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8-K - 8-K - COMMERCIAL METALS Cocmc-02282017xpr8xk.htm

EXHIBIT 99.1

News Release image0a12.jpg


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY REPORTS SECOND QUARTER FISCAL 2017 EARNINGS PER SHARE OF $0.26

Irving, TX - March 23, 2017 - Commercial Metals Company (NYSE: CMC) today announced financial results for its second quarter ended February 28, 2017. Net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 were $30.3 million ($0.26 per diluted share) on net sales of $1.1 billion. This compares to net earnings of $10.5 million ($0.09 per diluted share) on net sales of $1.0 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 included an after-tax impact of debt extinguishment costs of $7.4 million ($0.06 per diluted share) associated with the tender offers for senior notes completed on February 17, 2016. Earnings from continuing operations were $29.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, compared with $10.8 million for the same period of the prior year.
 
Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations was $52.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, compared with adjusted operating profit from continuing operations of $30.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $82.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, compared with adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $61.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

The Company's liquidity position at February 28, 2017 remained strong with cash and cash equivalents of $395.5 million and availability under the Company's credit and accounts receivables sales facilities of approximately $575 million. The Company regularly evaluates the use of its cash in efforts to maximize total shareholder return, including debt repayment, capital deployment, share repurchases and dividends.

Joe Alvarado, Chairman of the Board and CEO, commented, "After a slow start in our first fiscal quarter, customers re-entered the market during the most recent quarter with a renewed outlook and optimism for growth. This, combined with mild winter conditions in the United States along with rising selling prices, resulted in very strong results for our second quarter which is normally a seasonally slower period. The value of our vertical integration was evident during the quarter as the impact of margin compression in our fabrication operations was offset by sharply rising scrap prices contributing to margin expansion in our recycling business."

Alvarado continued, "Our recent acquisitions highlight our commitment to grow our portfolio and extend the vertical integration and geographic reach of our business. We welcome the employees from Continental Concrete Structures, Inc., a supplier of post-tensioning cable and related products, the steel rebar fabrication business of Associated Steel Workers, Limited (ASW) in Hawaii, and the seven recycling facilities in the South East, to CMC."




(CMC Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 - Page 2)


On March 22, 2017, the board of directors of CMC declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share for shareholders of record on April 5, 2017. The dividend will be paid on April 20, 2017.

Business Segments-Fiscal Second Quarter 2017 Review
Our Americas Recycling segment recorded adjusted operating profit of $7.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to an adjusted operating loss of $7.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The improvement in adjusted operating profit compared to the same period in fiscal 2016 was primarily the result of strong ferrous scrap demand due to increased industry capacity utilization, sharply rising prices in both ferrous and nonferrous materials, as well as ongoing cost reduction measures.
    
Our Americas Mills segment recorded adjusted operating profit of $51.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to adjusted operating profit of $50.7 million for the corresponding period in fiscal 2016. Profitability in this segment remained relatively flat in comparison to the second quarter of fiscal 2016 due to lower metal margins offset by increased shipments. Some of the increase in shipments was the result of customers buying ahead of announced price increases, however, low service center inventory levels and strength in construction activity in our markets also contributed to the demand. We believe margins will continue to be pressured by imports and result in selling price increases lagging ferrous scrap cost increases in the near term.

Our Americas Fabrication segment recorded adjusted operating profit of $0.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to adjusted operating profit of $14.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The decline in adjusted operating profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 continued the effect, seen over the past few quarters, of aggressive competition resulting in lower prices for projects booked running through our fabrication backlog.

Despite the normal winter conditions, our International Mill segment in Poland recorded adjusted operating profit of $9.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to adjusted operating profit of $2.0 million for the corresponding period in fiscal 2016. Product mix more heavily weighted to higher margin merchant products, coupled with demand from the construction sector continuing to remain robust, resulted in the third successive quarter of strong results in this segment.

Our International Marketing and Distribution segment recorded adjusted operating profit of $6.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to an adjusted operating loss of $2.3 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year. The increase in adjusted operating profit was primarily due to improved margins across the steel and raw material trading businesses recorded during a period of rising commodity pricing and some rejuvenated demand in the U.S. oil and gas drilling activities.





(CMC Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 - Page 3)


Year to Date Results
Net earnings for the six months ended February 28, 2017 were $36.6 million ($0.31 per diluted share) on net sales of $2.2 billion, compared with net earnings of $35.6 million ($0.30 per diluted share) on net sales of $2.2 billion for the six months ended February 29, 2016. For the six months ended February 28, 2017, earnings from continuing operations were $36.8 million compared with $36.5 million for the same period of the prior year. For the six months ended February 28, 2017, adjusted operating profit from continuing operations was $75.6 million, compared with $86.0 million for the six months ended February 29, 2016. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $136.5 million for the six months ended February 28, 2017, compared with $148.8 million for the six months ended February 29, 2016.
 
Outlook
Alvarado concluded, "We anticipate demand will remain robust, supported by strong levels of bidding in our fabrication business, growth oriented leading indicators such as the Architectural Billings Index and overall consumer confidence across all of our product lines. We anticipate that our shipment levels will continue to grow in our third quarter as we enter the traditionally strong construction season in both the U.S. and Polish markets. However, we anticipate further pressure on our margins as imports continue to make it difficult to increase selling prices for our products in line with scrap cost increases."

"In spite of a mixed reaction to the preliminary countervailing and anti-dumping duties recently announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce, we are pleased that there has finally been some recognition that producers in Japan, Taiwan and Turkey are trading rebar products unfairly. The final results for these duties will be released in the coming months, and we will continue to work for the enforcement of our trade laws."

"We are also hopeful that the policies of the new administration in the U.S. will support economic growth through tax reform, a reduced regulatory environment, the introduction of an infrastructure regeneration program and more rigorous enforcement of trade actions. We believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on the benefits from these initiatives, however, it is unknown when and how these policies will be implemented."



Conference Call
CMC invites you to listen to a live broadcast of its second quarter of fiscal 2017 conference call today, Thursday, March 23, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Joe Alvarado, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Barbara Smith, President and COO, and Mary Lindsey, Vice President and CFO, will host the call. The call is accessible via our website at www.cmc.com. In the event you are unable to listen to the live broadcast, the call will be archived and available for replay on our website on the next business day. Financial and statistical information presented in the broadcast are located on CMC's website under "Investors."




(CMC Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 - Page 4)



About Commercial Metals Company
Commercial Metals Company and its subsidiaries manufacture, recycle and market steel and metal products, related materials and services through a network including steel minimills, steel fabrication and processing plants, construction-related product warehouses, metal recycling facilities and marketing and distribution offices in the United States and in strategic international markets.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding CMC's expectations relating to demand, shipment levels, economic conditions, changes in political and regulatory conditions, including duties announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the effects thereof, the effects of global steel overcapacity and international trade, anticipated finished goods pricing and customer growth, and CMC's margins. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as we, CMC or its management, "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "intends," "plans to," "ought," "could," "will," "should," "likely," "appears," "potential," "outlook," or other similar words or phrases. There are inherent risks and uncertainties in any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our expectations are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially. Except as required by law, CMC undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify any forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, new information or circumstances or otherwise.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from CMC's expectations include the following: overall global economic conditions, including the ongoing recovery from the last recession, continued sovereign debt problems in the Euro-zone and construction activity or lack thereof, and their impact in a highly cyclical industry; rapid and significant changes in the price of metals, potentially impairing our inventory values due to declines in commodity prices; excess capacity in our industry, particularly in China, and product availability from competing steel mills and other steel suppliers including import quantities and pricing; compliance with and changes in environmental laws and regulations, including increased regulation associated with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions; potential limitations in our or our customers' ability to access credit and non-compliance by our customers with our contracts; financial covenants and restrictions on the operation of our business contained in agreements governing our debt; currency fluctuations; global factors, including political uncertainties and military conflicts; availability of electricity and natural gas for mill operations; information technology interruptions and breaches in data security; ability to hire and retain key executives and other employees; our ability to make necessary capital expenditures; availability and pricing of raw materials over which we exert little influence, including scrap metal, energy, insurance and supply prices; unexpected equipment failures; competition from other materials or from competitors that have a lower cost structure or access to greater financial resources; losses or limited potential gains due to hedging transactions; litigation claims and settlements, court decisions, regulatory rulings and legal compliance risks; risk of injury or death to employees, customers or other visitors to our operations; and increased costs related to health care reform legislation.




(CMC Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 - Page 5)


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
OPERATING STATISTICS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
(short tons in thousands)
 
2/28/2017
 
2/29/2016
 
2/28/2017
 
2/29/2016
 
11/30/2016
 
8/31/2016
 
5/31/2016
Americas Recycling
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Ferrous tons shipped
 
421

 
379

 
826

 
768

 
405

 
423

 
423

    Nonferrous tons shipped
 
53

 
48

 
102

 
100

 
49

 
52

 
49

Americas Recycling tons shipped
 
474

 
427

 
928

 
868

 
454

 
475

 
472

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Steel Mills
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Rebar shipments
 
406

 
364

 
810

 
758

 
404

 
411

 
462

    Merchant and other shipments
 
252

 
244

 
483

 
490

 
231

 
247

 
262

Americas Steel Mills tons shipped
 
658

 
608

 
1,293

 
1,248

 
635

 
658

 
724

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Average selling price (total sales)
 
$
524

 
$
510

 
$
511

 
$
533

 
$
499

 
$
531

 
$
501

    Average cost ferrous scrap utilized
 
245

 
179

 
223

 
188

 
201

 
234

 
213

Americas Steel Mills metal margin
 
$
279

 
$
331

 
$
288

 
$
345

 
$
298

 
$
297

 
$
288

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Mill
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Tons shipped
 
313

 
282

 
629

 
560

 
316

 
341

 
353

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Average selling price (total sales)
 
$
402

 
$
363

 
$
399

 
$
385

 
$
397

 
$
409

 
$
378

    Average cost ferrous scrap utilized
 
229

 
178

 
215

 
192

 
202

 
211

 
187

International Mill metal margin
 
$
173

 
$
185

 
$
184

 
$
193

 
$
195

 
$
198

 
$
191

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Fabrication
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Rebar shipments
 
226

 
225

 
474

 
474

 
248

 
284

 
270

    Structural and post shipments
 
27

 
29

 
52

 
57

 
25

 
30

 
40

Americas Fabrication tons shipped
 
253

 
254

 
526

 
531

 
273

 
314

 
310

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Fabrication average selling price (excluding stock and buyout sales)
 
$
756

 
$
842

 
$
769

 
$
866

 
$
782

 
$
805

 
$
827






(CMC Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 - Page 6)


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
BUSINESS SEGMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
Net sales
 
2/28/2017
 
2/29/2016
 
2/28/2017
 
2/29/2016
 
11/30/2016
 
8/31/2016
 
5/31/2016
Americas Recycling
 
$
223,328

 
$
148,346

 
$
400,036

 
$
327,553

 
$
176,708

 
$
195,724

 
$
182,477

Americas Mills
 
376,593

 
336,429

 
723,758

 
720,961

 
347,165

 
381,406

 
396,481

Americas Fabrication
 
303,826

 
336,144

 
642,226

 
718,458

 
338,400

 
385,917

 
385,080

International Mill
 
134,305

 
107,458

 
268,706

 
227,906

 
134,401

 
147,842

 
141,438

International Marketing and Distribution
 
302,295

 
276,876

 
550,455

 
559,913

 
248,160

 
310,079

 
319,604

Corporate
 
3,842

 
(2,867
)
 
5,592

 
(476
)
 
1,750

 
2,973

 
4,585

Eliminations
 
(194,568
)
 
(182,689
)
 
(366,089
)
 
(379,759
)
 
(171,521
)
 
(215,361
)
 
(202,275
)
Total net sales
 
$
1,149,621

 
$
1,019,697

 
$
2,224,684

 
$
2,174,556

 
$
1,075,063

 
$
1,208,580

 
$
1,227,390

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Recycling
 
$
7,766

 
$
(7,645
)
 
$
2,668

 
$
(14,193
)
 
$
(5,098
)
 
$
(45,113
)
 
$
(1,978
)
Americas Mills
 
51,319

 
50,699

 
88,268

 
109,763

 
36,949

 
45,012

 
54,976

Americas Fabrication
 
506

 
14,825

 
7,217

 
36,170

 
6,711

 
9,638

 
22,794

International Mill
 
9,430

 
1,951

 
19,403

 
4,722

 
9,973

 
18,703

 
5,467

International Marketing and Distribution
 
6,143

 
(2,293
)
 
5,177

 
(4,462
)
 
(966
)
 
(3,517
)
 
892

Corporate
 
(22,317
)
 
(28,801
)
 
(46,330
)
 
(46,873
)
 
(24,013
)
 
(25,670
)
 
(22,542
)
Eliminations
 
(576
)
 
1,232

 
(780
)
 
902

 
(204
)
 
3,086

 
1,331

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations
 
$
52,271

 
$
29,968

 
$
75,623

 
$
86,029

 
$
23,352

 
$
2,139

 
$
60,940







(CMC Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 - Page 7)


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
(in thousands, except share data)
 
February 28,
2017
 
February 29,
2016
 
February 28,
2017
 
February 29,
2016
Net sales
 
$
1,149,621

 
$
1,019,697

 
$
2,224,684

 
$
2,174,556

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
 
990,431

 
884,876

 
1,933,502

 
1,882,118

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
107,119

 
93,918

 
215,986

 
195,826

Interest expense
 
12,442

 
16,625

 
25,740

 
34,929

Loss on debt extinguishment
 

 
11,365

 

 
11,365

 
 
1,109,992

 
1,006,784

 
2,175,228

 
2,124,238

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
 
39,629

 
12,913

 
49,456

 
50,318

Income taxes
 
9,990

 
2,064

 
12,643

 
13,836

Earnings from continuing operations
 
29,639

 
10,849

 
36,813

 
36,482

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes (benefit)
 
726

 
(446
)
 
(191
)
 
(1,018
)
Income taxes (benefit)
 
33

 
(99
)
 
15

 
(101
)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
693

 
(347
)
 
(206
)
 
(917
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
 
30,332

 
10,502

 
36,607

 
35,565

Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to CMC
 
30,332

 
10,502

 
36,607

 
35,565

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
0.25

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.32

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
0.01

 

 

 
(0.01
)
Net earnings
 
$
0.26

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
0.25

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.31

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
0.01

 

 

 
(0.01
)
Net earnings
 
$
0.26

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends per share
 
$
0.12

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.24

 
$
0.24

Average basic shares outstanding
 
115,736,369

 
115,429,550

 
115,415,662

 
115,725,896

Average diluted shares outstanding
 
117,120,208

 
116,507,591

 
117,007,958

 
117,002,822






(CMC Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 - Page 8)


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
 
February 28,
2017
 
August 31,
2016
Assets
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
395,546

 
$
517,544

Accounts receivable, net
 
774,286

 
765,784

Inventories, net
 
720,786

 
652,754

Other current assets
 
96,422

 
112,043

Total current assets
 
1,987,040

 
2,048,125

Net property, plant and equipment
 
940,344

 
895,049

Goodwill
 
66,530

 
66,373

Other assets
 
137,919

 
121,322

Total assets
 
$
3,131,833

 
$
3,130,869

Liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable-trade
 
$
307,488

 
$
243,532

Accounts payable-documentary letters of credit
 

 
5

Accrued expenses and other payables
 
220,433

 
264,112

Current maturities of long-term debt
 
312,200

 
313,469

Total current liabilities
 
840,121

 
821,118

Deferred income taxes
 
55,625

 
63,021

Other long-term liabilities
 
121,930

 
121,351

Long-term debt
 
752,137

 
757,948

Total liabilities
 
1,769,813

 
1,763,438

Stockholders' equity attributable to CMC
 
1,361,848

 
1,367,272

Stockholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
172

 
159

Total equity
 
1,362,020

 
1,367,431

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
3,131,833

 
$
3,130,869






(CMC Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 - Page 9)


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Six Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
February 28, 2017
 
February 29, 2016
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
36,607

 
$
35,565

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
60,789

 
63,541

Stock-based compensation
 
16,156

 
13,106

Deferred income taxes
 
(9,380
)
 
(4,614
)
Amortization of interest rate swaps termination gain
 
(3,798
)
 
(3,798
)
Provision for losses on receivables, net
 
1,381

 
2,740

Write-down of inventories
 
1,205

 
7,949

Asset impairment
 
553

 

Net gain on sales of assets and other
 
(195
)
 
(2,767
)
Loss on debt extinguishment
 

 
11,365

Tax benefit from stock plans
 

 
(55
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
2,162

 
190,622

Proceeds (payments) on sales of accounts receivable programs, net
 
(5,102
)
 
11,504

Inventories
 
(68,456
)
 
111,544

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables
 
9,374

 
(115,002
)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities
 
(29,313
)
 
11,110

Net cash flows from operating activities
 
11,983

 
332,810

Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(90,808
)
 
(62,437
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
(25,366
)
 

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
 
21,033

 
(49,145
)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other
 
700

 
3,060

Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries
 
524

 

Net cash flows used by investing activities
 
(93,917
)
 
(108,522
)
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends
 
(27,726
)
 
(27,839
)
Repayments on long-term debt
 
(6,148
)
 
(205,816
)
Stock issued under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures
 
(5,408
)
 
(5,671
)
Contribution from noncontrolling interests
 
13

 
29

Increase (decrease) in documentary letters of credit, net
 
(5
)
 
(25,815
)
Short-term borrowings, net change
 

 
(20,090
)
Treasury stock acquired
 

 
(30,595
)
Debt extinguishment costs
 

 
(11,013
)
Tax benefit from stock plans
 

 
55

Decrease in restricted cash
 

 
1

Net cash flows used by financing activities
 
(39,274
)
 
(326,754
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(790
)
 
(1,179
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(121,998
)
 
(103,645
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
517,544

 
485,323

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
395,546

 
$
381,678





(CMC Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 - Page 10)


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED)

This press release contains financial measures not derived in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures are provided below.

Adjusted Operating Profit from Continuing Operations is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations is the sum of our earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, interest expense and discounts on sales of accounts receivable. Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations should not be considered as an alternative to earnings from continuing operations or net earnings, as determined by GAAP. Management uses adjusted operating profit from continuing operations to evaluate the financial performance of CMC. For added flexibility, we may sell certain trade accounts receivable both in the U.S. and internationally. We consider sales of accounts receivable as an alternative source of liquidity to finance our operations, and we believe that removing these costs provides a clearer perspective of CMC's operating performance. Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations may be inconsistent with similar measures presented by other companies.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
2/28/2017
 
2/29/2016
 
2/28/2017
 
2/29/2016
 
11/30/2016
 
8/31/2016
 
5/31/2016
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
29,639

 
$
10,849

 
$
36,813

 
$
36,482

 
$
7,174

 
$
950

 
$
35,111

Income taxes
 
9,990

 
2,064

 
12,643

 
13,836

 
2,653

 
(11,865
)
 
10,676

Interest expense
 
12,442

 
16,625

 
25,740

 
34,929

 
13,298

 
12,565

 
14,737

Discounts on sales of accounts receivable
 
200

 
430

 
427

 
782

 
227

 
489

 
416

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations
 
$
52,271

 
$
29,968

 
$
75,623

 
$
86,029

 
$
23,352

 
$
2,139

 
$
60,940


Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is the sum of earnings from continuing operations before net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests, interest expense and income taxes. It also excludes CMC's largest recurring non-cash charge, depreciation and amortization, as well as long-lived asset and goodwill impairment charges, which are also non-cash. There were no net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests during the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and February 29, 2016. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations should not be considered an alternative to earnings from continuing operations or net earnings, or as a better measure of liquidity than net cash flows from operating activities, as determined by GAAP. However, we believe that adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations provides relevant and useful information, which is often used by analysts, creditors and other interested parties as it allows: (i) comparison of our earnings to those of other competitors; (ii) a better understanding of our ongoing core performance; and (iii) assessing period-to-period performance trends. Additionally, adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is the target benchmark for our annual and long-term cash incentive performance plans for management. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations may be inconsistent with similar measures presented by other companies.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
2/28/2017
 
2/29/2016
 
2/28/2017
 
2/29/2016
 
11/30/2016
 
8/31/2016
 
5/31/2016
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
29,639

 
$
10,849

 
$
36,813

 
$
36,482

 
$
7,174

 
$
950

 
$
35,111

Interest expense
 
12,442

 
16,625

 
25,740

 
34,929

 
13,298

 
12,565

 
14,737

Income taxes
 
9,990

 
2,064

 
12,643

 
13,836

 
2,653

 
(11,865
)
 
10,676

Depreciation and amortization
 
30,499

 
31,550

 
60,785

 
63,541

 
30,286

 
31,516

 
31,883

Impairment charges
 
91

 

 
479

 

 
388

 
39,952

 
76

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations
 
$
82,661

 
$
61,088

 
$
136,460

 
$
148,788

 
$
53,799

 
$
73,118

 
$
92,483




Media Contact:
Susan Gerber
214.689.4300