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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. - Quarter Report: 2016 May (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended May 31, 2016
Or
o
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the Transition Period from _______ to_______
 
Commission File Number 0-22496
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
OREGON
 
93-0341923
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
299 SW Clay Street, Suite 350
Portland, OR
 
97201
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 (503) 224-9900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes  x    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate 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  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one)
Large accelerated filer
o
Accelerated filer
x
Non-accelerated filer
o
Smaller Reporting company
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes  o    No  x
The Registrant had 26,477,926 shares of Class A common stock, par value of $1.00 per share, and 305,900 shares of Class B common stock, par value of $1.00 per share, outstanding as of June 27, 2016.

 
 
 
 
 

Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
INDEX
 
 
PAGE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements and information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q by Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Except as noted herein or as the context may otherwise require, all references to “we,” “our,” “us” and “SSI” refer to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include statements regarding future events or our expectations, intentions, beliefs and strategies regarding the future, which may include statements regarding trends, cyclicality and changes in the markets we sell into; expected results, including pricing, sales volumes and profitability; strategic direction; changes to manufacturing and production processes; the cost of and the status of any agreements or actions related to our compliance with environmental and other laws; expected tax rates, deductions and credits; the realization of deferred tax assets; planned capital expenditures; liquidity positions; ability to generate cash from continuing operations; the potential impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements; obligations under our retirement plans; benefits, savings or additional costs from business realignment, cost containment and productivity improvement programs; and the adequacy of accruals.
Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, and often contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “assumes,” “estimates,” “evaluates,” “may,” "will," “could,” “opinions,” “forecasts,” "projects," "plans," “future,” “forward,” “potential,” “probable,” and similar expressions. However, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
We may make other forward-looking statements from time to time, including in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases and public conference calls. All forward-looking statements we make are based on information available to us at the time the statements are made, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Our business is subject to the effects of changes in domestic and global economic conditions and a number of other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Some of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Examples of these risks include: potential environmental cleanup costs related to the Portland Harbor Superfund site; the cyclicality and impact of general economic conditions; volatile supply and demand conditions affecting prices and volumes in the markets for both our products and raw materials we purchase; imbalances in supply and demand conditions in the global steel industry; the impact of goodwill impairment charges; the impact of long-lived asset impairment charges; the realization of expected benefits or cost reductions associated with productivity improvement and restructuring initiatives; difficulties associated with acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; customer fulfillment of their contractual obligations; increases in the relative value of the U.S. dollar; the impact of foreign currency fluctuations; potential limitations on our ability to access capital resources and existing credit facilities; restrictions on our business and financial covenants under our bank credit agreement; the impact of the consolidation in the steel industry; inability to realize expected benefits from investments in technology; freight rates and the availability of transportation; the impact of equipment upgrades and failures on production; product liability claims; the impact of impairment of our deferred tax assets; the impact of a cybersecurity incident; costs associated with compliance with environmental regulations; the adverse impact of climate change; inability to obtain or renew business licenses and permits; compliance with greenhouse gas emission regulations; reliance on employees subject to collective bargaining agreements; and the impact of the underfunded status of multiemployer plans in which we participate.


3
Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
May 31, 2016
 
August 31, 2015
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
7,018

 
$
22,755

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,340
and $2,496
100,001

 
111,492

Inventories
156,946

 
156,532

Deferred income taxes
—

 
2,792

Refundable income taxes
6,682

 
7,263

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
19,087

 
21,531

Total current assets
289,734

 
322,365

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $715,064 and $679,035
387,273

 
427,554

Investments in joint ventures
12,793

 
15,320

Goodwill
166,895

 
175,676

Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $3,818 and $6,918
5,145

 
6,353

Other assets
14,603

 
15,031

Total assets
$
876,443

 
$
962,299

Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
$
648

 
$
584

Accounts payable
56,878

 
57,105

Accrued payroll and related liabilities
22,602

 
25,478

Environmental liabilities
1,721

 
924

Accrued income taxes
—

 
148

Other accrued liabilities
31,441

 
36,207

Total current liabilities
113,290

 
120,446

Deferred income taxes
17,028

 
19,138

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
202,070

 
227,572

Environmental liabilities, net of current portion
44,551

 
45,869

Other long-term liabilities
10,574

 
10,723

Total liabilities
387,513

 
423,748

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

 

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (“SSI”) shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock – 20,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized, none issued
—

 
—

Class A common stock – 75,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized, 26,450 and 26,474 shares issued and outstanding
26,450

 
26,474

Class B common stock – 25,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized, 306 and 306 shares issued and outstanding
306

 
306

Additional paid-in capital
27,451

 
26,211

Retained earnings
469,120

 
520,066

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(38,528
)
 
(38,522
)
Total SSI shareholders’ equity
484,799

 
534,535

Noncontrolling interests
4,131

 
4,016

Total equity
488,930

 
538,551

Total liabilities and equity
$
876,443

 
$
962,299

The accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.

4
Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues
$
351,604

 
$
467,309

 
$
961,880

 
$
1,458,382

Operating expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
294,738

 
424,312

 
839,262

 
1,338,976

Selling, general and administrative
41,696

 
39,798

 
113,713

 
126,696

(Income) loss from joint ventures
(258
)
 
(40
)
 
61

 
(1,148
)
Goodwill impairment charge
—

 
—

 
8,845

 
141,021

Other asset impairment charges
—

 
1,281

 
18,458

 
45,119

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs
542

 
5,978

 
7,758

 
11,964

Operating income (loss)
14,886

 
(4,020
)
 
(26,217
)
 
(204,246
)
Interest expense
(2,905
)
 
(2,375
)
 
(6,779
)
 
(7,044
)
Other income (expense), net
(81
)
 
84

 
763

 
3,011

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
11,900

 
(6,311
)
 
(32,233
)
 
(208,279
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
(95
)
 
(1,396
)
 
(810
)
 
8,171

Income (loss) from continuing operations
11,805

 
(7,707
)
 
(33,043
)
 
(200,108
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(116
)
 
(1,234
)
 
(1,206
)
 
(6,314
)
Net income (loss)
11,689

 
(8,941
)
 
(34,249
)
 
(206,422
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(689
)
 
(687
)
 
(1,294
)
 
(1,318
)
Net income (loss) attributable to SSI
$
11,000

 
$
(9,628
)
 
$
(35,543
)
 
$
(207,740
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:


 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI
$
0.41

 
$
(0.31
)
 
$
(1.26
)
 
$
(7.46
)
Net loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to SSI
—

 
(0.05
)
 
(0.04
)
 
(0.23
)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI(1)
$
0.40

 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
(1.31
)
 
$
(7.69
)
Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI
$
0.41

 
$
(0.31
)
 
$
(1.26
)
 
$
(7.46
)
Net loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to SSI
—

 
(0.05
)
 
(0.04
)
 
(0.23
)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI(1)
$
0.40

 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
(1.31
)
 
$
(7.69
)
Weighted average number of common shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
27,261

 
27,043

 
27,195

 
27,003

Diluted
27,327

 
27,043

 
27,195

 
27,003

Dividends declared per common share
$
0.1875

 
$
0.1875

 
$
0.5625

 
$
0.5625

(1)
May not foot due to rounding.
The accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.

5
Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income (loss)
$
11,689

 
$
(8,941
)
 
$
(34,249
)
 
$
(206,422
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
1,485

 
250

 
(416
)
 
(19,623
)
Cash flow hedges, net
—

 
1,860

 
240

 
(1,833
)
Pension obligations, net
65

 
301

 
170

 
360

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
1,550

 
2,411

 
(6
)
 
(21,096
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
13,239

 
(6,530
)
 
(34,255
)
 
(227,518
)
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(689
)
 
(687
)
 
(1,294
)
 
(1,318
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to SSI
$
12,550

 
$
(7,217
)
 
$
(35,549
)
 
$
(228,836
)
The accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.


6
Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(34,249
)
 
$
(206,422
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Goodwill impairment charge
8,845

 
141,021

Other asset impairment charges
18,458

 
45,119

Other exit-related asset impairments and accelerated depreciation
3,127

 
6,502

Write-off of debt issuance costs
768

 
—

Depreciation and amortization
41,943

 
52,420

Share-based compensation expense
6,636

 
7,596

Deferred income taxes
580

 
(764
)
Inventory write-down
710

 
3,031

Undistributed equity in earnings of joint ventures
61

 
(1,148
)
Gain on disposal of assets
(529
)
 
(1,752
)
Unrealized foreign exchange gain, net
(75
)
 
(1,623
)
Bad debt expense (recoveries), net
154

 
(112
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
—

 
(94
)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
5,303

 
60,639

Inventories
3,812

 
25,833

Income taxes
436

 
(14,095
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
882

 
2,844

Intangibles and other long-term assets
(465
)
 
560

Accounts payable
3,527

 
(29,405
)
Accrued payroll and related liabilities
(2,880
)
 
(11,834
)
Other accrued liabilities
(5,632
)
 
(558
)
Environmental liabilities
(534
)
 
(348
)
Other long-term liabilities
(88
)
 
1,481

Distributed equity in earnings of joint ventures
400

 
525

Net cash provided by operating activities
51,190

 
79,416

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(21,442
)
 
(23,433
)
Joint venture receipts, net
7

 
1

Proceeds from sale of assets
2,649

 
2,403

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
—

 
(150
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(18,786
)
 
(21,179
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from line of credit
135,500

 
189,000

Repayment of line of credit
(135,500
)
 
(189,000
)
Borrowings from long-term debt
112,427

 
114,099

Repayment of long-term debt
(137,869
)
 
(169,511
)
Payment of debt issuance costs
(879
)
 
—

Repurchase of Class A Common Stock
(3,479
)
 
—

Taxes paid related to net share settlement of share-based payment arrangements
(1,938
)
 
(1,360
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
—

 
94

Distributions to noncontrolling interests
(1,179
)
 
(2,263
)
Contingent consideration paid relating to business acquisitions
—

 
(759
)
Dividends paid
(15,275
)
 
(15,110
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(48,192
)
 
(74,810
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
51

 
(170
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(15,737
)
 
(16,743
)
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
22,755

 
25,672

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
$
7,018

 
$
8,929

The accompanying Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.

7
Table of Contents


SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for Form 10-Q, including Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. In the opinion of management, all normal, recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement have been included. Management suggests that these Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2015. The results for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire fiscal year.
Segment Reporting
Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company's internal organizational and reporting structure supported three operating and reportable segments: the Metals Recycling Business ("MRB"), the Auto Parts Business ("APB") and the Steel Manufacturing Business ("SMB"). In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, in accordance with its plan announced in April 2015, the Company combined and integrated its auto parts and metals recycling businesses into a single operating platform. The change in the Company's internal organizational and reporting structure resulted in the formation of a new operating and reportable segment, the Auto and Metals Recycling ("AMR") business, replacing the former MRB and APB segments. The Company began reporting on this new segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 as reflected in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2015. The segment data for the comparable periods presented herein has been recast to conform to the current period presentation for all activities of AMR. Recasting this historical information did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial performance for any of the periods presented.
Accounting Changes
In April 2014, an accounting standard update was issued that amends the requirements for reporting discontinued operations, which may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity. The amendments limit discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The amendments require expanded disclosure about the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of discontinued operations. Further, the amendments require an entity to disclose the pretax profit or loss of an individually significant component that is being disposed of that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The Company adopted the new requirement in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 with no impact to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The standard is to be applied prospectively to all disposals or classifications as held for sale of components that occur beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, and interim periods within that fiscal year, and all businesses that, on acquisition, are classified as held for sale that occur beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, and interim periods within that fiscal year.
In November 2015, an accounting standard update was issued that requires deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. To simplify the presentation of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets, along with valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, the Company early-adopted the new requirement as of the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and is applying the amendments prospectively. Adoption of the new requirement impacted the classification of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets reported in its Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet beginning as of November 30, 2015, and had no impact on its consolidated results of operations and cash flows. The comparative period balance sheet has not been retrospectively adjusted.
In April 2015, an accounting standard update was issued that clarifies the accounting for cloud computing arrangements that include software licenses. The guidance requires that a cloud computing arrangement that includes a software license be accounted for in the same manner as the acquisition of other software licenses. If the cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, then it should be accounted for as a service contract. To reduce the complexity of evaluating the accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement, the Company early-adopted the new requirement as of the beginning of the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and is applying the amendments prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified after adoption.

8
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Adoption of the new requirement results in the recognition of software licenses acquired as part of a cloud computing arrangement within property, plant and equipment in the Company's Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and recognition of amortization expense within either cost of goods sold or selling, general and administrative expense, depending on the nature of the software license, in the Company's Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The new requirement does not represent a substantial change from the manner in which the Company accounted for fees paid in cloud computing arrangements prior to adoption.
Discontinued Operations
The results of discontinued operations are presented separately, net of tax, from the results of ongoing operations for all periods presented. The expenses included in the results of discontinued operations are the direct operating expenses incurred by the disposed components that may be reasonably segregated from the costs of the ongoing operations of the Company. Asset impairments related to the disposed components are also included in the results of discontinued operations. See Note 10 - Discontinued Operations and the Asset Impairment Charges section of this Note for further detail.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include short-term securities that are not restricted by third parties and have an original maturity date of 90 days or less. Included in accounts payable are book overdrafts representing outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit of $13 million and $11 million as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, respectively.
Other Assets
The Company’s other assets, exclusive of prepaid expenses, consist primarily of receivables from insurers, notes and other contractual receivables, and assets held for sale. Other assets are reported within either prepaid expenses and other current assets or other assets in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their expected use either during or beyond the current operating cycle of one year from the reporting date.
As of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, the Company reported less than $1 million and $2 million, respectively, of assets held for sale within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. An asset is classified as held for sale upon meeting certain criteria specified in the accounting standards. An asset classified as held for sale is measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. See the Asset Impairment Charges section of this Note for tabular presentation of impairment charges recorded by the Company during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and 2015 for the initial and subsequent write-down of certain equipment held for sale to its fair value less cost to sell. The Company determined fair value using Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy consisting of information provided by brokers and other external sources along with management's own assumptions.
Long-Lived Assets
The Company tests long-lived tangible and intangible assets for impairment at the asset group level, which is determined based on the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. For the Company's metals recycling operations, an asset group is generally comprised of the regional shredding and export operation along with surrounding feeder yards. For regions with no shredding and export operations, each metals recycling yard is an asset group. For the Company's auto parts operations, generally each auto parts store is an asset group. The Company's steel manufacturing business is a single asset group. The Company tests its asset groups for impairment when certain triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset group may be impaired. If the carrying value of the asset group is not recoverable because it exceeds the Company’s estimate of future undiscounted cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group, an impairment loss is recognized by the amount the carrying value exceeds its fair value, if any. The impairment loss is allocated to the long-lived assets of the group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts of those assets, except that the loss allocated to an individual long-lived asset of the group shall not reduce the carrying amount of that asset below its fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the cost and market approaches.
During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded impairment charges on long-lived tangible and intangible assets associated with certain regional metals recycling operations and used auto parts store locations.
With respect to individual long-lived assets, changes in circumstances may merit a change in the estimated useful lives or salvage values of the assets, which are accounted for prospectively in the period of change. For such assets, the useful life is shortened based on the Company's current plans to dispose of or abandon the asset before the end of its original useful life and depreciation is accelerated beginning when that determination is made. During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized accelerated depreciation due to shortened useful lives in connection with site closures and idled equipment.

9
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


See the Asset Impairment Charges section of this Note for tabular presentation of long-lived asset impairment charges and accelerated depreciation. Long-lived asset impairment charges and accelerated depreciation are reported in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within (1) other asset impairment charges; (2) restructuring charges and other exit-related costs, if related to a site closure not qualifying for discontinued operations reporting; or (3) discontinued operations, if related to a component of the Company qualifying for discontinued operations reporting.
Investments in Joint Ventures
A loss in value of an investment in a joint venture that is other than a temporary decline is recognized. Management considers all available evidence to evaluate the realizable value of its investments including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the joint venture business, and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Once management determines that an other-than-temporary impairment exists, the investment is written down to its fair value, which establishes a new cost basis. The Company determines fair value using Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy using an income approach based on a discounted cash flow analysis. During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2 million related to an investment in a joint venture, which is reported within other asset impairment charges in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Asset Impairment Charges
The following asset impairment charges, excluding goodwill impairment charges discussed below in this Note, were recorded in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Reported within other asset impairment charges(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-lived assets
$
—

 
$
132

 
$
7,336

 
$
41,676

Accelerated depreciation
—

 
—

 
6,208

 
—

Investment in joint venture
—

 
—

 
1,968

 
—

Assets held for sale
—

 
1,009

 
1,659

 
2,558

Other assets(1)
—

 
140

 
1,287

 
885


—

 
1,281

 
18,458

 
45,119

Reported within restructuring charges and other exit-related costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-lived assets
119

 
—

 
448

 
—

Accelerated depreciation
—

 
150

 
630

 
3,836

Other assets
—

 
—

 
1,102

 
—


119

 
150

 
2,180

 
3,836

Reported within discontinued operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-lived assets
—

 
—

 
673

 
2,666

Accelerated depreciation
—

 
—

 
274

 
—


—

 
—

 
947

 
2,666

Total
$
119

 
$
1,431

 
$
21,585

 
$
51,621

_____________________________
(1)
Other asset impairment charges were incurred in the AMR reportable segment, except for $79 thousand and $745 thousand of impairment charges on Other Assets related to Corporate recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the net amount of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination measured at fair value. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually on July 1 and upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be impaired. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a component). A component of an operating segment is required to be identified as a

10
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


reporting unit if the component is a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews its operating results.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company changed its internal organizational and reporting structure to combine the auto and metals recycling businesses, which resulted in the formation of a new operating and reportable segment, AMR, replacing the former MRB and APB operating segments. This change led to the identification of components within AMR based on the disaggregation of financial information regularly reviewed by segment management by geographic area. Components with similar economic characteristics were aggregated into reporting units and goodwill was reassigned to the affected reporting units using the relative fair value approach as of the date of the reassessment, July 1, 2015. Beginning on that date, the Company's goodwill was carried by two regionally-defined reporting units, one consisting of a single component with $168 million of allocated goodwill, and the other consisting of two components with similar economic characteristics aggregated into a reporting unit with $9 million of allocated goodwill.

When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an impairment is more likely than not, the Company is then required to perform the two-step quantitative impairment test, otherwise no further analysis is required. The Company also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the two-step quantitative impairment test.
In the first step of the two-step quantitative impairment test, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed for purposes of measuring the impairment. In the second step, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to determine an implied goodwill value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using an income approach based on the present value of expected future cash flows, including terminal value, utilizing a market-based weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) determined separately for each reporting unit. The determination of fair value involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including revenue growth rates driven by future commodity prices and volume expectations, operating margins, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, tax rates, terminal growth rates, discount rates, benefits associated with a taxable transaction and synergistic benefits available to market participants. In addition, to corroborate the reporting units’ valuation, the Company uses a market approach based on earnings multiple data and a reconciliation of the Company’s estimate of the aggregate fair value of the reporting units to the Company’s market capitalization, including consideration of a control premium. See Note 4 - Goodwill for further detail including the recognition of goodwill impairment charges of $9 million and $141 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The Company tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. If the Company believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise, no further testing is required. The Company did not record any impairment charges on indefinite-lived intangible assets in any of the periods presented.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes and other contractual receivables and derivative financial instruments. The majority of cash and cash equivalents is maintained with major financial institutions. Balances with these institutions exceeded the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured amount of $250,000 as of May 31, 2016. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up the Company’s customer base. The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits, credit insurance, letters of credit or other collateral, cash deposits and monitoring procedures. The Company is exposed to a residual credit risk with respect to open letters of credit by virtue of the possibility of the failure of a bank providing a letter of credit. The Company had $30 million and $33 million of open letters of credit relating to accounts receivable as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, respectively. The counterparties to the Company's derivative financial instruments are major financial institutions.
Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, debt and derivative contracts. The Company uses the market approach to value its financial assets and liabilities, determined using available market

11
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


information. The net carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. For long-term debt, which is primarily at variable interest rates, fair value is estimated using observable inputs (Level 2) and approximates its carrying value. Derivative contracts are reported at fair value. See Note 11 - Derivative Financial Instruments for further detail.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. Classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are described as follows:
•
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
•
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the determination of the fair value of the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
•
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are significant to the determination of the fair value of the asset or liability.
When developing the fair value measurements, the Company uses quoted market prices whenever available or seeks to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when quoted market prices are not available.
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges consist of severance, contract termination and other restructuring-related costs. A liability for severance costs is typically recognized when the plan of termination has been communicated to the affected employees and is measured at its fair value at the communication date. Contract termination costs consist primarily of costs that will continue to be incurred under operating leases for their remaining terms without economic benefit to the Company. A liability for contract termination costs is recognized at the date the Company ceases using the rights conveyed by the lease contract and is measured at its fair value, which is determined based on the remaining contractual lease rentals reduced by estimated sublease rentals. A liability for other restructuring-related costs is measured at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred. Restructuring charges that directly involve a discontinued operation are included in the results of discontinued operations in all periods presented. See Note 7 - Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Costs for further detail.

Note 2 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, an accounting standard update was issued that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The update will supersede the existing standard for recognizing revenue. Additional updates have been issued since May 2014 amending aspects of the initial update and providing implementation guidance. The guidance is applicable to all contracts with customers regardless of industry-specific or transaction-specific fact patterns. Further, the guidance requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Upon becoming effective, the Company will apply the amendments in the standard either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In April 2015, an accounting standard update was issued that amends the requirements for presenting debt issuance costs. The guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. This is not applicable to debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, as specified in a related accounting standard update issued in August 2015. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, including interim periods within that fiscal year, and is to be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented. Adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position.
In July 2015, an accounting standard update was issued that requires an entity to measure certain types of inventory, including inventory that is measured using the first-in, first out (FIFO) or average cost method, at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The current accounting standard requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market, whereby market could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The amendments do not apply to inventory that is measured using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) or retail inventory method. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In September 2015, an accounting standard update was issued that eliminates the requirement to retrospectively adjust provisional amounts recognized in a business acquisition recorded in previous reporting periods. The amendments, instead, require that the

12
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the one-year measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amount is determined. The acquirer is required to also record, in the same period's financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In February 2016, an accounting standard was issued that will supersede the existing lease standard and requiring a lessee to recognize a lease liability and a lease asset on its balance sheet for all leases, including those classified as operating leases under the existing lease standard. The update also expands the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding leases. This standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, including interim periods within that fiscal year. This standard will be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2016, an accounting standard update was issued that amends several aspects of the accounting for share-based payments, including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, and classification within the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Note 3 - Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
May 31, 2016
 
August 31, 2015
Processed and unprocessed scrap metal
$
69,914

 
$
56,860

Semi-finished goods (billets)
12,927

 
10,648

Finished goods
35,910

 
50,440

Supplies
38,195

 
38,584

Inventories
$
156,946

 
$
156,532


Note 4 - Goodwill

The Company tests the goodwill in each of its reporting units annually on July 1 and upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be impaired. There were no triggering events identified during the third quarter of fiscal 2016 requiring an interim goodwill impairment test.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, management identified the combination of sustained weak market conditions, including the adverse effects of lower commodity selling prices and the constraining impact of the lower price environment on the supply of raw materials which negatively impacted volumes, the Company’s recent financial performance and a decline in the Company’s market capitalization as a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to its reporting units. In connection with the interim impairment test performed in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company used a measurement date of February 1, 2016.
For the reporting unit with $9 million of goodwill as of February 1, 2016, the first step of the impairment test showed that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, indicating a potential impairment. Based on the second step of the impairment test, the Company concluded that no implied fair value of goodwill remained for the reporting unit, resulting in an impairment of the entire carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill totaling $9 million.
For the reporting unit with $166 million of goodwill as of February 1, 2016, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 27%. The projections used in the income approach for the reporting unit took into consideration the impact of current market conditions for ferrous and nonferrous recycled metals, the cost of obtaining adequate supply flows of scrap metal including end-of-life vehicles, and recent trends of self-serve parts sales. The projections assumed a limited recovery of operating margins from current depressed levels over a multi-year period, including the benefits of recently initiated cost-saving and productivity improvement measures. The market-based WACC used in the income approach for the reporting unit was 11.2%.

13
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The terminal growth rate used in the discounted cash flow model was 2%. Assuming all other components of the fair value estimate were held constant, an increase in the WACC of 2% or more or weaker than anticipated improvements in operating margins could have resulted in a failure of the step one quantitative impairment test for the reporting unit.
The Company also used a market approach based on earnings multiple data and the Company’s market capitalization to corroborate the reporting units’ valuations. The Company reconciled its market capitalization to the aggregated estimated fair value of its reporting units, including consideration of a control premium representing the estimated amount a market participant would pay to obtain a controlling interest. The implied control premium resulting from the difference between the Company's market capitalization (based on the average trading price of the Company's Class A common stock for the two-week period ended February 1, 2016) and the higher aggregated estimated fair value of all of its reporting units was within the historical range of average and mean premiums observed on historical transactions within the steel-making, scrap processing and metals industries. The Company identified specific reconciling items, including market participant synergies, which supported the implied control premium as of February 1, 2016.
The determination of fair value of the reporting units used to perform the first step of the impairment test requires judgment and involves significant estimates and assumptions about the expected future cash flows and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions. Due to the inherent uncertainty associated with forming these estimates, actual results could differ from those estimates. Future events and changing market conditions may impact the Company’s assumptions as to future revenue growth rates, pace and extent of operating margin and volume recovery, market-based WACC and other factors that may result in changes in the estimates of the Company’s reporting units’ fair value. Although management believes the assumptions used in testing the Company’s reporting units’ goodwill for impairment are reasonable, additional declines in or a lack of sustainable recovery of market conditions from current levels, a trend of weaker than anticipated financial performance including the pace and extent of operating margin recovery for the reporting unit with allocated goodwill, a deterioration in the Company’s share price from current levels for a sustained period of time, or an increase in the market-based WACC, among other factors, could significantly impact the impairment analysis and may result in future goodwill impairment charges that, if incurred, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
The gross changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended May 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands):
 
Auto and Metals Recycling
August 31, 2015
$
175,676

Foreign currency translation adjustment
64

Goodwill impairment charge
(8,845
)
May 31, 2016
$
166,895


In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill which resulted in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $141 million at the former MRB reporting unit. The impairment charge is reported within the results of AMR.

Accumulated goodwill impairment charges were $471 million and $462 million as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015 respectively.

Note 5 - Debt

On April 6, 2016, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Amended Credit Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto, which amends and restates the Company’s existing unsecured credit agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for $335 million and C$15 million in senior secured revolving credit facilities maturing in April 2021. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Amended Credit Agreement, the Company may request that the commitments under the U.S. credit facility be increased by an aggregate amount not exceeding $100 million. Prior to its amendment and renewal, the credit agreement provided for revolving loans of $670 million and C$30 million maturing in April 2017. The Company had $198 million in borrowings outstanding under the credit agreement as of April 5, 2016 prior to its amendment and renewal. As of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, borrowings outstanding under the credit facility were $190 million and $215 million, respectively.
Interest rates on outstanding indebtedness under the Amended Credit Agreement are based, at the Company’s option, on either the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), or the Canadian equivalent, plus a spread of between 1.75% and 2.75%, with the

14
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


amount of the spread based on a pricing grid tied to the Company’s leverage ratio but no less than 2.50% for the fiscal quarters ending May 31, 2016, August 31, 2016 and November 30, 2016, or the greater of the prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or the daily rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.75%, in each case plus a spread of between zero and 1.00% based on a pricing grid tied to the Company's leverage ratio. In addition, commitment fees are payable on the unused portion of the credit facilities at rates between 0.20% and 0.40% based on a pricing grid tied to the Company’s leverage ratio.
The Amended Credit Agreement contains certain customary covenants, including covenants that limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to enter into certain types of transactions. Financial covenants include covenants requiring maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum asset coverage ratio. The Company’s obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by substantially all of its subsidiaries. The credit facilities and the related guarantees are secured by senior first priority liens on certain of the Company's and its subsidiaries’ assets, including equipment, inventory and accounts receivable.
The Company also had an unsecured, uncommitted $25 million credit line with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that expired on April 1, 2016. Interest rates were set by the bank at the time of borrowing. The Company had no borrowings outstanding under this credit line as of August 31, 2015.

Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies

The Company evaluates the adequacy of its environmental liabilities on a quarterly basis. Adjustments to the liabilities are made when additional information becomes available that affects the estimated costs to study or remediate any environmental issues or expenditures are made for which liabilities were established.

Changes in the Company’s environmental liabilities for the nine months ended May 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands):
Reportable Segment
 
Balance as of August 31, 2015
 
Liabilities Established (Released), Net
 
Payments and Other
 
Balance as of May 31, 2016
 
Short-Term
 
Long-Term
Auto and Metals Recycling
 
$
46,494

 
$
253

 
$
(732
)
 
$
46,015

 
$
1,584

 
$
44,431

Corporate
 
299

 
—

 
(42
)
 
257

 
137

 
120

Total
 
$
46,793

 
$
253

 
$
(774
)
 
$
46,272

 
$
1,721

 
$
44,551


Auto and Metals Recycling (“AMR”)
As of May 31, 2016, AMR had environmental liabilities of $46 million for the potential remediation of locations where it has conducted business and has environmental liabilities from historical or recent activities.
 
Portland Harbor
In December 2000, the Company was notified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) that it is one of the potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) that own or operate or formerly owned or operated sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor Superfund site (the “Site”). The precise nature and extent of any cleanup of the Site, the parties to be involved, the process to be followed for any cleanup and the allocation of the costs for any cleanup among responsible parties have not yet been determined, but the process of identifying additional PRPs and beginning allocation of costs is underway. It is unclear to what extent the Company will be liable for environmental costs or natural resource damage claims or third party contribution or damage claims with respect to the Site. While the Company participated in certain preliminary Site study efforts, it is not party to the consent order entered into by the EPA with certain other PRPs, referred to as the “Lower Willamette Group” (“LWG”), for a remedial investigation/feasibility study (“RI/FS”).
During fiscal 2007, the Company and certain other parties agreed to an interim settlement with the LWG under which the Company made a cash contribution to the LWG RI/FS. The Company has also joined with more than 80 other PRPs, including the LWG, in a voluntary process to establish an allocation of costs at the Site. These parties have selected an allocation team and have entered into an allocation process design agreement. The LWG has also commenced federal court litigation, which has been stayed, seeking to bring additional parties into the allocation process.
In January 2008, the Natural Resource Damages Trustee Council (“Trustees”) for Portland Harbor invited the Company and other PRPs to participate in funding and implementing the Natural Resource Injury Assessment for the Site. Following meetings among the Trustees and the PRPs, a funding and participation agreement was negotiated under which the participating PRPs agreed to fund the first phase of the natural resource damage assessment. The Company joined in that Phase I agreement and paid a portion of those costs. The Company did not participate in funding the second phase of the natural resource damage assessment.

15
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


On March 30, 2012, the LWG submitted to the EPA and made available on its website a draft feasibility study (“FS”) for the Site based on approximately ten years of work and $100 million in costs classified by the LWG as investigation-related. The draft FS submitted by the LWG identified ten possible remedial alternatives which ranged in estimated cost from approximately $170 million to $250 million (net present value) for the least costly alternative to approximately $1.08 billion to $1.76 billion (net present value) for the most costly alternative and estimated a range of two to 28 years to implement the remedial work, depending on the selected alternative. However, the EPA largely rejected this draft FS, and took over the drafting process. The EPA provided their revised draft FS to the LWG and other key stakeholders in sections, with the final section being made available in August 2015. The revised draft FS identified five possible remedial alternatives which ranged in estimated cost from approximately $550 million to $1.19 billion (net present value) for the least costly alternative to approximately $1.71 billion to $3.67 billion (net present value) for the most costly alternative and estimated a range of four to 18 years to implement the remedial work, depending on the selected alternative.
In November 2015, EPA Region 10 presented its preferred alternative remedy to the National Remedy Review Board ("NRRB"), a peer review group that has been established to review proposed Superfund cleanup decisions for consistency with the Superfund statute, regulations, and guidance. EPA Region 10’s preferred alternative presented to the NRRB was a modified version of one of the alternatives (Alternative E) in the revised draft FS, and EPA Region 10 estimated that its preferred alternative would take seven years to implement, with an estimated cost of $1.4 billion (net present value).
In June 2016, EPA issued its Proposed Plan for the cleanup of the in-river portion of the Site. In the Proposed Plan, EPA identified its preferred alternative, which includes a combination of dredging, capping, and enhanced natural recovery and which EPA estimates will take approximately seven years to construct with additional time for monitored natural recovery to occur and cost an estimated $746 million (net present value). This is approximately half of the estimated $1.4 billion (net present value) cost of the very similar preferred alternative that EPA Region 10 presented in November 2015. The Proposed Plan also describes other alternatives that were considered and the criteria EPA used to compare the alternatives, including estimated costs and construction timelines. In conjunction with the Proposed Plan, EPA issued its final FS in June 2016. The final FS identifies eight possible remedial alternatives (some of which contain two disposal alternatives, for a total of 13 possible alternative remedial scenarios) which ranged in estimated cost from approximately $316 million to $677 million (net present value) for the least costly alternative to approximately $1.21 billion to $2.67 billion (net present value) for the most costly alternative that the EPA did not screen out and estimates a range of four to 19 years to implement the remedial work, depending on the selected alternative. The final FS includes one alternative (Alternative H) which would involve capping/dredging the entire Site with an estimated cost range from approximately $6.61 billion to $14.29 billion and 62 years to implement. EPA screened out this Alternative H due to implementability and cost considerations. Each of the draft and final FS also contain a No Action alternative considered as a baseline for comparison with the other alternatives. The FS and the Proposed Plan do not determine or allocate the responsibility for remediation costs.
Issuance of the Proposed Plan is part of the continuing process for evaluation and remediation of the Site. There will be a 90-day public comment period on the Proposed Plan that ends on September 6, 2016, unless EPA chooses to extend it. Following the public comment period, EPA will prepare a summary responding to the comments and select a remedy for the Site in a Record of Decision (“ROD”). EPA has indicated that it plans to issue the ROD prior to the end of 2016. In the ROD, EPA may modify the preferred alternative or select a different alternative than that presented in the Proposed Plan based on new information or public comments. It is uncertain whether the preferred alternative identified by EPA in the Proposed Plan will be the selected remedy in the ROD or whether the EPA will be able to maintain its proposed schedule for issuing the ROD.
The Company and other stakeholders have identified a number of concerns regarding the EPA's cost estimates, scheduling assumptions and conclusions regarding the feasibility, effectiveness and assignment of remediation technologies. EPA’s FS and Proposed Plan are based on data that are more than a decade old and may not accurately represent site or background conditions. In its Proposed Plan, EPA acknowledged that the assumptions used to estimate costs for the remedial alternatives were developed based on the existing data and will be finalized during the remedial design, after design level data to refine the baseline conditions are obtained. In addition, the FS and Proposed Plan provide only site-wide cost estimates and do not provide sufficient detail regarding costs for specific sediment management areas. Accordingly, it is anticipated that additional pre-remedial design investigative work will need to occur after the ROD is issued in order to provide a re-baseline for costs and determine particular remedial actions for specific areas within the Site.
The next phase in the process following the ROD is the remedial design. The remedial design phase is an engineering phase during which additional technical information and data will be collected, identified and incorporated into technical drawings and specifications developed for the subsequent remedial action. The EPA will be seeking a new coalition of PRPs to perform the remedial design activities. Remediation activities are not expected to commence for a number of years and responsibility for implementing and funding the EPA’s selected remedy will be determined in a separate allocation process. While an allocation process is currently underway, the EPA's FS and its approach to the proposed alternative remedies have raised questions and uncertainty as to how that allocation process will proceed.

16
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Because there has not been a determination of the total cost of the investigations, the remediation that will be required, the amount of natural resource damages or how the costs of the ongoing investigations and any remedy and natural resource damages will be allocated among the PRPs, the Company believes it is not possible to reasonably estimate the amount or range of costs which it is likely to or which it is reasonably possible that it will incur in connection with the Site, although such costs could be material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. Among the facts currently being developed are detailed information on the history of ownership of and the nature of the uses of and activities and operations performed on each property within the Site, which are factors that will play a substantial role in determining the allocation of investigation and remedy costs among the PRPs. The Company has insurance policies that it believes will provide reimbursement for costs it incurs for defense, remediation and mitigation for natural resource damages claims in connection with the Site, although there is no assurance that those policies will cover all of the costs which the Company may incur. The Company previously recorded a liability for its estimated share of the costs of the investigation of $1 million.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is separately providing oversight of voluntary investigations by the Company involving the Company’s sites adjacent to the Portland Harbor which are focused on controlling any current “uplands” releases of contaminants into the Willamette River. No liabilities have been established in connection with these investigations because the extent of contamination (if any) and the Company’s responsibility for the contamination (if any) have not yet been determined.

Other AMR Sites
As of May 31, 2016, the Company had environmental liabilities related to various AMR sites other than Portland Harbor of $45 million. The liabilities relate to the potential future remediation of soil contamination, groundwater contamination and storm water runoff issues and were not individually material at any site.

Steel Manufacturing Business (“SMB”)
SMB’s electric arc furnace generates dust (“EAF dust”) that is classified as hazardous waste by the EPA because of its zinc and lead content. As a result, the Company captures the EAF dust and ships it in specialized rail cars to a firm that applies a treatment that allows the EAF dust to be delisted as hazardous waste.
SMB has an operating permit issued under Title V of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which governs certain air quality standards. The permit is based on an annual production capacity of 950 thousand tons. The permit was first issued in 1998 and has since been renewed through February 1, 2018.
SMB had no environmental liabilities as of May 31, 2016.
Other than the Portland Harbor Superfund site, which is discussed above, management currently believes that adequate provision has been made for the potential impact of these issues and that the ultimate outcomes will not have a material adverse effect on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as a whole. Historically, the amounts the Company has ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material in any given period.
In addition, the Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that adequate provisions have been made for these contingencies. The Company does not anticipate that the resolution of legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.


17
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 7 - Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Costs

The Company has implemented a number of restructuring initiatives designed to reduce operating expenses and improve profitability and to achieve further integration and synergistic cost efficiencies in its operating platform. The restructuring charges incurred by the Company during the periods presented pertain to three separate plans: the plans announced in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 (the “Q1’14 Plan”), the Q1’15 Plan and the Q2'15 Plan.
The Q1'14 Plan was designed to reduce the Company's annual operating expenses through headcount reductions, productivity improvements, procurement savings and other operational efficiencies. The Q1'15 Plan included additional productivity initiatives to improve profitability through a combination of revenue drivers and cost reduction initiatives.
At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company commenced additional restructuring and exit-related initiatives by undertaking strategic actions consisting of idling underutilized assets at AMR and initiating the closure of seven auto parts stores to align the Company's business to the prevalent market conditions. The Company expanded these initiatives in April 2015, and also announced the integration of the MRB and APB Businesses into the combined AMR platform, in order to achieve operational synergies and reduce the Company's annual operating expenses, primarily selling, general and administrative expenses, through headcount reductions, reducing organizational layers, consolidating shared service functions and other non-headcount measures. Additional cost savings and productivity improvement initiatives, including additional reductions in personnel, savings from procurement activities, streamlining of administrative and supporting services functions, and adjustments to our operating capacity through facility closures, were identified and initiated in fiscal 2016. Collectively, these initiatives are referred to as the Q2'15 Plan.
The Company incurred restructuring charges of less than $1 million and $6 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016, respectively, and $7 million and $10 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015, respectively. The remaining charges relating to these initiatives are expected to be substantially incurred by the end of fiscal 2017. The significant majority of the restructuring charges require the Company to make cash payments.
In addition to the restructuring charges recorded related to these initiatives, during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015, the Company incurred other exit-related costs consisting of long-lived asset impairments and accelerated depreciation due to shortened useful lives of long-lived assets, including from abandonment, in connection with site closures and idled equipment.

18
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs were comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2015
 
All Other Plans
 
Q2’15 Plan
 
Total Charges
 
All Other Plans
 
Q2’15 Plan
 
Total Charges
Restructuring charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance costs
$
—

 
$
340

 
$
340

 
$
(5
)
 
$
4,040

 
$
4,035

Contract termination costs
76

 
26

 
102

 
26

 
1,610

 
1,636

Other restructuring costs
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,609

 
1,609

Total restructuring charges
76

 
366

 
442

 
21

 
7,259

 
7,280

Other exit-related costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset impairments and accelerated depreciation
—

 
119

 
119

 
—

 
150

 
150

Total other exit-related costs
—

 
119

 
119

 
—

 
150

 
150

Total restructuring charges and other exit-related costs
$
76

 
$
485

 
$
561

 
$
21

 
$
7,409

 
$
7,430

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs included in continuing operations
 
$
542

 
 
 
 
 
$
5,978

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs included in discontinued operations
 
$
19

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,452

 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2015
 
All Other Plans
 
Q2’15 Plan
 
Total Charges
 
All Other Plans
 
Q2’15 Plan
 
Total Charges
Restructuring charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance costs
$
—

 
$
4,686

 
$
4,686

 
$
393

 
$
4,580

 
$
4,973

Contract termination costs
201

 
683

 
884

 
335

 
1,689

 
2,024

Other restructuring costs
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,223

 
1,702

 
2,925

Total restructuring charges
201

 
5,369

 
5,570

 
1,951

 
7,971

 
9,922

Other exit-related costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset impairments and accelerated depreciation
—

 
3,127

 
3,127

 
—

 
6,502

 
6,502

Total other exit-related costs
—

 
3,127

 
3,127

 
—

 
6,502

 
6,502

Total restructuring charges and other exit-related costs
$
201

 
$
8,496

 
$
8,697

 
$
1,951

 
$
14,473

 
$
16,424

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs included in continuing operations
 
$
7,758

 
 
 
 
 
$
11,964

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs included in discontinued operations
 
$
939

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,460


 
All Other Plans
 
Q2'15 Plan
 
Total
Total restructuring charges to date
$
7,962

 
$
13,992

 
$
21,954

Total expected restructuring charges
$
7,991

 
$
14,408

 
$
22,399



19
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The following illustrates the reconciliation of the restructuring liability by major type of costs for the nine months ended May 31, 2016 (in thousands):
 
All Other Plans
 
Q2’15 Plan
 
All Plans
 
Balance 8/31/2015
 
Charges
 
Payments and Other
 
Balance 5/31/2016
 
Balance 8/31/2015
 
Charges
 
Payments and Other
 
Balance 5/31/2016
 
Total Charges to Date
 
Total Expected Charges
Severance costs
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,226

 
$
4,686

 
$
(4,819
)
 
$
1,093

 
$
14,922

 
$
14,977

Contract termination costs
362

 
201

 
(515
)
 
48

 
1,320

 
683

 
(786
)
 
1,217

 
3,350

 
3,668

Other restructuring costs
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,682

 
3,754

Total
$
362

 
$
201

 
$
(515
)
 
$
48

 
$
2,546

 
$
5,369

 
$
(5,605
)
 
$
2,310

 
$
21,954

 
$
22,399


Due to the individual immateriality of the activity and liability balances for each of the Q1'14 Plan and Q1'15 Plan, the disclosure of restructuring activity and the reconciliation of the restructuring liability for these two plans is provided in the aggregate ("All Other Plans").

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs by reportable segment and discontinued operations were as follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
Total Charges
to Date
 
Total Expected Charges
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Restructuring charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto and Metals Recycling
$
423

 
$
4,017

 
$
4,766

 
$
6,260

 
$
15,564

 
$
15,937

Unallocated (Corporate)
—

 
1,811

 
812

 
1,868

 
4,819

 
4,819

Discontinued operations
19

 
1,452

 
(8
)
 
1,794

 
1,571

 
1,643

Total restructuring charges
442

 
7,280

 
5,570

 
9,922

 
21,954

 
22,399

Other exit-related costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto and Metals Recycling
119

 
150

 
2,180

 
3,836

 
6,582

 
 
Discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
947

 
2,666

 
3,613

 
 
Total other exit-related costs
119

 
150

 
3,127

 
6,502

 
10,195

 


Total restructuring charges and other exit-related costs
$
561

 
$
7,430

 
$
8,697

 
$
16,424

 
$
32,149

 


The Company does not allocate restructuring charges and other exit-related costs to the segments’ operating results because management does not include this information in its measurement of the performance of the operating segments.


20
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 8 - Changes in Equity
 
Changes in equity were comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2015
 
SSI Shareholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
 
SSI Shareholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
Balance - September 1 (Beginning of period)
$
534,535

 
$
4,016

 
$
538,551

 
$
770,784

 
$
5,193

 
$
775,977

Net income (loss)
(35,543
)
 
1,294

 
(34,249
)
 
(207,740
)
 
1,318

 
(206,422
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(6
)
 
—

 
(6
)
 
(21,096
)
 
—

 
(21,096
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
—

 
(1,179
)
 
(1,179
)
 
—

 
(2,263
)
 
(2,263
)
Share repurchases
(3,479
)
 
—

 
(3,479
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Restricted stock withheld for taxes
(1,938
)
 
—

 
(1,938
)
 
(1,360
)
 
—

 
(1,360
)
Share-based compensation
6,636

 
—

 
6,636

 
7,596

 
—

 
7,596

Excess tax deficiency from stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested
—

 
—

 
—

 
(703
)
 
—

 
(703
)
Dividends
(15,406
)
 
—

 
(15,406
)
 
(15,415
)
 
—

 
(15,415
)
Balance - May 31
(End of period)
$
484,799

 
$
4,131

 
$
488,930

 
$
532,066

 
$
4,248

 
$
536,314


Note 9 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, were comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2015
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Pension Obligations, net
 
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Total
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Pension Obligations, net
 
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Total
Balances - March 1
(Beginning of period)
$
(35,910
)
 
$
(4,168
)
 
$
—

 
$
(40,078
)
 
$
(30,536
)
 
$
(1,977
)
 
$
(3,635
)
 
$
(36,148
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
1,485

 


 
—

 
1,485

 
250

 
—

 
215

 
465

Income tax benefit
—

 


 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax
1,485

 
—

 
—

 
1,485

 
250

 
—

 
215

 
465

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
—

 
102

 
—

 
102

 
—

 
473

 
1,645

 
2,118

Income tax benefit
—

 
(37
)
 
—

 
(37
)
 
—

 
(172
)
 
—

 
(172
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
—

 
65

 
—

 
65

 
—

 
301

 
1,645

 
1,946

Net periodic other comprehensive income
1,485

 
65

 
—

 
1,550

 
250

 
301

 
1,860

 
2,411

Balances - May 31
(End of period)
$
(34,425
)
 
$
(4,103
)
 
$
—

 
$
(38,528
)
 
$
(30,286
)
 
$
(1,676
)
 
$
(1,775
)
 
$
(33,737
)

21
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2015
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Pension Obligations, net
 
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Total
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Pension Obligations, net
 
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Total
Balances - September 1
(Beginning of period)
$
(34,009
)
 
$
(4,273
)
 
$
(240
)
 
$
(38,522
)
 
$
(10,663
)
 
$
(2,036
)
 
$
58

 
$
(12,641
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
(416
)
 
—

 
—

 
(416
)
 
(19,623
)
 
—

 
(4,921
)
 
(24,544
)
Income tax benefit
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
428

 
428

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax
(416
)
 
—

 
—

 
(416
)
 
(19,623
)
 
—

 
(4,493
)
 
(24,116
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
—

 
268

 
312

 
580

 
—

 
560

 
2,999

 
3,559

Income tax benefit
—

 
(98
)
 
(72
)
 
(170
)
 
—

 
(200
)
 
(339
)
 
(539
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
—

 
170

 
240

 
410

 
—

 
360

 
2,660

 
3,020

Net periodic other comprehensive income (loss)
(416
)
 
170

 
240

 
(6
)
 
(19,623
)
 
360

 
(1,833
)
 
(21,096
)
Balances - May 31
(End of period)
$
(34,425
)
 
$
(4,103
)
 
$
—

 
$
(38,528
)
 
$
(30,286
)
 
$
(1,676
)
 
$
(1,775
)
 
$
(33,737
)

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss, both individually and in the aggregate, were immaterial to the impacted captions in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Note 10 - Discontinued Operations

In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company ceased operations at seven auto parts stores, six of which qualified for discontinued operations reporting in accordance with the accounting standards in effect at the time prior to adopting the accounting standard update on discontinued operations reporting in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The operations of the six qualifying stores had previously been reported within the APB reportable segment, which was subsequently replaced by the AMR reportable segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. In the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded impairment charges of $1 million and $3 million, respectively, on the long-lived assets of discontinued auto parts stores. Impaired assets in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 consisted primarily of capital lease assets associated with the buildings on two leased properties.
Operating results of discontinued operations were comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues
$
—

 
$
1,440

 
$
—

 
$
8,210

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
$
(130
)
 
$
(1,812
)
 
$
(1,225
)
 
$
(7,070
)
Income tax benefit
14

 
578

 
19

 
756

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
(116
)
 
$
(1,234
)
 
$
(1,206
)
 
$
(6,314
)

Note 11 - Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company previously entered into a series of foreign currency exchange forward contracts to sell U.S. dollars in order to hedge a portion of its exposure to fluctuating rates of exchange on anticipated U.S. dollar-denominated sales by its Canadian subsidiary with a functional currency of the Canadian dollar. The Company utilized intercompany foreign currency derivatives and offsetting derivatives with external counterparties in order to designate the intercompany derivatives as hedging instruments. Once the U.S. dollar-denominated sales have been recognized and the corresponding receivables collected, the Company utilized foreign currency exchange forward contracts to sell Canadian dollars, achieving a result similar to net settling the contracts to sell U.S. dollars. The foreign currency exchange forward contracts to sell Canadian dollars are not designated as hedging instruments.

22
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The Company did not have any foreign currency exchange forward contracts as of May 31, 2016, and the results of contracts that expired during fiscal 2016 were immaterial. Accordingly, the results of foreign currency exchange forward contracts for fiscal 2016 are excluded from the tabular disclosures below.
The fair value of derivative instruments in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows (in thousands):
 
Asset (Liability) Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet Location
August 31, 2015
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
—

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Other accrued liabilities
$
(751
)

The following table summarizes the results of foreign currency exchange derivatives (in thousands):
 
Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2015
 
Other Comprehensive Income
 
Revenues - Effective Portion
 
Other Income (Expense), net
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
- designated as cash flow hedges
$
215

 
$
(1,645
)
 
$
27

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
- not designated as cash flow hedges
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(143
)
 
Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2015
 
Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Revenues - Effective Portion
 
Other Income (Expense), net
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
- designated as cash flow hedges
$
(4,921
)
 
$
(2,999
)
 
$
202

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
- not designated as cash flow hedges
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(265
)

There was no hedge ineffectiveness with respect to the forward currency exchange cash flow hedges for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015.


23
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 12 - Share-Based Compensation

In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, as part of the annual awards under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors ("Compensation Committee") granted the first half of the fiscal 2016 annual award consisting of 203,728 restricted stock units ("RSUs") and 201,702 performance share awards to the Company's key employees and officers under the Company's 1993 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan ("SIP"). The RSUs have a five-year term and vest 20% per year commencing October 31, 2016. In addition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 the Compensation Committee granted 48,163 RSUs with a two-year vesting term and no retirement-eligibility provisions under the SIP. The aggregate fair value of all of the RSUs granted was based on the market closing price of the underlying Class A common stock on the grant date and totaled $4 million. The compensation expense associated with the RSUs is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards, net of forfeitures.
The performance share awards are comprised of two separate and distinct awards with different vesting conditions.
The Compensation Committee granted 99,860 of the performance share awards based on a relative Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") metric over a performance period spanning November 9, 2015 to August 31, 2018. Award share payouts range from 0% to a maximum of 200% based on the relative ranking of the Company's TSR among a designated peer group of 16 companies. The TSR award stipulates certain limitations to the payout in the event the payout reaches a defined ceiling level or the Company's TSR is negative. The TSR awards contain a market condition and, therefore, once the award recipients complete the requisite service period, the related compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value is not changed, regardless of whether the market condition has been satisfied. The estimated fair value of the TSR awards at the date of grant was $2 million. The Company estimated the fair value of the TSR awards using a Monte-Carlo simulation model utilizing several key assumptions including expected Company and peer company share price volatility, correlation coefficients between peers, the risk-free rate of return, the expected dividend yield and other award design features.
The remaining 101,842 performance share awards have a three-year performance period consisting of the Company’s fiscal 2016, 2017 and 2018. The performance targets are based on the Company's cash flow return on investment ("CFROI") over the three-year performance period, with award payouts ranging from 0% to a maximum of 200%. The fair value of the awards granted was based on the market closing price of the underlying Class A common stock on the grant date and totaled $2 million.
The compensation expense associated with performance share awards is recognized over the requisite service period, net of forfeitures. Performance share awards will be paid in Class A common stock as soon as practicable after the end of the requisite service period and vesting date of October 31, 2018.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company granted deferred stock units ("DSU") to each of its non-employee directors under the Company's 1993 Stock Incentive Plan. Each DSU gives the director the right to receive one share of Class A common stock at a future date. The grant included an aggregate of 57,780 shares that will vest on the day before the Company's 2017 annual meeting, subject to continued Board service. The total value of these awards at the grant date was $1 million. John Carter, the Company's Chairman, and Tamara Lundgren, President and Chief Executive Officer, receive compensation pursuant to their employment agreements and do not receive DSUs.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Compensation Committee granted the second half of the fiscal 2016 annual award consisting of 157,403 RSUs and 152,221 performance share awards consisting of 73,546 TSR awards and 78,675 CFROI awards to the Company's key employees and officers under its SIP with terms substantially similar to the awards granted in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, as described above in this Note, except that the performance period for the TSR awards started on April 27, 2016 and for the CFROI awards on March 1, 2016. The fair values of RSUs, TSR awards and CFROI awards granted in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were $3 million, $2 million and $2 million, respectively.

24
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 13 - Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the Company’s continuing operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 was an expense of 0.8% and 2.5%, respectively, compared to an expense of 22.1% and a benefit of 3.9% for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015, respectively.
A reconciliation of the difference between the federal statutory rate and the Company’s effective rate is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Federal statutory rate
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
State taxes, net of credits
1.7

 
4.7

 
1.4

 
1.2

Foreign income taxed at different rates
(2.4
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(6.1
)
 
(7.4
)
Non-deductible officers’ compensation
0.7

 
(0.6
)
 
(1.3
)
 
(0.2
)
Noncontrolling interests
(1.6
)
 
(0.8
)
 
3.0

 
0.4

Research and development credits
(2.1
)
 
7.4

 
1.6

 
0.3

Tax return to provision adjustment
(1.1
)
 
(6.5
)
 
0.4

 
(0.2
)
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
(31.2
)
 
(54.3
)
 
(33.5
)
 
(21.5
)
Non-deductible goodwill
0.3

 
(5.0
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(2.8
)
Unrecognized tax benefits
1.4

 
(4.0
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(0.6
)
Other non-deductible expenses
0.7

 
2.7

 
(1.8
)
 
(0.4
)
Other
(0.6
)
 
(0.2
)
 
0.8

 
0.1

Effective tax rate
0.8
 %
 
(22.1
)%
 
(2.5
)%
 
3.9
 %
_____________________________
(1)
For periods with reported pre-tax losses, the effect of reconciling items with positive signs is a tax benefit in excess of applying the federal statutory rate to the pre-tax loss.

The effective tax rate from continuing operations for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 was lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the low projected annual effective tax rate applied to the pre-tax results for the periods. The low projected annual effective tax rate is the result of the Company’s full valuation allowance positions partially offset by increases in deferred tax liabilities from indefinite-lived assets in all jurisdictions.
The effective tax rates for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015 were impacted primarily by the recognition of valuation allowances of $4 million and $46 million, respectively, on projected tax benefits in domestic and foreign taxing jurisdictions. The deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance was recorded were related primarily to deductible temporary differences created in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 by goodwill and other asset impairment charges.

The Company files federal and state income tax returns in the U.S. and foreign tax returns in Puerto Rico and Canada. For U.S. federal income tax returns, fiscal years 2012 to 2015 remain subject to examination under the statute of limitations.


25
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 14 - Net Income (Loss) Per Share

The following table sets forth the information used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to SSI (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
  
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
11,805

 
$
(7,707
)
 
$
(33,043
)
 
$
(200,108
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(689
)
 
(687
)
 
(1,294
)
 
(1,318
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI
11,116

 
(8,394
)
 
(34,337
)
 
(201,426
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(116
)
 
(1,234
)
 
(1,206
)
 
(6,314
)
Net income (loss) attributable to SSI
$
11,000

 
$
(9,628
)
 
$
(35,543
)
 
$
(207,740
)
Computation of shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
27,261

 
27,043

 
27,195

 
27,003

Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive stock options, performance share awards, DSUs, and RSUs
66

 
—

 
—

 
—

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
27,327

 
27,043

 
27,195

 
27,003

 
Common stock equivalent shares of 490,984 and 725,548, respectively, were considered antidilutive and were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share for each of the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016, compared to 1,359,372 and 1,290,829 common stock equivalent shares for each of the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015.

Note 15 - Related Party Transactions

The Company purchases recycled metal from its joint venture operations at prices that approximate fair market value. These purchases totaled $3 million and $4 million for the three months ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $9 million and $17 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Thomas D. Klauer, Jr., who had been President of the Company’s former Auto Parts Business prior to his retirement on January 5, 2015, is the sole shareholder of a corporation that is the 25% minority partner in a partnership in which the Company is the 75% partner and which operated five self-service stores in Northern California as of the date of his retirement. Mr. Klauer’s 25% share of the profits of this partnership totaled $1 million in fiscal 2015 through the date of his retirement in January 2015. The partnership leases properties from entities in which Mr. Klauer has ownership interests under agreements that expire in December 2020 with options to renew the leases, upon expiration, for multiple periods. The rent paid by the partnership to the entities in which Mr. Klauer has ownership interests was less than $1 million in fiscal 2015 through the date of his retirement in January 2015.
Note 16 - Segment Information

The accounting standards for reporting information about operating segments define an operating segment as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses and for which discrete financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.
Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company's internal organizational and reporting structure supported three operating and reportable segments: the Metals Recycling Business ("MRB"), the Auto Parts Business ("APB") and the Steel Manufacturing Business ("SMB"). In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, in accordance with its plan announced in April 2015, the Company combined and integrated its auto parts and metals recycling businesses into a single operating platform. This resulted in a realignment of how the Chief Executive Officer, who is considered the Company's chief operating decision maker, reviews performance and makes decisions on resource allocation. The change in the Company's internal organizational and reporting structure resulted in the formation of a new operating and reportable segment, the Auto and Metals Recycling ("AMR") business, replacing the former MRB and APB segments. The Company began reporting on this new segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 as reflected in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2015. The segment data for the comparable periods presented herein has been revised to conform to the current period presentation for all activities of AMR. Recasting this historical information did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial performance for any of the periods presented.

AMR buys and processes ferrous and nonferrous metal for sale to foreign and other domestic steel producers, including their representatives, and to SMB. In addition, AMR purchases ferrous metal from other processors for shipment directly to SMB. AMR

26
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


also procures salvaged vehicles and sells serviceable used auto parts from these vehicles through a network of self-service auto parts stores.
The Company is a noncontrolling partner in joint ventures, which are either in the metals recycling business or are suppliers of unprocessed metal, the results of which are reported within the AMR reportable segment.
SMB operates a steel mini-mill that produces finished steel long products using recycled metal and other raw materials.
Intersegment sales from AMR to SMB are made at rates that approximate market prices for shipments from the West Coast of the U.S. These intercompany sales tend to produce intercompany profits which are not recognized until the finished products are ultimately sold to third parties.
The information provided below is obtained from internal information that is provided to the Company’s chief operating decision maker for the purpose of corporate management. The Company uses segment operating income to measure segment performance. The Company does not allocate corporate interest income and expense, income taxes and other income and expense to its reportable segments. Expenses related to shared services that support operational activities and transactions is allocated from Corporate to the segments. Unallocated Corporate expense consists primarily of expense for certain shared services management and administrative services that benefit both reportable segments. In addition, the Company does not allocate restructuring charges and other exit-related costs to the segment operating income because management does not include this information in its measurement of the performance of the operating segments. The results of discontinued operations are excluded from segment operating income and are presented separately, net of tax, from the results of ongoing operations for all periods presented.
The table below illustrates the Company’s revenues from continuing operations by reportable segment (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto and Metals Recycling:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
306,851

 
$
410,269

 
$
829,628

 
$
1,313,014

Less: Intersegment revenues
(26,171
)
 
(37,899
)
 
(68,965
)
 
(137,916
)
AMR external customer revenues
280,680

 
372,370

 
760,663

 
1,175,098

Steel Manufacturing Business:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
70,924

 
94,939

 
201,217

 
283,284

Total revenues
$
351,604

 
$
467,309

 
$
961,880

 
$
1,458,382


The table below illustrates the reconciliation of the Company’s segment operating income (loss) to the income (loss ) from continuing operations before income taxes (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Auto and Metals Recycling
$
26,870

 
$
4,261

 
$
2,555

 
$
(179,650
)
Steel Manufacturing Business
1,246

 
4,343

 
2,799

 
14,350

Segment operating income (loss)
28,116

 
8,604

 
5,354

 
(165,300
)
Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs
(542
)
 
(5,978
)
 
(7,758
)
 
(11,964
)
Corporate and eliminations
(12,688
)
 
(6,646
)
 
(23,813
)
 
(26,982
)
Operating income (loss)
14,886

 
(4,020
)
 
(26,217
)
 
(204,246
)
Interest expense
(2,905
)
 
(2,375
)
 
(6,779
)
 
(7,044
)
Other income (expense), net
(81
)
 
84

 
763

 
3,011

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
$
11,900

 
$
(6,311
)
 
$
(32,233
)
 
$
(208,279
)


27
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The following is a summary of the Company’s total assets by reportable segment (in thousands):
 
May 31, 2016
 
August 31, 2015
Auto and Metals Recycling(1)
$
1,482,857

 
$
1,492,906

Steel Manufacturing Business
368,431

 
370,955

Total segment assets
1,851,288

 
1,863,861

Corporate and eliminations
(974,845
)
 
(901,562
)
Total assets
$
876,443

 
$
962,299

_____________________________
(1)
AMR total assets include $13 million and $15 million as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, respectively, for investments in joint ventures.

28
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This section includes a discussion of our operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and May 31, 2015. The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2015 and the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

General
Founded in 1906, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., an Oregon corporation, is one of North America's largest recyclers of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal, including end-of-life vehicles, and a manufacturer of finished steel products.
Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, our internal organizational and reporting structure supported three operating and reportable segments: the Metals Recycling Business ("MRB"), the Auto Parts Business ("APB") and the Steel Manufacturing Business ("SMB"). In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, in accordance with our plan announced in April 2015, we combined and integrated our auto parts and metals recycling businesses into a single operating platform. This change in organizational structure is intended to further optimize the efficiencies in our operating platform, enabling additional synergies to be captured throughout our supply chain and global sales channels and more effectively leveraging our shared services platform. The change in our internal organizational and reporting structure resulted in the formation of a new operating and reportable segment, the Auto and Metals Recycling ("AMR") business, replacing the former MRB and APB segments. We began reporting on this new segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 as reflected in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2015. The segment data for the comparable periods presented herein has been recast to conform to the current period presentation for all activities of AMR. Recasting this historical information did not have an impact on the consolidated financial performance of SSI for any of the periods presented.
The results of discontinued operations are excluded from segment operating income and are presented separately, net of tax, from the results of ongoing operations for all periods presented.
For further information regarding our reportable segments, see Note 16 - Segment Information in the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Our results of operations depend in large part on the demand and prices for recycled metal in foreign and domestic markets and on the supply of raw materials, including end-of-life vehicles, available to be processed at our facilities. Our deep water port facilities on both the East and West Coasts of the U.S. (in Everett, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island; Oakland, California; Portland, Oregon; and Tacoma, Washington) and access to public deep water port facilities (in Kapolei, Hawaii; and Salinas, Puerto Rico) allow us to efficiently meet the global demand for recycled ferrous metal by shipping bulk cargoes to steel manufacturers located in Europe, Africa, the Middle East (“EAME”), Asia, and Central America. Our exports of nonferrous recycled metal are shipped in containers through various public docks to specialty steelmakers, foundries, aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers, copper refineries and smelters, brass and bronze ingot manufacturers and wire and cable producers globally. We also transport both ferrous and nonferrous metals by truck, rail and barge in order to transfer scrap metal between our facilities for further processing, to load shipments at our export facilities and to meet regional domestic demand.


29
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

Executive Overview of Financial Results for the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2016

We generated consolidated revenues of $352 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, a decrease of 25% from the $467 million of consolidated revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 primarily as a result of lower average net selling prices for ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal and finished steel products, and reduced sales volumes compared to the prior year period.
After experiencing sharp declines in the first half of fiscal 2016, net selling prices for ferrous scrap metal increased significantly during most of the third quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to the levels reached at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2016, primarily due to improved demand. Average net selling prices for shipments of ferrous scrap metal in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were $46 per ton, or 27%, higher than in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, but were 9% lower than in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Due to the higher demand, ferrous sales volumes increased 13% in the third quarter compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016, but were 17% lower than in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Although market conditions strengthened for most of the third quarter, export demand for the sale of ferrous scrap metal decreased near the end of the quarter and into the first month of the fourth quarter. Overall global demand for recycled metals in our end-markets was weaker than in the prior year quarter primarily due to excess steel capacity and overproduction, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar, and the impact of lower iron ore prices on demand for recycled ferrous metals.
Consolidated operating income was $15 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to consolidated operating loss of $4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Adjusted consolidated operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $15 million, compared to $3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 (adjusted results exclude the impact of other asset impairment charges, restructuring charges and other exit-related costs, and the impact of reselling or modifying the terms of certain previously contracted bulk ferrous shipments, net of recoveries; see the reconciliation of adjusted consolidated operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 2).
Operating results in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were positively impacted by the combination of ferrous net selling prices increasing by more than purchase prices for ferrous scrap metal, benefits from production cost efficiencies and a favorable impact from average inventory accounting, all of which contributed to significantly higher operating margins during the quarter compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The rising price environment for ferrous scrap metal during most of the third quarter of fiscal 2016 also improved the supply of scrap, including end-of-life vehicles, resulting in higher processed volumes and improved operating margins at AMR compared to the immediately preceding quarter. Operating results in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 improved significantly compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 which included a significant adverse impact from average inventory accounting driven by a sharp decline in commodity selling prices in the preceding quarter. In addition, operating results in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were positively impacted by the benefits from cost saving and productivity improvement initiatives initiated in fiscal 2015 and further expanded in fiscal 2016 to reduce direct costs of production and decrease consolidated selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense, which contributed to higher operating margins per ferrous ton sold at AMR than in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 despite lower average net selling prices and sales volumes. SMB returned to positive operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the immediately preceding quarter primarily due to seasonally stronger finished steel sales volumes and increased operating margin per finished ton sold. However, SMB's profitability remained lower than in the prior year quarter primarily due to decreased selling prices for finished steel products and lower rolling mill utilization. Consolidated SG&A expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased by $2 million, or 5%, compared to the prior year quarter, as the benefits from cost saving initiatives were more than offset by an increase in incentive compensation accruals as a result of improved performance during the current quarter.
In recent periods, we initiated and implemented a number of cost reduction and productivity improvement measures to more closely align our business to the prevalent market conditions. The combined benefit of the measures initiated since the beginning of fiscal 2015 represents a targeted annual improvement to operating performance of $95 million. These initiatives include those announced in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 (the "Q1'15 Plan") followed by further cost saving and exit-related measures in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 (the "Q2'15 Plan") targeting a combined benefit to annual operating performance of approximately $60 million, which was increased by $5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we expanded the Q2'15 Plan initiatives by an additional $30 million, of which approximately $13 million is expected to be achieved in fiscal 2016 and the full benefit in fiscal 2017. In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we achieved approximately $22 million in combined benefits related to these Plans compared to $10 million in the prior year quarter. We expect to achieve substantially all of the combined annual improvement target of $95 million associated with these Plans in fiscal 2017. Charges incurred in connection with the foregoing initiatives are discussed in Results of Operations, Operating Income (Loss) in this Item 2.
Net income from continuing operations attributable to SSI in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $11 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, compared to net loss from continuing operations attributable to SSI of $8 million, or $(0.31) per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Adjusted net income from continuing operations attributable to SSI in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $13 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, compared to break-even adjusted results in the prior year period (adjusted results exclude other asset impairment charges, restructuring charges and other exit-related costs, the impact of reselling or modifying the terms

30
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

of certain previously contracted bulk ferrous shipments, net of recoveries, and the non-cash write-off of debt issuance costs; see the reconciliation of adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 2).
The following items further highlight our consolidated financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2016:
•
For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, net cash provided by operating activities of $51 million, compared to $79 million in the prior year period; and
•
Debt of $203 million as of May 31, 2016, compared to $228 million as of August 31, 2015. Debt, net of cash, of $196 million as of May 31, 2016, compared to $205 million as of August 31, 2015 (see the reconciliation of debt, net of cash in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 2).
The following items highlight our reportable segment financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2016:
•
AMR revenues and operating income of $307 million and $27 million, respectively, compared to $410 million and $4 million, respectively, in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.
•
AMR adjusted operating income of $27 million, compared to $6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 (see reconciliation of adjusted AMR operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 2);
•
SMB revenues and operating income of $71 million and $1 million, respectively, compared to $95 million and $4 million, respectively, in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.


31
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

Results of Operations
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
($ in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto and Metals Recycling
$
306,851

 
$
410,269

 
(25
)%
 
$
829,628

 
$
1,313,014

 
(37
)%
Steel Manufacturing Business
70,924

 
94,939

 
(25
)%
 
201,217

 
283,284

 
(29
)%
Intercompany revenue eliminations(1)
(26,171
)
 
(37,899
)
 
(31
)%
 
(68,965
)
 
(137,916
)
 
(50
)%
Total revenues
351,604

 
467,309

 
(25
)%
 
961,880

 
1,458,382

 
(34
)%
Cost of goods sold:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto and Metals Recycling
251,008

 
373,991

 
(33
)%
 
716,128

 
1,211,245

 
(41
)%
Steel Manufacturing Business
67,892

 
89,111

 
(24
)%
 
193,565

 
264,413

 
(27
)%
Intercompany cost of goods sold eliminations(1)
(24,162
)
 
(38,790
)
 
(38
)%
 
(70,431
)
 
(136,682
)
 
(48
)%
Total cost of goods sold
294,738

 
424,312

 
(31
)%
 
839,262

 
1,338,976

 
(37
)%
Selling, general and administrative expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto and Metals Recycling
29,241

 
30,759

 
(5
)%
 
83,577

 
97,140

 
(14
)%
Steel Manufacturing Business
1,786

 
1,485

 
20
 %
 
4,853

 
4,521

 
7
 %
Corporate(2)
10,669

 
7,554

 
41
 %
 
25,283

 
25,035

 
1
 %
Total selling, general and administrative expense
41,696

 
39,798

 
5
 %
 
113,713

 
126,696

 
(10
)%
(Income) loss from joint ventures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto and Metals Recycling
(268
)
 
(23
)
 
1,065
 %
 
144

 
(1,116
)
 
NM

Change in intercompany profit elimination(3)
10

 
(17
)
 
NM

 
(83
)
 
(32
)
 
159
 %
Total (income) loss from joint ventures
(258
)
 
(40
)
 
545
 %
 
61

 
(1,148
)
 
NM

Goodwill impairment charge:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto and Metals Recycling
—

 
—

 
NM

 
8,845

 
141,021

 
(94
)%
Other asset impairment charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto and Metals Recycling
—

 
1,281

 
NM

 
18,379

 
44,374

 
(59
)%
Corporate
—

 
—

 
NM

 
79

 
745

 
(89
)%
Total other asset impairment charges
—

 
1,281

 
NM

 
18,458

 
45,119

 
(59
)%
Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto and Metals Recycling
26,870

 
4,261

 
531
 %
 
2,555

 
(179,650
)
 
NM

Steel Manufacturing Business
1,246

 
4,343

 
(71
)%
 
2,799

 
14,350

 
(80
)%
Segment operating income (loss)
28,116

 
8,604

 
227
 %
 
5,354

 
(165,300
)
 
NM

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs(4)
(542
)
 
(5,978
)
 
(91
)%
 
(7,758
)
 
(11,964
)
 
(35
)%
Corporate expense(2)
(10,669
)
 
(7,554
)
 
41
 %
 
(25,362
)
 
(25,780
)
 
(2
)%
Change in intercompany profit elimination(5)
(2,019
)
 
908

 
NM

 
1,549

 
(1,202
)
 
NM

Total operating income (loss)
$
14,886

 
$
(4,020
)
 
NM

 
$
(26,217
)
 
$
(204,246
)
 
(87
)%
_____________________________
NM = Not Meaningful
(1)
AMR sells recycled ferrous metal to SMB at rates per ton that approximate West Coast U.S. market prices. These intercompany revenues and cost of goods sold are eliminated in consolidation.
(2)
Corporate expense consists primarily of unallocated expenses for certain shared services management and administrative services that benefit both reportable segments.
(3)
The joint ventures sell recycled metal to AMR and to SMB at prices that approximate local market rates, which produces intercompany profit. This intercompany profit is eliminated while the products remain in inventory and is not recognized until the finished products are sold to third parties.

32
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

(4)
Restructuring charges consist of expense for severance, contract termination and other restructuring costs that management does not include in its measurement of the performance of the operating segments. Other exit-related costs consist of asset impairments and accelerated depreciation related to site closures.
(5)
Intercompany profits are not recognized until the finished products are sold to third parties; therefore, intercompany profit is eliminated while the products remain in inventory.

Revenues
Consolidated revenues in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 were $352 million and $962 million, respectively, decreases of 25% and 34%, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year.
After experiencing sharp declines in the first half of fiscal 2016, net selling prices for ferrous scrap metal increased significantly during most of the third quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to the levels reached at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2016, primarily due to improved demand. Average net selling prices for shipments of ferrous scrap metal in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were $46 per ton, or 27%, higher than in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, but were 9% lower than in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Due to the higher demand, ferrous sales volumes increased 13% in the third quarter compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016, but were 17% lower than in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Although market conditions strengthened for most of the third quarter, export demand for the sale of ferrous scrap metal decreased near the end of the quarter and into the first month of the fourth quarter. Overall global demand for recycled metals in our end-markets was weaker than in the prior year periods primarily due to excess steel capacity and overproduction, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar, and the impact of lower iron ore prices on demand for recycled ferrous metals. This resulted in significantly lower average net selling prices for ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal and finished steel products, and reduced sales volumes in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year periods.
Operating Income (Loss)
Third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2015
Consolidated operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $15 million, compared to consolidated operating loss of $4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Adjusted consolidated operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $15 million, compared to adjusted consolidated operating income of $3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 (adjusted results exclude other asset impairment charges, restructuring charges and other exit-related costs, and the impact of reselling or modifying the terms of certain previously contracted bulk ferrous shipments, net of recoveries; see the reconciliation of adjusted consolidated operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 2).
Operating results in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were positively impacted by the combination of ferrous net selling prices increasing by more than purchase prices for ferrous scrap metal, benefits from production cost efficiencies and a favorable impact from average inventory accounting, all of which contributed to significantly higher operating margins during the quarter compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The rising price environment for ferrous scrap metal during most of the third quarter of fiscal 2016 also improved the supply of scrap, including end-of-life vehicles, resulting in higher processed volumes and improved operating margins at AMR compared to the immediately preceding quarter. Operating results in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 improved significantly compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 which included a significant adverse impact from average inventory accounting driven by a sharp decline in commodity selling prices in the preceding quarter. In addition, operating results in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were positively impacted by the benefits from cost saving and productivity improvement initiatives initiated in fiscal 2015 and further expanded in fiscal 2016 to reduce direct costs of production and decrease consolidated SG&A expense, which contributed to higher operating margins per ferrous ton sold at AMR than in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 despite lower average net selling prices and sales volumes. SMB returned to positive operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the immediately preceding quarter primarily due to seasonally stronger finished steel sales volumes. However, SMB's profitability remained lower than in the prior year quarter primarily due to decreased selling prices for finished steel products and lower rolling mill utilization. Consolidated SG&A expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased by $2 million, or 5%, compared to the prior year quarter, as the benefits from cost saving initiatives were more than offset by an increase in incentive compensation accruals as a result of improved performance during the current quarter.
First nine months of fiscal 2016 compared with the first nine months of fiscal 2015
Consolidated operating loss for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was $26 million, compared to consolidated operating loss of $204 million in the same period in the prior year. Adjusted consolidated operating income for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was $9 million, compared to $1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015 (adjusted results exclude the impact of goodwill impairment charges, other asset impairment charges, restructuring charges and other exit-related costs, and the impact of reselling or modifying the terms of certain previously contracted bulk ferrous shipments, net of recoveries; see reconciliation of adjusted consolidated operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 2).

33
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

Operating results during both periods were adversely impacted by the lower price environment which included sharp declines in commodity selling prices during the first half of each year. Operating results in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 primarily benefited from the significant increase in ferrous net selling prices in the third quarter after experiencing sharp declines during the first half of the fiscal year making the adverse impact from average inventory accounting during the nine-month period significantly lower than the adverse impact during the first nine months of fiscal 2015. Operating results for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 were also positively impacted by the benefits from cost saving and productivity improvement initiatives initiated in fiscal 2015 and further expanded in the first half of fiscal 2016 to reduce direct costs of production and decrease consolidated SG&A expense, which led to higher operating margins per ferrous ton sold at AMR than in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 despite lower net selling prices and sales volumes. The benefits from cost saving initiatives included a decrease in consolidated SG&A expense by $13 million, or 10%, compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of reduced employee-related expenses.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we identified the combination of sustained weak market conditions, including the adverse effects of lower commodity selling prices and the constraining impact of the lower price environment on the supply of raw materials which negatively impacted volumes, our recent financial performance and a decline in our market capitalization as a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to our reporting units. The impairment test resulted in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $9 million at a reporting unit within the AMR operating segment.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill which resulted in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $141 million at the former MRB reporting unit. The impairment charge is reported within the results of AMR.
During fiscal 2016 and 2015, we also recorded non-cash impairment charges and accelerated depreciation on certain long-lived and other assets. Impairment charges and accelerated depreciation, excluding goodwill impairment charges, were as follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Reported within other asset impairment charges(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-lived assets
$
—

 
$
132

 
$
7,336

 
$
41,676

Accelerated depreciation
—

 
—

 
6,208

 
—

Investment in joint venture
—

 
—

 
1,968

 
—

Assets held for sale
—

 
1,009

 
1,659

 
2,558

Other assets(1)
—

 
140

 
1,287

 
885


—

 
1,281

 
18,458

 
45,119

Reported within restructuring charges and other exit-related costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-lived assets
119

 
—

 
448

 
—

Accelerated depreciation
—

 
150

 
630

 
3,836

Other assets
—

 
—

 
1,102

 
—


119

 
150

 
2,180

 
3,836

Reported within discontinued operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-lived assets
—

 
—

 
673

 
2,666

Accelerated depreciation
—

 
—

 
274

 
—


—

 
—

 
947

 
2,666

Total
$
119

 
$
1,431

 
$
21,585

 
$
51,621

_____________________________
(1)
Other asset impairment charges were incurred in the AMR operating segment, except for $79 thousand and $745 thousand of impairment charges on Other Assets related to Corporate recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Consolidated operating results from continuing operations in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 included restructuring charges and other exit-related costs of $1 million and $8 million, respectively, compared to $6 million and $12 million in the same periods in the prior year. Restructuring charges consisted of severance, contract termination and other restructuring costs. Other exit-related costs consisted of long-lived asset impairments and accelerated depreciation due to shortened useful lives of long-lived assets, including from abandonment, in connection with site closures and idled equipment. These charges relate to

34
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

restructuring initiatives under three separate plans: the plans announced in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 (the “Q1’14 Plan”), the Q1'15 Plan and the Q2'15 Plan.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we initiated the Q1'14 Plan and began implementing restructuring and productivity initiatives to reduce our annual operating expenses by approximately $30 million, which was subsequently increased to $40 million later in the fiscal year. We achieved approximately $29 million of benefit in fiscal 2014, with the full annual benefit achieved in fiscal 2015. The majority of the reduction in operating expenses occurred at AMR and resulted from a combination of headcount reductions, implementation of operational efficiencies, reduced lease costs and other productivity improvements.
Since the beginning of fiscal 2015, we initiated and implemented a number of cost reduction and productivity improvement measures with a combined targeted annual improvement of $95 million. These initiatives included those announced as part of the Q1'15 Plan followed by further cost saving and exit-related measures as part of the Q2'15 Plan targeting a combined benefit to annual operating performance of approximately $60 million, subsequently increased by $5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we expanded the Q2'15 Plan initiatives by an additional $30 million, of which approximately $13 million in benefits is expected to be achieved in fiscal 2016 and the full benefit in fiscal 2017. The cost reduction and productivity improvements associated with the Q1'15 Plan are driven by a combination of revenue drivers and production and SG&A cost reduction initiatives with a targeted aggregate annual improvement of $14 million, with the full annual rate expected to be achieved in fiscal 2016. The improvements to performance associated with the Q2'15 Plan include two components. The first component reflects strategic actions initiated in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 consisting of idling shredding equipment and closing seven auto parts stores at AMR to align our business to the prevalent market conditions, targeting an improvement in annual operating performance of approximately $18 million, of which approximately one-third is from reduced depreciation expense. As part of the second component of the Q2'15 Plan, in April 2015, we initiated measures, and also announced the integration of the MRB and APB businesses into the combined AMR platform, in order to achieve operational synergies and further reduce our annual operating expenses, primarily SG&A expense, by approximately $28 million through personnel reductions, reducing organizational layers, consolidating shared service functions and reducing other administrative costs. We expanded that target by initiating measures in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2016 with an additional $35 million in expected benefits primarily through additional reductions in personnel, savings from procurement activities, streamlining of administrative and supporting services functions, and adjustments to our operating capacity through additional facility closures, with approximately two-thirds of the target coming from a reduction in SG&A expense and the rest from a reduction in production costs, primarily at AMR. In the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016, we achieved approximately $22 million and $54 million, respectively, in combined benefits related to the Q1'15 and Q2'15 Plans, compared to $10 million and $13 million, respectively, in the prior year periods. We expect to achieve substantially all of the combined annual improvement target of $95 million associated with these Plans in fiscal 2017.
Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs incurred in connection with these Plans were comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2015
 
All Other Plans
 
Q2’15 Plan
 
Total Charges
 
All Other Plans
 
Q2’15 Plan
 
Total Charges
Restructuring charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance costs
$
—

 
$
340

 
$
340

 
$
(5
)
 
$
4,040

 
$
4,035

Contract termination costs
76

 
26

 
102

 
26

 
1,610

 
1,636

Other restructuring costs
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,609

 
1,609

Total restructuring charges
76

 
366

 
442

 
21

 
7,259

 
7,280

Other exit-related costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset impairments and accelerated depreciation
—

 
119

 
119

 
—

 
150

 
150

Total other exit-related costs
—

 
119

 
119

 
—

 
150

 
150

Total restructuring charges and other exit-related costs
$
76

 
$
485

 
$
561

 
$
21

 
$
7,409

 
$
7,430

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs included in continuing operations
 
$
542

 
 
 
 
 
$
5,978

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs included in discontinued operations
 
$
19

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,452



35
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2015
 
All Other Plans
 
Q2’15 Plan
 
Total Charges
 
All Other Plans
 
Q2’15 Plan
 
Total Charges
Restructuring charges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance costs
$
—

 
$
4,686

 
$
4,686

 
$
393

 
$
4,580

 
$
4,973

Contract termination costs
201

 
683

 
884

 
335

 
1,689

 
2,024

Other restructuring costs
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,223

 
1,702

 
2,925

Total restructuring charges
201

 
5,369

 
5,570

 
1,951

 
7,971

 
9,922

Other exit-related costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset impairments and accelerated depreciation
—

 
3,127

 
3,127

 
—

 
6,502

 
6,502

Total other exit-related costs
—

 
3,127

 
3,127

 
—

 
6,502

 
6,502

Total restructuring charges and other exit-related costs
$
201

 
$
8,496

 
$
8,697

 
$
1,951

 
$
14,473

 
$
16,424

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs included in continuing operations
 
$
7,758

 
 
 
 
 
$
11,964

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs included in discontinued operations
 
$
939

 
 
 
 
 
$
4,460


See Note 7 - Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Costs in the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional details on restructuring charges.

Income Tax Expense
Our effective tax rate from continuing operations for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 was an expense of 0.8% and 2.5%, respectively, compared to an expense of 22.1% and a benefit of 3.9% for the prior year periods.
The effective tax rate from continuing operations for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 was lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the low projected annual effective tax rate applied to the pre-tax results for the periods. The low projected annual effective tax rate is the result of our full valuation allowance positions partially offset by increases in deferred tax liabilities from indefinite-lived assets in all jurisdictions.
The effective tax rates for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2015 were impacted primarily by the recognition of valuation allowances of $4 million and $46 million, respectively, on projected tax benefits in domestic and foreign taxing jurisdictions. The deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance was recorded were related primarily to deductible temporary differences created in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 by the impairment charges to goodwill and other assets.
The effective tax rate from continuing operations for fiscal 2016 is expected to be an expense of approximately 2%, subject to financial performance for the remainder of the year.

Discontinued Operations
In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, in connection with the Q2'15 Plan, we ceased operations at seven auto parts stores, six of which qualified for discontinued operations reporting in accordance with the accounting standards in effect at the time prior to adopting the accounting standard update on discontinued operations reporting in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The operations of the six qualifying stores had previously been reported within the APB reportable segment, which was subsequently replaced by the AMR reportable segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. In the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015, we recorded impairment charges of $1 million and $3 million, respectively, on the long-lived assets of discontinued auto parts stores. Impaired assets in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 consisted primarily of capital lease assets associated with the buildings on two leased properties.

36
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

Operating results of discontinued operations were comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues
$
—

 
$
1,440

 
$
—

 
$
8,210

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
$
(130
)
 
$
(1,812
)
 
$
(1,225
)
 
$
(7,070
)
Income tax benefit
14

 
578

 
19

 
756

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
(116
)
 
$
(1,234
)
 
$
(1,206
)
 
$
(6,314
)

Financial Results by Segment
We currently operate our business across two reportable segments: AMR and SMB. Additional financial information relating to these reportable segments is contained in Note 16 - Segment Information in the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Auto and Metals Recycling
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
($ in thousands, except for prices)
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Ferrous revenues
$
194,961

 
$
262,940

 
(26
)%
 
$
498,500

 
$
862,811

 
(42
)%
Nonferrous revenues
84,132

 
113,433

 
(26
)%
 
249,157

 
348,043

 
(28
)%
Retail and other revenues
27,758

 
33,896

 
(18
)%
 
81,971

 
102,160

 
(20
)%
Total segment revenues
306,851

 
410,269

 
(25
)%
 
829,628

 
1,313,014

 
(37
)%
Cost of goods sold
251,008

 
373,991

 
(33
)%
 
716,128

 
1,211,245

 
(41
)%
Selling, general and administrative expense
29,241

 
30,759

 
(5
)%
 
83,577

 
97,140

 
(14
)%
(Income) loss from joint ventures
(268
)
 
(23
)
 
1,065
 %
 
144

 
(1,116
)
 
NM

Goodwill impairment charge
—

 
—

 
NM

 
8,845

 
141,021

 
(94
)%
Other asset impairment charges
—

 
1,281

 
NM

 
18,379

 
44,374

 
(59
)%
Segment operating income (loss)
$
26,870

 
$
4,261

 
531
 %
 
$
2,555

 
$
(179,650
)
 
(101
)%
Average ferrous recycled metal sales prices ($/LT):(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
$
210

 
$
235

 
(11
)%
 
$
185

 
$
288

 
(36
)%
Foreign
$
218

 
$
236

 
(8
)%
 
$
191

 
$
278

 
(31
)%
Average
$
215

 
$
235

 
(9
)%
 
$
189

 
$
282

 
(33
)%
Ferrous sales volume (LT, in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
322

 
343

 
(6
)%
 
895

 
1,095

 
(18
)%
Foreign
510

 
663

 
(23
)%
 
1,480

 
1,684

 
(12
)%
Total ferrous sales volume (LT, in thousands)
832

 
1,006

 
(17
)%
 
2,375

 
2,779

 
(15
)%
Average nonferrous sales price ($/pound)(1)(3)
$
0.59

 
$
0.71

 
(17
)%
 
$
0.60

 
$
0.76

 
(21
)%
Nonferrous sales volumes (pounds, in thousands)(3)
122,244

 
143,073

 
(15
)%
 
356,996

 
409,406

 
(13
)%
Cars purchased (in thousands)(2)
79

 
79

 
—
 %
 
226

 
249

 
(9
)%
Auto parts stores at period end(4)
53

 
55

 
(4
)%
 
53

 
55

 
(4
)%
Outbound freight in cost of goods sold
$
19,523

 
$
31,362

 
(38
)%
 
$
60,876

 
$
93,279

 
(35
)%
_____________________________
NM = Not Meaningful
LT = Long Ton equivalent to 2,240 pounds
(1)
Price information is shown net of freight cost incurred to deliver the product to the customer.
(2)
Cars purchased by auto parts stores only.
(3)
Average sales price and volume information excludes PGM metals in catalytic converters.

37
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

(4)
In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we consolidated the operations of two auto parts stores into the operations of two nearby stores.
AMR Segment Revenues
Revenues in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 decreased by 25% and 37%, respectively, compared to the prior year periods.
After experiencing sharp declines in the first half of fiscal 2016, net selling prices for ferrous scrap metal increased significantly during most of the third quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to the levels reached at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2016, primarily due to improved demand. Average net selling prices for shipments of ferrous scrap metal in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were $46 per ton, or 27%, higher than in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, but were 9% lower than in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Due to the higher demand, ferrous sales volumes increased 13% in the third quarter compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016, but were 17% lower than the third quarter of fiscal 2015. After reaching a peak in early May, demand for the sale of ferrous scrap metal decreased near the end of the quarter and into the first month of the fourth quarter.
Overall global demand for recycled metals in our end-markets was weaker than in the prior year periods primarily due to excess steel capacity and overproduction, the relative strength of the U.S. dollar, and the impact of lower iron ore prices on demand for recycled ferrous metals. This resulted in significantly lower average net selling prices for ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal, and reduced sales volumes in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year periods. Average net selling prices for shipments of ferrous scrap metal in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 were lower by 9% and 33%, respectively, than in the prior year periods. Sales volumes of ferrous scrap metal at AMR decreased by 17% and 15%, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year periods. Average net selling prices for shipment of nonferrous scrap metal in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 decreased by 17% and 21%, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Sales volumes of nonferrous scrap metal at AMR decreased by 15% and 13%, respectively, in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year periods.
AMR Segment Operating Income (Loss)
Third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2015
Operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $27 million compared to $4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Adjusted operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was $27 million, compared to $6 million in the prior year period (adjusted results exclude the impact of other asset impairment charges and the impact of reselling or modifying the terms of certain previously contracted bulk ferrous shipments, net of recoveries; see reconciliation of adjusted AMR operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 2).
Operating results in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were positively impacted by the combination of ferrous net selling prices increasing by more than purchase prices for ferrous scrap metal, benefits from production cost efficiencies and a favorable impact from average inventory accounting, all of which contributed to significantly higher operating margins during the quarter compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The rising price environment for ferrous scrap metal during most of the third quarter of fiscal 2016 also improved the supply of scrap, including end-of-life vehicles, resulting in higher processed volumes and improved operating margins at AMR compared to the preceding quarter. Operating results in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 improved significantly compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 which included a significant adverse impact from average inventory accounting driven by a sharp decline in commodity selling prices in the preceding quarter. In addition, operating results in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were positively impacted by the benefits from cost saving and productivity improvement initiatives initiated in fiscal 2015 and further expanded in fiscal 2016 to reduce direct costs of production and decrease SG&A expense, which contributed to higher operating margins per ferrous ton sold at AMR than in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 despite lower average net selling prices and sales volumes. The benefits from cost saving initiatives included a decrease in SG&A expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 by $2 million, or 5%, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 primarily as a result of reduced employee-related expense, partially offset by an increase in incentive compensation accruals as a result of improved performance during the current quarter.
First nine months of fiscal 2016 compared with the first nine months of fiscal 2015
Operating income for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was $3 million, compared to operating loss of $180 million in the prior year period. Adjusted operating income for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was $30 million, compared to $13 million in the prior year period (adjusted results exclude goodwill impairment charges, other asset impairment charges, and the impact of reselling or modifying the terms of certain previously contracted bulk ferrous shipments, net of recoveries; see reconciliation of adjusted AMR operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 2).
Operating results during both periods were adversely impacted by the lower price environment which included sharp declines in commodity selling prices during the first half of each year. Operating results in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 primarily

38
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

benefited from the significant increase in ferrous net selling prices in the third quarter after experiencing sharp declines during the first half of the fiscal year making the adverse impact from average inventory accounting during the nine-month period significantly lower than the adverse impact during the first nine months of fiscal 2015. Operating results for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 were also positively impacted by a decrease in SG&A expense of $14 million, or 14%, compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of the benefits from the cost saving and productivity improvement initiatives initiated in fiscal 2015 and further expanded in fiscal 2016, including reduced employee-related expense.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $9 million on goodwill allocated to one of AMR's reporting units. We also recorded non-cash impairment charges and accelerated depreciation on certain long-lived and other assets at AMR of $18 million. Asset impairment charges recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were immaterial. See Results of Operations, Operating Income (Loss) in Item 2 for further discussion of asset impairments and accelerated depreciation.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $141 million. We also recorded non-cash impairment charges and accelerated depreciation on certain long-lived and other assets at AMR of $44 million primarily in connection with certain strategic actions we undertook to improve our operating performance which included idling shredding equipment. Asset impairment charges recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 were immaterial.
Steel Manufacturing Business
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
($ in thousands, except for price)
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Revenues(1)
$
70,924

 
$
94,939

 
(25
)%
 
$
201,217

 
$
283,284

 
(29
)%
Cost of goods sold
67,892

 
89,111

 
(24
)%
 
193,565

 
264,413

 
(27
)%
Selling, general and administrative expense
1,786

 
1,485

 
20
 %
 
4,853

 
4,521

 
7
 %
Segment operating income (loss)
$
1,246

 
$
4,343

 
(71
)%
 
$
2,799

 
$
14,350

 
(80
)%
Finished steel products average sales price ($/ST)(2)
$
501

 
$
618

 
(19
)%
 
$
520

 
$
653

 
(20
)%
Finished steel products sold (tons, in thousands)
133

 
141

 
(6
)%
 
366

 
395

 
(7
)%
Rolling mill utilization
53
%
 
69
%
 


 
61
%
 
73
%
 


_____________________________
ST = Short Ton, which is 2,000 pounds
NM = Not Meaningful
(1)
Revenues include sales of semi-finished goods (billets) and finished steel products.
(2)
Price information is shown after netting the cost of freight incurred to deliver the product to the customer.

SMB Segment Revenues
Revenues for the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 decreased by 25% and 29%, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. This decrease was due to reduced average selling prices and sales volumes driven by increased competition from lower priced imports and reduced steel-making raw material costs primarily during the first half of fiscal 2016. Sales volumes improved in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the first two quarters of the fiscal year primarily due to the impact of seasonality, but did not reach the levels achieved in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.
SMB Segment Operating Income (Loss)
Operating income for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was $1 million and $3 million, respectively, compared to operating income of $4 million and $14 million, respectively, in the same prior year periods. The year over year reduction in operating results was primarily due to the declining price environment primarily during the first half of fiscal 2016 which led to selling prices falling faster than cost of goods sold. Additionally, sales volumes decreased primarily due to increased competition from imported steel products. The rolling mill utilization rate decreased primarily due to lower sales volumes and the optimization of inventory levels compared to the prior year periods.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We rely on cash provided by operating activities as a primary source of liquidity, supplemented by current cash on hand and borrowings under our existing credit facilities.

39
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 


Sources and Uses of Cash
We had cash balances of $7 million and $23 million as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, respectively. Cash balances are intended to be used primarily for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends and share repurchases. We use excess cash on hand to reduce amounts outstanding under our credit facilities. As of May 31, 2016, debt was $203 million compared to $228 million as of August 31, 2015. Debt, net of cash, was $196 million as of May 31, 2016 compared to $205 million as of August 31, 2015 (refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures below), a decrease of $10 million primarily as a result of the positive cash flows generated by operating activities. Our cash balances as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015 include $5 million that are indefinitely reinvested in Puerto Rico and Canada.
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was $51 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $79 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015.

Sources of cash in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 included a $5 million decrease in accounts receivable primarily due to reductions in recycled metal and finished steel selling prices and the timing of sales and collections and a $4 million decrease in inventory due to the impact of declining scrap metal purchase prices and timing of purchases and sales. Uses of cash in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 included a $3 million decrease in accrued payroll and related liabilities and a $6 million decrease in other accrued liabilities due to the timing of payments.

Sources of cash in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 included a $61 million decrease in accounts receivable primarily due to the timing of sales and collections and a $26 million decrease in inventory due to the impacts of decreasing raw material prices and timing of purchases and sales. Uses of cash in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 included a $29 million decrease in accounts payable due to the timing of payments.

Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $19 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to $21 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015.

Cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 included capital expenditures of $21 million to upgrade our equipment and infrastructure and for additional investments in environmental and safety-related assets, compared to $23 million in the prior year period.

Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was $48 million, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $75 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015.

Cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was primarily due to $25 million in net repayments of debt (refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures below), $15 million for dividends and $3 million for share repurchases.

Cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 was primarily due to $15 million for dividends and $55 million in net repayments of debt (refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures below).

Credit Facilities
On April 6, 2016, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), by and among Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., as the U.S. borrower, Schnitzer Steel Canada Ltd., as a Canadian borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto, which amends and restates our existing credit agreement, dated as of February 9, 2011 (the “Prior Credit Agreement”). The Amended Credit Agreement provides for $335 million and C$15 million in senior secured revolving credit facilities maturing in April 2021. The $335 million credit facility includes a $50 million sublimit for letters of credit, a $25 million sublimit for swingline loans and a $50 million sublimit for multicurrency borrowings. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Amended Credit Agreement, the Company may request that the commitments under the U.S. credit facility be increased by an aggregate amount not exceeding $100 million. The Prior Credit Agreement provided for unsecured credit facilities with revolving loans of up to $670 million and C$30 million maturing in April 2017. We sized our credit facility renewal based on historic and expected future usage and believe the borrowing capacity of the Amended Credit Agreement is adequate to cover our short- and long-term financing needs.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

Interest rates on outstanding indebtedness under the Amended Credit Agreement are based, at our option, on either the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), or the Canadian equivalent, plus a spread of between 1.75% and 2.75%, with the amount of the spread based on a pricing grid tied to the Company’s leverage ratio but no less than 2.50% for the fiscal quarters ending May 31, 2016, August 31, 2016 and November 30, 2016, or the greater of the prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or the daily rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.75%, in each case plus a spread of between zero and 1.00% based on a pricing grid tied to the Company's leverage ratio. In addition, commitment fees are payable on the unused portion of the credit facilities at rates between 0.20% and 0.40% based on a pricing grid tied to our leverage ratio.

We had borrowings outstanding under the credit facility of $190 million as of May 31, 2016 and $215 million as of August 31, 2015. The weighted average interest rate on amounts outstanding was 2.97% and 1.95% as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, respectively.

We use this credit facility to fund working capital requirements, acquisitions, capital expenditures, dividends and share repurchases. The Amended Credit Agreement contains various representations and warranties, events of default and financial and other customary covenants which limit (subject to certain exceptions) our ability to, among other things, incur or suffer to exist certain liens, make investments, incur or guaranty additional indebtedness, enter into consolidations, mergers, acquisitions, and sales of assets, make distributions and other restricted payments, change the nature of our business, engage in transactions with affiliates and enter into restrictive agreements, including agreements that restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions. The financial covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement include (a) a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, defined as the four-quarter rolling sum of consolidated adjusted EBITDA less defined maintenance capital expenditures divided by consolidated fixed charges; (b) a consolidated leverage ratio, defined as consolidated funded indebtedness divided by the sum of consolidated net worth and consolidated funded indebtedness; and (c) a consolidated asset coverage ratio, defined as the consolidated asset value of eligible assets divided by the consolidated funded indebtedness. The financial covenants require maintenance of a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00 for fiscal quarters ending May 31, 2016, August 31, 2016 and November 30, 2016, and 1.50 to 1.00 thereafter, a maximum leverage ratio of 0.55 to 1.00, and a minimum asset coverage ratio of 0.90 to 1.00 for fiscal quarters ending May 31, 2016, August 31, 2016 and November 30, 2016 and 1.00 to 1.00 thereafter.

As of May 31, 2016, we were in compliance with the financial covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement. The consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio was required to be no less than 1.25 to 1.00 and was 2.21 to 1.00 as of May 31, 2016. The consolidated leverage ratio was required to be no more than 0.55 to 1.00 and was 0.30 to 1.00 as of May 31, 2016. The asset coverage ratio was required to be no less than 0.90 to 1.00 and was 1.14 to 1.00 as of May 31, 2016.

The Company's obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries. The credit facilities and the related guarantees are secured by senior first priority liens on certain of our and our subsidiaries’ assets, including equipment, inventory and accounts receivable.

While we expect to remain in compliance with the financial covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement, there can be no assurances that we will be able to do so in the event market conditions or other negative factors which adversely impact our results of operations and financial position lead to a trend of consolidated net losses. If we do not maintain compliance with our financial covenants and are unable to obtain an amendment or waiver from our lenders, a breach of a financial covenant would constitute an event of default and allow the lenders to exercise remedies under the agreements, the most severe of which is the termination of the credit facility under our committed bank credit agreement and acceleration of the amounts owed under the agreement. In such case, we would be required to evaluate available alternatives and take appropriate steps to obtain alternative funds. There can be no assurances that any such alternative funds, if sought, could be obtained or, if obtained, would be adequate or on acceptable terms.

In addition, as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, we had $8 million of long-term tax-exempt bonds outstanding that mature in January 2021.

Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures totaled $21 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2016, compared to $23 million for the same period in the prior year. We currently plan to invest up to $35 million in capital expenditures on maintenance and environmental compliance and safety-related projects in fiscal 2016, exclusive of any capital expenditures for growth projects, using cash generated from operations and available lines of credit.

Dividends
On April 28, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a dividend for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 of $0.1875 per common share, which equates to an annual cash dividend of $0.75 per common share. The dividend was paid on May 23, 2016.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 


Environmental Compliance
Our commitment to recycling and operating our business in an environmentally responsible manner requires us to continue to invest in facilities that improve our environmental presence in the communities in which we operate. As part of our capital expenditures, we invested $7 million in capital expenditures for environmental projects during the first nine months of fiscal 2016, and plan to invest up to an additional $8 million for such projects for the remainder of fiscal 2016. These projects include investments in storm water systems and equipment to ensure ongoing compliance with air quality and other environmental regulations.

We have been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) as one of the potentially responsible parties that own or operate or formerly owned or operated sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor Superfund site (“the Site”). See Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a discussion of this matter. We have insurance policies that we believe will provide reimbursement for costs we incur for defense, remediation and mitigation for natural resource damages claims in connection with the Site, although there are no assurances that those policies will cover all of the costs which we may incur. Significant cash outflows in the future related to the Site could reduce the amounts available for borrowing that could otherwise be used for investment in capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends and share repurchases, could result in our failure to maintain compliance with certain covenants in our debt agreements, and could adversely impact our liquidity.

Share Repurchase Program
Pursuant to our amended share repurchase program, we have existing authorization to repurchase up to approximately 1.8 million shares of our Class A common stock when we deem such repurchases to be appropriate. We evaluate long- and short-range forecasts as well as anticipated sources and uses of cash before determining the course of action in our share repurchase program. Prior to fiscal 2016, we had repurchased approximately 7 million shares of the 9 million shares authorized for repurchase under the program. In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we repurchased an additional 203 thousand shares of our Class A common stock for a total of $3 million.

Assessment of Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, our available cash resources, internally generated funds, credit facilities and equity offerings have financed our acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital and other financing needs.

We generally believe our current cash resources, internally generated funds, existing credit facilities and access to the capital markets will provide adequate short-term and long-term liquidity needs for acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital, share repurchases, dividends, joint ventures, debt service requirements and environmental obligations. However, in the event of a sustained market deterioration, we may need additional liquidity, which would require us to evaluate available alternatives and take appropriate steps to obtain sufficient additional funds. There can be no assurances that any such supplemental funding, if sought, could be obtained or, if obtained, would be adequate or on acceptable terms.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None.
Contractual Obligations
There were no material changes related to contractual obligations and commitments from the information provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015.
We maintain stand-by letters of credit to provide support for certain obligations, including workers’ compensation and performance bonds. At May 31, 2016, we had $16 million outstanding under these arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We reaffirm our critical accounting policies and estimates as described in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2015, except for the following:

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

Goodwill
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we changed our internal organizational and reporting structure to combine the auto and metals recycling businesses, which resulted in the formation of a new operating and reportable segment, AMR, replacing our MRB and APB operating segments. This change led to the identification of components within AMR based on the disaggregation of financial information regularly reviewed by segment management by geographic area. Components with similar economic characteristics were aggregated into reporting units and goodwill was reassigned to the affected reporting units using the relative fair value approach as of the date of the reassessment, July 1, 2015. Beginning on that date, our goodwill is carried by two regionally-defined reporting units, one consisting of a single component with $168 million of allocated goodwill, and the other consisting of two components with similar economic characteristics aggregated into a reporting unit with $9 million of allocated goodwill.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we identified the combination of sustained weak market conditions, including the adverse effects of lower commodity selling prices and the constraining impact of the lower price environment on the supply of raw materials which negatively impacted volumes, our recent financial performance and a decline in our market capitalization as a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to our reporting units. The measurement date for the interim goodwill impairment test was February 1, 2016.
For the reporting unit with $9 million of goodwill as of February 1, 2016, the first step of the impairment test showed that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, indicating a potential impairment. Based on the second step of the impairment test, we concluded that no implied fair value of goodwill remained for the reporting unit, resulting in an impairment of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill totaling $9 million.
For the reporting unit with $166 million of goodwill as of February 1, 2016, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 27%. The projections used in the income approach for the reporting unit took into consideration the impact of current market conditions for ferrous and nonferrous recycled metals, the cost of obtaining adequate supply flows of scrap metal including end-of-life vehicles, and recent trends of self-serve parts sales. The projections assumed a limited recovery of operating margins from current depressed levels over a multi-year period, including the benefits of recently initiated cost-saving and productivity improvement measures. The market-based WACC used in the income approach for the reporting unit was 11.2%. The terminal growth rate used in the discounted cash flow model was 2%. Assuming all other components of the fair value estimate were held constant, an increase in the WACC of 2% or more or weaker than anticipated improvements in operating margins could have resulted in a failure of the step one quantitative impairment test for the reporting unit.
We also used a market approach based on earnings multiple data and our market capitalization to corroborate the reporting units’ valuations. We reconciled our market capitalization to the aggregated estimated fair value of the reporting units, including consideration of a control premium representing the estimated amount a market participant would pay to obtain a controlling interest. The implied control premium resulting from the difference between our market capitalization (based on the average trading price of our Class A common stock for the two-week period ended February 1, 2016) and the higher aggregated estimated fair value of all of the reporting units was within the historical range of average and mean premiums observed on historical transactions within the steel-making, scrap processing and metals industries. We identified specific reconciling items, including market participant synergies, which supported the implied control premium as of February 1, 2016.
The determination of fair value of the reporting units used to perform the first step of the impairment test requires judgment and involves significant estimates and assumptions about the expected future cash flows and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions. Due to the inherent uncertainty associated with forming these estimates, actual results could differ from those estimates. Future events and changing market conditions may impact our assumptions as to future revenue growth rates, pace and extent of operating margin and volume recovery, market-based WACC and other factors that may result in changes in the estimates of the reporting units’ fair value. Although we believe the assumptions used in testing our reporting units’ goodwill for impairment are reasonable, additional declines in or a lack of sustainable recovery of market conditions from current levels, a trend of weaker than anticipated financial performance including the pace and extent of operating margin recovery for the reporting unit with allocated goodwill, a deterioration in our share price from current levels for a sustained period of time, or an increase in the market-based WACC, among other factors, could significantly impact the impairment analysis and may result in future goodwill impairment charges that, if incurred, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
See Note 4 - Goodwill in the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Part 1, Item 1 of this report for further detail.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
For a description of recent accounting pronouncements that may have an impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, see Note 2 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements in the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Debt, net of cash
Debt, net of cash is the difference between (i) the sum of long-term debt and short-term debt (i.e., total debt) and (ii) cash and cash equivalents. We believe that debt, net of cash is a useful measure for investors because, as cash and cash equivalents can be used, among other things, to repay indebtedness, netting this against total debt is a useful measure of our leverage.
The following is a reconciliation of debt, net of cash (in thousands):
 
May 31, 2016
 
August 31, 2015
Short-term borrowings
$
648

 
$
584

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
202,070

 
227,572

Total debt
202,718

 
228,156

Less: cash and cash equivalents
7,018

 
22,755

Total debt, net of cash
$
195,700

 
$
205,401

Net borrowings (repayments) of debt
Net borrowings (repayments) of debt is the sum of borrowings from long-term debt, repayments of long-term debt, proceeds from line of credit, and repayment of line of credit. We present this amount as the net change in borrowings (repayments) for the period because we believe it is useful for investors as a meaningful presentation of the change in debt.
The following is a reconciliation of net borrowings (repayments) of debt (in thousands):
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Borrowings from long-term debt
$
112,427

 
$
114,099

Proceeds from line of credit
135,500

 
189,000

Repayment of long-term debt
(137,869
)
 
(169,511
)
Repayment of line of credit
(135,500
)
 
(189,000
)
Net repayments of debt
$
(25,442
)
 
$
(55,412
)
Adjusted consolidated operating income (loss), adjusted AMR operating income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI and adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI
We present these non-GAAP measures as we believe they provide a meaningful presentation of our results from business operations excluding adjustments for goodwill impairment charges, other asset impairment charges, the non-cash write-off of debt issuance costs as a result of the renewal of our credit facility in April 2016, and restructuring charges and other exit-related costs that are not related to underlying business operational performance and improve the period-to-period comparability of our results from business operations. These measures also exclude the impact on operating results in fiscal 2015 from the resale or modification of the terms, each at significantly lower prices, of certain previously contracted bulk ferrous shipments for delivery during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2015. Due to the sharp declines in selling prices that occurred in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2015, the revised prices associated with these shipments were significantly lower than the prices in the original sales contracts entered into between August and November 2014. Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, recoveries resulting from settlements with the original contract parties, which are reported within SG&A expense in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, are also excluded from the measures.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

The following is a reconciliation of the adjusted consolidated operating income (loss), adjusted AMR operating income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI and adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI (in thousands, except per share data):
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Consolidated operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
As reported
$
14,886

 
$
(4,020
)
 
$
(26,217
)
 
$
(204,246
)
Goodwill impairment charge
—

 
—

 
8,845

 
141,021

Other asset impairment charges
—

 
1,281

 
18,458

 
45,119

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs
542

 
5,978

 
7,758

 
11,964

Resale or modification of certain previously contracted shipments, net of recoveries
(139
)
 
—

 
(139
)
 
6,928

Adjusted
$
15,289

 
$
3,239

 
$
8,705

 
$
786

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMR operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
As reported
$
26,870

 
$
4,261

 
$
2,555

 
$
(179,650
)
Goodwill impairment charge
—

 
—

 
8,845

 
141,021

Other asset impairment charges
—

 
1,281

 
18,379

 
44,374

Resale or modification of certain previously contracted shipments, net of recoveries
(139
)
 
—

 
(139
)
 
6,928

Adjusted
$
26,731

 
$
5,542

 
$
29,640

 
$
12,673

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI:
 
 
 
 
As reported
$
11,116

 
$
(8,394
)
 
$
(34,337
)
 
$
(201,426
)
Goodwill impairment charge
—

 
—

 
8,845

 
141,021

Other asset impairment charges
—

 
1,281

 
18,458

 
45,119

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs
542

 
5,978

 
7,758

 
11,964

Resale or modification of certain previously contracted shipments, net of recoveries
(139
)
 
—

 
(139
)
 
6,928

Non-cash write-off of debt issuance costs
768

 
—

 
768

 
—

Income tax expense (benefit) allocated to adjustments(1)
273

 
1,044

 
829

 
(8,522
)
Adjusted
$
12,560

 
$
(91
)
 
$
2,182

 
$
(4,916
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI:
 
 
 
 
As reported
$
0.41

 
$
(0.31
)
 
$
(1.26
)
 
$
(7.46
)
Goodwill impairment charge, per share
—

 
—

 
0.33

 
5.22

Other asset impairment charges, per share
—

 
0.05

 
0.68

 
1.67

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs, per share
0.02

 
0.22

 
0.29

 
0.44

Resale or modification of certain previously contracted shipments, net of recoveries, per share
(0.01
)
 
—

 
(0.01
)
 
0.26

Non-cash write-off of debt issuance costs, per share
0.03

 
—

 
0.03

 
—

Income tax expense (benefit) allocated to adjustments, per share(1)
0.01

 
0.04

 
0.03

 
(0.32
)
Adjusted(2)
$
0.46

 
$
(0.00
)
 
$
0.08

 
$
(0.18
)
____________________________
(1)
Income tax allocated to the aggregate adjustments reconciling reported and adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI is determined based on a tax provision calculated with and without the adjustments.
(2)
May not foot due to rounding.
We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures allow for a better understanding of our operating and financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the most directly comparable

45
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

U.S. GAAP measures. Although we find these non-GAAP financial measures useful in evaluating the performance of our business, our reliance on these measures is limited because the adjustments often have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, we typically use these adjusted amounts in conjunction with our GAAP results to address these limitations.

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Commodity Price Risk
We are exposed to commodity price risk, mainly associated with variations in the market price for finished steel products and ferrous and nonferrous metals including scrap metal, end-of-life vehicles and other commodities. The timing and magnitude of industry cycles are difficult to predict and are impacted by general economic conditions. We respond to increases and decreases in forward selling prices by adjusting purchase prices on a timely basis. We actively manage our exposure to commodity price risk and monitor the actual and expected spread between forward selling prices and purchase costs and processing and shipping expense. Sales contracts are based on prices negotiated with our customers, and generally orders are placed 30 to 60 days ahead of the shipment date. However, financial results may be negatively impacted when forward selling prices fall more quickly than we can adjust purchase prices or when customers fail to meet their contractual obligations. We assess the net realizable value of inventory (“NRV”) each quarter based upon contracted sales orders and estimated future selling prices. Based on contracted sales and estimates of future selling prices at May 31, 2016, a 10% decrease in the selling price of inventory would not have had a material NRV impact on any of our reportable segments as of May 31, 2016.
Interest Rate Risk
There have been no material changes to our disclosure regarding interest rate risk set forth in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2015.
Credit Risk
As of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, 29% and 28%, respectively, of our trade accounts receivable balance was covered by letters of credit. Of the remaining balance, 92% and 95%, respectively, was less than 60 days past due as of May 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk, mainly associated with sales transactions and related accounts receivable denominated in the U.S. Dollar by our Canadian subsidiary with a functional currency of the Canadian Dollar. In certain instances, we use derivatives to manage some portion of this risk. Our derivatives are agreements with independent counterparties that provide for payments based on a notional amount. As of May 31, 2016, we did not have any derivative contracts.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Our management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has completed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of May 31, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information regarding reportable legal proceedings is contained in Part I, "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015, as updated in Part II, "Item 1. Legal Proceedings" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2015.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to our risk factors reported or new factors identified since the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2015, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 27, 2015, and the filing of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on January 7, 2016, except for the following:
Potential costs related to the environmental cleanup of Portland Harbor may be material to our financial position and liquidity
In December 2000, we were notified by the EPA under CERCLA that we are one of the potentially responsible parties (“PRP”) that owns or operates or formerly owned or operated sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor Superfund site (the “Site”). The precise nature and extent of any cleanup of the Site, the parties to be involved, the process to be followed for any cleanup and the allocation of the costs for any cleanup among responsible parties have not yet been determined, but the process of identifying additional PRPs and beginning allocation of costs is underway. A group of PRPs referred to as the “Lower Willamette Group” (“LWG”) is conducting a remedial investigation and feasibility study (“RI/FS”) to identify and characterize the contamination at the Site and develop alternative approaches to remediation of the contamination. We are not a member of the LWG. On March 30, 2012, the LWG submitted to the EPA and made available on its website a draft feasibility study (“FS”) for the Site based on approximately ten years of work and $100 million in costs classified by the LWG as investigation-related. The draft FS submitted by the LWG identified ten possible remedial alternatives which ranged in estimated cost from approximately $170 million to $250 million (net present value) for the least costly alternative to approximately $1.08 billion to $1.76 billion (net present value) for the most costly and estimated a range of two to 28 years to implement the remedial work, depending on the selected alternative. However, the EPA largely rejected this draft FS, and took over the drafting process. The EPA provided their revised draft FS to the LWG and other key stakeholders in sections, with the final section being made available in August 2015. The revised draft FS identified five possible remedial alternatives which ranged in estimated cost from approximately $550 million to $1.19 billion (net present value) for the least costly alternative to approximately $1.71 billion to $3.67 billion (net present value) for the most costly and estimated a range of four to 18 years to implement the remedial work, depending on the selected alternative. In November 2015, EPA Region 10 presented its preferred alternative remedy to the National Remedy Review Board ("NRRB"), a peer review group that has been established to review proposed Superfund cleanup decisions for consistency with the Superfund statute, regulations, and guidance. EPA Region 10’s preferred alternative presented to the NRRB was a modified version of one of the alternatives (Alternative E) in the revised draft FS, and EPA Region 10 estimated that its preferred alternative would take seven years to implement, with an estimated cost of $1.4 billion (net present value). In June 2016, EPA issued its Proposed Plan for the cleanup of the in-river portion of the Site. In the Proposed Plan, EPA identified its preferred alternative, which includes a combination of dredging, capping, and enhanced natural recovery and which EPA estimates will take approximately seven years to construct with additional time for monitored natural recovery to occur and cost an estimated $746 million (net present value). This is approximately half of the estimated $1.4 billion (net present value) cost of the very similar preferred alternative that EPA Region 10 presented in November 2015. The Proposed Plan also describes other alternatives that were considered and the criteria EPA used to compare the alternatives, including estimated costs and construction timelines. In conjunction with the Proposed Plan, EPA issued its final FS in June 2016. The final FS identifies eight possible remedial alternatives (some of which contain two disposal alternatives, for a total of 13 possible alternative remedial scenarios) which ranged in estimated cost from approximately $316 million to $677 million (net present value) for the least costly alternative to approximately $1.21 billion to $2.67 billion (net present value) for the most costly alternative that the EPA did not screen out and estimates a range of four to 19 years to implement the remedial work, depending on the selected alternative. The final FS includes one alternative (Alternative H) which would involve capping/dredging the entire Site with an estimated cost range from approximately $6.61 billion to $14.29 billion and 62 years to implement. EPA screened out this Alternative H due to implementability and cost considerations. Each of the draft and final FS also contain a No Action alternative considered as a baseline for comparison with the other alternatives. The FS and the Proposed Plan do not determine or allocate the responsibility for remediation costs. Issuance of the Proposed Plan is part of the continuing process for evaluation and remediation of the Site. There will be a 90-day public comment period on the Proposed Plan that ends on September 6, 2016, unless EPA chooses to extend it. Following the public comment period, EPA will prepare a summary responding to the comments and select a remedy for the Site in a Record of Decision (“ROD”). EPA has indicated that it plans to issue the ROD prior to the end of 2016. In the ROD, EPA may modify the preferred alternative or select a different alternative than that presented in the Proposed Plan based on new information or public comments. It is uncertain whether the preferred alternative identified by EPA in the Proposed Plan will be the selected remedy in the ROD or whether the EPA will be

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able to maintain its proposed schedule for issuing the ROD. We and other stakeholders have identified a number of concerns regarding the EPA's cost estimates, scheduling assumptions and conclusions regarding the feasibility, effectiveness and assignment of remediation technologies. EPA’s FS and Proposed Plan are based on data that are more than a decade old and may not accurately represent site or background conditions. In its Proposed Plan, EPA acknowledged that the assumptions used to estimate costs for the remedial alternatives were developed based on the existing data and will be finalized during the remedial design, after design level data to refine the baseline conditions are obtained. In addition, the FS and Proposed Plan provide only site-wide cost estimates and do not provide sufficient detail regarding costs for specific sediment management areas. Accordingly, it is anticipated that additional pre-remedial design investigative work will need to occur after the ROD is issued in order to provide a re-baseline for costs and determine particular remedial actions for specific areas within the Site. The next phase in the process following the ROD is the remedial design. The remedial design phase is an engineering phase during which additional technical information and data will be collected, identified and incorporated into technical drawings and specifications developed for the subsequent remedial action. The EPA will be seeking a new coalition of PRPs to perform the remedial design activities. Remediation activities are not expected to commence for a number of years and responsibility for implementing and funding the EPA’s selected remedy will be determined in a separate allocation process. While an allocation process is currently underway, the EPA's FS and its approach to the proposed alternative remedies have raised questions and uncertainty as to how that allocation process will proceed. Because there has not been a determination of the total cost of the investigations, the remediation that will be required, the amount of natural resource damages or how the costs of the ongoing investigations and any remedy and natural resource damages will be allocated among the PRPs, we believe it is not possible to reasonably estimate the amount or range of costs which we are likely to or which it is reasonably possible that we will incur in connection with the Site, although such costs could be material to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. Among the facts currently being developed are detailed information on the history of ownership of and the nature of the uses of and activities and operations performed on each property within the Site, which are factors that will play a substantial role in determining the allocation of investigation and remedy costs among the PRPs. We have insurance policies that we believe will provide reimbursement for costs we incur for defense, remediation and mitigation for natural resource damages claims in connection with the Site, although there are no assurances that those policies will cover all of the costs which we may incur. Significant cash outflows in the future related to the Site could reduce the amount of our borrowing capacity that could otherwise be used for investment in capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends and share repurchases. Any material liabilities incurred in the future related to the Site could result in our failure to maintain compliance with certain covenants in our debt agreements. See Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number
 
Exhibit Description
 
 
 
10.1*
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in second half of fiscal 2016.
 
 
 
10.2*
 
Form of Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in second half of fiscal 2016.
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
101
 
The following financial information from Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, (ii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2016, and August 31, 2015, (iii) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016 and 2015, (iv) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended May 31 2016 and 2015, and (v) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

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.
 
 
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
Date:
June 30, 2016
By:
/s/ Tamara L. Lundgren
 
 
 
Tamara L. Lundgren
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Date:
June 30, 2016
By:
/s/ Richard D. Peach
 
 
 
Richard D. Peach
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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