in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the year ago period and to the decrease in tons sold. The average cost of materials sold per ton decreased to $1,301 in the third quarter of 2015 from $1,541 in the third quarter of 2014. The average cost of materials sold for our stainless plate, carbon plate and stainless flat product lines decreased more than our other products, in line with the change in average selling price per ton for these products. During the third quarter of 2015, LIFO income was $30.3 million compared to LIFO expense of $19.1 million in the third quarter of 2014. As a result of falling average selling prices, LIFO income in the third quarter of 2015 was partially offset by a $9.0 million charge to record inventory at the lower of cost or market.

 

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Gross profit. Gross profit increased by $0.8 million to $150.3 million in the third quarter of 2015. Gross profit as a percent of sales in the third quarter of 2015 increased to 19.0% from 15.8% in the third quarter of 2014. While our revenue per ton decreased in the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the third quarter of 2014, cost of materials sold per ton decreased at a faster pace resulting in higher gross margins.

Operating expenses. Total operating expenses decreased by $39.5 million to $113.3 million in the third quarter of 2015 from $152.8 million in the third quarter of 2014. The decrease was primarily due to a charge in the third quarter of 2014 of $25.0 million to terminate the advisory service agreement with Platinum Equity Advisors, LLC in connection with the completion of our initial public offering on August 13, 2014, which is described in Note 11, “Related Parties” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In the third quarter of 2014, we also recognized $7.7 million of transaction compensation expense associated with the initial public offering. In addition, incentive compensation expense in the third quarter of 2015 was $6.3 million lower compared to the third quarter of 2014 and delivery costs were $1.9 million lower in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, as a result of fewer tons being shipped. Partially offsetting the expense reductions was an increase in salary costs of $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the third quarter of 2014 and an impairment charge on fixed assets of $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2015. On a per ton basis, third quarter of 2015 operating expenses decreased to $230 per ton from $295 per ton in the third quarter of 2014.

Operating profit. For the third quarter of 2015, the Company reported an operating profit of $37.0 million, or $75 per ton, compared to an operating loss of $3.3 million, or $6 per ton, for the third quarter of 2014, as a result of the factors discussed above.

 

Other expenses. Interest and other expense on debt decreased to $25.4 million in the third quarter of 2015 from $27.9 million in the third quarter of 2014, primarily due to a lower principal amount outstanding of our 11.25% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”) and our 9% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes” and together with the 2018 Notes, the “2017 and 2018 Notes”) after the redemption of $99.5 million of the 2018 Notes in September of 2014 and the redemption of $30.1 million of the 2018 Notes as well as the redemption of $30.1 million of the 2017 Notes in the first nine months of 2015. Partially offsetting the reduction in debt was a $2.9 million charge in the third quarter of 2015 to write-off a portion of the issuance costs associated with the Company’s old revolving credit facility agreement upon entering into a new revolving credit facility agreement. Other income and (expense), net was income of $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2015 as compared to a charge of $8.5 million in the same period a year ago. The third quarter of 2015 included a gain of $1.0 million on the redemption of the 2017 and 2018 Notes purchased during the period. The third quarter of 2014 included an $11.2 million loss consisting of an early redemption premium on the redemption of the $99.5 million principal amount of the 2018 Notes, partially offset by $2.5 million of foreign currency gains.

Provision for income taxes. In the third quarter of 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense of $6.1 million compared to an income tax benefit of $4.9 million in the third quarter of 2014. The $6.1 million income tax expense in the third quarter of 2015 primarily represents taxes at local statutory rates where the Company operates, but generally excludes any tax benefit for losses in jurisdictions with historical losses. The $4.9 million income tax benefit in the third quarter of 2014 primarily represents taxes at local statutory rates where the Company operates and the impact of certain initial public offering related transactions that are recognized differently for U.S. tax purposes, but generally excludes any tax benefit for losses in jurisdictions with historical losses. 

Earnings per share. Basic and diluted earnings per share was $0.21 in the third quarter of 2015 compared to a loss per share of $1.26 in the third quarter of 2014. The changes in earnings per share are due to the results of operations discussed above and an increase in average shares outstanding in the third quarter of 2015 compared to the third quarter of 2014 after the issuance of 11.0 million shares of common stock in an initial public offering on August 8, 2014.

 

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Results of Operations—Comparison of First Nine Months 2015 to First Nine Months 2014

 

 

The following table shows the Company’s percentage of sales revenue by major product lines for the first nine months of 2015 and 2014:

 

 

Net sales. Revenue for the first nine months of 2015 decreased 9.3% from the first nine months of 2014 to $2,498.4 million. Tons sold decreased 6.2% reflecting weaker economic conditions in the metals market in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period a year ago. Our carbon long, stainless long and carbon plate product lines had the largest decreases in tons sold partially offset by increases in shipments of our aluminum plate and aluminum flat products. Average selling price in the first nine months of 2015 decreased 3.2% compared to the first nine months of 2014 with decreases in our stainless plate, carbon flat and carbon long product lines partially offset by increases in the average selling price of aluminum plate and aluminum long products.

 

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Cost of materials sold. Cost of materials sold decreased 11.7% in the first nine months of 2015 to $2,032.3 million compared to $2,302.2 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease in cost of materials sold in 2015 compared to 2014 is primarily due to a decrease in the average cost of materials sold per ton in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the first nine months of 2014 and to the decrease in tons sold. The average cost of materials sold per ton decreased to $1,396 in the first nine months of 2015 from $1,482 in the first nine months of 2014. The average cost of materials sold for our carbon flat, stainless plate and carbon long product lines decreased more than our other products, in line with the change in average selling price per ton. During the first nine months of 2015, LIFO income was $79.3 million compared to LIFO expense of $42.0 million in the first nine months of 2014. As a result of falling average selling prices, LIFO income in the first nine months of 2015 was partially offset by a $9.0 million charge to record inventory at the lower of cost or market.

Gross profit. Gross profit increased by $14.5 million to $466.1 million in the first nine months of 2015. Gross profit per ton increased to $320 per ton in the first nine months of 2015 from $291 per ton in the year-ago period due to the decrease in cost of materials sold. Gross profit as a percent of sales in the first nine months of 2015 increased to 18.7% from 16.4% a year ago. While our revenue per ton decreased in the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the first nine months of 2014, cost of materials sold per ton decreased at a faster pace resulting in higher gross margins.

Operating expenses. Total operating expenses decreased by $45.5 million to $345.3 million in the first nine months of 2015 from $390.8 million in the first nine months of 2015. The decrease was primarily due to a charge in the first nine months of 2014 of $25.0 million to terminate the advisory service agreement with Platinum Equity Advisors, LLC in connection with the completion of our initial public offering on August 13, 2014, which is described in Note 11, “Related Parties” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In the first nine months of 2014, we also recognized $7.7 million of transaction compensation expense associated with the initial public offering. In addition, incentive compensation expense in the first nine months of 2015 was $13.2 million lower compared to the first nine months of 2014 and delivery costs were $5.4 million lower in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period of 2014, as a result of fewer tons being shipped. Partially offsetting the expense reductions was an increase in salaries and wages of $2.7 million and a $2.6 million increase in employee benefit expenses consisting of primarily net periodic benefit expense for pensions, and an impairment charge on fixed assets of $1.9 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the first nine months of 2014. On a per ton basis, the first nine months of 2015 operating expenses decreased to $237 per ton from $252 per ton in the first nine months of 2014.

Operating profit. For the first nine months of 2015, the Company reported an operating profit of $120.8 million, or $83 per ton, compared to $60.8 million, or $39 per ton, for the first nine months of 2014, as a result of the factors discussed above.

Other expenses. Interest and other expense on debt decreased to $74.5 million in the first nine months of 2015 from $82.8 million in the first nine months of 2014, primarily due to a lower principal amount outstanding of our 2017 and 2018 Notes after the redemption of $99.5 million of the 2018 Notes in September of 2014 and the redemption of $30.1 million of the 2018 Notes as well as the redemption of $30.1 million of the 2017 Notes in the first nine months of 2015. Partially offsetting the reduction in debt was a $2.9 million charge in the first nine months of 2015 to write-off a portion of the issuance costs associated with the Company’s old revolving credit facility agreement upon entering into a new revolving credit facility agreement. Other income and (expense), net was expense of $10.7 million in the first nine months of 2015 as compared to $8.2 million in the same period a year ago. The other expense in the first nine months of 2015 is primarily related to a $12.3 million charge due to an other-than-temporary impairment recognized on an available-for-sale investment, partially offset by foreign currency gains of $1.2 million. The other expense in the first nine months of 2014 included an $11.2 million loss consisting of an early redemption premium on the redemption of the $99.5 million principal amount of the 2018 Notes, partially offset by $2.6 million of foreign currency gains.

Provision for income taxes. In the first nine months of 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense of $16.1 million compared to $0.7 million in the first nine months of 2014. The $16.1 million income tax expense in the first nine months of 2015 primarily represents taxes at local statutory rates where the Company operates, but generally excludes any tax benefit for losses in jurisdictions with historical losses, and also includes the discrete tax effect of the other-than-temporary impairment charge recorded during the first three months of 2015. The $0.7 million income tax expense in the first nine months of 2014 primarily represents taxes at local statutory rates where the Company operates and the impact of certain initial public offering related transactions that are recognized differently for U.S. tax purposes, but generally excludes any tax benefit for losses in jurisdictions with historical losses.

Earnings per share. Basic and diluted earnings per share was $0.62 in the first nine months of 2015 compared to a loss per share of $1.31 in the first nine months of 2014. The changes in earnings per share are due to the results of operations discussed above and an increase in average shares outstanding in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the first nine months of 2014 after the issuance of 11.0 million shares of common stock in an initial public offering on August 8, 2014.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations and borrowing availability under the $1.0 billion revolving credit facility agreement (the “New Credit Facility”) that matures on the earlier of (a) July 24, 2020 or (b) 60 days prior to the stated maturity of any outstanding indebtedness with a principal amount of $50,000,000 or more. Its principal source of operating cash is from the sale of metals and other materials. Its principal uses of cash are for payments associated with the procurement and processing of metals and other materials inventories, costs incurred for the warehousing and delivery of inventories and the selling and administrative costs of the business, capital expenditures, and for interest payments on debt.

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash flows:

 

 

The Company had cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2015 of $48.3 million, compared to $60.0 million at December 31, 2014. The Company had $1,094 million and $1,259 million of total debt outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 112% at September 30, 2015 and 111% at December 31, 2014. The Company had total liquidity (defined as cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and availability under the New Credit Facility and foreign debt facilities) of $269 million at September 30, 2015 versus $328 million at December 31, 2014. Total liquidity is not a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial measure. We believe that total liquidity provides additional information for measuring our ability to fund our operations. Total liquidity does not represent, and should not be used as a substitute for, net income or cash flows from operations as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and total liquidity is not necessarily an indication of whether cash flow will be sufficient to fund our cash requirements.

Below is a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to total liquidity:

 

 

Of the total cash and cash equivalents, as of September 30, 2015, $36.7 million was held in subsidiaries outside the United States which is deemed to be permanently reinvested. Ryerson does not currently foresee a need to repatriate funds from its non-U.S. subsidiaries. Although Ryerson has historically satisfied needs for more capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances, Ryerson could elect to repatriate funds held in foreign jurisdictions, which could result in higher effective tax rates. The Company has not recorded a deferred tax liability for the effect of a possible repatriation of these assets as management intends to permanently reinvest these assets outside of the U.S. Specific plans for reinvestment include funding for future international acquisitions and funding of existing international operations.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities of $192.6 million in the first nine months of 2015 was primarily due to a decrease in inventory of $91.8 million as we reduced inventory as metal prices weakened during the period. In addition, non-cash depreciation and amortization expense was $33.9 million, accounts payable increased $30.0 million resulting from a higher level of material purchases at the end of the first nine months of 2015 compared to year-end 2014, net income was $19.5 million, accounts receivable declined $21.7 million due to a decline in the average selling price of material, the net deferred tax asset decreased $15.0 million and we recorded a non-cash charge of $12.3 million due to an other-than-temporary impairment charge recognized on an available-for-sale investment. Partially offsetting the cash inflows were pension contributions of $42.1 million. Net cash used in operating activities of $34.7 million in the first nine months of 2014 was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable of $88.3 million resulting from an increase in the average selling price of material at the end of the third quarter of 2014 compared to year-end 2013, pension

 

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contributions of $50.2 million and the net loss in the first nine months of 2014 of $30.9 million, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable of $67.6 million resulting from a higher level of material purchases at the end of the third quarter of 2014 compared to year-end 2013, non-cash depreciation and amortization expense of $34.0 million and an increase in accrued liabilities of $28.4 million.

Capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2015 totaled $22.3 million compared to $13.7 million in the first nine months of 2014. On August 3, 2015, the Company paid $7.7 million, net of cash acquired, to acquire all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Southern Tool Steel, Inc. The Company sold property, plant and equipment and assets held for sale generating cash proceeds of $2.8 million and $3.9 million during the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2015 was $174.2 million compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $55.3 million in the first nine months of 2014. Net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2015 was primarily related to the early redemption of $30.1 million principal amount of the 2017 Notes repurchased for $29.4 million and the early redemption of $30.1 million principal amount of the 2018 Notes repurchased for $30.5 million, and $104.7 million of repayments of credit facility borrowings with cash provided by operations discussed above and a decrease in book overdrafts of $4.5 million. Net cash provided by financing activities in the first nine months of 2014 was primarily related to net proceeds of $112.4 million from our initial public stock offering on August 13, 2014. We then redeemed $99.5 million principal amount of our 2018 Notes for $110.7 million in September 2014. In addition, in the first nine months of 2014, credit facility borrowings increased $32.5 million, primarily to fund cash used in operating activities and capital expenditures described above, and book overdrafts increased $21.8 million.

We believe that cash flow from operations and proceeds from the New Credit Facility will provide sufficient funds to meet our contractual obligations and operating requirements in the normal course of business.

Total Debt

As a result of net cash provided by operating activities, total debt in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet decreased to $1,094.2 million at September 30, 2015 from $1,259.1 million at December 31, 2014.

 

Total debt outstanding as of September 30, 2015 consisted of the following amounts: $331.0 million borrowing under the New Credit Facility, $569.9 million under the 2017 Notes, $170.4 million under the 2018 Notes, and $22.9 million of foreign debt. Discussion of each of these borrowings follows.

Ryerson Credit Facility

On July 24, 2015, Ryerson terminated its $1.35 billion revolving credit facility agreement (the “Old Credit Facility”) and entered into a new $1.0 billion revolving credit agreement (the “New Credit Facility”). Borrowings under the New Credit Facility were used to repay indebtedness under the Old Credit Facility. The New Credit Facility has a maturity date of the earlier of (a) July 24, 2020 or (b) 60 days prior to the stated maturity of any outstanding indebtedness with a principal amount of $50,000,000 or more. As a result of the New Credit Facility, the Company recorded a $2.9 million charge in the third quarter of 2015 to write-off a portion of the issuance costs associated with the Old Credit Facility.

At September 30, 2015, Ryerson had $331.0 million of outstanding borrowings, $18 million of letters of credit issued and $196 million available under the New Credit Facility compared to $435.0 million of outstanding borrowings, $20 million of letters of credit issued and $245 million available at December 31, 2014 under the Old Credit Facility. Total credit availability is limited by the amount of eligible accounts receivable, inventory, and qualified cash pledged as collateral under the agreement insofar as Ryerson is subject to a borrowing base comprised of the aggregate of these three amounts, less applicable reserves. Eligible accounts receivable, at any date of determination, is comprised of the aggregate value of all accounts directly created by a borrower (and in the case of Canadian accounts, a Canadian guarantor) in the ordinary course of business arising out of the sale of goods or the rendering of services, each of which has been invoiced, with such receivables adjusted to exclude various ineligible accounts, including, among other things, those to which a borrower (or guarantor, as applicable) does not have sole and absolute title and accounts arising out of a sale to an employee, officer, director, or affiliate of a borrower (or guarantor, as applicable). Eligible inventory, at any date of determination, is comprised of the aggregate value of all inventory owned by a borrower (and in the case of Canadian accounts, a Canadian guarantor), with such inventory adjusted to exclude various ineligible inventory, including, among other things, (i) any inventory that is classified as “supplies” or is unsaleable in the ordinary course of business, (ii) 50% of the value of any inventory that (A) has not been sold or processed within a 180 day period and (B) which is calculated to have more than 365 days of supply based upon the immediately preceding 6 months consumption, and (iii) 50% of the value of inventory classified as partial inventory pieces on the basis that the inventory has been cut below sales lengths customary for such inventory. Qualified cash consists of cash in an eligible deposit account that is subject to customary restrictions and liens in favor of the lenders. The weighted average interest rate on

 

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the borrowings was 1.7 percent under the New Credit Facility at September 30, 2015 and 2.0 percent under the Old Credit Facility at December 31, 2014.

The total $1.0 billion revolving credit facility has an allocation of $940 million to the Company’s subsidiaries in the United States and an allocation of $60 million to Ryerson’s Canadian subsidiary that is a borrower. Amounts outstanding under the New Credit Facility bear interest at (i) a rate determined by reference to (A) the base rate (the highest of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, Bank of America, N.A.’s prime rate and the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.00%) or (B) a LIBOR rate or, (ii) for Ryerson’s Canadian subsidiary that is a borrower, (A) a rate determined by reference to the Canadian base rate (the greatest of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, Bank of America-Canada Branch’s “base rate” for pricing loans in U.S. Dollars made at its “base rate” and the 30 day LIBOR rate plus 1.00%), (B) the prime rate (the greatest of the Bank of Canada overnight rate plus 0.50%, Bank of America-Canada Branch’s “prime rate” for commercial loans made by it in Canada in Canadian Dollars and the one-month Canadian bankers’ acceptance rate plus 1.00%) or (C) the bankers’ acceptance rate. The spread over the base rate and prime rate is between 0.25% and 0.75% and the spread over the LIBOR and for the bankers’ acceptances is between 1.25% and 1.75%, depending on the amount available to be borrowed under the New Credit Facility. Overdue amounts and all amounts owed during the existence of a default bear interest at 2% above the rate otherwise applicable thereto. Ryerson also pays commitment fees on amounts not borrowed at a rate of 0.25%.

Borrowings under the New Credit Facility are secured by first-priority liens on all of the inventory, accounts receivables, lockbox accounts and related assets of the borrowers and the guarantors.

The New Credit Facility also contains covenants that, among other things, restrict Ryerson and its restricted subsidiaries with respect to the incurrence of debt, the creation of liens, transactions with affiliates, mergers and consolidations, sales of assets and acquisitions. The New Credit Facility also requires that, if availability under the New Credit Facility declines to a certain level, Ryerson maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter, and includes defaults upon (among other things) the occurrence of a change of control of Ryerson and a cross-default to other financing arrangements.

The New Credit Facility contains events of default with respect to, among other things, default in the payment of principal when due or the payment of interest, fees and other amounts due thereunder after a specified grace period, material misrepresentations, failure to perform certain specified covenants, certain bankruptcy events, the invalidity of certain security agreements or guarantees, material judgments and the occurrence of a change of control of Ryerson. If such an event of default occurs, the lenders under the New Credit Facility will be entitled to various remedies, including acceleration of amounts outstanding under the New Credit Facility and all other actions permitted to be taken by secured creditors.  

The lenders under the New Credit Facility have the ability to reject a borrowing request if any event, circumstance or development has occurred that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company. If Ryerson, JT Ryerson, any of the other borrowers or any restricted subsidiaries of JT Ryerson becomes insolvent or commences bankruptcy proceedings, all amounts borrowed under the New Credit Facility will become immediately due and payable.

Proceeds from borrowings under the New Credit Facility and repayments of borrowings thereunder that are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows represent borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit agreement with original maturities greater than three months. Net proceeds (repayments) under the New Credit Facility represent borrowings under the New Credit Facility with original maturities less than three months.

2017 and 2018 Notes

On October 10, 2012, JT Ryerson issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2017 Notes and $300 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes. The 2017 Notes bear interest at a rate of 9% per annum. The 2018 Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.25% per annum. The 2017 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis and the 2018 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries that are co-borrowers or that have guarantee obligations under the New Credit Facility.

The 2017 Notes and related guarantees are secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all of our and our guarantors’ present and future assets located in the United States (other than receivables, inventory, related general intangibles, certain other assets and proceeds thereof), subject to certain exceptions and customary permitted liens. The 2017 Notes and related guarantees are secured on a second-priority basis by a lien on the assets that secure our obligations under the New Credit Facility. The 2018 Notes are not secured. The 2017 and 2018 Notes contain customary covenants that, among other things, limit, subject to certain exceptions, our ability, and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries, to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on our capital stock or repurchase our capital stock, make investments, sell assets, engage in acquisitions, mergers or consolidations or create liens or use assets as security in other transactions. Subject to certain exceptions, JT Ryerson may only pay dividends to Ryerson to the extent of 50% of future net income, once prior losses are offset.

 

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The 2017 Notes became redeemable by the Company, in whole or in part on April 15, 2015 (the “2017 Redemption Date”) and the 2018 Notes will become redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after October 15, 2015 (the “2018 Redemption Date”), in each case at specified redemption prices. The 2018 Notes are redeemable prior to such date at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a make-whole premium. Additionally, we may redeem up to 35% of the 2018 Notes prior to the 2018 Redemption Date with net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at a price equal to 111.25% of the principal amount thereof, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. On August 13, 2014, Ryerson completed an initial public offering of 11 million shares of common stock at a price to the public of $11.00 per share. Net proceeds from the offering were used to redeem $99.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes and pay redemption premiums of $11.2 million, which were recorded within other income and (expense), net. If a change of control occurs, JT Ryerson must offer to purchase the 2017 and 2018 Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

As of September 30, 2015, $569.9 million and $170.4 million of the original outstanding principal amount of the 2017 and 2018 Notes remain outstanding, respectively. The Company has repurchased and in the future may repurchase 2017 and 2018 Notes in the open market. During the first nine months of 2015, a principal amount of $30.1 million of the 2017 Notes were repurchased for $29.4 million and retired, resulting in the recognition of a $0.7 million gain within other income and (expense), net on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. During the first nine months of 2015, a principal amount of $30.1 million of the 2018 Notes were repurchased for $30.5 million and retired, resulting in the recognition of a $0.4 million loss within other income and (expense), net on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Foreign Debt

At September 30, 2015, Ryerson China’s total foreign borrowings were $22.8 million, which were owed to banks in Asia at a weighted average interest rate of 4.6% and secured by inventory and property, plant and equipment. At December 31, 2014, Ryerson China’s total foreign borrowings were $23.6 million, which were owed to banks in Asia at a weighted average interest rate of 4.4% and secured by inventory and property, plant and equipment. At September 30, 2015, Açofran’s total foreign borrowings were $0.1 million, which were owed to foreign banks at a weighted average interest rate of 16.2%. At December 31, 2014, Açofran had no foreign borrowings.

Availability under the foreign credit lines was $22 million and $12 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Letters of credit issued by our foreign subsidiaries totaled $3 million and $2 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Pension Funding

At December 31, 2014, pension liabilities exceeded plan assets by $277 million. The Company anticipates that it will have a minimum required pension contribution of approximately $43 million in 2015 under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and Pension Protection Act in the U.S and the Ontario Pension Benefits Act in Canada. Through the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company has made $42 million in pension contributions, and anticipates an additional $1 million of contributions in the remaining three months of 2015. Future contribution requirements depend on the investment returns on plan assets, the impact of discount rates on pension liabilities, and changes in regulatory requirements. The Company is unable to determine the amount or timing of any such contributions required by ERISA or whether any such contributions would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or cash flows. The Company believes that cash flow from operations and the New Credit Facility described above will provide sufficient funds to make the minimum required contribution in 2015.

 

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Contractual Obligations

The following table presents contractual obligations at September 30, 2015:

 

 

Income Taxes

The Company maintains a valuation allowance on certain foreign and U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets until such time as in management’s judgment, considering all available positive and negative evidence and consistent with its past determinations, the Company determines that these deferred tax assets are more likely than not realizable.

The Company anticipates that certain statutes of limitation will close within the next twelve months resulting in the reduction of its reserve for uncertain tax benefits related to various intercompany transactions, with a corresponding income tax benefit of less than $1 million.

Recent legislative proposals in the U.S. would repeal the use of the last-in-first-out method of accounting (“LIFO method”) for inventory for U.S. tax purposes. If legislation repealing the use of the LIFO method for tax purposes becomes law, we would expect an increase in the cash taxes the Company will need to pay over a 10 year period.

Interest rate risk

We are exposed to market risk related to our fixed-rate and variable-rate long-term debt. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates. Changes in interest rates may affect the market value of our fixed-rate debt. The estimated fair value of our long-term debt and the current portions thereof using quoted market prices of Company debt securities recently traded and market-based prices of similar securities for those securities not recently traded was $1,017 million at September 30, 2015 and $1,289 million at December 31, 2014 as compared with the carrying value of $1,094 million and $1,259 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

A hypothetical 1% increase in interest rates on variable rate debt would have increased interest expense for the first nine months of 2015 by approximately $2.9 million.

 

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Foreign exchange rate risk

We are subject to exposure from fluctuations in foreign currencies. We use foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge our Canadian subsidiaries’ variability in cash flows from the forecasted payment of currencies other than the functional currency. The Canadian subsidiaries’ foreign currency contracts were principally used to purchase U.S. dollars. We had foreign currency contracts with a U.S. dollar notional amount of $2 million outstanding at September 30, 2015 and an asset value of $0.1 million. We do not currently account for these contracts as hedges but rather mark these contracts to market with a corresponding offset to current earnings. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized a gain less than $0.1 million associated with its foreign currency contracts. A hypothetical strengthening or weakening of 10% in the foreign exchange rates underlying the foreign currency contracts from the market rate as of September 30, 2015 would increase or decrease the fair value of the foreign currency contracts by $0.2 million.

The currency effects of translating the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and will not be recognized in the statement of operations until there is a liquidation or sale of those foreign subsidiaries.

Commodity price risk

Metal prices can fluctuate significantly due to several factors including changes in foreign and domestic production capacity, raw material availability, metals consumption and foreign currency rates. Declining metal prices could reduce our revenues, gross profit and net income. From time to time, we may enter into fixed price sales contracts with our customers for certain of our inventory components. We may enter into metal commodity futures and options contracts to reduce volatility in the price of these metals.

As of September 30, 2015, we had 98 tons of nickel futures or option contracts, 16,240 tons of hot roll coil swaps and 14,972 tons of aluminum price swaps outstanding with net liability values of $0.2 million, $1.7 million, and $3.1 million, respectively. We do not currently account for these contracts as hedges, but rather mark these contracts to market with a corresponding offset to current earnings. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized a loss of $10.5 million associated with its metal commodity derivatives.

As of September 30, 2015, we had diesel fuel price swaps with respect to the purchase of 728,000 gallons of diesel fuel in order to fix the prices at which we purchase that volume of fuel for our trucking fleet.  We do not currently account for these contracts as hedges, but rather mark these contracts to market with a corresponding offset to current earnings.  As of September 30, 2015, our diesel fuel hedges outstanding had a net liability value of $0.3 million.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 the Company recognized a loss of $0.2 million associated with the diesel fuel hedges.

A hypothetical strengthening or weakening of 10% in the commodity prices underlying the commodity derivative contracts from the market rate as of September 30, 2015 would increase or decrease the fair value of commodity derivative contracts by $3.2 million.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

As required by SEC Rule 15d-15(b), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2015.

 

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Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2015.

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

From time to time, we are named as a defendant in legal actions incidental to our ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We maintain liability insurance coverage to assist in protecting our assets from losses arising from or related to activities associated with business operations.

For additional information concerning legal proceedings, see Note 8, “Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

There have been no material changes relating to this Item from those set forth in Item 1A on the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Items 2, 3, 4, and 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.

 

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: November 12, 2015

 

 

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