OLYMPIC STEEL INC - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

For The Year Ended December 31, 2017

For The Transition Period From _______________ To _______________

Commission File Number 0-23320

OLYMPIC STEEL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (216) 292-3800

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes (   ) No (X)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes (   ) No (X)

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 (   )

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, 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 (   )

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. (X)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one:)

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. (  )

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

As of June 30, 2017, the aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant based on the closing price at which such stock was sold on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on such date approximated $176,429,526.   

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 2, 2018 was 10,998,480.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The registrant intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 within 120 days of the close of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, portions of which document shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K from the date such document is filed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

The Company

We are a leading metals service center that operates in three reportable segments; carbon flat products, specialty metals flat products, and tubular and pipe products. We provide metals processing and distribution services for a wide range of customers. The focus of our carbon flat products segment is on the direct sale and distribution of large volumes of processed carbon and coated flat-rolled sheet, coil and plate products and fabricated parts. Our specialty metals flat products segment’s focus is on the direct sale and distribution of processed aluminum and stainless flat-rolled sheet and coil products, flat bar products and fabricated parts. In addition, through our tubular and pipe products segment, we distribute metal tubing, pipe, bar, valves and fittings and fabricate pressure parts supplied to various industrial markets. Products that require more value-added processing generally have a higher gross profit. Accordingly, our overall gross profit is affected by, among other things, product mix, the amount of processing performed, the demand for and availability of metals, and volatility in selling prices and material purchase costs. We also perform toll processing of customer-owned metals. We sell certain products internationally, primarily in Canada, Mexico and Central and South America. International sales totaled 2.4% and 2.2% of consolidated net sales in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Segment reporting information is contained in Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which can be found in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and which is incorporated herein by reference.

We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio. Our executive offices are located at 22901 Millcreek Boulevard, Suite 650, Highland Hills, Ohio 44122. Our telephone number is (216) 292-3800, and our website address is www.olysteel.com. We are not including the information on our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Industry Overview 

The metals industry is comprised of three types of entities: metals producers, intermediate metals processors and metals service centers. Metals producers have historically emphasized the sale of metals to volume purchasers and have generally viewed intermediate metals processors and metals service centers as part of their customer base. However, all three types of entities can compete for certain customers who purchase large quantities of metals. Intermediate metals processors tend to serve as processors in large quantities for metals producers and major industrial consumers of processed metals, including automobile and appliance manufacturers.

Services provided by metals service centers can range from storage and distribution of unprocessed metal products to complex, precision value-added metals processing. Metals service centers respond directly to customer needs and emphasize value-added processing of metals pursuant to specific customer demands, such as cutting-to-length, slitting, shearing, roll forming, shape correction and surface improvement, blanking, tempering, plate burning and stamping. These processes produce metals to specified lengths, widths, shapes and surface characteristics through the use of specialized equipment. Metals service centers typically have lower cost structures than, and provide services and value-added processing not otherwise available from, metals producers.

End product manufacturers and other metals users seek to purchase metals on shorter lead times and with more frequent and reliable deliveries than can normally be provided by metals producers. Metals service centers generally have lower labor costs than metals producers and consequently process metals on a more cost-effective basis. In addition, due to this lower cost structure, metals service centers are able to handle orders in quantities smaller than would be economical for metals producers. The benefits to customers purchasing products from metals service centers include lower inventory levels, lower overall cost of raw materials, more timely response and decreased manufacturing time and expense. Customers also benefit from a lower investment in production labor, buildings and equipment, which allows them to focus on the engineering, assembly and marketing of their products. We believe that customers’ demands for just-in-time delivery have made the value-added inventory, processing and delivery functions performed by metals service centers increasingly important.

Corporate History

Our company was founded in 1954 by the Siegal family as a general steel service center. Michael Siegal, the son of one of the founders, began his career with us in the early 1970s and has served as our Chief Executive Officer since 1984, and as our Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1994. David Wolfort, our President, joined us as General Manager in 1984. In the late 1980s, our business strategy changed from a focus on warehousing and distributing steel from a single facility with no major processing equipment to a focus on geographic and product growth, customer diversity and value-added processing. An integral part of our growth has been the acquisition and start-up of processing and sales operations, and the investment in processing equipment. In 1994, we completed an initial public offering and, in 1996, we completed a follow-on offering of our common stock. In July 2011, we acquired Chicago Tube and Iron, or CTI, a private leading distributor of tubing, pipe, bar, valves, and fittings, which represents our tubular and pipe products segment. Andrew Greiff, our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer joined us in 2009 and managed the Company’s rapidly expanding specialty metals business.

Business Strategy and Objectives

We believe that the metals service center and processing industry is driven by the following primary trends: (i) shift by customers to fewer suppliers that are larger and financially strong; (ii) increased customer demand for more frequent deliveries, higher quality products and services; and (iii) globalization of metals industry participants.

In recognition of these industry trends, our focus has been on achieving profitable geographic and product growth through the start-up and acquisition of service centers, processors, fabricators and related businesses, and investments in people, information systems, higher value-added processing equipment and services, while continuing our commitment to expanding and improving our operating efficiencies, sales and servicing efforts.

We are focused on specific operating objectives including: (i) managing inventory turnover; (ii) managing operating expenses; (iii) maintaining targeted cash turnover rates; (iv) investing in value-added processing and material handling equipment; (v) growing our market share; (vi) investing in technology and business information systems; (vii) improving safety performance; and (viii) improving on-time delivery and quality performance for our customers.

These operating objectives are supported by:

We believe our depth of management, facilities, locations, processing capabilities, inventory, focus on safety, quality and customer service, extensive and experienced sales force, and the strength of our customer and supplier relationships provide a strong foundation for implementation of our strategy and achievement of our objectives. Certain elements of our strategy are set forth in more detail below.

Investments and Acquisitions. Historically, we have accelerated our growth through acquisitions and capital investments in facilities and processing equipment. During 2017, we created a new position, Vice President of Strategic Development, whose focus is on profitable growth opportunities, including acquisitions. When the results of sales and marketing efforts and our financial justifications indicate that there is sufficient customer demand for a particular product, process or service, we may purchase equipment to satisfy that demand. We also evaluate our existing equipment to ensure that it remains productive, and we upgrade, replace, redeploy or dispose of equipment when necessary. We invest in processing equipment to support customer demand and to respond to the growing trend among original equipment manufacturers (our customers) to outsource non-core production processes, such as plate processing, machining, welding and fabrication, in order to concentrate on engineering, design and assembly.

Our capital investments during the past three years have primarily consisted of initial spending on a building expansion and building improvements, a slitter for our specialty metals flat products segment, a stretcher leveling line as well as other processing equipment for our expanded value-added customer base in Winder, Georgia, added tube and pipe distribution capabilities from our Cleveland, Ohio, Locust, North Carolina and Monterey, Mexico facilities and additional processing equipment for all of our three segments.

Sales and Marketing. We believe that our commitments to quality, service, just-in-time delivery and field sales personnel have enabled us to build and maintain strong customer relationships. We continuously analyze our customer base to ensure that strategic customers are properly targeted and serviced, while focusing our efforts to supply and successfully service multi-location customers from multi-location Olympic facilities. We service certain customers with carbon and specialty metals flat products and tubular and pipe products through cross-stocking of products in certain facilities.

We offer business solutions to our customers through value-added and value-engineered services. We also provide inventory stocking programs and in-plant Olympic Steel employees located at certain customer locations to help reduce customers’ costs. Our owned truck fleet further enhances our just-in-time deliveries based on our customers’ requirements.

Our flawless execution (Fe) program is a commitment to provide superior customer service while striving to exceed customer expectations. This program includes tracking on-time delivery and quality performance against objectives, and recognition of employee initiatives to improve efficiencies, streamline processes or reduce operating expenses at each operation.

We believe our large and experienced sales force provides strategic advantages. Our sales force makes direct daily sales calls to customers throughout the continental United States, Canada and Mexico. The continuous interaction between our sales force and active and prospective customers provides us with valuable market information and sales opportunities, including opportunities for outsourcing, improving customer service and increasing sales.

Our sales efforts are further supported by metallurgists, engineers, technical and quality service personnel and product specialists who have specific expertise in carbon and stainless steel, aluminum, alloy plate and steel fabrication as well as tubular and pipe products. Our services for certain customers also include integration into our internal business systems to provide cost efficiencies for both us and our customers.

Management. We believe one of our strengths is the depth, knowledge and experience of our management team. In addition to our executive officers, members of our senior management team have a diversity of backgrounds within the metals industry, including management positions at metals producers and other metals service centers. They average 29 years of experience in the metals industry and 17 years with our company. During 2017, we further enhanced our management team by the promotions of several employees to senior management positions within the organization.

Products, Processing Services and Quality Standards

We maintain inventory of carbon, stainless and aluminum coil, plate and sheet products, and tubular and pipe products. Coil is in the form of a continuous sheet, typically 36 to 96 inches wide, between 0.015 and 0.625 inches thick, and rolled into 10 to 30 ton coils. Because of the size and weight of these coils and the equipment required to move and process them into smaller sizes, such coils do not meet the requirements, without further processing, of most customers. Plate is typically thicker than coil and is processed by laser, plasma or oxygen burning.

Through our CTI subsidiary, we maintain inventory of round, square, and rectangular mechanical and structural tubing; hydraulic and stainless tubing; boiler tubing; carbon, stainless, and aluminum pipe; and valves and fittings. CTI provides a variety of value added services to its tube and pipe product line, including saw cutting, laser cutting, beveling, threading and grooving. CTI also fabricates pressure components supplied to various industrial markets.   

Customer orders are entered or electronically transmitted into computerized order entry systems, and appropriate inventory is selected and scheduled for processing in accordance with the customer’s specified delivery date. We attempt to maximize yield and equipment efficiency through the use of computer software and by combining customer orders for processing each coil, plate, tube or pipe to the fullest extent practicable.

Our services include both traditional service center processes of cutting-to-length, slitting, flattening, sawing and shearing and higher value-added processes of blanking, tempering, plate burning, laser cutting, precision machining, welding, fabricating, bending, beveling, polishing, kitting and painting to process metals to specified lengths, widths and shapes pursuant to specific customer orders. Cutting-to-length involves cutting metal along the width of the coil. Slitting involves cutting metal to specified widths along the length of the coil. Shearing is the process of cutting sheet metal. Blanking cuts the metal into specific shapes with close tolerances. Tempering improves the uniformity of the thickness and flatness of the metals through a cold rolling process. Plate and laser processing is the process of cutting metal into specific shapes and sizes. Our forming activities include bending metal. Our machining activities include drilling, milling, tapping, boring and sawing. Tube processing includes tube bending and end finishing. Finishing activities include shot blasting, grinding, edging and polishing. Our fabrication activities include machining, welding, assembly and painting of component parts.

The flat products segment is separated into two reportable segments; carbon flat products and specialty metals flat products. The flat products segments’ assets and resources are shared by the carbon and specialty metals segments and both segments’ products are, in some instances, stored in the shared facilities and processed on the shared equipment.

The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2017, the major pieces of processing equipment in operation by segment:

Our quality assurance system, led by certified specialists and engineers, establishes controls and procedures covering all aspects of our products from the time the material is ordered through receipt, processing and shipment to the customer. These controls and procedures encompass periodic supplier and customer audits, workshops with customers, inspection equipment and criteria, preventative actions, traceability and certification. We have quality testing labs at several of our facilities, including at our temper mill facilities in Cleveland, Ohio and Bettendorf, Iowa.

In addition, 24 of our facilities have earned International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008 or ISO 9001:2015 certifications. CTI has earned The American Society of Mechanical Engineers S Certification and The National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors R Certification. Our office building in Winder, Georgia has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

Customers and Distribution

We have a diverse customer and geographic base, which helps to reduce the inherent risk and cyclicality of our business. Net sales to our top three customers, in the aggregate, approximated 8.0%, 8.9% and 11.6% of our consolidated net sales in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We serve customers in metals consuming industries, including manufacturers and fabricators of transportation and material handling lift equipment, construction, mining and farm equipment, storage tanks, environmental and energy generation equipment, automobiles, food service and electrical equipment, military vehicles and equipment, as well as general and plate fabricators and metals service centers. The table below shows the percentage of our consolidated net sales to the largest industries for the past three years.

While we ship products throughout the United States, most of our customers are located in the midwestern, eastern and southern regions of the United States. Most customers are located within a 250-mile radius of one of our processing facilities, thus enabling an efficient delivery system capable of handling a high frequency of short lead time orders. We transport our products directly to customers via our in-house truck fleet, which further supports the just-in-time delivery requirements of our customers, and third-party trucking firms. Products sold to foreign customers, which have been immaterial to our consolidated results, are shipped either directly from metals producers to the customer or to an intermediate processor, and then to the customer by rail, truck or ocean carrier. Through our facility in Monterrey, Mexico, we are able to stock material and service our customers in that country with shorter lead times.

We process our metals to specific customer orders as well as for stocking programs. Many of our larger customers commit to purchase on a regular basis at agreed upon or indexed prices for periods ranging from three to twelve months. To help mitigate price volatility risks, these price commitments are generally matched with corresponding supply arrangements, or to a lesser degree by commodities hedging. Customers notify us of specific release dates as processed products are required. Customers typically notify us of release dates anywhere from a just-in-time basis to one month before the release date. Therefore, we are required to carry sufficient inventory to meet the short lead time and just-in-time delivery requirements of our customers. CTI produces pressure parts and other fabricated components primarily for industrial boiler applications representing 1.9% of consolidated net sales in 2017. These products typically take several months to produce due to their size and complexity. Due to the time required for production, we may require progress payments throughout the construction period.

The current global economic environment has resulted in increased supply chain scrutiny by our customers and potential customers. We believe our size, geographic footprint, financial position, dedication to a field sales force, and our focus on quality and customer service are advantageous in maintaining our customer base and in securing new customers.

Raw Materials

Our principal raw materials are carbon, coated, and stainless steel and aluminum, in the forms of pipe and tube, flat rolled sheet, coil and plate that we typically purchase from multiple primary metals producers. The metals industry as a whole is cyclical and at times pricing and availability of material can be volatile due to numerous factors beyond our control, including general domestic and global economic conditions, domestic and global supply and demand imbalance, competition, quickly changing lead times and late deliveries from metals producers, fluctuations in the costs of raw materials necessary to produce metals, import duties and tariffs and currency exchange rates. This volatility can significantly affect the availability and cost of raw materials for us.

Inventory management is a key profitability driver in the metals service center industry. Similar to many other metals service centers, we maintain substantial inventories of metals to accommodate the short lead times and just-in-time delivery requirements of our customers. Accordingly, we purchase metals in an effort to maintain our inventory at levels that we believe to be appropriate to satisfy the anticipated needs of our customers based upon historic buying practices, purchase commitments with customers and market conditions.

Our commitments to purchase metals are generally at prevailing market prices in effect at the time we place our orders. During the past three years, we have entered into pass through nickel and carbon swaps at the request of our customers in order to mitigate our customers’ risk of volatility in the price of metals. The swaps are settled with the brokers at maturity and the economic benefit or loss arising from the changes in fair value of the swaps is contractually passed through to the customer. During 2014, we entered into cash flow metals hedges to mitigate our risk of volatility in the price of metals. The cash flow hedges were settled with the brokers at maturity and the economic benefit or loss arising from the changes in fair value of the hedges was recorded to “Cost of Materials Sold” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. All of the metals cash flow hedges settled during 2015, and we have no outstanding metals cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2017.

We have no long-term, fixed-price metals purchase contracts, except for commodity hedges. When metals prices decline, customer demands for lower prices and our competitors’ responses to those demands could result in lower sale prices and, consequently, lower gross profits and earnings as we use existing metals inventory. When metals prices increase, competitive conditions will influence how much of the price increase we can pass on to our customers.

Suppliers

We concentrate on developing supply relationships with high-quality domestic and international metals producers, using a coordinated effort to be the customer of choice for business critical suppliers. We employ sourcing strategies that maximize the quality, production lead times and transportation economies of a global supply base. We are an important customer of flat-rolled coil and plate, pipe and tube for many of our principal suppliers, but we are not dependent on any one supplier. We purchase in bulk from metals producers in quantities that are efficient for such producers. This enables us to maintain a continued source of supply at what we believe to be competitive prices. We believe the access to our facilities and equipment, and our high quality customer services and solutions, combined with our long-standing and continuous prompt pay practices, will continue to be an important factor in maintaining strong relationships with metals suppliers.

The metals producing supply base has experienced significant consolidation, with a few suppliers accounting for a majority of the domestic carbon steel market. We purchased approximately 53% and 54% of our total metals requirements from our three largest suppliers in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Although we have no long-term supply commitments, we believe we have good relationships with our metals suppliers. If, in the future, we are unable to obtain sufficient amounts of metals on a timely basis, we may not be able to obtain metals from alternate sources at competitive prices. In addition, interruptions or reductions in our supply of metals could make it difficult to satisfy our customers’ just-in-time delivery requirements, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Competition

Our principal markets are highly competitive. We compete with other regional and national metals service centers, single location service centers and, to a certain degree, metals producers and intermediate metals processors on a regional basis. We have different competitors for each of our products and within each region. We compete on the basis of price, product selection and availability, customer service, value-added capabilities, quality, financial strength and geographic proximity. Certain of our competitors have greater financial and operating resources than we have.

With the exception of certain Canadian or Mexican operations, foreign-located metals service centers are generally not a material competitive factor in our principal domestic markets.

Management Information Systems

Information systems are an important component of our strategy. We have invested in technologies and human resources as a foundation for growth.  We depend on our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for financial reporting, management decision-making, inventory management, order tracking and fulfillment and production optimization.  We continue to upgrade and consolidate our systems for optimal use of resources and to assure we are taking advantage of technology offerings.

Our information systems focus on the following core application areas:

Inventory Management.  Our information systems track the status and cost of inventories by product, location and process on a daily basis.  This information is essential to optimize management of inventory.

Differentiated Services To Customers.  Our information systems support value-added services to customers, including quality control and on-time delivery monitoring and reporting, just-in-time inventory management and shipping services.

E-Commerce and Advanced Customer Interaction.  We are actively participating in electronic commerce initiatives to reduce processing cost and time.  In addition to full electronic data interchange (EDI) capabilities with our customers and vendors, we also have implemented extranet sites for specific customers which are integrated with our internal business systems. 

System and Process Enhancements. We have completed development of business system solutions to replace our legacy information systems and have successfully implemented new ERP systems at most of our locations and have decommissioned three legacy systems as of December 31, 2017. We continue to implement these systems to provide standardized business processes, enhanced inventory management, production cost, and sales administrative controls, and reduced technical support requirements. Our business analysts work with our quality team to identify opportunities for efficiency and improved customer service. We collaborate across the metal supply chain, working with metals producers, service providers, customers, and industry-sponsored organizations to develop industry processing standards to drive cost out of the supply chain.

Information security and continuous availability of information processing are of highest priority. Our information professionals employ proven security and monitoring practices and tools to mitigate cyber-security risks and threats. In case of physical emergency or threat, our ERP systems, accounting systems, internet and communications systems are duplicated at a secure off-site computing facility or through secure, multi-site cloud providers, with migration of our other systems which are in progress.

Employees

At December 31, 2017, we employed approximately 1,670 people. Approximately 280 of the hourly plant personnel are represented by nine separate collective bargaining units. The table below shows the expiration dates of the collective bargaining agreements.

We have never experienced a work stoppage and we believe that our relationship with employees is good. However, any prolonged work stoppages by our personnel represented by collective bargaining units could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Negotiations are currently on-going for our collective bargaining unit in Duluth, Minnesota.

Service Marks, Trade Names and Patents

We conduct our business under the name “Olympic Steel.” A provision of federal law grants exclusive rights to the word “Olympic” to the U.S. Olympic Committee. The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized, however, that certain users may continue to use the word based on long-term and continuous use. We have used the name Olympic Steel since 1954, but are prevented from registering the name “Olympic” and from being qualified to do business as a foreign corporation under that name in certain states. In such states, we have registered under different names, including “Oly Steel” and “Olympia Steel.” Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Olympic Steel Lafayette, Inc., does business in certain states under the names “Olympic Steel Detroit,” “Lafayette Steel and Processing” and “Lafayette Steel.” Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Olympic Steel Iowa, Inc. does business in certain states under the name “Oly Steel Iowa, Inc.”. Our North Carolina operation conducted business under the name “Olympic Steel North Carolina.” Our Integrity Stainless operation conducts business under the name “Integrity Stainless”. Our CTI North Carolina operation conducts business under the name “CTI Power.” Our operation in Monterrey, Mexico operates under the name “Metales de Olympic S. de.R.L. de C.V.”

We also hold a trademark for our stainless steel sheet and plate product “OLY-FLATBRITE,” which has a unique combination of surface finish and flatness.

Government Regulation

Our operations are governed by many laws and regulations, including those relating to workplace safety and worker health, principally the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations thereunder. We believe that we are in material compliance with these laws and regulations and do not believe that future compliance with such laws and regulations will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Environmental

Our facilities are subject to certain federal, state and local requirements relating to the protection of the environment. We believe that we are in material compliance with all environmental laws, do not anticipate any material expenditures to meet environmental requirements and do not believe that compliance with such laws and regulations will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Seasonality

Seasonal factors may cause demand fluctuations within the year which could impact our results of operations. Typically, demand in the first half of the year is stronger than the second half of the year, as it contains more ship days and is not impacted by the seasonal shut-downs in July, November and December due to holidays.

Effects of Inflation

Inflation generally affects us by increasing the cost of employee wages and benefits, transportation services, processing equipment, purchased metals, energy and borrowings under our credit facility. General inflation has not had a material effect on our financial results during the past three years. We expect transportation expenses to increase in excess of general inflation in 2018 due to the Electronic Log Device mandate by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued in 2017.

Backlog

Because we conduct our operations generally on the basis of short-term orders, we do not believe that backlog is a material or meaningful indicator of future performance.

Available Information

We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that are filed by the Company at http://www.sec.gov.

In addition, our annual reports on Form 10-K, as well as our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to all of the foregoing reports, are made available free of charge on or through the “Investor Relations” section of our website at www.olysteel.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.

Information relating to our corporate governance at Olympic Steel, including our Business Ethics Policy, information concerning our executive officers, directors and Board committees (including committee charters), and transactions in our securities by directors and officers, is available free of charge on or through the “Investor Relations” section of our website at www.olysteel.com. We are not including the information on our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Forward-Looking Information

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents we file with the SEC contain various forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our future performance, business, our beliefs and our management’s assumptions. In addition, we, or others on our behalf, may make forward-looking statements in press releases or written statements, or in our communications and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through meetings, conferences, webcasts, phone calls and conference calls. Words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” and “continue,” as well as the negative of these terms or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those implied by such statements including, but not limited to, those set forth in Item 1A (Risk Factors) below and the following:

Should one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, intended, expected, believed, estimated, projected or planned. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as otherwise required by law.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, the following risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating us and our business before investing in our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties, not presently known to us or otherwise, may also impair our business. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and investors may lose all or part of their investment.

Risks Related to our Business

Volatile metals prices can cause significant fluctuations in our operating results. Our sales and operating income could decrease if metals prices decline or if we are unable to pass producer price increases on to our customers.

Our principal raw materials are carbon and stainless steel and aluminum flat rolled coil, sheet, plate, pipe and tube that we typically purchase from multiple primary metals producers. The metals industry as a whole is cyclical and, at times, pricing and availability of metals can be volatile due to numerous factors beyond our control, including general domestic and international economic conditions, sales levels, competition, levels of inventory held by other metals service centers, producer lead times, higher raw material costs for the producers of metals, imports, import duties and tariffs and currency exchange rates. This volatility can significantly affect the availability and cost of raw materials for us.

Similar to many other metals service centers, we maintain substantial inventories of metals to accommodate the short lead times and just-in-time delivery requirements of our customers. Accordingly, we purchase metals in an effort to maintain our inventory at levels that we believe to be appropriate to satisfy the anticipated needs of our customers based upon historic buying practices, supply agreements with customers and market conditions. Our commitments to purchase metals are generally at prevailing market prices in effect at the time we place our orders. We entered into metals hedges, which carry counterparty performance risk, in order to mitigate our risk of volatility in the price of metals. We have no long-term, fixed-price metals purchase contracts, except for metals hedges. When metals prices increase, competitive conditions will influence how much of the price increase we can pass on to our customers. To the extent we are unable to pass on future price increases in our raw materials to our customers, the net sales and profitability of our business could be adversely affected. Declining metals prices, customer demand for lower prices and our competitors’ responses to those demands could result in lower sale prices and, consequently, lower gross profits and potentially inventory lower of cost or market adjustments as we use existing inventory. Significant or rapid declines in metals prices or reductions in sales volumes could adversely impact our ability to remain in compliance with certain financial covenants in our revolving credit facility, as well as result in us incurring inventory or asset impairment charges. Changing metals prices therefore could significantly impact our net sales, gross profit, operating income and net income, and could impair or adversely impact the carrying value of any of our assets.

Government actions during 2017, imposing tariffs on imports from certain countries and the pending Section 232 investigation by the Commerce Department, which may impose trade actions on imported steel and aluminum, has led to increased metals prices. Although the tariffs slowed imports from the countries impacted by the tariffs, imports from other countries increased in 2017 while awaiting the outcome of the Section 232 investigation. Any future tariffs or quotas imposed on steel and aluminum imports may increase the price of metal, which may impact our sales, gross margin and profitability if we are unable to pass the increased prices onto our customers.

We service industries that are highly cyclical, and any fluctuation in our customers’ demand could impact our sales, gross profits and profitability.

We sell our products in a variety of industries, including capital equipment manufacturers for industrial, agricultural and construction use, the automotive industry, the utilities industry, and manufacturers of fabricated metals products. Numerous factors, such as general economic conditions, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar, government stimulus or regulation, availability of adequate credit and financing, consumer confidence, significant business interruptions, labor shortages or work stoppages, energy prices, seasonality, customer inventory levels and other factors beyond our control, may cause significant demand fluctuations from one or more of these industries. Any fluctuation in demand within one or more of these industries may be significant and may last for a lengthy period of time. In periods of economic slowdown or recession in the United States, excess customer or service center inventory or a decrease in the prices that we can realize from sales of our products to customers in any of these industries could result in lower sales, gross profits and profitability.

Approximately 51.0% of our 2017 consolidated net sales were to industrial machinery and equipment manufacturers and their fabrications. Due to the concentration of customers in the industrial machinery and equipment industry, a decline in production levels in that industry could result in lower sales, gross profits and profitability. Approximately 9.0% of our 2017 consolidated net sales were to automotive manufacturers or manufacturers of automotive components and parts, whom we refer to as automotive customers. Historically, due to the concentration of customers in the automotive industry, our gross profits on these sales have generally been less than our gross profits on sales to customers in other industries.

We depend, in part, on third parties for transportation services, and increases in costs or the availability of transportation could adversely affect our business and operations, as we may be unable to pass cost increases on to our customers.

We ship products throughout the United States via our in-house truck fleet or by third-party trucking firms. Products sold to foreign customers are shipped either directly from metals producers to the customer or to an intermediate processor, and then to the customer by rail, truck or ocean carrier. Our business depends on the daily transportation of a large number of products. We depend to a certain extent on third parties for transportation of our products to customers as well as inbound delivery of our raw materials.

If any of these providers were to fail to deliver raw materials to us in a timely manner, we may be unable to process and deliver our products in response to customer demand. In addition, if any of these third parties were to cease operations or cease doing business with us, we may be unable to replace them at a reasonable cost. In addition, such failure of a third-party transportation provider could harm our reputation, negatively affect our customer relationships and have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

Changes to, or new, regulations within the transportation industry, such as the Electronic Log Device mandate by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued in 2017, which would impact the availability of drivers, may increase our cost of transportation which may have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

Our success is dependent upon our relationships with certain key customers.

We have derived and expect to continue to derive a significant portion of our revenues from a relatively limited number of customers. Collectively, our top three customers accounted for approximately 8.0% and 8.9% of our consolidated net sales in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Many of our larger customers commit to purchase on a regular basis at agreed upon prices over periods from three to twelve months. We generally do not have long-term contracts with our customers. As a result, the relationship, as well as particular orders, can generally be terminated with relatively little advance notice. The loss of any one of our major customers or decrease in demand by those customers or credit constraints placed on them could have a material adverse effect on our business, our results of operations and our cash flows.

An interruption in the sources of our metals supply could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

In recent years, the metals producing supply base has experienced significant consolidation with a few domestic producers accounting for a majority of the domestic metals market. Collectively, we purchased approximately 53% and 54% of our total metals requirements from our three largest suppliers in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The number of available suppliers could be reduced in the future by factors such as further industry consolidation or bankruptcies affecting metals suppliers. Additionally, fewer available suppliers increases the risk of supply disruption through both scheduled and unscheduled supplier outages. We have no long-term supply commitments with our metals suppliers. If, in the future, we are unable to obtain sufficient amounts of metals on a timely basis, we may not be able to obtain metals from alternate sources at competitive prices. In addition, late deliveries, interruptions or reductions in our supply of metals could make it difficult to satisfy our customers’ just-in-time delivery requirements, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Conversely, the addition of new mill sources and decreased domestic demand could lead to domestic over capacity, which could lead to a decrease in steel prices.

Our implementation of information systems could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.

We are in the process of implementing information systems and eliminating our legacy operating systems. The objective is to standardize and streamline business processes and improve support for our service center and fabrication business. Risks associated with the phased implementation include, but are not limited to:

Although we have successfully initiated use of the systems at most of our locations, we can provide no assurance that the rollout to the remaining locations will be successful or will occur as planned and without disruption to operations. Difficulties associated with the design and implementation of new information systems could adversely affect our business, our customer service, our results of operations and our cash flows.

The failure of our key computer-based systems could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Until our systems implementations are completed, we maintain separate regional legacy computer-based systems in the operation of our business and we depend on these systems to a significant degree, particularly for inventory management. These systems are vulnerable to, among other things, damage or interruption from fire, flood, tornado and other natural disasters, power loss, computer system and network failures, operator negligence, physical and electronic loss of data or security breaches and computer viruses. Although we have secure back-up systems off-site, the destruction or failure of any one of our computer-based systems for any significant period of time could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We may not be able to retain or expand our customer base as the U.S. manufacturing industry continues to fluctuate.

Our customer base primarily includes manufacturing and industrial firms in the United States, some of which are, or have considered, relocating production operations outside the United States or outsourcing particular functions outside the United States. Our facilities are primarily located in the United States and, therefore, to the extent that our customers relocate or move operations where we do not have a presence, we could lose their business. 

Processing equipment investments at our existing locations may be unable to achieve expected results, and events or circumstances that could adversely impact the successful operation of new processing equipment and operations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We continue to invest in processing equipment to support customer demand. Although we have successfully installed new and used processing equipment in the past, we can provide no assurance that future installations will be successful, or achieve expected results. Risks associated with the installations include, but are not limited to:

Difficulties associated with the installation of new processing equipment could adversely affect our business, our customer service, our results of operations and our cash flows.

We depend on our senior management team and the loss of any member could prevent us from implementing our business strategy. 

Our success is dependent upon the management and leadership skills of our senior management team. We have employment agreements, which include non-competition provisions, with our Chief Executive Officer, our President, the President of CTI, our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and our Chief Financial Officer that expire on December 31, 2018, December 31, 2020, June 30, 2021, July 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021, respectively. During 2017, we further enhanced our management team by the promotions of several employees to senior management positions within the organization. The loss of any member of our senior management team or the failure to attract and retain additional qualified personnel could prevent us from implementing our business strategy.

Risks associated with our growth strategy may adversely impact our ability to sustain our growth.

Historically, we have grown internally by increasing sales and services to our existing customers, aggressively pursuing new customers and services, building or purchasing new facilities and acquiring and upgrading processing equipment in order to expand the range of customer services and products that we offer. In addition, we have grown through the acquisition of other service centers and related businesses. We intend to actively pursue our growth strategy in the future.

Future expansion or construction projects, could have adverse effects on our results of operations due to the impact of the associated start-up costs and the potential for underutilization in the start-up phase of a facility. While we are pursuing potential acquisition targets, we are unable to predict whether or when any prospective acquisition candidate will become available or the likelihood that any acquisition will be completed. Moreover, in pursuing acquisition opportunities, we may compete for acquisition targets with other companies with similar growth strategies that may be larger and have greater financial and other resources than we have. Competition among potential acquirers could result in increased prices for acquisition targets. As a result, we may not be able to consummate acquisitions on satisfactory terms to us, or at all.

The pursuit of acquisitions and other growth initiatives may divert management’s time and attention away from day-to-day operations. In order to achieve growth through acquisitions, expansion of current facilities, greenfield construction or otherwise, additional funding sources may be needed and we may not be able to obtain the additional capital necessary to pursue our growth strategy on terms that are satisfactory to us, or at all.

Our information technology systems could be negatively affected by cyber security threats.

Increased global information technology security requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and a rise in sophisticated and targeted cyber crime pose a risk to the security of our systems, networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. Despite our efforts to protect sensitive information and confidential and personal data, our facilities and systems and those of our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to security breaches. This could lead to disclosure, modification or destruction of proprietary and other key information, production downtimes and operational disruptions, which in turn could adversely affect our results of operations. We may face greater risks in this area than our competitors as we implement the ERP system because among other things, we must simultaneously protect both the ERP and legacy systems until the ERP project is complete.

Our insurance coverage, customer indemnifications or other liability protections may be unavailable or inadequate to cover all of our significant risks, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

From time to time, we may be subject to a litigation incidental to our businesses, including claims for damages arising out of use of our products, claims involving employment matters, cyber security claims and commercial disputes.

We currently carry insurance from financially solid, highly rated counterparties in established markets to cover significant risks and liabilities. However, our insurance coverage may be inadequate if such claims do arise and any liability not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our business. Disputes with insurance carriers, including over policy terms, reservation of rights, the applicability of coverage (including exclusions), compliance with provisions (including notice) and/or the insolvency of one or more of our insurers may significantly affect the amount or timing of recovery. Although we have been able to obtain insurance in amounts we believe to be appropriate to cover such liability to date, our insurance premiums may increase in the future as a consequence of conditions in the insurance business generally or our situation in particular. Any such increase could result in lower net income or cause the need to reduce our insurance coverage. In addition, a future claim may be brought against us that could have a material adverse effect on us.

In some circumstances, we may be entitled to certain legal protections or indemnifications from our customers through contractual provisions, laws, regulations or otherwise. However, these protections are not always available, are typically subject to certain terms or limitations, including the availability of funds, and may not be sufficient to cover all losses or liabilities incurred.

If insurance coverage, customer indemnifications and/or other legal protections are not available or are not sufficient to cover our risks or losses, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We may not achieve the expected results of our operating expense and inventory management initiatives.

We actively manage our operating expenses and our inventory in an effort to enhance margins and profitability. The risks associated with these efforts include a significant use of management and employee time, the possibility that the efforts do not meet expectations and the possibility that our efforts do not provide the expected or sustained economic results. Difficulties associated with managing our operating expenses and inventory could adversely affect our business, our customer service, our results of operations and our cash flows.

Customer and third-party credit constraints and credit losses could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Some of our customers may experience difficulty obtaining and/or maintaining credit availability. In particular, certain customers that are highly leveraged represent an increased credit risk. Some customers have reduced their purchases because of these credit constraints. Moreover, our disciplined credit policies have, in some instances, resulted in lost sales. If we have misjudged our credit estimations and they result in future credit losses, lost sales or lost customers, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and our allowance for doubtful accounts.

Although we expect to finance our growth initiatives through borrowings under our credit facility, we may have to find additional sources of funding, which could be difficult. Additionally, increased leverage and borrowing rates could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

We expect to finance our growth initiatives through borrowings under our credit facility, which matures on December 8, 2022. However, our credit facility may not be sufficient or available to finance our growth initiatives, and we may have to find additional sources of financing. It may be difficult for us in the future to obtain the necessary funds and liquidity to run and expand our business.

The borrowings under our credit facility are primarily at variable interest rates. If interest rates in the future were to increase 100 basis points (1.0%) from December 31, 2017 rates and, assuming no change in total debt from December 31, 2017 levels, the additional annual interest expense to us would be approximately $2.0 million.

Labor disruptions at any of our facilities or those of major customers could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

At December 31, 2017, we employed approximately 1,670 people. Approximately 280 of the hourly plant personnel are represented by nine separate collective bargaining units. Negotiations are currently on-going for our collective bargaining unit in Duluth, Minnesota, whose contract expired December 31, 2017. Any prolonged work stoppages by our personnel represented by collective bargaining units could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In addition, many of our larger customers, including those in the automotive industry, have unionized workforces and some have experienced significant labor disruptions in the past such as work stoppages, slow-downs and strikes. A labor disruption at one or more of our major customers could interrupt production or sales by that customer and cause that customer to halt or limit orders for our products. Any such reduction in the demand for our products could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our business is highly competitive, and increased competition could reduce our market share and harm our financial performance.

Our business is highly competitive. We compete with metals service centers and, to a certain degree, metals producers and intermediate metals processors, on a regular basis, primarily on quality, price, inventory availability and the ability to meet the delivery schedules and service requirements of our customers. We have different competitors for each of our products and within each region. Certain of these competitors have financial and operating resources in excess of ours. Increased competition could lower our gross profits or reduce our market share and have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

Increases in energy prices would increase our operating costs, and we may be unable to pass all these increases on to our customers in the form of higher prices.

If our energy costs increase disproportionately to our revenues, our earnings could be reduced. We use energy to process and transport our products. Our operating costs increase if energy costs, including electricity, diesel fuel and natural gas, rise. During periods of higher energy costs, we may not be able to recover our operating cost increases through price increases without reducing demand for our products. In addition, we generally do not hedge our exposure to higher prices via energy futures contracts. Increases in energy and fuel prices will increase our operating costs and may reduce our profitability if we are unable to pass all of the increases on to our customers.

Changes in laws or regulations, including recently enacted tax reform legislation, or the manner of their interpretation or enforcement could adversely impact our financial performance and restrict our ability to operate our business or execute our strategies.

New laws or regulations, or changes in existing laws or regulations, or the manner of their interpretation or enforcement, could increase our cost of doing business and restrict our ability to operate our business or execute our strategies. In particular, there may be significant changes in U.S. laws and regulations and existing international trade agreements by the current U.S. presidential administration that could affect a wide variety of industries and businesses, including those businesses we own and operate. If the U.S. presidential administration materially modifies U.S. laws and regulations and international trade agreements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be affected.

Impairment in the carrying value of intangible assets could result in the incurrence of impairment charges and negatively impact our results of operations.

The net carrying value of intangibles represents trade names and customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization, related to our tubular and pipe products segment. Indefinitely lived assets are evaluated for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be recoverable. Amortizable intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be recoverable. Impairments to intangible assets may be caused by factors outside our control, such as increased competitive pricing pressures, lower than expected revenue and profit growth rates, changes in discount rates based on changes in the cost of capital (interest rates, etc.), or the loss of a significant customer and could result in the incurrence of impairment charges and negatively impact our results of operations.

Participation in multiemployer pension plans carry withdrawal liability risks, which could impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Through our CTI subsidiary, we contribute to one multiemployer pension plan. The risks of participating in the multiemployer plan are different from a single-employer plan in that 1) assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers, 2) if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers, and 3) if CTI chooses to stop participating in the multiemployer plan, CTI may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the unfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

We are subject to significant environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and related compliance expenditures and liabilities.

Our businesses are subject to many federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, particularly with respect to the use, handling, treatment, and disposal of substances and waste used or generated in our manufacturing processes. We have incurred and expect to continue to incur expenditures to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Our failure to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations and permit requirements could result in civil or criminal fines or penalties or enforcement actions, including regulatory or judicial orders enjoining or curtailing operations or requiring corrective measures, installation of pollution control equipment or remedial actions.

We may in the future be required to incur costs relating to the investigation or remediation of property, and for addressing environmental conditions. Some environmental laws and regulations impose liability and responsibility on present and former owners, operators or users of facilities and sites for contamination at such facilities and sites without regard to causation or knowledge of contamination. Consequently, we cannot assure you that existing or future circumstances, the development of new facts or the failure of third parties to address contamination at current or former facilities or properties will not require significant expenditures by us.

We expect to continue to be subject to environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. It is difficult to predict the future interpretation and development of environmental and health and safety laws and regulations or their impact on our future earnings and operations. We anticipate that compliance will continue to require increased capital expenditures and operating costs. Any increase in these costs, or unanticipated liabilities arising for example, out of discovery of previously unknown conditions or more aggressive enforcement actions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

The market price for our common stock may be volatile.

Historically, there has been volatility in the market price for our common stock. Furthermore, the market price of our common stock could fluctuate substantially in the future in response to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the risk factors described herein. Examples include:

In the past, the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market prices of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their specific operating performance. These factors may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of actual operating performance.

In addition, stock markets from time to time experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that may be unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies. In the past, some shareholders have brought securities class action lawsuits against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. We may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation, regardless of whether our defense is ultimately successful, could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources.

Our quarterly results may be volatile.

Our operating results have varied on a quarterly basis during our operating history and are likely to fluctuate significantly in the future. Our operating results may be below the expectations of our investors or stock market analysts as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control. Factors that may affect our quarterly operating results include, but are not limited to, the risk factors listed above.

Many factors could cause our revenues and operating results to vary significantly in the future. Accordingly, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily meaningful. Investors should not rely on the results of one quarter as an indication of our future performance. Further, it is our practice not to provide forward-looking sales or earnings guidance and not to endorse any analyst’s sales or earnings estimates. Nonetheless, if our results of operations in any quarter do not meet analysts’ expectations, our stock price could materially decrease.

Certain provisions in our charter documents and Ohio law could delay or prevent a change in management or a takeover attempt that you may consider to be in your best interest.

We are subject to Chapter 1704 of the Ohio Revised Code, which prohibits certain business combinations and transactions between an “issuing public corporation” and an “Ohio law interested shareholder” for at least three years after the Ohio law interested shareholder attains 10% ownership, unless the Board of Directors of the issuing public corporation approves the transaction before the Ohio law interest shareholder attains 10% ownership. We are also subject to Section 1701.831 of the Ohio Revised Code, which provides that certain notice and informational filings and special shareholder meeting and voting procedures must be followed prior to consummation of a proposed “control share acquisition.” Assuming compliance with the notice and information filings prescribed by the statute, a proposed control share acquisition may be made only if the acquisition is approved by a majority of the voting power of the issuer represented at the meeting and at least a majority of the voting power remaining after excluding the combined voting power of the “interested shares.”

Certain provisions contained in our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Code of Regulations and Ohio law could delay or prevent the removal of directors and other management and could make a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving us that you may consider to be in your best interest more difficult. For example, these provisions: 

These provisions may discourage potential takeover attempts, discourage bids for our common stock at a premium over market price or adversely affect the market price of, and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other shareholders to elect directors other than the candidates nominated by our Board of Directors.

Principal shareholders who own a significant numbers of shares of our common stock may have interests that conflict with yours.

Michael D. Siegal, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board and one of our largest shareholder, owned approximately 11.2% of our outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2018. Mr. Siegal may have the ability to significantly influence matters requiring shareholder approval. In deciding how to vote on such matters, Mr. Siegal may be influenced by interests that conflict with yours.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

We believe that our properties are strategically situated relative to our domestic suppliers, our customers and each other, allowing us to support customers from multiple locations. Product is shipped from the most advantageous facility, regardless of where the customer order is taken. The facilities are located in the hubs of major metals consumption markets, and within a 250-mile radius of most of our customers, a distance approximating the one-day driving and delivery limit for truck shipments. During 2017, we ceased operations at our Siler City, North Carolina facility and the building is currently held for sale. In addition, we terminated the lease on the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma warehouse facility in 2017.

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our principal properties including which segment’s products are serviced out of each location:

In addition to the facilities listed above, our executive office is leased and located in Highland Hills, Ohio and we have leased sales offices located in Media, Pennsylvania; Miami, Florida; and Monterrey, Mexico. Management believes we will be able to accommodate our capacity needs for the immediate future at our existing facilities.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are party to various legal actions that we believe are ordinary in nature and incidental to the operation of our business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of the proceedings to which we are currently a party will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

This information is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Instruction 3 of Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K. The following is a list of our executive officers and a brief description of their business experience. Each executive officer will hold office until his successor is chosen and qualified.

Michael D. Siegal, age 65, has served as our Chief Executive Officer since 1984 and as Chairman of our Board of Directors since 1994.  From 1984 until January 2001, he also served as our President.  He has been employed by us in a variety of capacities since 1974. Mr. Siegal serves on the Board of Directors of Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. He is also the immediate past Board Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America and is currently on the Board of the Development Corporation for Israel and the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Agency for Israel.

David A. Wolfort, age 65, has served as our President since January 2001 and as a director since 1987. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer from 1995 to 2016 and as Vice President Commercial from 1987 to 1995, after having joined us in 1984 as General Manager. Prior thereto, he spent eight years with a primary steel producer in a variety of sales assignments. Mr. Wolfort serves as a member of the United States Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Steel. He previously served on the board of directors of the MSCI and was a past Chairman of both the MSCI Political Action Committee and the MSCI Governmental Affairs Committee. He was previously a Trustee and Chair of Ohio University Board of Trustees and is a current Trustee of the Musical Arts Association (Cleveland Orchestra), where he serves as Vice Chairman of the Human Resources Committee, and is a member of the Finance Committee.

Andrew S. Greiff, age 56, has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since August 2016. He previously served as President, Specialty Metals from 2011 to 2016 after having joined us in 2009 as Vice President of Specialty Metals. Prior thereto, Mr. Greiff spent 24 years in various positions within the steel industry and served as the President and CEO of his own steel trading company. Mr. Greiff is a past director of Hawken School and the MSCI Specialty Metals Product Council.

Richard T. Marabito, age 54, serves as our Chief Financial Officer. He joined us in 1994 as Corporate Controller and served in this capacity until being named Chief Financial Officer in March 2000. He also served as Treasurer from 1994 through 2002 and again from 2010 through 2012. Prior to joining us, Mr. Marabito served as Corporate Controller for a publicly traded wholesale distribution company and was employed by a national accounting firm in its audit department. Mr. Marabito is a Governance board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and also was the immediate past Chair of its Northeast Ohio regional board. Mr. Marabito serves on the Board of Trustees and was the Treasurer for Hawken School in Cleveland, Ohio. He is also a Vice Chair and Executive Committee member of the Metals Service Center Institute and is a past Chair of its Foundation for Education and Research.

Richard A. Manson, age 49, has served as our Vice President and Treasurer since January 2013 and has been employed by us since 1996.  From March 2010 through December 2012, he served as our Vice President of Human Resources and Administration.  From January 2003 through March 2010, he served as our Treasurer and Corporate Controller.  From 1996 through 2002, he served as our Director of Taxes and Risk Management.  Prior to joining us, Mr. Manson was employed for seven years by a national accounting firm in its tax department.  Mr. Manson is a Board Member of the West Side Catholic Center and the Cleveland Catholic Cemeteries Association.  Mr. Manson is a certified public accountant and member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Donald McNeeley, age 63, has served as the President of CTI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olympic Steel, Inc., since the acquisition on July 1, 2011.   He joined CTI in 1972 and has held several operational and executive positions within the company. After serving as CTI’s Vice President of Operations and subsequently Executive Vice President, in 1990, Dr. McNeeley was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer. He is a former Chairman of the Metals Service Center Institute.  Dr. McNeeley is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University where he teaches in the graduate engineering program.  He serves on the board of directors of Saulsbury Industries in Odessa, Texas, where he chairs the Audit Committee. Dr. McNeeley also serves on the board of directors of Vail Rubber Industries in St. Joseph, Michigan, and is a former director of The Committee for Monetary Research in Greenwich, Connecticut.  

PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Price Range of Common Stock

Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “ZEUS.” The following table sets forth, for each quarter in the two-year period ended December 31, 2017, the high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market:

Holders of Record

As of February 1, 2018, we estimate there were approximately 41 holders of record and 4,973 beneficial holders of our common stock.

Dividends

During 2017, our Board of Directors approved regular quarterly dividends of $0.02 per share that were paid on March 15, 2017, June 15, 2017, September 15, 2017 and December 15, 2017.

During 2016, our Board of Directors approved regular quarterly dividends of $0.02 per share that were paid on March 15, 2016, June 15, 2016, September 15, 2016 and December 15, 2016.

We expect to make regular quarterly dividend distributions in the future, subject to the continuing determination by our Board of Directors that the dividend remains in the best interest of our shareholders. Our asset-based credit facility (the Loan Agreement) restricts the aggregate amount of dividends and common stock repurchases that we can pay to $5.0 million annually without limitations. Dividend distributions in excess of $5.0 million require us to (i) maintain availability in excess of 20.0% of the aggregate revolver commitments or (ii) to maintain availability equal to or greater than 15.0% of the aggregate revolver commitments, and we must maintain a pro-forma ratio of EBITDA minus certain capital expenditures and cash taxes paid to fixed charges of at least 1.00 to 1.00. Any determinations by the Board of Directors to pay cash dividends in the future will take into account various factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, current and anticipated cash needs, plans for expansion and restrictions under our credit agreement and any agreements governing our future debt. We cannot assure you that dividends will be paid in the future or that, if paid, the dividends will be at the same amount or frequency.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

We did not purchase any of our equity securities during the quarter ended December 31, 2017.

On October 2, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to 550,000 shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, which could include open market repurchases, negotiated block transactions, accelerated stock repurchases or open market solicitations for shares, all or some of which may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 plans. Any of the repurchased shares will be held in our treasury, or canceled and retired as our Board may determine from time to time. Any repurchases of common stock are subject to the covenants contained in the Loan Agreement. Our Loan Agreement restricts the aggregate amount of dividends and common stock repurchases that we can pay to $5.0 million annually without limitations. Purchases in excess of $5.0 million require us to (i) maintain availability in excess of 20.0% of the aggregate revolver commitments or (ii) to maintain availability equal to or greater than 15.0% of the aggregate revolver commitments and we must maintain a pro-forma ratio of Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, minus certain capital expenditures and cash taxes paid to fixed charges of at least 1.00 to 1.00. The timing and amount of any repurchases under the stock repurchase program will depend upon several factors, including market and business conditions, and limitations under the ABL Credit Facility, and repurchases may be discontinued at any time.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

We did not have any unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended December 31, 2017.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected financial and other data for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017. The data presented should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Item 1A, Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following section is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information, including our financial statements and the notes thereto, which appears elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Overview

We are a leading metals service center that operates in three reportable segments; carbon flat products, specialty metals flat products, and tubular and pipe products. We provide metals processing and distribution services for a wide range of customers. Our carbon flat products segment’s focus is on the direct sale and distribution of large volumes of processed carbon and coated flat-rolled sheet, coil and plate products and fabricated parts. Our specialty metals flat products segment’s focus is on the direct sale and distribution of processed aluminum and stainless flat-rolled sheet and coil products, flat bar products and fabricated parts. In addition, we distribute metal tubing, pipe, bar, valves and fittings and fabricate pressure parts supplied to various industrial markets. Products that require more value-added processing generally have a higher gross profit. Accordingly, our overall gross profit is affected by, among other things, product mix, the amount of processing performed, the demand for and availability of metals, and volatility in selling prices and material purchase costs. We also perform toll processing of customer-owned metals. We sell certain products internationally, primarily in Canada, Mexico and Central and South America. International sales are immaterial to our consolidated financial results and to the individual segments’ results.

Our results of operations are affected by numerous external factors including, but not limited to: general and global business, economic, financial, banking and political conditions; fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar to foreign currencies, competition; metals pricing, demand and availability; transportation and energy costs; pricing and availability of raw materials used in the production of metals; global supply, the level of metals imported into the United States, and inventory held in the supply chain; customers’ ability to manage their credit line availability; and layoffs or work stoppages by our own, our suppliers’ or our customers’ personnel. The metals industry also continues to be affected by the global consolidation of our suppliers, competitors and end-use customers.

Like other metals service centers, we maintain substantial inventories of metals to accommodate the short lead times and just-in-time delivery requirements of our customers.  Accordingly, we purchase metals in an effort to maintain our inventory at levels that we believe to be appropriate to satisfy the anticipated needs of our customers based upon customer forecasts, historic buying practices, supply agreements with customers and market conditions.  Our commitments to purchase metals are generally at prevailing market prices in effect at the time we place our orders.  We have entered into nickel and carbon swaps at the request of our customers in order to mitigate our customers’ risk of volatility in the price of metals, and we have entered into metals hedges to mitigate our risk of volatility in the price of metals.  We have no long-term, fixed-price metals purchase contracts.  When metals prices decline, customer demands for lower prices and our competitors’ responses to those demands could result in lower sale prices and, consequently, lower gross profits and earnings as we use existing metals inventory.  When metals prices increase, competitive conditions will influence how much of the price increase we can pass on to our customers.  To the extent we are unable to pass on future price increases in our raw materials to our customers, the net sales and gross profits of our business could be adversely affected.

Reportable Segments

The Company operates in three reportable segments; carbon flat products, specialty metals flat products and tubular and pipe products. The carbon flat products segment and the specialty metals flat products segment are at times consolidated and referred to as the flat products segment. Some of the flat products segments’ assets and resources are shared by the carbon and specialty metals segments and both segments’ products are stored in the shared facilities and, in some locations, processed on shared equipment. As such, total assets and capital expenditures are reported in the aggregate for the flat products segments. Due to the shared assets and resources, certain of the flat products segment expenses are allocated between the carbon flat products segment and the specialty metals flat products segment based upon an established allocation methodology.

We follow the accounting guidance that requires the utilization of a “management approach” to define and report the financial results of operating segments. The management approach defines operating segments along the lines used by the chief operating decision maker, or CODM, to assess performance and make operating and resource allocation decisions. Our CODM evaluates performance and allocates resources based primarily on operating income. Our operating segments are based primarily on internal management reporting.

Due to the nature of the products sold in each segment, there are significant differences in the segments’ average selling price and the cost of materials sold. The tubular and pipe products segment generally has the highest average selling price among the three segments followed by the specialty metals flat products and carbon flat products segments. Due to the nature of the tubular and pipe products, we do not report tons sold or per ton information. Gross profit per ton is generally higher in the specialty metals flat products segment than the carbon flat products segment. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales is generally highest in the tubular and pipe products segment, followed by the carbon and specialty metals flat products segments.

Due to the differences in average selling prices, gross profit and gross profit percentage among the segments, a change in the mix of sales could impact total net sales, gross profit, and gross profit percentage. In addition, certain inventory in the tubular and pipe products segment is valued under the LIFO method. Adjustments to the LIFO inventory value are recorded to cost of materials sold and may impact the gross margin and gross margin percentage at the consolidated Company and tubular and pipe products segment levels.

Carbon flat products

The primary focus of our carbon flat products segment is on the direct sale and distribution of large volumes of processed carbon and coated flat-rolled sheet, coil and plate products and fabricated parts. We act as an intermediary between metals producers and manufacturers that require processed metals for their operations. We serve customers in most metals consuming industries, including manufacturers and fabricators of transportation and material handling equipment, construction and farm machinery, storage tanks, environmental and energy generation equipment, automobiles, military vehicles and equipment, as well as general and plate fabricators and metals service centers. We distribute these products primarily through a direct sales force.

Specialty metals flat products

The primary focus of our specialty metals flat products segment is on the direct sale and distribution of processed stainless and aluminum flat-rolled sheet and coil products, flat bar products and fabricated parts. We act as an intermediary between metals producers and manufacturers that require processed metals for their operations. We serve customers in various industries, including manufacturers of food service and commercial appliances, agriculture equipment, transportation and automotive equipment. We distribute these products primarily through a direct sales force.

Combined, the carbon and specialty metals flat products segments have 20 strategically-located processing and distribution facilities in the United States and one in Monterrey, Mexico. Many of our facilities service both the carbon and the specialty metals flat products segments, and certain assets and resources are shared by the segments. Our geographic footprint allows us to focus on regional customers and larger national and multi-national accounts, primarily located throughout the midwestern, eastern and southern United States.

Tubular and pipe products

The tubular and pipe products segment consists of the Chicago Tube and Iron, or CTI, business, acquired in 2011. Through our tubular and pipe products segment, we distribute metal tubing, pipe, bar, valve and fittings and fabricate pressure parts supplied to various industrial markets. Founded in 1914, CTI operates from nine locations in the midwestern and southeastern United States. The tubular and pipe products segment distributes its products primarily through a direct sales force.

Corporate expenses

Corporate expenses are reported as a separate line item for segment reporting purposes. Corporate expenses include the unallocated expenses related to managing the entire Company (i.e., all three segments), including compensation for certain personnel, expenses related to being a publicly traded entity such as board of directors’ expenses, audit expenses, and various other professional fees.

Results of Operations

2017 Compared to 2016

Our results of operations are impacted by the market price of metals. Over the past 24 months, metals prices fluctuated significantly and changes to our net sales, cost of materials sold, gross profit, cost of inventory and profitability, are all impacted by industry metals pricing. Metals market prices in December 2017 were approximately 7% and 77% higher than metals market prices in December of 2016 and 2015, respectively. Average quarterly metals market prices during 2017 have remained relatively flat after increasing in the first quarter of 2017 and were higher than the average quarterly metals market prices in the comparable quarters of 2016.

Transactional or “spot” selling prices generally move in tandem with market price changes, while fixed selling prices typically lag and reset quarterly. Similarly, inventory costs (and therefore cost of materials sold) tend to move slower than market selling price changes due to mill lead times and inventory turnover impacting the rate of change in average cost. When average selling prices increase, and net sales increase, gross profit and operating expenses as a percentage of net sales will generally decrease. Our year-over-year net sales and earnings comparisons were positively impacted by the price increases, improved customer demand, and increased sales volume of products that we sell in 2017.

During the second quarter of 2017, we announced the permanent closure of our carbon flat products segment’s Siler City, North Carolina operation. The facility ceased operations in the third quarter of 2017. The land and building associated with the operation is classified as Assets held for sale on the accompanying December 31, 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The operating loss related to the Siler City, North Carolina operation was $1.4 million in 2017.

The following table sets forth certain consolidated income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars shown in thousands):

Net sales increased $275.6 million, or 26.1%, to $1.33 billion in 2017 from $1.06 billion in 2016. Carbon flat products net sales increased $198.6 million, or 29.6%, and were 65.4% of total net sales in 2017 compared to 63.6% in 2016. Specialty metals flat products net sales increased $37.3 million, or 19.6%, and were 17.1% of total net sales in 2017 compared to 18.0% in 2016. Tubular and pipe products net sales increased $39.7 million, or 20.4%, and were 17.6% of total net sales in 2017 compared to 18.4% of total net sales in 2016. The increase in sales for the year ended December 31, 2017 was due to an 11.3% increase in sales volume and a 13.3% increase in average selling prices. Average selling prices increased in all segments during 2017 compared to 2016 as market pricing for metals was higher year-over-year. During the year, we increased our market share for a majority of the product categories that we sell.

Cost of materials sold increased $235.2 million, or 28.7%, to $1.06 billion in 2017 from $820.0 million in 2016. During 2017, we recorded LIFO expense of $2.7 million compared to LIFO income of $1.5 million in 2016. The increase in cost of materials sold in 2017 is due to the increased sales volume and increased metals costs of 15.6% during 2017.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (b) in the table above) decreased to 20.7% in 2017 from 22.3% in 2016. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased in the carbon flat products segment to 20.2% from 21.2% in 2016, in the specialty metals flat products segment to 14.5% in 2017 from 15.7% in 2016 and in the tubular and pipe products segment to 28.5% from 32.6% in 2016. LIFO expense decreased gross profit by 0.2% of net sales in 2017 and the LIFO income increased gross profit by 0.1% of net sales in 2016. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales during 2017 was due to the cost of materials sold increasing more than selling prices in all segments and the increase of carbon flat products sales as a percentage of total net sales.

Operating expenses (as defined in footnote (c) in the table above) increased $22.2 million, or 9.7%, to $251.5 million in 2017 from $229.3 million in 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 18.9% in 2017 from 21.7% in 2016. Variable operating expenses, such as distribution and warehouse and processing, increased primarily related to the 11.3% volume increase. Distribution expense, in addition to the volume increase, increased as a result of the continued inflationary pressures for freight. Warehouse and processing costs increased $7.9 million, or 9.9%, and distribution expense increased by $5.3 million, or 14.5%. Selling and administrative and general costs increased $9.8 million, or 11.4%, primarily related to increased variable based incentive compensation based on increased sales volumes and profitability. Depreciation expense decreased $1.0 million, or 5.7%, as a result of certain assets being fully depreciated in 2017. Operating expenses in the carbon flat products segment increased $11.7 million, operating expenses in the specialty metals products segment increased $1.9 million, operating expenses in the tubular and pipe products segment increased $6.3 million, and Corporate expenses increased $2.3 million.

Interest and other expense on debt totaled $7.5 million in 2017 compared to $5.3 million in 2016. Our effective borrowing rate, exclusive of deferred financing fees and commitment fees, was 3.0% in 2017 compared to 2.4% in 2016 due to the increases in LIBOR rates since 2016. Total average borrowings increased $48 million, or 31.5%, from $152.5 million in 2016 to $200.6 million in 2017, primarily related to increased working capital needs in 2017.

Income before income taxes totaled $16.4 million in 2017 compared to $0.4 million in 2016.

An income tax benefit of (16.0%) was recorded for 2017, compared to an income tax provision of 356.6% in 2016. On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or the Tax Act. The Tax Act, among other things, lowered the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result, our 2017 effective tax rate included a one-time $6.2 million benefit from a revaluation of our deferred tax liability to the new corporate income tax rate. The net benefit recorded was based on currently available information and interpretations of applying the provisions of the 2017 Tax Act as of the time of filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin, or SAB, No. 118 issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, the income tax effect for certain aspects of the Tax Act represent provisional amounts for which our accounting is incomplete but a reasonable estimate could be determined and recorded during the fourth quarter of 2017. The 2017 effective tax rate also included an out-of-period adjustment to correct and record previously unrecognized deferred tax assets, and the associated tax benefit, related to our supplemental executive retirement plan recorded in the first quarter of 2017. The adjustment, which has accumulated since the inception of the plan in 2005, resulted in an increase to after-tax income of $1.9 million. The effective tax rate was disproportionately high in 2016 due to low income before taxes relative to items that impact the effective tax rate. The 2016 effective income tax rate was also impacted by increased valuation allowances and non-deductible expenses.

Net income for 2017 totaled $19.0 million, or $1.67 per basic and diluted share, compared to net loss of $1.1 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, for 2016.

Segment Results of Operations

Carbon flat products

The following table sets forth certain income statement data for the carbon flat products segment for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars shown in thousands, except per ton data):

Tons sold increased 121 thousand tons, or 11.8%, to 1.15 million tons in 2017 from 1.03 million tons in 2016. Toll tons sold increased 14 thousand tons, or 18.8% to 88 thousand tons in 2017 from 74 thousand tons in 2016. The increase in tons sold is due to improved customer demand in the markets we serve and improved industry-wide shipments by U.S. service centers in 2017 compared to 2016. The improved customer demand enabled us to grow our market share in most of the carbon flat products categories we sell.

Net sales increased $198.6 million, or 29.6%, to $869.6 million in 2017 from $671.0 million in 2016. Average selling prices in 2017 increased 15.9% to $758 per ton, compared to $653 per ton in 2016. The increase in sales was due to the 15.9% increase in average selling prices and the 11.8% increase in sales volume. The increase in the average selling price is a result of higher prices in the metals industry during 2017 as discussed in the overview of Results of Operations above. We expect carbon flat metals market prices in the first quarter of 2018 to increase over the prices in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Cost of materials sold increased $164.7 million, or 31.1%, to $693.7 million in 2017 from $529.0 million in 2016. The increase in cost of materials sold was due to a 17.3% increase in the average cost of materials sold per ton during 2017 compared to 2016 and the 11.8% increase in sales volume.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (a) in the table above) decreased to 20.2% in 2017 from 21.2% in 2016. The average gross profit per ton sold increased $15 per ton to $153 in 2017 from $138 in 2016.

Operating expenses in 2017 increased $11.7 million, or 8.0%, to $158.0 million from $146.3 million in 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 18.2% for 2017 from 21.8% in 2016. The percentage increase in operating expenses in 2017 were less than the volume increases during the year. Variable operating expenses, such as distribution and warehouse and processing, increased as a result of increased sales volume and distribution cost inflation. Selling and administrative and general expenses increased primarily as a result of increased variable performance based incentive compensation.

Operating income for 2017 totaled $17.9 million compared to operating loss of $4.4 million in 2016.

Specialty metals flat products

The following table sets forth certain income statement data for the specialty metals flat products segment for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars shown in thousands, except per ton data):

Tons sold increased 8 thousand tons, or 9.6%, to 90 thousand tons in 2017 from 82 thousand tons in 2016. The increase in tons sold is due to improved customer demand in the markets we serve. Industry-wide shipments increased in 2017 compared to 2016. The specialty metals flat products segment increased its market share in stainless products in 2017.

Net sales increased $37.3 million, or 19.6%, to $227.2 million in 2017 from $189.9 million in 2016. Average selling prices in 2017 increased to $2,520 per ton, compared to $2,308 per ton in 2016. The increase in the average selling price is a result of higher prices in the metals industry during 2017 as discussed in the overview of Results of Operations above. We expect stainless steel and aluminum market prices in the first quarter of 2018 to increase over the fourth quarter 2017 prices.

Cost of materials sold increased $34.0 million, or 21.2%, to $194.2 million in 2017 from $160.2 million in 2016. The increase in cost of materials sold was due to a 10.6% increase in the average cost of materials sold per ton during 2017 compared to 2016 and the 9.6% volume increase.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (a) in the table above) decreased to 14.5% in 2017 from 15.7% in 2016. The average gross profit per ton sold totaled $366 in 2017 compared to $361 per ton in 2016. The decrease in the gross profit percentage is a result of relatively flat gross margins per ton realized on higher average selling prices in 2017.

Operating expenses (as defined in footnote (b) in the table above) increased $1.9 million, or 9.3%, to $21.8 million in 2017 from $19.9 million in 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 9.6% of net sales in 2017 from 10.5% in 2016. Variable operating expenses, such as distribution and warehouse and processing, increased as a result of increased sales volume and distribution cost inflation. Selling and administrative and general expenses increased primarily as a result of increased variable based incentive compensation related to the increased sales volume and gross profit.

Operating income for 2017 totaled $11.2 million compared to $9.8 million in 2016.

Tubular and pipe products

The following table sets forth certain income statement data for the tubular and pipe products segment for 2017 and 2016 (dollars shown in thousands).

Net sales increased $39.7 million, or 20.4%, to $233.9 million in 2017 from $194.2 million in 2015. The increase in net sales was due to a 12.6% increase in average selling prices and a 6.9% increase in sales volume during 2017. The increase in volume was due to increased customer demand despite lower industry-wide shipments of pipe and tube products. The increase in the average selling price is a result of higher prices in the metals industry during 2017 as discussed in the overview of Results of Operations above. We expect tubular and pipe products market prices in the first quarter of 2018 to increase over the fourth quarter 2017 prices 

Cost of materials sold increased $36.5 million, or 27.8%, to $167.3 million in 2017 from $130.8 million in 2016. The increase in cost of materials sold was due to a 12.6% increase in sales volume and a 19.6% increase in the average cost of materials sold which was impacted by the LIFO expense of $2.7 million in 2017 compared to LIFO income of $1.5 million in 2016.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (b) in the table above) decreased to 28.5% in 2017 compared to 32.6%, in 2016. The LIFO expense decreased gross profit by 1.2% of net sales in 2017 compared to the LIFO income which increased gross profit by 0.8% of net sales in 2016. In addition, tubular and pipe products segment gross profit decreased as a result of a change in sales mix to more pipe and fitting products, which traditionally has a lower gross profit, from higher gross profit fabrication product sales.

Operating expenses (as defined in footnote (c) in the table above) increased $6.3 million, or 11.6%, to $62.0 million from $55.7 million in 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 26.5% in 2017 compared to 28.7% in 2016. Operating expenses increased in 2017 primarily as a result of increased distribution expense related to increased shipments and distribution cost inflation, less labor and overhead capitalized into inventory, and increased variable incentive compensation related to increased gross profit and costs associated with a settlement of a commercial dispute.

Operating income for 2017 totaled $4.6 million, compared to an operating income of $7.7 million in 2016.

Corporate expenses

Corporate expenses increased $2.3 million, or 30.6%, to $9.7 million in 2017 compared to $7.4 million in 2016. The increase in corporate expenses is primarily attributable to increased variable performance based incentive compensation and, effective August 2016, when our President of Specialty Metals was appointed to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, his associated costs were classified as Corporate expenses.

2016 Compared to 2015

During 2015, the hot-rolled carbon coil index pricing declined by approximately 36% as a result of the strengthened U.S. dollar, a historically high level of imported material arriving in the United States, low raw material costs to produce metals and a global oversupply of metals. The pricing environment in 2015 drove our average selling prices down and caused margins to be pressured as the average cost of inventory did not decrease as quickly as the average selling price, as we traditionally keep approximately two and a half to three months of inventory on hand.

During the first six months of 2016, the market price of metals increased and fully recovered the decrease experienced during 2015. Metals market pricing peaked in June 2016, and then decreased until November 2016. Metals prices in December 2016 were not as high as the June 2016 prices, but were more than 65% per ton higher than the December 2015 prices. Although prices increased during 2016, the average selling price during 2016 was still lower than the average selling price during 2015. Transactional or “spot” selling prices generally move in tandem with market price changes, while fixed selling prices typically lag and reset quarterly. Similarly, inventory costs (and therefore cost of materials sold) tend to move slower than market selling price changes due to mill lead times and inventory turnover impacting the rate of change in average cost. As sales volumes were relatively flat between the years, lower average selling prices were the driver for our decreased net sales in 2016. When the average selling price decreases, and net sales decreases, the gross profit and operating expenses as a percentage of net sales will generally increase.

The following table sets forth certain consolidated income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars shown in thousands):

Net sales decreased $120.4 million, or 10.2%, to $1.06 billion in 2016 from $1.18 billion in 2015. Carbon flat products net sales decreased $94.4 million, or 12.3%, and were 63.6% of total net sales in 2016 compared to 65.1% in 2015. Specialty metals flat products net sales decreased $2.6 million, or 1.3%, and were 18.0% of total net sales in 2016 compared to 16.4% in 2015. Tubular and pipe products net sales decreased $23.4 million, or 10.8%, and were 18.4% of total net sales in 2016 compared to 18.5% of total net sales in 2015. The decrease in sales for the year ended December 31, 2016 was due to a 10.2% decrease in average selling prices as sales volumes were flat between years. Average selling prices decreased in all segments during 2016 compared to 2015 as market pricing for metals was still lower year-over-year. During 2016, we increased our market share for all of the product categories that we sell.

Cost of materials sold decreased $122.2 million, or 13.0%, to $820.0 million in 2016 from $942.2 million in 2015. During 2016, we recorded LIFO income of $1.5 million compared to LIFO income of $3.3 million recorded in 2015. The decrease in cost of materials sold in 2016 is due to the decreased metals costs of 12.9% during 2016 as sales volumes were flat between years.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (b) in the table above) increased to 22.3% in 2016 from 19.8% in 2015. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased in the carbon flat products segment to 21.2% in 2016 from 19.2% in 2015 and in the tubular and pipe products segment to 32.6% in 2016 from 32.5% in 2015. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased in the specialty metals flat products segment to 15.7% in 2016 from 8.2% in 2015. LIFO income increased gross profit by 0.1% and 0.3% of net sales in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales during 2016 was primarily due to the cost of materials sold decreasing more than selling prices in all segments.

Operating expenses (as defined in footnote (c) in the table above) decreased $6.8 million, or 2.9%, to $229.3 million in 2016 from $236.2 million in 2015. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses increased to 21.7% in 2016 from 20.1% in 2015. Warehouse and processing costs decreased $5.9 million, or 6.9%, primarily due to reductions in labor hours worked. Administrative costs decreased by $1.9 million, or 3.0%, primarily related to reductions in labor and personnel expenses and lower variable based incentive compensation. Distribution expense increased by $0.4 million, or 1.2%, on flat sales volumes. Selling expenses increased $1.9 million, or 9.0%, as a result of hiring additional sales professionals. Occupancy expenses decreased $0.8 million as a result of elimination of certain leased warehouse space. Depreciation expense decreased $0.6 million, or 3.0%, as a result of certain assets being fully depreciated in 2016. Operating expenses in the carbon flat products segment decreased $7.6 million, operating expenses in the specialty metals products segment increased $3.0 million, operating expenses in the tubular and pipe products segment decreased $2.5 million, and Corporate expenses increased $0.3 million.

The goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge in 2015 included a $16.5 million non-cash goodwill impairment and a $8.0 million intangible asset impairment for the tubular and pipe products segment as well as a $0.5 million goodwill impairment for the specialty metals flat products segment. The 2015 goodwill impairment charges fully impaired the goodwill for both the tubular and pipe products segment and the specialty metals flat products segment.

Interest and other expense on debt totaled $5.3 million in 2016 compared to $5.7 million in 2015. Our effective borrowing rate, exclusive of deferred financing fees and commitment fees, was 2.4% in 2016 compared to 2.1% in 2015. The decrease in interest and other expense on debt in 2016 was attributable to lower average borrowings during 2016 compared to 2015.

Income before income taxes totaled $0.4 million in 2016 compared to a loss before income taxes of $33.6 million in 2015. 2015 loss before income taxes includes goodwill impairment charges of $17.0 million and a $8.0 million intangible asset impairment charge.

An income tax provision of 356.6% was recorded for 2016, compared to an income tax benefit of (20.3%) in 2015. The effective tax rate was disproportionately high in 2016 from comparative periods due to low income before taxes relative to items that impact the effective tax rate. The 2016 effective income tax rate was impacted by increased valuation allowances and non-deductible expenses. The 2015 effective income tax rate was impacted by the non-deductibility of the goodwill impairment charges. The income tax benefit for 2015 prior to the goodwill impairment charge was 39.8%.

Net loss for 2016 totaled $1.1 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share, compared to net loss of $26.8 million, or $2.39 per basic and diluted share, for 2015. The goodwill and intangible asset impairments in 2015 impacted earnings per share by $1.93 per basic and diluted shares.

Segment Results of Operations

Carbon flat products

The following table sets forth certain income statement data for the carbon flat products segment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars shown in thousands, except per ton data):

Tons sold decreased 1.0% to 1.03 million tons in 2016 from 1.04 million tons in 2015. Toll tons sold decreased 27.8% to 74 thousand tons in 2016 from 102 thousand tons in 2015. The decrease in tons sold is due to decreased customer demand and lower industry-wide shipments by U.S. service centers in 2016 compared to 2015. Despite the further softening of industry-wide shipments in 2016, we grew our market share in all of the carbon flat product categories we sell.

Net sales decreased $94.4 million, or 12.3%, to $671.0 million in 2016 from $765.4 million in 2015. Average selling prices in 2016 decreased 11.4% to $653 per ton, compared to $738 per ton in 2015. The decrease in sales was primarily due to a 11.4% decrease in average selling prices during 2016 as volumes were down only 1%. The decrease in the average selling price is a result of lower prices in the metals industry during 2016, discussed in the overview of Results of Operations above.

Cost of materials sold decreased $89.7 million, or 14.5%, to $529.0 million in 2016 from $618.7 million in 2015. The decrease in cost of materials sold was due to a 13.6% decrease in the average cost of materials sold per ton during 2016 compared to 2015, as volumes were down only 1% between years.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (a) in the table above) increased to 21.2% in 2016 from 19.2% in 2015. The increase in gross profit percentage in 2016 was primarily due to the cost of materials sold decreasing more than selling prices. The average gross profit per ton sold declined to $138 in 2016 from $141 in 2015, due to the significant decline in market prices for metals in 2016.

Operating expenses in 2016 decreased $7.6 million, or 4.9%, to $146.3 million from $153.9 million in 2015, exceeding the sales volume decrease of 1.0%. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses increased to 21.8% for 2016 from 20.1% in 2015. Operating expenses decreased through reductions in labor and personnel expenses, lower variable based incentive compensation, lower depreciation expense and lower occupancy expense as a result of elimination of certain leased warehouse space offset by an increase in distribution expense and increased selling expenses as a result of hiring additional sales professionals.

Operating loss for 2016 totaled $4.4 million compared to operating loss of $7.2 million in 2015.

Specialty metals flat products

The following table sets forth certain income statement data for the specialty metals flat products segment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars shown in thousands, except per ton data):

Tons sold increased 14.2% to 82 thousand tons in 2016 from 72 thousand tons in 2015. The specialty metals flat products segment increased its market share in both the stainless steel and aluminum products it sells.

Net sales decreased $2.6 million, or 1.3%, to $189.9 million in 2016 from $192.5 million in 2015. Average selling prices in 2016 decreased to $2,308 per ton, compared to $2,671 per ton in 2015. The decrease in sales was due to a 13.6% decrease in the average selling price during 2016, offset by a 14.2% increase in sales volume. The decrease in the year-over-year average selling price per ton is a result of lower market prices of stainless steel and aluminum in 2016. Average market prices for nickel (a component of stainless steel) were also lower in 2016 compared to 2015.

Cost of materials sold decreased $16.5 million, or 9.3%, to $160.2 million in 2016 from $176.7 million in 2015. The decrease in cost of materials sold was due to a 20.6% decrease in the average cost of materials sold per ton during 2016 compared to 2015, offset by a 14.2% sales volume increase.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (a) in the table above) increased to 15.7% in 2016 from 8.2% in 2015. The average gross profit per ton sold totaled $361 in 2016 compared to $220 per ton in 2015. The increase in the gross profit percentage is a result of our cost of materials sold decreasing more than the average selling price in 2016, compared to 2015 as inventory turnover improved in 2016.

Operating expenses (as defined in footnote (b) in the table above) increased $3.0 million, or 17.7%, to $19.9 million in 2016 from $16.9 million in 2015. The increase in operating expenses is related to the increased sales volume of 14.2%. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses increased to 10.5% of net sales in 2016 from 8.8% in 2015. Variable operating expenses, such as distribution, wages and variable based incentive compensation increased as a result of higher sales volumes and improved profitability. In 2015, we recorded a $0.5 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge as a result of the continued market pressures which fully eliminated the goodwill for the specialty metals flat products segment.

Operating income for 2016 totaled $9.8 million compared to operating loss of $1.6 million in 2015.

Tubular and pipe products

The following table sets forth certain income statement data for the tubular and pipe products segment for 2016 and 2015 (dollars shown in thousands).

Net sales decreased $23.4 million, or 10.8%, to $194.2 million in 2016 from $217.6 million in 2015. The decrease in net sales was due to a 0.8% decrease in sales volume and a 10.0% decrease in average selling prices during 2016. The decrease in volume was due to decreased customer demand and lower industry-wide shipments of tube and pipe products. The decrease in average selling prices were due to lower industry market prices for metals in 2016 compared to 2015.

Cost of materials sold decreased $16.0 million, or 10.9%, to $130.8 million in 2016 from $146.9 million in 2015. The decrease in cost of materials sold was due to a 0.8% decrease in sales volume and a 10.2% decrease in the average cost of materials sold which was impacted by the LIFO income of $1.5 million in 2016, compared to LIFO income of $3.3 million in 2015.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (b) in the table above) remained relatively flat at 32.6% in 2016 compared to 32.5%, in 2015. The LIFO income increased gross profit by 0.8% of net sales in 2016, compared to 1.5% of net sales in 2015.

Operating expenses (as defined in footnote (c) in the table above) decreased $2.5 million, or 4.4%, to $55.7 million from $58.2 million in 2015. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses increased to 28.7% in 2016 compared to 26.8% in 2015. Variable operating expenses, such as variable performance-based incentive compensation, decreased in 2016 as a result of lower sales and income before impairment charges.

In 2015, we recorded a $16.5 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge and an $8.0 million non-cash intangible asset impairment charge. There were no intangible asset impairment charges recorded in 2016.

Operating income for 2016 totaled $7.7 million, compared to an operating loss of $11.9 million in 2015. The operating loss for 2015 was the result of the goodwill impairment of $16.5 million and the asset impairment charge of $8.0 million.

Corporate expenses

Corporate expenses increased $0.3 million, or 4.4%, to $7.4 million in 2016 compared to $7.1 million in 2015. The increase in corporate expenses is primarily attributable to our President of Specialty Metals being appointed to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and the associated transfer of expenses from the Specialty Metals flat products segment to the Corporate expenses in 2016.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Cash Flows

Our principal capital requirements include funding working capital needs, purchasing, upgrading and acquiring processing equipment and facilities, making acquisitions and paying dividends. We use cash generated from operations, leasing transactions and borrowings under our credit facility to fund these requirements.

We believe that funds available under our credit facility, lease arrangement proceeds and the sale of equity or debt securities, together with funds generated from operations, will be sufficient to provide us with the liquidity necessary to fund anticipated working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, our dividend payments and share repurchases and any business acquisitions over at least the next 12 months. In the future, we may as part of our business strategy, acquire and dispose of assets or other companies in the same or complementary lines of business, or enter into or exit strategic alliances and joint ventures. Accordingly, the timing and size of our capital requirements are subject to change as business conditions warrant and opportunities arise.

2017 Compared to 2016

Operating Activities

During 2017, we used $19.0 million of cash for operations, of which $26.7 million was generated from operating activities and $45.7 million was used for working capital. During 2016, we used $9.8 million of cash for operations, of which $16.8 million was generated from operating activities and $26.6 million was used for working capital.

Net cash generated from operations totaled $26.7 million during 2017 and was primarily comprised of net income of $18.9 million, depreciation and amortization of $18.6 million offset by the net change in long-term assets and liabilities of $11.9 million, which includes the $6.2 million tax benefit related to the Tax Act. Net cash generated from operations totaled $16.8 million during 2016 and was primarily comprised of depreciation and amortization of $19.4 million offset by the net change in long-term assets and liabilities of $1.7 million and the net loss of $1.1 million.

Working capital at December 31, 2017 totaled $310.0 million, a $50.0 million increase from December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to a $31.0 million increase in accounts receivable (resulting primarily from higher sales in 2017) and a $20.8 million increase in inventory (resulting from increased inventory levels throughout 2017), offset by a $4.6 million increase in accounts payable and outstanding checks (resulting from the increased inventory purchases at the end of 2017) and a $1.6 million increase in accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities.

Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities was $9.2 million during 2017, compared to $6.4 million during 2016. In 2017, capital expenditures totaled $10.2 million and were primarily attributable to processing equipment, facilities expansions and facilities maintenance. During 2018, we expect our capital spending to approximate $25 million primarily related to a building expansion and new processing equipment at our existing facilities.

Financing Activities

In 2017, $28.9 million of cash was generated from financing activities which primarily consisted of $31.6 million of net borrowings under our Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, or Loan Agreement, offset by $0.9 million of credit facility fees and expenses paid in connection with the Loan Agreement. In 2016, $17.0 million of cash was generated from financing activities which primarily consisted of $18.8 million of net borrowings under our asset- based credit facility, or ABL Credit Facility.

In February 2018, our Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.02 per share, which is payable on March 15, 2018 to shareholders of record as of March 1, 2018. Our Board previously approved 2017 regular quarterly dividends of $0.02 per share, which were paid on each of March 15, 2017, June 15, 2017, September 15, 2017 and December 15, 2017. Dividend distributions in the future are subject to the availability of cash, limitations on cash dividends under our Loan Agreement (as defined below) and continuing determination by our Board of Directors that the payment of dividends remains in the best interest of our shareholders.

Stock Repurchase Program

In 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to 550,000 shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, which could include open market repurchases, negotiated block transactions, accelerated stock repurchases or open market solicitations for shares, all or some of which may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 plans. Repurchased shares are held in our treasury, or canceled and retired as our Board may determine from time to time. Any repurchases of common stock are subject to the covenants contained in the Loan Agreement. Under the Loan Agreement, we may repurchase common stock and pay dividends up to $5.0 million in the aggregate during any trailing twelve months without restrictions. Purchases in excess of $5.0 million require us to (i) maintain availability in excess of 20.0% of the aggregate revolver commitments ($80.0 million at December 31, 2017) or (ii) to maintain availability equal to or greater than 15.0% of the aggregate revolver commitments ($60.0 million at December 31, 2017) and we must maintain a pro-forma ratio of Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, or EBITDA, minus certain capital expenditures and cash taxes paid to fixed charges of at least 1.00 to 1.00. The timing and amount of any repurchases under the stock repurchase program will depend upon several factors, including market and business conditions, and limitations under Loan Agreement, and repurchases may be discontinued at any time. During 2018, we expect to be limited to the $5.0 million available without restrictions to repurchase common stock and pay dividends.

There were no shares repurchased during 2017 or 2016. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we repurchased 65,283 shares for a total cost of $0.7 million.

Debt Arrangements

On December 8, 2017, we entered into a Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, or Loan Agreement. The Loan Agreement provides for, among other things: (i) a revolving credit facility of up to $370 million, including a $20 million sub-limit for letters of credit and (ii) a first in, last out revolving credit facility of up to $30 million. Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, we may, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, request additional commitments under the revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of up to $200 million to the extent that existing or new lenders agree to provide such additional commitments. The Loan Agreement matures on December 8, 2022.

The Loan Agreement is secured by substantially all of our existing and future personal property. The Loan Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and certain covenants that limit our ability to, among other things: (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; (ii) pay distributions on, redeem or repurchase capital stock or redeem or repurchase subordinated debt; (iii) make investments; (iv) sell assets; (v) enter into agreements that restrict distributions or other payments from restricted subsidiaries to the Company; (vi) incur or suffer to exist liens securing indebtedness; (vii) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of their assets; and (viii) engage in transactions with affiliates. In addition, the Loan Agreement contains a financial covenant which includes: (i) if any commitments or obligations are outstanding and our availability is less than the greater of $30 million or 10.0% of the aggregate amount of revolver commitments ($40.0 million at December 31, 2017) or 10.0% of the aggregate borrowing base ($32.9 million at December 31, 2017) then we must maintain a ratio of EBITDA minus certain capital expenditures and cash taxes paid to fixed charges of at least 1.00 to 1.00 for the most recent twelve fiscal month period.

We have the option to borrow under its revolver based on the agent’s base rate plus a premium ranging from 0.00% to 0.25% or the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR plus a premium ranging from 1.25% to 2.75%.

As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with our covenants and had approximately $128.9 million of availability under the Loan Agreement.

As of December 31, 2017, $1.9 million of bank financing fees were included in “Prepaid expenses and other” and “Other long-term assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The financing fees are being amortized over the five-year term of the Loan Agreement and are included in “Interest and other expense on debt” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

As part of the CTI acquisition in July 2011, we assumed approximately $5.9 million of Industrial Revenue Bond, or IRB, indebtedness ($0.9 million at December 31, 2017). The bond matures in April 2018, with the option to provide principal payments annually in April. On April 3, 2017, we made an optional principal payment of $0.9 million. The remaining balance of the IRB is included in “Current portion of long-term debt” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as the payment is due in April 2018. Interest is payable monthly, with a variable rate that resets weekly. As a security for payment of the bonds, we obtained a direct pay letter of credit issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. The letter of credit reduces annually by the principal reduction amount. The interest rate at December 31, 2017 was 1.71% for the IRB debt.

CTI entered into an interest rate swap agreement to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on the above IRB. At December 31, 2017, the effect of the swap agreement on the bond was to fix the rate at 3.46%. The swap agreement matures in April 2018, and is reduced annually by the amount of the optional principal payments on the bond. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other parties to the interest rate swap agreement. However, the Company does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.

We entered into a forward starting fixed rate interest rate hedge that commenced June 2013, in order to eliminate the variability of cash interest payments on $53.2 million of the then outstanding LIBOR-based borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility. The hedge, which matured on June 1, 2016, fixed the rate at 1.21% plus a premium ranging from 1.25% to 1.75%.

2016 Compared to 2015

Operating Activities

During 2016, we used $9.8 million of cash for operations, of which $16.8 million was generated from operating activities and $26.6 million was used for working capital. During 2015, we generated $107.5 million of cash from operations, of which $12.4 million was generated from operating activities and $95.1 million was generated from working capital.

Net cash used for operations totaled $16.8 million during 2016 and was primarily comprised of depreciation and amortization of $19.4 million offset by the net change in long-term assets and liabilities of $1.7 million and the net loss of $1.1 million. Net cash from operations totaled $12.4 million during 2015 and was primarily comprised of depreciation and amortization of $19.9 million and the non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment of $25.0 million, offset by the net loss of $26.8 million.

Working capital at December 31, 2016 totaled $260.0 million, a $28.2 million increase from December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to a $47.9 million increase in inventory (resulting from increased inventory purchases at the end of 2016), a $9.0 million increase in accounts receivable (resulting primarily from higher sales volume at the end of 2016) offset by a $23.8 million increase in accounts payable and outstanding checks (resulting from the increased inventory purchases at the end of 2016) and a $4.9 million increase in accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities.

Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities was $6.4 million during 2016, compared to $7.3 million during 2015. In 2016, capital expenditures were primarily attributable to additional processing equipment and facilities maintenance.

Financing Activities

In 2016, $17.0 million of cash was generated from financing activities, which primarily consisted of $18.8 million of net borrowings under our ABL Credit Facility. In 2015, $100.8 million of cash was used for financing activities, which primarily consisted of $98.3 million of net repayments under our ABL Credit Facility.

Our Board previously approved 2016 and 2015 regular quarterly dividends of $0.02 per share, which were paid in March, June, September and December of 2016 and 2015.

Contractual Obligations

The following table reflects our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017:

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

An off-balance sheet arrangement is any contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity under which a company has (a) made guarantees, (b) a retained or a contingent interest in transferred assets, (c) any obligation under certain derivative instruments or (d) any obligation under a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to a company, or engages in leasing, hedging, or research and development services within a company.

Other than operating leases, which are disclosed above, and derivative instruments discussed in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as of December 31, 2017, we had no material off-balance sheet arrangements.

Effects of Inflation

Inflation generally affects us by increasing the cost of employee wages and benefits, transportation services, processing equipment, purchased metals, energy and borrowings under our credit facility. General inflation, excluding increases in the price of metals and increased distribution expense, has not had a material effect on our financial results during the past three years. We expect transportation expenses to increase in excess of general inflation in 2018 due to the Electronic Log Device mandate by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued in 2017.

Critical Accounting Policies

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On an on-going basis, we monitor and evaluate our estimates and assumptions.

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of short-term highly liquid investments, with a three month or less maturity, which are readily convertible into cash.

Fair Market Value

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  Valuation techniques must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  To measure fair value, we apply a fair value hierarchy that is based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Financial instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and the credit facility revolver, are stated at their carrying value, which is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of marketable securities is based on quoted market prices.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

The allowance for doubtful accounts in maintained at a level considered appropriate based on historical experience and specific customer collection issues that we have identified. Estimations are based upon the application of a historical collection rate to the outstanding accounts receivable balance, which remains fairly level from year to year, and judgments about the probable effects of economic conditions on certain customers, which can fluctuate significantly from year to year. We cannot be certain that the rate of future credit losses will be similar to past experience. We consider all available information when assessing the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts each quarter.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of its cost or net realizable value with the adoption of Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2015-11 on January 1, 2017. Inventory costs include the costs of the purchased metals, inbound freight, external and internal processing and applicable labor and overhead costs. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.

Costs of our carbon and specialty metals flat products segments’ inventories, including flat-rolled sheet, coil and plate products are determined using the specific identification method.

Certain of our tubular and pipe products inventory is stated under the LIFO method. At December 31, 2017, approximately $48.1 million, or 17.5% of consolidated inventory, was reported under the LIFO method of accounting. The cost of the remainder of tubular and pipe product segment’s inventory is determined using a weighted average rolling first-in, first-out method.

On the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, “Cost of materials sold (exclusive of items shown separately below)” consists of the cost of purchased metals, inbound and internal transfer freight, external processing costs, and LIFO income or expense.

Property and Equipment, and Depreciation

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from two to 30 years. We capitalize the costs of obtaining or developing internal-use software, including directly related payroll costs. We amortize those costs over five years, beginning when the software is ready for its intended use.

Intangible Assets and Recoverability of Long-lived Assets

The Company performs an annual impairment test of indefinite-lived intangible assets for the tubular and pipe products segment in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events indicate potential impairment. Events or changes in circumstances that could trigger an impairment review include significant nonperformance relative to the expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of the use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business or significant negative industry or economic trends. Management uses judgment to determine whether to use a qualitative analysis or a quantitative fair value measurement for the reporting unit that carries intangible assets.

If a quantitative fair value measurement is used, the fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset is compared to its carrying value and an impairment charge is recorded if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. We estimate the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets using a discounted cash flow methodology. Management’s assumptions used for the calculations are based on historical results, projected financial information and recent economic events. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions which could adversely affect the reported value of intangible assets.

We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets and the related estimated remaining lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Events or changes in circumstances that could trigger an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to the expected historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of the use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business or significant negative industry or economic trends. We record an impairment or change in useful life whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable or the useful life has changed.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes on the consolidated balance sheet include, as an offset to the estimated temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts on the consolidated balance sheets, the tax effect of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. If we determine that we will not be able to fully realize a deferred tax asset, we will record a valuation allowance to reduce such deferred tax asset to its net realizable value. We recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in normal income tax expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of administrative and general expense.

During 2017, a net tax benefit was recorded based on currently available information and interpretations of applying the provisions of the Tax Act as of the time of filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In accordance with SAB No. 118 issued by the SEC, the income tax effect for certain aspects of the Tax Act represent provisional amounts for which our accounting is incomplete but a reasonable estimate could be determined and recorded during the fourth quarter of 2017. The guidance provides for a measurement period, up to one year from the enactment date, in which provisional amounts may be adjusted when additional information is obtained, prepared or analyzed about facts and circumstances that existed as of the enactment date, which, if known, would have affected the amounts that were initially recorded as provisional amounts. Adjustments to provisional amounts identified during the measurement period should be recorded as an income tax expense or benefit in the period the adjustment is determined.

Revenue Recognition

For both direct and toll shipments, revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss is transferred, which generally occurs upon delivery to our customers. Given the proximity of our customers to our facilities, substantially all of our sales are shipped and received within one day. Sales returns and allowances are treated as reductions to sales and are provided for based on historical experience and current estimates and are immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

Certain engineered products produced by CTI can take several months to manufacture due to their size and complexity. Substantially all projects are completed within six months. We may request advance payments from customers during the production of these products. These payments are included in “Other accrued liabilities” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenue for the contracts is recognized when the product is shipped and title of the product transfers to the customers. Revenues for these engineered products accounted for approximately 1.9%, 1.7% and 1.8% of our net sales during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

Amounts charged to customers for shipping and other transportation services are included in net sales. The distribution expense line on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income is entirely comprised of all shipping and other transportation costs incurred by us in shipping goods to its customers.

Stock-Based Compensation

We record compensation expense for stock awards issued to employees and directors. For additional information, see Note 10, Equity Plans in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 

In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB issued ASU No 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging”. This ASU aligns an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. To meet that objective, the ASU expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. This ASU also make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance and ease the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. This ASU is the final version of Proposed Accounting Standards Update 2016-310, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”, which has been deleted. For public business entities, this ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application is permitted in any interim period after issuance of the ASU. All transition requirements and elections should be applied to hedging relationships existing (that is, hedging relationships in which the hedging instrument has not expired, been sold, terminated, or exercised or the entity has not removed the designation of the hedging relationship) on the date of adoption. The effect of adoption should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to materially impact our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No 2017-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718)”. This ASU provides clarity and reduces both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The ASU provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. This Update is the final version of proposed Accounting Standards Update 2016-360, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718)—Scope of Modification Accounting,” which has been deleted. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for (1) public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued and (2) all other entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The amendments in this Update should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to materially impact our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No 2016-15, “Classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments”. This ASU addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: Debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (COLIs) (including bank-owned life insurance policies (BOLIs)); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to materially impact our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. This ASU is part of the FASB’s Simplification Initiative and has been issued to reduce complexity in the presentation of employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases,” which specifies the accounting for leases. The objective is to establish the principles that lessees and lessors shall apply to report useful information to users of financial statements about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease. This ASU introduces the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. The guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of the future adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, “Inventory (Topic 330)”, which requires that inventory within the scope of this ASU be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. This update is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those reporting periods. Earlier application was permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. ASU 2014-09 was to become effective for us beginning January 2017; however, ASU 2015-14 deferred our effective date until January 2018, which is when we adopted this standard. The ASU permits two methods of adoption: retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective method), or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application (the modified retrospective method). The ASU also requires expanded disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required for customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. We have completed the process of evaluating the effect of the adoption and determined there were no material changes required to our reported revenues as a result of the adoption. The majority of our revenue arrangements generally consist of a single performance obligation to transfer goods or services. Based on our evaluation process and review of our contracts with customers, the timing and amount of revenue recognized based on ASU 2015-14 is consistent with our revenue recognition policy under previous guidance.

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ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our principal raw materials are carbon, coated and stainless steel, and aluminum, pipe and tube, flat rolled coil, sheet and plate that we typically purchase from multiple primary metals producers. The metals industry as a whole is cyclical and, at times, pricing and availability of metals can be volatile due to numerous factors beyond our control, including general domestic and international economic conditions, the levels of metals imported into the United States, labor costs, sales levels, competition, levels of inventory held by other metals service centers, consolidation of metals producers, new global capacity by metals producers, higher raw material costs for the producers of metals, import duties and tariffs and currency exchange rates. This volatility can significantly affect the availability and cost of raw materials for us.

Similar to other metals service centers, we maintain substantial inventories of metals to accommodate the short lead times and just-in-time delivery requirements of our customers. Accordingly, we purchase metals in an effort to maintain our inventory at levels that we believe to be appropriate to satisfy the anticipated needs of our customers based upon historic buying practices, supply agreements with customers and market conditions. Our commitments to purchase metals are generally at prevailing market prices in effect at the time we place our orders. We have no long-term, fixed-price metals purchase contracts. When metals prices increase, competitive conditions will influence how much of the price increase we can pass on to our customers. To the extent we are unable to pass on future price increases in our raw materials to our customers, the net sales and profitability of our business could be adversely affected. When metals prices decline, customer demands for lower prices and our competitors’ responses to those demands could result in lower sale prices and, consequently, lower gross profits and inventory lower of cost or market adjustments as we sell existing inventory. Significant or rapid declines in metals prices or reductions in sales volumes could adversely impact our ability to remain in compliance with certain financial covenants in our credit facility, as well as result in us incurring inventory or intangible asset impairment charges. Changing metals prices therefore could significantly impact our net sales, gross profits, operating income and net income.

Rising metals prices result in higher working capital requirements for us and our customers. Some customers may not have sufficient credit lines or liquidity to absorb significant increases in the price of metals. While we have generally been successful in the past in passing on producers’ price increases and surcharges to our customers, there is no guarantee that we will be able to pass on price increases to our customers in the future. Declining metals prices have generally adversely affected our net sales and net income, while increasing metals prices have generally favorably affected our net sales and net income.

Approximately 51%, 51% and 49% of our consolidated net sales in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were directly related to industrial machinery and equipment manufacturers and their fabricators.

Inflation generally affects us by increasing the cost of employee wages and benefits, transportation services, processing equipment, energy and borrowings under our credit facility. General inflation has not had a material effect on our financial results during the past three years. We expect transportation expenses to increase in excess of general inflation in 2018 due to the Electronic Log Device mandate by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued in 2017.

We are exposed to the impact of fluctuating metals prices and interest rate changes. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, we entered into metals swaps at the request of customers. While these derivatives are intended to be effective in helping us manage risk, they have not been designated as hedging instruments. We had no outstanding metals cash flow hedges at December 31, 2017. In 2014, we entered into carbon swaps in order to mitigate the volatility in the price of metals. The carbon swaps were accounted for as cash flow hedges and all of them settled in 2015.

Our primary interest rate risk exposure results from variable rate debt. If interest rates in the future were to increase 100 basis points (1.0%) from December 31, 2017 rates and, assuming no change in total debt from December 31, 2017 levels, the additional annual interest expense to us would be approximately $2.0 million. We have the option to enter into 30- to 180-day fixed base rate LIBOR loans under the Loan Agreement. We assumed an interest rate swap agreement on the $5.9 million of CTI IRB. The swap agreement matures in April 2018, but the notional amount may be reduced annually by the amount of the optional principal payments on the IRB. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other parties to the interest rate swap agreements. However, we do not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Olympic Steel, Inc.

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Olympic Steel, Inc.:

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Olympic Steel, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions..

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio 

March 2, 2018

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our assessment, we concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

Olympic Steel, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For The Years Ended December 31,

(in thousands, except per share data)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 Olympic Steel, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31,

(in thousands)