FORT WAYNE, Ind., March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ/GS: STLD) today provided first quarter earnings guidance in the range of $0.17 to $0.21 per diluted share. Excluding a fourth quarter favorable tax adjustment of $0.07 per diluted share, estimated earnings are comparable to the company's fourth quarter adjusted 2012 earnings of $0.20 per diluted share. The company also reported earnings of $0.20 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2012.
First quarter 2013 overall steel shipments are expected to be fairly flat in comparison to the fourth quarter 2012, as decreases in galvanized sheet volume are expected to be offset by increased long product shipments, including engineered special-bar-quality products, standard railroad rail and wide flange products. The global economic uncertainty continues to impact customer confidence and buying patterns. However, the residential construction market is stronger, and market optimism remains in place for improvement in non-residential construction demand, as modest increases in key directional indices continue to show signs of recovery from base historical lows. Automotive and manufacturing markets continue to be strong.
Metals recycling financial results are expected to decrease somewhat for the first quarter 2013, compared to the sequential quarter, as anticipated increases in shipping volumes are offset by decreased margins. In addition, the company's fabrication operations are expected to remain profitable for the fifth consecutive quarter, a possible sign of slowly improving nonresidential construction activity.
About Steel Dynamics, Inc.
Steel Dynamics, Inc. is one of the largest domestic steel producers and metals recyclers in the United States based on estimated annual steelmaking and metals recycling capability, with annual sales of $7.3 billion in 2012, over 6,600 employees, and manufacturing facilities primarily located throughout the United States (including five steel mills, six steel processing facilities, two iron production facilities, over 70 metals recycling locations and six steel fabrication plants).
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains some predictive statements about future events, including statements related to conditions in the steel and metallic scrap markets, Steel Dynamics' revenues, costs of purchased materials, future profitability and earnings, and the operation of new or existing facilities. These statements are intended to be made as "forward-looking," subject to many risks and uncertainties, within the safe harbor protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements speak only as of this date and are based upon information and assumptions, which we consider reasonable as of this date, concerning our businesses and the environments in which they operate. Such predictive statements are not guarantees of future performance, and we undertake no duty to update or revise any such statements. Some factors that could cause such forward-looking statements to turn out differently than anticipated include: (1) the effects of a prolonged or deepening recession on industrial demand; (2) changes in economic conditions, either generally or in any of the steel or scrap-consuming sectors which affect demand for our products, including the strength of the non-residential and residential construction, automotive, appliance, and other steel-consuming industries; (3) fluctuations in the cost of key raw materials (including steel scrap, iron units, and energy costs) and our ability to pass-on any cost increases; (4) the impact of domestic and foreign import price competition; (5) risks and uncertainties involving product and/or technology development; and (6) occurrences of unexpected plant outages or equipment failures.
More specifically, we refer you to SDI's more detailed explanation of these and other factors and risks that may cause such predictive statements to turn out differently, as set forth in, our most recent Annual Report on Form10-K; our quarterly reports on Form10-Q; or, in other reports, which we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These are available publicly on the SEC Web site, www.sec.gov, and on the Steel Dynamics Web site, www.steeldynamics.com.
SOURCE Steel Dynamics, Inc.
