OLYMPIC STEEL INC - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 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

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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an 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:

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 Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ( ) No (X)

Indicate the number of shares of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Olympic Steel, Inc.

Index to Form 10-Q

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Olympic Steel, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 (in thousands)

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

Olympic Steel, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands, except per share data)

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

Olympic Steel, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in thousands)

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

Olympic Steel, Inc.

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in thousands) 

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

Olympic Steel, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2017

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared from the financial records of Olympic Steel, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, Olympic or the Company), without audit and reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the results of the interim periods covered by this report. Year-to-date results are not necessarily indicative of 2017 annual results and these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

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 segments are at times consolidated and referred to as the flat products segments. Certain 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. 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. Through its carbon flat products segment, the Company sells and distributes large volumes of processed carbon and coated flat-rolled sheet, coil and plate products, and fabricated parts. Through its specialty metals flat products segment, the Company sells and distributes processed aluminum and stainless flat-rolled sheet and coil products, flat bar products and fabricated parts. Through its tubular and pipe products segment, which consists of the Chicago Tube and Iron subsidiary (CTI), the Company distributes metal tubing, pipe, bar, valves and fittings and fabricate pressure parts supplied to various industrial markets.

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 payroll expenses for certain personnel, expenses related to being a publicly traded entity such as board of directors’ expenses, audit expenses, and various other professional fees.

In the first quarter of 2017, the Company made an out-of-period adjustment to correct and record previously unrecognized deferred tax assets, and the associated tax benefit, related to the supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP). The adjustment, which had accumulated since the inception of the plan in 2005, resulted in an increase to after-tax income of $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2017.  The Company determined that this adjustment was not material to its current or prior period consolidated financial statements.

Accounts receivable are presented net of allowances for doubtful accounts and unissued credits of $3.2 million and $2.4 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained at a level considered appropriate based on historical experience and specific customer collection issues that have been identified. Estimations are based upon a calculated percentage of accounts receivable, 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. The Company cannot guarantee that the rate of future credit losses will be similar to past experience. The Company considers all available information when assessing the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts and unissued credits each quarter.

Inventories consisted of the following:

The Company values certain of its tubular and pipe products inventory at the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, approximately $50.5 million, or 18.0% of consolidated inventory, and $43.4 million, or 17.1% of consolidated inventory, respectively, was reported under the LIFO method of accounting. The cost of the remainder of the tubular and pipe products inventory is determined using a weighted average rolling first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded $0.7 million and $1.5 million of LIFO expense, respectively, as the current projections anticipate increased pricing and volume of LIFO inventory for the remainder of the year. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded $0.7 million of LIFO income.

If the FIFO method had been in use, inventories would have been $6.6 million lower than reported at September 30, 2017 and $8.0 million lower than reported at December 31, 2016.

During the second quarter of 2017, the Company began actively marketing for sale certain property at the flat product segment’s Siler City, North Carolina facility. As a result of that decision, the Company reclassified $0.8 million of net book value related to that property along with certain machinery and equipment as assets held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The sale of those assets is expected to be completed within the next twelve months and are presented as current. Based on the present real estate market and discussions with the Company’s real estate adviser, no impairment of the recorded amounts has occurred as of September 30, 2017.

The Company’s debt is comprised of the following components:

The Company’s asset-based credit facility (the ABL Credit Facility) is collateralized by the Company’s accounts receivable and inventory. The ABL Credit Facility consists of a revolving credit line of $365 million. Revolver borrowings are limited to the lesser of a borrowing base, comprised of eligible receivables and inventories, or $365 million in the aggregate. The ABL Credit Facility matures on June 30, 2019.

The ABL Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with various covenants, the most significant of which include: (i) until maturity of the ABL Credit Facility, if any commitments or obligations are outstanding and the Company’s availability is less than the greater of $30 million or 10.0% of the aggregate amount of revolver commitments ($36.5 million at September 30, 2017), then the Company 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; (ii) limitations on dividend payments and common stock repurchases; and (iii) restrictions on additional indebtedness. The Company has 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 (LIBOR) plus a premium ranging from 1.25% to 3.00%.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with its covenants and had approximately $110 million of availability under the ABL Credit Facility.

As of September 30, 2017, $1.4 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 ABL Credit facility 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, the Company assumed approximately $5.9 million of Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) indebtedness issued through the Stanly County, North Carolina Industrial Revenue and Pollution Control Authority. The bond matures in April 2018, with the option to provide principal payments annually in April. On April 3, 2017, the Company paid 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, the Company 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 September 30, 2017 was 0.9% for the IRB debt.

CTI entered into an interest rate swap agreement to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on the IRB. At September 30, 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.

Metals swaps and embedded customer derivatives

During 2017 and 2016, the Company entered into nickel swaps indexed to the London Metal Exchange (LME) price of nickel with third-party brokers. The nickel swaps are accounted for as derivatives for accounting purposes. The Company entered into them to mitigate its customers’ risk of volatility in the price of metals. The outstanding nickel swaps mature in 2017 and 2018. The swaps are settled with the brokers at maturity. The economic benefit or loss arising from the changes in fair value of the swaps is contractually passed through to the customer. The primary risk associated with the metals swaps is the ability of customers or third-party brokers to honor their agreements with the Company related to derivative instruments. If the customer or third-party brokers are unable to honor their agreements, the Company’s risk of loss is the fair value of the metals swaps.

While these derivatives are intended to help the Company manage risk, they have not been designated as hedging instruments. The periodic changes in fair value of the metals and embedded customer derivative instruments are included in “Cost of materials sold” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company recognizes derivative positions with both the customer and the third party for the derivatives and classifies cash settlement amounts associated with them as part of “Cost of materials sold” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The cumulative change in fair value of the metals swaps that have not yet been settled and the embedded customer derivatives are included in “Other accrued liabilities”, and “Accounts receivable, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Interest rate swap

CTI entered into an interest rate swap to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on its IRB. The swap agreement matures in April 2018, the same time as the IRB, and is reduced annually by the amount of the optional principal payments on the IRB. 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. The interest rate swap is not treated as a hedge for accounting purposes.

The periodic changes in fair value of the interest rate swap and cash settlement amounts associated with the interest rate swap are included in “Interest and other expense on debt” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Fixed rate interest rate hedge

In June 2012, the Company entered into a forward starting fixed rate interest rate hedge commencing 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%. The fixed rate interest rate hedge was accounted for as a cash flow hedging instrument for accounting purposes.

There was no net impact from the nickel swaps or embedded customer derivative agreements to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The table below shows the total impact to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income through net income of the derivatives for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, there were no transfers of financial assets between Levels 1, 2 or 3 fair value measurements. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at September 30, 2017 since December 31, 2016. Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

Metals swaps and embedded customer derivatives – Determined by using Level 2 inputs that include the price of nickel indexed to the LME. The fair value is determined based on quoted market prices and reflects the estimated amounts the Company would pay or receive to terminate the nickel swaps.

Interest rate swaps – Based on the present value of the expected future cash flows, considering the risks involved, and using discount rates appropriate for the maturity date. Market observable Level 2 inputs are used to determine the present value of future cash flows.

The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company:

The value of the items not recorded at fair value represent the carrying value of the liabilities.

The value of the items not recorded at fair value represent the carrying value of the liabilities.

The fair value of the IRB is determined using Level 1 inputs. The carrying value and the fair value of the IRB that qualify as financial instruments was $0.9 million and $1.8 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

The fair value of the revolver is determined using Level 2 inputs. The Level 2 fair value of the Company's long-term debt was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar credit worthiness, terms and maturities.

Restricted Stock Units and Performance Share Units

Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Olympic Steel 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the Plan), the Company may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares, and other stock- and cash-based awards to employees and Directors of, and consultants to, the Company and its affiliates. Under the Plan, 1,000,000 shares of common stock are available for equity grants.

On March 13, 2017 and May 1, 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved the grant of 3,501 and 3,094 restricted stock units (RSUs), respectively, to each non-employee Director. Subject to the terms of the Plan and the RSU agreement, the RSUs vest after one year of service (from the date of grant). The RSUs are not converted into shares of common stock until the director either resigns or is terminated from the Board of Directors. The fair value of each RSU was estimated to be the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant, which was $19.99 and $22.62 on March 31, 2017 and May 1, 2016, respectively.

On July 1, 2016, the Company created a new Senior Management Stock Incentive Program (the New Plan) for certain participants. Under the New Plan, each participant, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan and the attainment of minimum performance requirements, can be awarded RSUs with a dollar value equal to 10% of the participant’s base salary, up to an annual maximum of $17,500. The RSUs have a five-year vesting period and the RSUs will convert into the right to receive shares of common stock upon a participant’s retirement, or earlier upon the participant’s death or disability or upon a change in control of the Company. The carbon and specialty metals flat products segments adopted the New Plan on July 1, 2016 and the tubular and pipe products segment adopted the New Plan on January 1, 2017.

Prior to July 1, 2016, the Company’s Senior Management Compensation Program included an equity component in order to encourage more ownership of common stock by the senior management (the Old Plan). The Old Plan imposed stock ownership requirements upon the participants. Each participant was required to own at least 750 shares of common stock for each year that the participant participated in the Old Plan. Any participant that failed to meet the stock ownership requirements would be ineligible to receive any equity awards under the Company’s equity compensation plans, including the Plan, until the participant satisfied the ownership requirements. To assist participants in meeting the stock ownership requirements, on an annual basis, if a participant purchased 500 shares of common stock on the open market, the Company awarded that participant 250 shares of common stock. During 2016, the Company matched 2,500 shares. Additionally, any participant who continued to comply with the stock ownership requirements as of the five-year, 10-year, 15-year, 20-year and 25-year anniversaries of the participant’s participation in the Senior Management Compensation Program would receive a restricted stock unit award with a dollar value of $25 thousand, $50 thousand, $75 thousand, $100 thousand and $100 thousand, respectively. Restricted stock unit awards would convert into the right to receive shares of common stock upon a participant’s retirement, or earlier upon the participant’s death or disability or upon a change in control of the Company. The carbon and specialty metals flat products segments terminated this plan on July 1, 2016 and the tubular and pipe products segment terminated the plan on January 1, 2017.

As part of the termination of the Old Plan and the transition to the New Plan, participants were paid the RSU grants that were earned to date, or a pro-rata amount of the RSUs earned, depending on the participants’ length of time they participated in the plan. After the payment of the RSUs noted above, the remaining liability of approximately $1.0 million was reversed during 2016 in accordance with ASC No. 718.

During the third quarter of 2016, the Company adopted a formal RSU award program for employees who are promoted to an executive level position. During the third quarter of 2016, Andrew Greiff received 10,573 RSUs upon his promotion to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. These RSUs vest on the fifth anniversary of his promotion.

Stock-based compensation expense or income recognized on RSUs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, is summarized in the following table:

All pre-tax charges related to RSUs were included in the caption “Administrative and general” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The following table summarizes the activity related to RSUs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

Our quarterly tax provision and our quarterly estimate of our annual effective tax rate is subject to significant volatility due to several factors, including variability in accurately predicting our income before taxes and taxable income and loss and the mix of jurisdictions to which they relate, changes in law and relative changes of expenses or losses for which tax benefits are not recognized.  Additionally, our effective tax rate can be more or less volatile based on the amount of income before taxes.  For example, the impact of discrete items and non-deductible expenses on our effective tax rate is greater when our income before taxes is lower. 

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $1.0 million, or 30.9% of pre-tax income, compared to an income tax provision of $0.5 million on loss before taxes of $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 resulting in an effective tax rate of negative 36.4%. The tax provision recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2017 included a $0.3 million favorable return to provision adjustment. The tax provision recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2016 is primarily a result of an increase in tax expense from state and local income taxes applied against forecasted income for 2016 and discrete tax expense recorded during the third quarter of 2016, applied against a net loss for the quarter.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $5.7 million, or 28.0% of pre-tax income, compared to an income tax provision of $3.4 million, or 77.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. In the first quarter of 2017, the Company made an out-of-period adjustment to correct and record previously unrecognized deferred tax assets, and the associated tax benefit, related to the SERP. The adjustment, which accumulated since the inception of the plan in 2005, resulted in an increase to after-tax income of $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2017.  The Company determined that this adjustment was not material to its current or prior period consolidated financial statements. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $0.8 million to reduce certain state deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The valuation allowance increased the Company’s effective tax rate by 18.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Earnings per share have been calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding as set forth below:

11.           Segment Information:

The Company follows 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 Company’s chief operating decision maker (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.

The Company operates in three reportable segments; carbon flat products, specialty metals flat products, and tubular and pipe products. Certain 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. Through its carbon flat products segment, the Company sells and distributes large volumes of processed carbon and coated flat-rolled sheet, coil and plate products. Through its specialty metals flat products segment, the Company sells and distributes processed aluminum and stainless flat-rolled sheet and coil products, flat bar products and fabricated parts. Through its tubular and pipe products segment, the Company distributes metal tubing, pipe, bar, valve and fittings and fabricates pressure parts supplied to various industrial markets.

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.

The following table provides financial information by segment and reconciles the Company’s operating income by segment to the consolidated income before income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

There were no material revenue transactions between the carbon flat products, specialty metals products, and tubular and pipe products segments.

The Company sells certain products internationally, primarily in Canada, Mexico and Central and South America. International sales are immaterial to the consolidated financial results and to the individual segments’ results.

12.           Recently Issued Accounting Updates:

In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (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 Accounting Standards Update (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 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 May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This ASU is a joint project initiated by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards that will: remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements; provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues; improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets; provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements; and simplify the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer. As originally proposed, the guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The modified retrospective adoption of this ASU is not expected to materially impact our consolidated financial statements. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This ASU deferred the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 until annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes contained herein and our consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain 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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The following section is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information, including our financial statements and the notes thereto, which appear elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Forward-Looking Information

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 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:

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.

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; energy prices; 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.

At September 30, 2017, we employed approximately 1,660 people. Approximately 270 of the hourly plant personnel at the facilities listed below 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.

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

Our results of operations are impacted by the market price of metals. Over the past 24 months, metals prices have 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 the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 were approximately 5% and 20% higher, respectively, than metals market prices in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016. Average quarterly metals market prices during 2017 have remained relatively flat after increasing in the first quarter.

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 and improved customer demand during the first nine months of 2017, and increased sales volume of products that we sell.

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 July 2017. The land and building associated with the operation is classified as Assets held for sale on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The operating loss related to the Siler City, North Carolina operation was $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Consolidated Operations

The following table presents consolidated operating results for the periods indicated (dollars are shown in thousands):

Net sales increased $63.1 million, or 23.6%, to $331.4 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $268.3 million in the third quarter of 2016. Carbon flat products net sales were 65.1% of total net sales in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 63.1% of total net sales in the third quarter of 2016. Specialty metals flat products net sales were 17.4% of total net sales in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 18.5% of total net sales in the third quarter of 2016. Tubular and pipe products net sales were 17.5% of total net sales in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 18.4% of total net sales in the third quarter of 2016. The increase in net sales was due to a 13.4% increase in sales volume and an 8.9% increase in average selling prices during the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. Average selling prices increased sequentially from the second quarter of 2017 by approximately 2.2%. Sales volumes and average selling prices increased in all three operating segments during the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016 as discussed above.

Net sales increased $222.3 million, or 27.8%, to $1.0 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $800.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Carbon flat products net sales were 65.5% of total net sales in the first nine months of 2017 compared to 63.0% of total net sales in the first nine months of 2016. Specialty metals flat products net sales were 17.0% of total net sales in the first nine months of 2017 compared to 18.1% of total net sales in the first nine months of 2016. Tubular and pipe products net sales were 17.5% of total net sales in the first nine months of 2017 compared to 18.9% of total net sales in the first nine months of 2016. The increase in net sales was due to a 13.2% increase in average selling prices and a 12.9% increase in sales volume during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Sales volumes and average selling prices increased in all three operating segments during the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.

Cost of materials sold increased $54.4 million, or 25.8%, to $265.4 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $211.0 million in the third quarter of 2016. Cost of materials sold increased $190.3 million, or 30.9%, to $806.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $616.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in cost of materials sold in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 is related to increased metals pricing discussed above and increased sales volume.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (b) in the table above) decreased to 19.9% in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 21.3% in the third quarter of 2016. Gross profit for the carbon flat products segment increased by 0.1% in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. Gross profit for the specialty metals flat products segment and tubular and pipe products segment decreased by 3.2% and 4.8%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 21.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 23.0% in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Gross profit decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 by 1.7% for the carbon flat products segment, 0.7% for the specialty metals flat products segment and 3.2% for the tubular and pipe products segment.

Operating expenses in the third quarter of 2017 increased $3.6 million, or 6.3%, to $60.8 million from $57.2 million in the third quarter of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 18.3% for the third quarter of 2017 from 21.3% in the comparable 2016 period. Operating expenses in the carbon flat products segment increased $2.0 million, operating expenses in the specialty metals flat products segment increased $0.4 million, operating expenses in the tubular and pipe products segment increased $1.3 million, and Corporate expenses remained flat compared to the third quarter of 2016. Operating expenses increased in all categories, except for depreciation expense, as reported on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Variable operating expenses, such as distribution and warehouse and processing, increased $2.1 million, or 7.2%, primarily related to the 13.4% volume increase. Selling and administrative and general expenses increased $1.8 million, or 8.4%, primarily related to increased variable performance based incentive compensation and increased direct sales representation.

Operating expenses in the first nine months of 2017 increased $14.4 million, or 8.2%, to $189.7 million from $175.3 million in the first nine months of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 18.6% in the first nine months of 2017 from 21.9% for the first nine months of 2016. Operating expenses in the carbon flat products segment increased $7.1 million, operating expenses in the specialty metals flat products segment increased $1.6 million, operating expenses in the tubular and pipe products segment increased $4.0 million, and Corporate expenses increased $1.7 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Operating expenses increased in all categories, except for depreciation expense, as reported on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Variable operating expenses, such as distribution and warehouse and processing, increased $8.1 million, or 9.0%, primarily related to the 12.9% volume increase. Selling and administrative and general expenses increased $7.1 million, or 10.8%, primarily related to increased variable performance based incentive compensation and increased direct sales representation.

Interest and other expense on debt totaled $2.0 million, or 0.6% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $1.3 million, or 0.5% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2016. Interest and other expense on debt totaled $5.4 million, or 0.5% of net sales, for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $3.9 million, or 0.5% of net sales, for the first nine months of 2016. Our effective borrowing rate, exclusive of deferred financing fees and commitment fees, was 3.0% for the first nine months of 2017 compared to 2.4% for the first nine months of 2016 due to the increases in LIBOR rates since 2016. Total average borrowings increased $49 million, or 33.6%, from $149 million in the first nine months of 2016 to $198 million in the first nine months of 2017, primarily related to increased working capital needs in 2017.

For the third quarter of 2017, income before income taxes totaled $3.3 million compared to loss before income taxes of $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2016. For the first nine months of 2017, income before income taxes totaled $20.5 million compared to $4.5 million in the first nine months of 2016.

An income tax provision of 30.9% was recorded for the third quarter of 2017, compared to an income tax provision of $0.5 million on loss before income taxes of $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2016 resulting in an effective tax rate of negative 36.4%, An income tax provision of 28.0% was recorded for the first nine months of 2017, compared to 77.0% for the first nine months of 2016. During the quarter ended March 31, 2017, we made an out-of-period adjustment to correct and record previously unrecognized deferred tax assets, and the associated tax benefit, related to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The adjustment, which accumulated since the inception of the plan in 2005, resulted in an increase to after-tax income of $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2017.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded a valuation allowance of $0.8 million to reduce certain state deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The valuation allowance increased the effective tax rate by 18.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Our tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter, we update our estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if our estimated tax rate changes, we make a cumulative adjustment.

Net income for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $2.3 million or $0.20 per basic and diluted share, compared to net loss of $1.8 million, or $0.16 per basic and diluted share for the third quarter of 2016. Net income for the first nine months of 2017 totaled $14.8 million or $1.30 per basic and diluted share, compared to $1.0 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share for the first nine months of 2016.

Segment Operations

Carbon flat products

The following table presents selected operating results for our carbon flat products segment for the periods indicated (dollars are shown in thousands, except for per ton information):

Tons sold by our carbon flat products segment increased 35 thousand tons, or 14.4%, to 277 thousand in the third quarter of 2017 from 243 thousand in the third quarter of 2016. Tons sold by our carbon flat products segment increased 108 thousand tons, or 13.8%, to 890 thousand in the first nine months of 2017 from 782 thousand in the first nine months of 2016. The increase in tons sold is due to improved customer demand in the markets we serve. Industry-wide shipments increased year over year in the first nine months of 2017.

Net sales in our carbon flat products segment increased $46.5 million, or 27.4%, to $215.8 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $169.4 million in the third quarter of 2016. The increase in sales was due to a 14.4% increase in sales volume and an 11.4% increase in average selling prices during the third quarter of 2017, compared to the third quarter of 2016. Average selling prices in the third quarter of 2017 were $778 per ton, compared with $698 per ton in the third quarter of 2016, and $769 per ton in the second quarter of 2017.

Net sales in our carbon flat products segment increased $165.9 million, or 32.9%, to $669.8 million in the first nine months of 2017 from $503.9 million in the first nine months of 2016. The increase in sales was due to a 16.8% increase in average selling prices and a 13.8% increase in sales volume. Average selling prices in the first nine months of 2017 were $753 per ton, compared with $645 per ton in the first nine months of 2016.

Cost of materials sold increased $37.2 million, or 27.3%, to $173.6 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $136.4 million in the third quarter of 2016. The increase in cost of materials sold was due to a 14.4% increase in sales volume and the increased cost of metals during 2017 compared to 2016.

Cost of materials sold increased $140.3 million, or 35.8%, to $532.4 million in the first nine months of 2017 from $392.0 million in the first nine months of 2016. The increase in cost of materials sold was due to a 13.8% increase in sales volume and increased metals cost during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (a) in the table above) increased to 19.6% in the third quarter of 2017, compared to 19.5% in the third quarter of 2016. Gross profit per ton increased $16 per ton to $152 per ton in the third quarter of 2017 from $136 per ton in the third quarter of 2016, and decreased $2 per ton from $154 per ton in the second quarter of 2017.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 20.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 22.2% in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Gross profit per ton increased $11 per ton to $154 per ton in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $143 per ton in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Operating expenses in the third quarter of 2017 increased $2.0 million, or 5.4%, to $38.6 million from $36.6 million in the third quarter of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 17.9% for the third quarter of 2017 from 21.6% in the comparable 2016 period. Operating expenses in the first nine months of 2017 increased $7.1 million, or 6.4%, to $119.1 million from $112.0 million in the first nine months of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 17.8% for the first nine months of 2017 from 22.2% in the comparable 2016 period. The percentage increase in operating expense in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 were less than the volume increases during the same periods. Variable operating expenses, such as distribution and warehouse and processing, increased as a result of increased sales volume. Selling and administrative and general expenses increased primarily as a result of increased variable performance based incentive compensation.

Operating income for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $3.7 million, or 1.7% of net sales, compared to operating loss of $3.6 million, or 2.1% of net sales for the third quarter of 2016. Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 totaled $18.3 million, or 2.7% of net sales, compared to operating loss of $0.1 million, or 0.0%, of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Specialty metals flat products

The following table presents selected operating results for our specialty metals flat products for the periods indicated (dollars are shown in thousands, except for per ton information):

Tons sold by our specialty metals flat products segment increased one thousand tons, or 7.2%, to 23 thousand in the third quarter of 2017 from 22 thousand in the third quarter of 2016. Tons sold by our specialty metals flat products segment increased six thousand tons, or 9.0%, to 69 thousand in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from 63 thousand in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in tons sold is due to improved customer demand in the markets we serve. Industry-wide shipments increased year over year in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017. The specialty metals flat products segment increased its market share for stainless products in the first nine months of 2017.

Net sales in our specialty metals flat products segment increased $8.0 million, or 16.2% to $57.6 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $49.5 million in the third quarter of 2016. The increase in sales was due to an 8.3% increase in average selling prices and a 7.2% increase in sales volume during the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. Average selling prices in the third quarter of 2017 were $2,475 per ton compared to $2,285 per ton in the third quarter of 2016 and $2,586 per ton in the second quarter of 2017.

Net sales in our specialty metals flat products segment increased $28.9 million, or 19.9%, to $173.8 million in the first nine months of 2017 from $144.9 million in the first nine months of 2016. The increase in sales was due to a 10.0% increase in average selling prices and a 9.0% increase in sales volume. Average selling prices in the first nine months of 2017 were $2,519 per ton, compared with $2,290 per ton in the first nine months of 2016.

Cost of materials sold increased $8.5 million, or 20.5%, to $50.1 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $41.5 million in the third quarter of 2016. The increase was due to increased metals cost and a 7.2% increase in sales volume in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016.

Cost of materials sold increased $25.7 million, or 20.9%, to $148.4 million in the first nine months of 2017 from $122.7 million in the first nine months of 2016. The increase in cost of materials sold was due to increased metals cost and a 9.0% increase in sales volume during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (a) in the table above) decreased to 13.0% in the third quarter of 2017 from 16.1 % in the third quarter of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 14.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from 15.3% in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Operating expenses in the third quarter of 2017 increased $0.4 million, or 8.2%, to $5.4 million from $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 9.4% of net sales for the third quarter of 2017 compared to 10.0% of net sales for the third quarter of 2016.

Operating expenses in the first nine months of 2017 increased $1.6 million, or 10.9%, to $16.5 million from $14.8 million in the first nine months of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 9.5% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 10.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 variable operating expenses, such as distribution and warehouse and processing increased as a result of higher sales volumes. 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 the third quarter of 2017 totaled $2.1 million, or 3.6% of net sales, compared to $3.0 million, or 6.1% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2016. Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 totaled $8.9 million, or 5.1% of net sales, compared to operating income of $7.3 million, or 5.1% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Tubular and pipe products

The following table presents selected operating results for our tubular and pipe products segment for the periods indicated (dollars are shown in thousands):

Net sales increased $8.7 million, or 17.6%, to $58.0 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $49.3 million in the third quarter of 2016. The increase is a result of a 8.7% increase in average selling prices and a 8.2% increase in sales volume during the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016.

Net sales increased $27.5 million, or 18.2%, to $178.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $151.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in net sales is a result of a 12.5% increase in average selling prices and a 5.0 % increase in sales volume during the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.

Cost of materials sold increased $8.6 million, or 26.0%, to $41.7 million in the third quarter of 2017 from $33.1 million in the third quarter of 2016. During the third quarter of 2017, we recorded LIFO expense of $0.7 million compared to $0.7 million of LIFO income recorded in the third quarter of 2016.

Cost of materials sold increased $24.3 million, or 23.9% to $126.1 million in the first nine months of 2017 from $101.8 million in the first nine months of 2016. During the first nine months of 2017, we recorded $1.5 million of LIFO expense compared to $0.7 million of LIFO income recorded in the first nine months of 2016. The increase in cost of materials sold in 2017 is a result of increased metals cost and sales volume in 2017 compared to 2016.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit (as defined in footnote (b) in the table above) decreased to 28.1% in the third quarter of 2017 from 32.9% in the third quarter of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, the $0.7 million LIFO expense in 2017 decreased gross profit by 1.2%. The $0.7 million of LIFO income increased gross profit by 1.4% in the third quarter of 2017. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 29.6% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to 32.8% in the first nine months of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, the $1.5 million LIFO expense recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased gross profit by 0.8%. The $0.7 million of LIFO income increased gross profit by 0.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Operating expenses in the third quarter of 2017 increased $1.2 million, or 9.4%, to $14.7 million from $13.5 million in the third quarter of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 25.3% for the third quarter of 2017 compared to 27.3% for the third quarter of 2016. Operating expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $3.9 million, or 9.3%, to $46.4 million from $42.5 million in the first nine months of 2016. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 26.0% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to 28.1% in the first nine months of 2016. Operating expenses increased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 primarily as a result of increased distribution expense related to increased shipments, less labor and overhead capitalized into inventory, and increased variable incentive compensation related to increased gross profit.

Operating income for the third quarter of 2017 totaled $1.6 million, or 2.8% of net sales, compared to $2.8 million, or 5.6% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2016. Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 totaled $6.4 million, or 3.6% of net sales, compared to $7.1 million, or 4.7% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Corporate expenses

Corporate expenses totaled $2.1 million for both the third quarter of 2017 and 2016. Corporate expenses increased $1.7 million, or 29.4%, to $7.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $6.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 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. Corporate expenses include the unallocated expenses related to managing the entire Company, (i.e. all three segments) including payroll expenses for certain personnel, expenses related to being a publicly traded entity such as board of directors’ expenses, audit expenses, and various other professional fees.

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 existing asset-based credit facility (the ABL 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 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.

Operating Activities

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we used $46.6 million of net cash for operations, of which $26.8 million was generated from operating activities and $73.4 million was used for working capital investments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we used $9.7 million of net cash from operations, of which $16.3 million was generated from operating activities and $26.0 million was used for working capital investments.

Net cash from operations totaled $26.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and consisted primarily of net income of $14.8 million and depreciation and amortization of $13.9 million. Net cash from operations totaled $16.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and consisted primarily of net income of $1.0 million and depreciation and amortization of $14.6 million.

Working capital at September 30, 2017 totaled $337.1 million, a $77.0 million increase from December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to a $48.8 million, or 47.9%, increase in accounts receivable (resulting from higher sales prices and higher sales volumes experienced in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016) and an $25.7 million, or 10.0%, increase in inventories.

Investing Activities

Net cash used for capital expenditures was $6.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $5.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The 2017 capital expenditures were primarily attributable to additional processing equipment at our existing facilities.

Financing Activities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, $54.1 million of cash was generated from financing activities, which primarily consisted of $55.8 million of net borrowings under our ABL Credit Facility offset by a $0.9 million IRB repayment and $0.7 million dividend payment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, $16.1 million of cash was generated from financing activities, which primarily consisted of $17.7 million of net borrowings under our ABL Credit Facility offset by a $0.9 million IRB repayment and $0.7 million dividend payment.

Dividends paid were $0.7 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016. Regular dividend distributions in the future are subject to the availability of cash, the $2.5 million annual limitation on cash dividends under our ABL Credit Facility and continuing determination by our Board of Directors that the payment of dividends remains in the best interest of our shareholders.

Stock Repurchase Program

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 ABL Credit Facility. Under the ABL Credit Facility, we may repurchase common stock and pay dividends up to $2.5 million in the aggregate during any trailing twelve months without restrictions. Purchases in excess of $2.5 million require us to (i) maintain availability in excess of 25% of the aggregate revolver commitments ($91.3 million at September 30, 2017) or (ii) to maintain availability equal to or greater than 15% of the aggregate revolver commitments ($54.8 million at September 30, 2017) 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. 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.

No share repurchases were made during the 2017 or 2016 periods presented.

Debt Arrangements

Our ABL Credit Facility is collateralized by our accounts receivable and inventory. The ABL Credit Facility consists of a revolving credit line of $365 million. Revolver borrowings are limited to the lesser of a borrowing base, comprised of eligible receivables and inventories, or $365 million in the aggregate. The ABL Credit Facility matures on June 30, 2019.

The ABL Credit Facility requires us to comply with various covenants, the most significant of which include: (i) until maturity of the ABL Credit Facility, 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 ($36.5 million at September 30, 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; (ii) limitations on dividend payments and stock repurchases; and (iii) restrictions on additional indebtedness. We have the option to borrow under our revolver based on the agent’s base rate plus a premium ranging from 0.00% to 0.25% or the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a premium ranging from 1.25% to 3.00%.

As of September 30, 2017, we were in compliance with our covenants and had approximately $110 million of availability under the ABL Credit Facility.

As of September 30, 2017, $1.4 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 ABL Credit facility 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 (IRB) indebtedness ($0.9 million at September 30, 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 of 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 September 30, 2017 was 0.9% 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 September 30, 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. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other parties to the interest rate swap agreement. However, we do not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.

Critical Accounting Policies

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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. We monitor and evaluate our estimates and assumptions, based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We review our financial reporting and disclosure practices and accounting practices quarterly to ensure they provide accurate and transparent information relative to the current economic and business environment. For further information regarding the accounting policies that we believe to be critical accounting policies that affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in preparing our consolidated financial statements, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 3. 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.

We, like many other metals service centers, 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 52% and 51% of our consolidated net sales during the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, 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 two years.

We are exposed to the impact of fluctuating metals prices and interest rate changes. During 2017 and 2016, 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. For certain customers, we enter into contractual relationships that entitle us to pass-through the economic effect of trading positions that we take with other third parties on our customers’ behalf.

Our primary interest rate risk exposure results from variable rate debt. We have the option to enter into 30- to 180-day fixed base rate LIBOR loans under the ABL Credit Facility. As part of the CTI acquisition, we assumed an interest rate swap agreement on the $5.9 million of IRB ($0.9 million at September 30, 2017). 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 fixed interest rate hedge agreement. However, we do not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q has been carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports that are filed with or submitted to the SEC is: (i) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the third quarter of 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Items 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of this Part II are either inapplicable or are answered in the negative and are omitted pursuant to the instructions to Part II.

Item 6. Exhibits

SIGNATURES

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

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