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



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Commission File Number 0-21719

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (260) 969-3500

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐

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

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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for

complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   ☐

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold as of June 30, 2017, was approximately $5,979 million. Registrant has no non-voting shares. For purposes of this calculation, shares of common stock held by directors, officers and 5% stockholders known to the registrant have been deemed to be owned by affiliates, but this should not be construed as an admission that any such person possesses the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of the registrant or that such person is controlled by or under common control with the registrant.

As of February 20, 2018, Registrant had outstanding 236,071,369 shares of common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE



Portions of registrant’s definitive proxy statement referenced in Part III, Items 10 through 14 of this report, to be filed prior to May 1, 2018, are incorporated herein by reference.

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STEEL DYNAMICS, INC.

Table of Contents













 

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PART I

Special Note Regarding Forward‑Looking Statements

Throughout this report, or in other reports or registration statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or under the Securities Act of 1933, as well as in documents we incorporate by reference herein or herefrom, or in press releases or oral statements made by our officers or Regulation FD authorized representatives, we may make statements that express our opinions, expectations, or projections regarding future events or future results, in contrast with statements that reflect present or  historical facts. These predictive statements, which we generally precede or accompany by such typical conditional words as “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “seek,” “project” or “expect,” or by the words “may,” “will,” or “should,” are intended to operate as “forward looking statements” of the kind permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, incorporated in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Such forward-looking statements involve both known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  That legislation protects such predictive and cautionary statements by creating a “safe harbor” from liability in the event that a particular prediction does not turn out as anticipated.

While we always intend to express our best judgment when we make statements about what we believe will occur in the future, and although we base these statements on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable when made, these forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to many uncertainties and other variable circumstances, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause our actual results and experience to differ materially from those we thought would occur.

The following listing represents some, but not necessarily all, of the factors that may cause actual results to differ from those we may have anticipated or predicted:

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We also refer you to and urge you to carefully read the section entitled Risk Factors at Item 1A of this report to better understand some of the principal risks and uncertainties inherent in our businesses or in owning our securities, as well as the section entitled Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations at Item 7. You should also review the notes to consolidated financial statements under headings in Note 1 Use of Estimates and in Note 9 Commitments and Contingencies.   

Any forward-looking statements which we make in this report or in any of the documents that are incorporated by reference herein or herefrom speak only as of the date of such statement, and we undertake no ongoing obligation to update such statements. Comparisons of results between current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.

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ITEM 1.BUSINESS



Our Company

Steel Dynamics, Inc. is one of the largest domestic steel producers and metal recyclers in the United States based on current estimated steelmaking and coating capacity of over 11 million tons and actual metals recycling volumes.  The primary source of revenues are from the manufacture and sale of steel products, processing and sale of recycled ferrous and nonferrous metals, and fabrication and sale of steel joists and deck products.

We believe our strategic focus to drive value for shareholders, customers, employees and communities is differentiated through our six Core Operating and Leadership Principals:













Competitive Strengths / Business Strategies

We believe our financial strength and flexibility, coupled with our competitive advantages of maintaining a low, highly variable cost structure, producing a diversified value-added product offering, controlling a secure supply of recycled ferrous metals, fostering an entity-wide entrepreneurial culture and having an experienced senior management team and work force, positions us well to continue to strengthen our leadership position and execute our growth strategy. 

One of the Lowest Cost Steel Producers in the United States; State-of-the-Art Facilities / Continue to Maintain Low Production Costs

We are focused on continuing to maintain and enhance one of the lowest operating cost structures in the North American steel industry. Our low operating costs are primarily a result of our efficient plant designs and operations, our high productivity rate, low ongoing maintenance cost requirements and strategic locations near our customers and sources of our primary raw material, ferrous scrap.

We will continue to drive innovative ways to use our equipment, enhance our productivity and explore new technologies to further improve our unit costs of production at each of our facilities. As one of the lowest cost producers in each of our three primary operating segments, we are able to better manage through cyclical and non-cyclical downturns, and to consistently maximize our profitability. We continuously seek to maximize the variability of our cost structure and to reduce per unit and fixed costs. Our incentive compensation plans at all employee levels are based on both divisional and consolidated company performance. Performance-based incentive compensation is designed to reward high productivity and efficient and safe use of physical resources and capital employed. Additionally, leveraging our existing facilities through capital effective organic growth and diversified product offerings allows us to maximize utilization of our current cost structure.



Secure Supply of High Quality Just-in-Time Ferrous Raw Materials



We maintain a secure supply of ferrous raw material resources through the benefit of our metals recycling operations and Iron Dynamics (IDI). Ferrous materials represent the single largest raw material component of our steel operations’ manufacturing costs, at approximately 60% of such costs. During 2017, 2016, and 2015, OmniSource, our metals recycling operations, provided our steel operations with 38%, 40%, and 41%, respectively, of its ferrous scrap requirements. This represented 63%, 61%, and 54% of OmniSource’s total ferrous scrap shipments during 2017, 

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2016, and 2015, respectively. During 2017, 2016,  and 2015,  our steel operations consumed 10.3 million, 9.9 million, and 8.8 million tons, respectively, of metallic materials, of which iron units, other than scrap, represented approximately 13%, 14%, and 12% in 2017, 2016,  and 2015,  respectively. IDI supplies 100% of its production to the Butler Flat Roll Division, representing 72%, 65%, and 66% of their iron units other than scrap in 2017, 2016,  and 2015,  respectively, through the transfer of liquid pig iron and hot briquetted iron, which are higher quality, energy-saving ferrous raw materials. We believe our metals recycling operations and IDI provide us with a high quality, cost effective, and secure raw material platform for effective working capital management.   



Diversified Product Mix / Expanded Product Offerings

We are one of the most diversified steel companies in the United States, with very broad product offerings. We currently offer a broad range of steel products (more specifically enumerated in the Steel Operations Products and Sales by End Market later in this section), including:

Steel Operations:

Sheet Products.  Hot roll, cold roll and coated steel, including a wide variety of specialty products, such as light gauge hot roll, galvanized, galvanneal, Galvalume®, Galfan®, and painted products.

Long Products.  Structural steel beams, pilings, and standard and premium grade rail; engineered special-bar-quality of an expanding range of sizes and chemistries; various merchant-bar products including rounds, angles, flats, channels and reinforcing bar, and channels and specialty steel sections.

Steel Finishing. Turning, polishing, straightening, chamfering, threading, precision saw-cutting, cold draw and heat treating of bar products; and cutting to length, additional straightening, hole punching, shot blasting, welding and coating of beams, channels and specialty steel sections.

Metals Recycling Operations.  An array of both ferrous and nonferrous scrap processing, scrap management, transportation, and brokerage products and services.

Steel Fabrication Operations.  Steel joists and steel deck material, including specialty deck.

This diversified portfolio of products enables us to access a broad range of end-user markets, serve a broad customer base, and help mitigate our market exposure to any one product or end-user market, resulting in increased utilization. In addition, our value-added product offerings help to balance our exposure to commodity grade products supplied by other domestic steel, and to a larger extent in recent years, foreign manufacturers.

We will continue to seek additional opportunities and to collaborate with our customers to anticipate their future needs by further expanding our range of products and offerings, which may allow our customers the ability to more effectively and efficiently navigate their supply chain. One such opportunity is our soon to be completed $28 million investment at our Roanoke Bar Division, to utilize existing excess melting and casting capability with the addition of a rolling line to add approximately 200,000 tons annually of reinforcing bar capacity, including multi-strand slitting and finishing. Another opportunity is our on-going $75 million investment at our Structural and Rail Division to utilize excess melting and casting capability to produce up to 240,000 tons of various sizes of reinforcing bar including custom cut-to-length, smooth bar, and coiled. 

Strategic Geographic Locations / Enter New Geographic Markets

The majority of our steelmaking facilities are in locations near sources of scrap materials and near our customer base, allowing us to realize freight savings for inbound scrap as well as for outbound steel products destined for our customers. This also allows us to provide consistent on-time delivery to our customer base with relatively short lead times, further enhancing our customer relationships. Our coated sheet steel products are also effectively available through our locations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jeffersonville, Indiana and Columbus, Mississippi, due to river access.  Recycled ferrous scrap and iron units represent the most significant component of our cost of steel manufacturing. We believe that our metals recycling facilities are in the regions that account for a majority of the total ferrous scrap produced in the United States. Our steel fabrication operations have a national footprint allowing us to serve the entire joist and deck domestic market and national accounts.

We may seek to enter new markets in strategic geographic locations that offer attractive growth opportunities within our areas of expertise.

Experienced Management Team and Unique Corporate Culture / Foster Entrepreneurial Culture

Our senior management team is highly experienced and has a proven track record in the steel, metals recycling, and steel fabrication industries. Management’s objectives are closely aligned with our stockholders through meaningful stock ownership positions and performance‑based compensation programs that are correlated to the company’s profitability and operational performance in relationship to its steel manufacturing peers. Our entrepreneurial culture resonates throughout each of our operating segments. We emphasize decentralized decision making, with corporate risk oversight, and have established incentive compensation programs specifically designed to reward employee teams for their efforts toward identifying innovative ways to enhance productivity, improve profitability, and control costs.

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We intend to continue to foster our entrepreneurial culture and emphasize decentralized operational decision making and responsibility, while continuing to maintain appropriate corporate policy and risk oversight. We reward teamwork, innovation, and operating efficiency, and will also continue to focus on maintaining the effectiveness of our incentive‑based bonus plans that are designed to maximize overall productivity and align the interests of our management and employees with our stockholders.  



Experienced Executive Management Team







Mark D. Millett, a co-founder of our company and director since inception, has been our President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2012. Prior to that, Mr. Millett has held various positions, including President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President of Metals Recycling and Ferrous Resources, President and Chief Operating Officer of OmniSource Corporation, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Flat Rolled Steels and Ferrous Resources.  Mr. Millett was responsible for the design, construction, and start-up operation of our Butler, Indiana flat roll, melting and casting operations. Mr. Millett, prior to his co-founding of Steel Dynamics, served from 1981 to 1985 as chief metallurgist for Nucor Corporation’s Darlington, South Carolina, division, charged with developing the world’s first commercially viable thin-slab-casting process as the manager of that project at Nucor’s Hazelett facility. In 1987, Mr. Millett was given the responsibility by Nucor for the design, construction, staffing, and operation of the melting and casting facility at Nucor’s world’s‑first thin-slab casting facility at Crawfordsville, Indiana. Mr. Millett holds a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy from the University of Surrey in England. Mr. Millett was named Steelmaker of the Year in 2014 by the Association of Iron and Steel Technology.



Theresa E. Wagler is our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since May 2007.  Ms. Wagler joined the Steel Dynamics corporate finance team in 1998, and has held various finance and accounting positions, including Chief Accounting Officer and Vice President and Corporate Controller, and was appointed to her current position in May 2007. She is responsible for and oversees accounting, risk management, taxation, treasury, and information technology functions, as well as, financial planning and analysis, investor relations, and corporate communications. Prior to joining Steel Dynamics, Ms. Wagler served as Assistant Corporate Controller for Fort Wayne National Bank and as a certified public accountant with Ernst & Young LLP. She graduated cum laude from Taylor University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and systems analysis. In addition, Ms. Wagler serves as a director and chair of the audit committee of CF Industries Holdings, Inc., a public company, and also serves as a director and audit committee chair for Trine University.



Russell B. Rinn is our Executive Vice President for Metals Recycling, and President and Chief Operating Officer of OmniSource LLC (f/k/a OmniSource Corporation) since July 2011. Mr. Rinn is responsible for OmniSource’s ferrous and nonferrous metals recycling operations in the eastern half of the United States, as well as sourcing, marketing, trading, and logistics activities spanning the nation. OmniSource procures metal scrap, processes it, and markets these recycled metals to external customers and supplies ferrous scrap to the company’s steel mills. Prior to joining Steel Dynamics, Mr. Rinn was an Executive Vice President of Commercial Metals Company (CMC), a Texas-based mini-mill steel company. He has more than 30 years of experience in the steel and metals recycling industries. Mr. Rinn is a graduate of the Executive Program of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and of the Management Development Program at the University of Michigan’s Business School. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Marketing and Business Administration from Texas Lutheran University.



Chris A. Graham is our Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Group since March 2016. Since 2013, Mr. Graham served as a Vice President of Steel Dynamics and the President of New Millennium Building Systems fabrication operations. Mr. Graham is responsible for the company's fabrication operations and the company's other downstream manufacturing facilities. He will lead the company's strategic growth in the area of adding businesses that will utilize Steel Dynamics metal products as raw material in the manufacture of other products.  Mr. Graham was part of the team that constructed the company's first steel mill in 1994.  He held various leadership positions within the company's steel group prior to moving into the fabrication operations in 2007.  He was responsible for four operating fabrication plants from 2007 to 2010, at which point he also became the team leader responsible for overseeing the restructuring and integration of three acquired fabrication facilities, and in 2014 was made responsible for the integration of the Columbus Flat Roll Division.  Mr. Graham earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Western Governors University and an MBA from the University of Saint Francis. 



Glenn A. Pushis is our Senior Vice President, Long Products Steel Group since March 2016.  Since 2014, Mr. Pushis served as a Vice President overseeing the company's Butler Flat Roll Division and six flat roll coating facilities located in Indiana and Pennsylvania.  Mr. Pushis is responsible for the company's four long product steel mills, which together have approximately 3.8 million tons of annual steelmaking capacity, producing specialized engineered bars, structural steel, railroad rail, merchant bars and other specialty steels, primarily serving the construction, transportation and industrial sectors. Mr. Pushis was also part of the team that constructed the company's first steel mill in 1994.  He held various leadership positions within the company's steel group, including the positions of General Manager for the Engineered Bar Products Division from 2003 to 2007

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and more recently, the Butler Flat Roll Division from 2007 to 2014. Mr. Pushis earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University and his MBA from Indiana University.



Barry T. Schneider is our Senior Vice President, Flat Roll Steel Group since March 2016.  Since 2014, Mr. Schneider served as a Vice President overseeing the company's Engineered Bar Products and Roanoke Bar steel divisions.  Mr. Schneider is responsible for the company's two flat roll steel mills and eleven flat roll coating lines, which together have approximately 7.2 million tons of annual capacity, producing hot roll, cold roll and coated steel products, including a wide variety of specialty products, such as light gauge hot roll, galvanized and painted products. Mr. Schneider was also part of the team that constructed the company's first steel mill in 1994, serving in several engineering and operational roles in the melt shop during the company's first five years of operations. He was the manager of the Butler Flat Roll Division's hot strip mill and later the cold rolling and coating facilities from 2000 to 2007. Mr. Schneider then held the position of General Manager for the Engineered Bar Products Division from 2007 to 2014. Mr. Schneider earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master of science in engineering management from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.



Industry Segments



We have three reporting segments: steel operations, metals recycling operations, and steel fabrication operations.  Refer to Notes 1 and 13 in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional segment information.



 



Steel operations consist of our six electric arc furnace steel mills, producing steel from ferrous scrap and scrap substitutes, utilizing continuous casting, automated rolling mills and several downstream steel coating and bar processing lines, and IDI, our liquid pig iron production facility, that supplies solely the Butler Flat Roll Division. Our steel operations sell directly to end-users, steel fabricators, and service centers. These products are used in numerous industry sectors, including the construction, automotive, manufacturing, transportation, heavy and agriculture equipment, and pipe and tube (including OCTG) markets. Our steel operations accounted for 72% of our consolidated net sales during 2017 and 2016, and 69% in 2015. We are predominantly a domestic steel company, with only 5%, 4%, and 5% of our revenues generated from exported sales during 2017, 2016,  and 2015,  respectively.    

Our steel operations consist primarily of steelmaking and coating operations. The following chart summarizes the locations and the current estimated production capacities of our facilities:    







Note: Steelmaking capacities represent manufacturing capabilities based on mill configuration and related employee support. These capacities do not represent expected volumes in a given year. In addition, estimates of mill capacity are highly dependent on the specific product mix manufactured. Each of our mills can and do roll many different types and sizes of products; therefore, our capacity estimates assume a typical product mix.



 *  The Techs galvanizing capacity is included in “Steelmaking Capacity” to represent the capability to utilize sheet steel substrate to  produce galvanized sheet steel at their facilities.

**  Vulcan Threaded Products bar finishing capacity is included in “Steelmaking Capacity’ to represent the capability to utilize steel long-product substrate to produce threaded rod, and cold draw and heat treat bar products at their facility.

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The following chart summarizes our steel operations products and the percentage of sales tons by end market:    

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SHEET STEEL PRODUCTS

Our sheet steel products, consisting of hot roll, cold roll and coated steel products are produced by our Butler and Columbus Flat Roll Divisions, and our several downstream coating lines, including The Techs. Our sheet steel operations represented 71%, 70%, and 65% of steel operations net sales in 2017,  2016, and 2015, respectively. We produced 7.1 million, 6.9 million, and 6.0 million tons of sheet steel at these facilities in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

IDI produces liquid pig iron and hot briquetted iron (HBI) that serves as a substitute for a portion of the metallic raw material mix that goes directly into our Butler Flat Roll Division electric arc furnaces to produce steel. IDI’s primary focus is to maximize liquid pig iron production, due to the inherent economic benefits achieved at the steel mill when the material is used in the steelmaking process, such as reduced energy cost, reduced materials cost, and quicker melting cycles. During 2017 and 2016, respectively, IDI produced 259,000 and 255,000 metric tons, of which 90% and 98%, respectively, was liquid pig iron. We have used, and plan to continue to use, all of the facility’s output internally.



The following chart summarizes the types of sheet steel products sold by sales dollars, during the respective years:

Customers. Steel processors and service centers typically act as intermediaries between primary sheet steel producers and the many end-user manufacturers that require further processing of hot roll coils. The additional processing performed by the intermediate steel processors and service centers include pickling, galvanizing, cutting to length, slitting to size, leveling, blanking, shape correcting, edge rolling, shearing and stamping. We believe that our intermediate steel processor and service center customers will remain an integral part of our customer base. The Columbus Flat Roll Division allows us to capitalize on the industrial markets in the Southern United States and Mexico, as well as further expand our customer base in painted, and line and other pipe products. Galvanized flat roll products produced by our Butler and Columbus Flat Roll Divisions, and The Techs are similar and are sold to a similar customer base. However, The Techs specializes in the galvanizing of specific types of flat roll steels in primarily non-automotive applications, servicing a variety of customers in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), construction, agriculture and consumer goods markets. Our sheet steel operations also provide a significant portion of the sheet steel utilized in our steel fabrication operations.

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The following chart summarizes the types of customers who purchased our sheet steel products, by sales dollars, during the respective years:

   * Energy, included in Pipe & Tube, represents 5% of total sheet steel sales in 2017, and 2% in 2016 and 2015.



LONG PRODUCTS

Our Structural and Rail Division is capable of producing a variety of parallel flange sections such as Wide Flange Beams, American Standard Beams, Manufactured Housing Beams, and H Piling and Channel sections for the construction, transportation and industrial machinery markets. Further diversification of the product mix occurred in 2017, to include flat bars and large unequal leg angles used in construction markets. They also produce standard strength carbon, intermediate alloy hardness, and premium grade rails in 40 to 320 feet length for the railroad industry. Our state-of-the-art heat treating system allows us to produce high quality premium rail, which has been certified by all Class I railroads. In addition, our rail-welding facility has the ability to weld (Continuous Welded Rail) in lengths up to 1,600 feet, which offers substantial savings to the railroads both in terms of initial capital cost and through reduced maintenance. We are currently constructing a $75 million expansion to utilize existing excess melting and casting capability to produce up to 240,000 tons of various sizes of reinforcing bar including custom cut-to-length, smooth bar, and coiled.

Our Engineered Bar Products Division is capable of producing a broad array of engineered special-bar-quality (SBQ), merchant-bar-quality (MBQ), rounded-cornered squares, and smaller-diameter engineered round bars. Adjacent to this mill, we have a bar finishing facility, which provides various downstream finishing operations for our SBQ steel bars. Processing operations include turning, polishing, straightening, chamfering, precision saw-cutting and heat-treating capabilities. In addition, non-destructive testing services are available, including eddy current, flux leakage and ultrasonic inspection. Vulcan Threaded Products, Inc. (Vulcan), produces threaded rod product, and cold drawn and heat treated bar, creating strategic pull-through demand of special-bar-quality products provided from our Engineered Bar Products Division. 

Our Roanoke Bar Division primarily produces merchant bar products, including angles, merchant rounds, flats, channels, and reinforcing bar. We expect in early 2018 to complete our $28 million rolling line expansion project to utilize existing excess melting and casting capability to produce approximately 200,000 tons of reinforcing bar, with multi-strand slitting and finishing capabilities, making us the largest independent reinforcing bar producer in the region.

Steel of West Virginia primarily sells beams, channels and specialty steel sections, and frequently performs fabrication and finishing operations on its products, such as cutting to length, additional straightening, hole punching, shot blasting, welding, coating, and new in 2017 galvanizing. Through this additional finishing, we create custom finished products that are generally placed directly into our customers’ assembly operations.

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We produced the following long steel products at these facilities (tons):





Customers. The principal customers for our structural steel products are steel service centers, steel fabricators and various manufacturers. Service centers, though not the ultimate end-user, provide valuable mill distribution functions to the fabricators and manufacturers, including small quantity sales, repackaging, cutting, preliminary processing and warehousing. The steel rail marketplace in the United States, Canada and Mexico is specialized and defined, with seven Class I railroads and a large distribution network.

SBQ products are principally consumed by cold finishers, forgers, intermediate processors, OEM manufacturers, steel service centers, and distributors, as well as pull through volume to Vulcan. Our MBQ products are sold primarily to steel service centers, as well as reinforcing bar distributors, joist producers, and OEMs. Some of the excess steel billet production at the Roanoke Bar Division is sold to mills without sufficient melting capacities, including our Steel of West Virginia facility. Our steel fabrication operations also purchase angles from Roanoke Bar Division. Steel of West Virginia’s customers are primarily OEMs producing truck trailers, industrial lift trucks, merchant products, guardrail posts, manufactured housing, mining, and off-highway construction equipment. Steel of West Virginia’s flexible manufacturing capabilities enable us to meet demand for a variety of custom-ordered and designed products. Many of these products are produced in small quantities for low volume end-uses resulting in a wide variety of customers, the largest of which are in the truck trailer and industrial lift truck industries. 

Steel Competition. The markets in which we conduct business are highly competitive with an abundance of competition in the carbon steel industry from North American and foreign integrated and mini-mill steelmaking and processing operations.  We compete in numerous industry sections, most significantly tied to the construction, automotive, and other manufacturing sectors.  In many applications within these industry sections, steel competes with other materials, such as aluminum, cement, composites, plastics, carbon fiber, glass and wood.  Some of our products are commodities, subject to their own cyclical fluctuations in supply and demand.  However, we are focused on providing a broader range of diversified value-added products that de-emphasize commodity steel. The primary competitive influences on products we sell are price, quality and value-added services.

Global steelmaking capacity exceeds global consumption of steel products.  Such excess capacity sometimes results in steel manufacturers in certain countries exporting steel at prices that are lower than prevailing domestic prices, and sometimes at or below their cost to produce.  Excessive imports of steel in the United States, such as in 2017 and more so in 2015, intensifies price competition on the domestic steel industry which negatively affects our ability to increase our selling prices, and realize higher margins and profitability. 





The metals recycling operations consists solely of OmniSource and includes both ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal processing, transportation, marketing, and brokerage services strategically located primarily in close proximity to our steel mills and other end-user scrap consumers throughout the eastern half of the United States.  In addition, OmniSource designs, installs, and manages customized scrap management programs for industrial manufacturing companies at hundreds of locations throughout North America. Our metals recycling operations accounted for 15% of our consolidated net sales during 2017 and 2016 and 19% in 2015. Our steel mills utilize a portion of the ferrous scrap processed through OmniSource as raw material in our steelmaking operations, and the remainder is sold to other consumers, such as other steel manufacturers and foundries. This strategic symbiotic relationship with our own steelmaking operations provides valuable pull-through demand to OmniSource’s ferrous scrap operations. In 2017,  2016, and 2015, OmniSource provided our steel operations with 38%, 40%, and 41%, respectively, of its ferrous scrap requirements.

We shipped the following from our metals recycling operations:





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We sell various grades of processed ferrous scrap primarily to steel mills and foundries.  Ferrous scrap metal is the primary raw material for electric arc furnaces, such as our steel mills.  In addition, we sell various grades of nonferrous metals such as copper, brass, aluminum and stainless steel, to aluminum, steel and ingot manufacturers, brass and bronze ingot makers, copper refineries and mills, smelters, specialty mills, alloy manufacturers, and other consumers. 

We purchase ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals, processed and unprocessed, in a variety of forms for our metals recycling facilities.

Ferrous scrap comes from two primary sources:

Nonferrous scrap comes from three primary sources:

We do not purchase a significant amount of scrap metal from a single source or from a limited number of major sources.  Market demand and the composition, quality, size, weight, and location of the materials are the primary factors that determine prices.

Products.    Our metals recycling operations primarily involve the purchase, processing, and resale of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals into reusable forms and grades.  We process an array of ferrous products through a variety of methods, including sorting, shredding, shearing, cutting, torching, baling, briquetting, and breaking. Our major ferrous products include heavy melting steel, busheling, bundled scrap, shredded scrap and other scrap metal products, such as steel turnings and cast iron. These products vary in properties or attributes related to cleanness, size of individual pieces, and residual alloys. The necessary characteristics of the ferrous products are determined by the specific needs and requirements of the consumer and affect the individual product’s relative value. We process various grades of nonferrous products, including aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, and other nonferrous metals. Additionally, we provide transportation logistics (truck, rail, and river barge), marketing, brokerage, and scrap management services.

Customers.    We sell various grades of processed ferrous scrap to end-users, such as electric arc furnace steel mills, integrated steelmakers, foundries, secondary smelters, and metal brokers, who aggregate materials for other large users. Ferrous scrap metal is the primary raw material for electric arc furnaces, such as our steel mills. Most of our ferrous scrap customers purchase processed scrap through negotiated spot sales contracts which establish a quantity purchase for the month. The price we charge for ferrous scrap depends upon market demand and pricing, transportation costs, as well as the quality and grade of the scrap. We sell various grades of processed nonferrous scrap to end-users such as aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers, brass and bronze ingot makers, copper refineries, mills, smelters, specialty steelmakers, alloy manufacturers, wire and cable producers, utilities, and telephone networks.  The price we charge for nonferrous scrap depends upon market demand and pricing, transportation costs, as well as the quality and grade of the scrap.

Competition.  Scrap is a global commodity influenced by conditions in a number of industrialized and emerging markets throughout Asia, Europe and North America. The markets for scrap metals are highly competitive, both in the purchase of raw or unprocessed scrap, and the sale of processed scrap. With regard to the purchase of unprocessed scrap, we compete with numerous independent recyclers, as well as smaller scrap companies engaged only in collecting obsolete scrap. In many cases, we also purchase unprocessed scrap metal from smaller scrap dealers and other processors. Successful procurement of materials is determined primarily by the price offered by the purchaser for the raw scrap and the proximity of our processing facility to the source of the raw scrap. Both ferrous and nonferrous scrap sells as a commodity in both domestic and international markets, which are affected, sometimes significantly, by relative economic conditions, currency fluctuations, and the availability and cost of transportation. Competition for sales of processed scrap is based primarily on the price, quality, and location of the scrap metals, as well as the level of service provided in terms of reliability and timing of delivery.

We also face potential competition for sales of processed scrap from other producers of steel products, such as electric arc furnace and integrated steel mills, some of which like us are also vertically integrated in the scrap metals recycling business. In addition, other steel mills may compete with us in attempting to secure scrap supply through direct purchasing from our scrap suppliers. Scrap metal processors also face competition from substitutes for prepared ferrous scrap, such as pre-reduced iron pellets, HBI, pig iron, direct reduced iron (DRI), and other forms of processed iron. The availability and relative prices of substitutes for ferrous scrap could result in a decreased demand for processed ferrous scrap and could result in lower prices and/or lower demand for our scrap products.

The industry is highly fragmented with many smaller family-owned companies, many regional scrap companies, along with a number of national and global companies, each of which has multiple locations in areas in which OmniSource also operates. No single scrap metals recycler has a significant market share in the domestic market.

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Our steel fabrication operations include seven New Millennium Building Systems plants that primarily serve the non-residential construction industry throughout the United States.  We have a national operating footprint that allows us to serve the entire domestic construction market, as well as national accounts, such as large retail chains.

Steel fabrication operations accounted for 9% of our consolidated net sales during 2017,  2016, and 2015. We sold 627,000, 563,000, and 493,000 tons of joist and deck products during 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Our steel operations supply a substantial portion, approximately 51%, 59% and 63% in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, of the steel utilized in our steel fabrication operations, providing strategic pull-through demand. 

Products.  Our steel fabrication operations produce steel building components, including steel joists, girders, trusses (six locations), and steel deck (five locations). Our joist products include bowstring, arched, scissor, double‑pitched and single‑pitched joists. Our deck products include a full range of steel roof, form, composite floor, specialty architectural, floor systems, and bridge deck.

Customers and Markets.  Our primary steel fabrication operations customers are non-residential steel fabricators. Other customers include metal building companies, general construction contractors, developers, brokers and governmental entities.  Our customers are located throughout the United States, including national accounts. The steel joist and deck market in the United States was approximately 2.0 million, 1.9 million tons, and 1.7 million tons in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, based on trade association estimates. Based on this information, our steel fabrication operations’ growth rate has outpaced the steel joist and deck market growth resulting in our market share of approximately 33% in 2017, and 31% in 2016 and 2015. We believe we are well positioned with our national footprint to continue to grow as the non-residential construction market continues to expand, and we have available capacity that can be deployed as needed.

Competition.  We compete with other North American joist and steel deck producers primarily on the basis of price, quality, customer service, and proximity to the customer.  Our national footprint allows us to service the entire domestic non-residential construction market, as well as national accounts such as large retail chains, and certain specialty deck customers.







Other operations consists of subsidiary operations that are below the quantitative thresholds required for reportable segments and primarily consist of our idled Minnesota ironmaking operations and smaller joint ventures. Also included in “Other” are certain unallocated corporate accounts, such as the company’s senior secured credit facility, senior notes, certain other investments and certain profit sharing expenses. 

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Sources, Availability, and Cost of Steel and Other Operations’ Raw Materials

Scrap Metals. The principal raw material of our steel operations is scrap metal derived from, among other sources “home scrap”, generated internally at steel mills themselves; industrial scrap, generated as a by-product of manufacturing; and “obsolete” scrap recycled from end-of-life automobiles, appliances, railroad cars and railroad track materials, agricultural machinery and demolition scrap from obsolete structures, containers and machines.

Ferrous scrap typically comprises more than 80% of the metallic melt mix in electric arc furnace steelmaking, in contrast to integrated mill steelmaking, where the proportion of scrap has traditionally been approximately 25% to 35%. Depending upon the scrap substitute material that may be available from time to time, and the relative cost of such material, the percentage of scrap used in our steelmaking operations could be increased or reduced in our metallic melt mix.

Many variables can impact ferrous scrap prices, all of which reflect the pushes and pulls of the supply demand equation. These factors include the level of domestic steel production (high quality low-residual scrap is a by-product of steel manufacturing activity), the level of exports of scrap from the United States, and the amount of obsolete scrap production. In addition, domestic ferrous scrap prices generally have a strong correlation and spread to global pig iron pricing. Generally, as domestic steel demand increases, so does scrap demand and resulting scrap prices. The reverse is also normally, but not always, true with scrap prices following steel prices downward when supply exceeds demand. Scrap prices declined sharply in 2015 due to domestic scrap competition, the strong United States dollar tempering scrap exports, decreasing global pig iron prices, and lower steel mill utilization rates resulting from excessive record levels of steel imports. These excess sheet steel imports declined during 2016 with duties levied pursuant to the trade case rulings from the United States International Trade Commission, resulting in increased domestic steel mill utilization, resulting in improved scrap pricing. Steel imports once again rose during 2017, mostly related to structural and pre-fabricated structural long products, but also cold roll and coated sheet steel, causing pressure on steel selling prices in those markets.  However, scrap prices continued to climb in 2017 due to strong domestic steel mill utilization and lower scrap exports, combined with additional supply from DRI projects and prime scrap. When scrap prices greatly accelerate, this can challenge one of the principal elements of an electric arc furnace based steel mill’s traditional lower cost structure—the cost of its metallic raw material.

The following table provides pricing per gross ton from American Metal Market (AMM) and Ryan’s Notes (Pig Iron) estimates for ferrous materials used in steel production:



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Iron Units. In addition to scrap, DRI, HBI, pig iron, and iron nuggets are used in our electric arc furnace steel mill production. During 2017,  2016, and 2015, we consumed 10.3 million,  9.9 million and 8.8 million tons, respectively, of metallic materials in our steelmaking furnaces, of which, iron units other than scrap, represented approximately 13%, 14% and 12% of the tons, respectively. Of these iron substitute units consumed, our IDI operation supplies 100% of its production to the Butler Flat Roll Division mill, representing 72%, 65% and 66% of their iron units in 2017, 2016,  and 2015,  respectively.    

Energy Resources

Electricity.  Electricity is a significant input required in the electric arc furnaces in our steelmaking operations (excluding The Techs and Vulcan), representing 6%, 7% and 6% of steel production costs of goods sold in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. We have entered into fixed price electricity contracts for the Butler Flat Roll Division, Columbus Flat Roll Division, Roanoke Bar Division and Steel of West Virginia, while our Engineered Bar Products Division has a combination of fixed pricing and market pricing for the various components of the electrical services (demand charge, energy charge, riders, etc.). Our Structural and Rail Division purchases electricity at current market prices and through forward contracts at fixed prices.

Patents and Trademarks

We currently do not own any material patents or patent applications for technologies that are in use in our production processes. We have the following major registered trademarks, as follows:

Research and Development

Our research and development activities have consisted of efforts to expand, develop and improve our products and operating processes, and our efforts to develop and improve alternative ironmaking technologies through IDI. Most of these research and development efforts have been conducted in-house by our employees.

Environmental Matters

Our operations are subject to substantial and evolving local, state, and federal environmental, health and safety laws and regulations concerning, among other things, emissions to the air, discharges to surface and ground water and to sewer systems, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes and secondary materials. Our operations are dependent upon permits regulating discharges into the air or into the water or the use and handling of by-products in order to operate our facilities. We dedicate considerable resources aimed at achieving compliance with federal and state laws concerning the environment.  While we do not currently believe that our future compliance efforts with such provisions will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, this is subject to change in the ever-evolving regulatory environment in which we operate.

Since the level of enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, or the nature of those laws that may be enacted from time to time are subject to changing social or political pressures, our environmental capital expenditures and costs for environmental compliance may increase in the future. In addition, due to the possibility of unanticipated regulatory or other developments, the amount and timing of future environmental expenditures may vary substantially from those currently anticipated. The cost of current and future environmental compliance may also place United States steel producers at a competitive disadvantage with respect to foreign steel producers, which may not be required to undertake equivalent costs in their operations.

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Pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, which governs the treatment, handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or United States EPA, and authorized state environmental agencies may conduct inspections to identify alleged violations or areas where there may have been releases of solid or hazardous constituents into the environment and require the facilities to take corrective action to remediate any such releases. RCRA also allows citizens to bring certain suits against regulated facilities for potential damages and cleanup. Our steelmaking and certain other facilities generate wastes subject to RCRA. Our operations produce various by-products, some of which, for example electric arc furnace or EAF dust, are often categorized as hazardous waste, requiring special handling for disposal or for the recovery of metallics. We collect such by-products in pollution control equipment, such as baghouses, and either recycle or appropriately dispose of these by-products. While we cannot predict the future actions of the regulators or other interested parties, the potential exists for required corrective action at these facilities, the costs of which could be substantial.

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability, known as “CERCLA” or “Superfund,” the United States EPA and, in some instances, private parties have the authority to impose joint and several liability for the remediation of contaminated properties upon generators of waste, current and former site owners and operators, transporters and other potentially responsible parties, regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal activity. Many states have statutes and regulatory authorities similar to CERCLA and to the United States EPA. We have a number of material handling agreements with various contractors to properly dispose of or recycle our electric arc furnace dust and certain other by-products of our operations. However, we cannot assure that, even if there has been no fault by us, we may not still be cited as a waste generator by reason of an environmental cleanup at a site to which our by-products were transported.

The Clean Water Act and similar state laws apply to aspects of our operations and impose regulatory restrictions related to the discharge of wastewater, storm water and dredged or fill material.  United States EPA, states and, in certain instances, private parties have the ability to bring suit alleging violations and seeking penalties and damages.  The Clean Water Act’s provisions can require new or expanded water treatment investments to be made and can limit or even prohibit certain current or planned activities at our operations.

The Clean Air Act and analogous state laws require many of our facilities to obtain and maintain air permits in order to operate.  Air permits can impose new or expanded obligations to limit or prevent current or future emissions and to add costly pollution control equipment. Enforcement for alleged violations can be brought by the United States EPA, the states, and in certain instances private parties, and can result in penalties and injunctive relief.

In addition, there are a number of other environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that apply to our facilities and may affect our operations. By way of example and not of limitation, certain portions of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act, Oil Pollution Act, Safe Drinking Water Act and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, as well as state and local laws and regulations implemented by the regulatory agencies, apply to aspects of our facilities’ operations. In some instances, we may also be subject to foreign governments’ regulations and international treaties and laws. Many of these laws allow both the governments and citizens to bring certain suits against regulated facilities for alleged environmental violations. Finally, our operations could be subject to certain toxic tort suits brought by citizens or other third parties alleging causes of action such as nuisance, negligence, trespass, infliction of emotional distress, or other claims alleging personal injury or property damage.

Employees

We emphasize decentralized decision making and responsibility and have established performance-based incentive compensation programs specifically designed to enhance productivity, improve profitability, control costs and foster innovation. Our work force consisted of approximately 7,635 full time employees at December 31, 2017, of which approximately 9% were represented by collective bargaining agreements. The largest group of unionized employees is at Steel of West Virginia. The remaining unionized employees are located in four different OmniSource metals recycling locations, each of which has its own agreement. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.



Available Information



Our internet website address is www.steeldynamics.com. We make available on our internet website, under “Investors,” free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, as well as press releases, ownership reports pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, our Code of Ethics for Principal Executive Officers and Senior Financial Officers, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and any amendments thereto or waivers thereof, as well as our Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charters. We do not intend to incorporate the contents of our or any other website into this report. 

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ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

Many factors could have an effect on our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. We are subject to various risks resulting from changing economic, environmental, political, industry, business and financial conditions. The factors described below represent our principal risks.  

Risks Related to our Industry

Global steelmaking overcapacity and imports of steel into the United States have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, United States steel prices, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Global steelmaking capacity currently exceeds global consumption of steel products, which adversely affects United States and global steel prices. Such excess capacity sometimes results in steel manufacturers in certain countries exporting steel and steel products, including pre-fabricated long-product steel, at prices that are lower than prevailing domestic prices, and sometimes at or below their cost of production. Excessive imports of steel and steel products, including pre-fabricated steel, into the United States, such as in recent years, have exerted, and may continue to exert, downward pressure on United States steel and steel products prices, which adversely affects our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Furthermore, anticipated additional domestic steel capacity could increase this global overcapacity.  This, in turn, may also adversely impact domestic demand for ferrous scrap and our ferrous metallics margins.  United States steel producers compete with many foreign producers, including those in China, Vietnam and other Asian and European countries. Competition from foreign producers is typically strong and is periodically exacerbated by weakening of the economies of certain foreign steelmaking countries. Additionally, low iron ore prices, resulting in disruption of the scrap price correlation to iron ore, leads to reduced global costs to produce steel, further depressing steel import prices.  A higher volume of steel exports to the United States tend to occur at depressed prices when steel producing countries experience periods of economic difficulty, decreased demand for steel products or excess capacity. The global steelmaking overcapacity is exacerbated by Chinese steel production capacity that far exceeds that country’s demand and has made China a major global exporter of steel, resulting in weakened global steel pricing than otherwise would be expected.

In addition, we believe the downward pressure on, and periodically depressed levels of, United States steel prices in recent years have been further accentuated through imports of steel involving dumping and subsidy abuses by foreign steel producers. Some foreign steel producers are owned, controlled or subsidized by foreign governments. As a result, decisions by these producers with respect to their production, sales and pricing are sometimes influenced to a greater degree by political and economic policy considerations than by prevailing market conditions, realities of the marketplace or consideration of profit or loss. However, while some tariffs, duties and quotas have been put into effect for certain steel products imported from a number of countries that have been found to have been unfairly pricing steel imports to the United States, some foreign steel subject to these duties, tariffs and quotas circumvent the penalties by processing in or transporting through a foreign country not subject to the penalties.  Additionally, there is no assurance that already imposed tariffs, duties and quotas will remain in place or that new ones, even if justified, will be levied and even when imposed many of these are only short-lived. When such tariffs, duties or quotas expire or if others are further relaxed or repealed, or if relatively higher United States steel prices make it attractive for foreign steelmakers to export their steel products to the United States, despite the presence of duties, tariffs or quotas, the resurgence of substantial imports of foreign steel could create downward pressure on United States steel prices.

Our industry, as well as the industries of many of our customers and suppliers upon whom we are dependent, is affected by domestic and global economic factors including periods of slower than anticipated economic growth and the risk of a new recession.

Our financial results are substantially dependent not only upon overall economic conditions in the United States and globally, including Europe and in Asia, but also as they may affect one or more of the industries upon which we depend for the sale of our products. Global actions, including political actions, could result in changing economic conditions in the United States and globally, the effects of which are not known at this time.  Additionally, periods of slower than anticipated economic growth could reduce customer confidence and adversely affect demand for our products and further adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Metals industries have historically been vulnerable to significant declines in consumption and product pricing during periods of economic downturn or continued uncertainty, including the pace of domestic non-residential construction activity.

Our business is also dependent upon certain industries, such as construction, automotive, manufacturing, transportation, heavy and agriculture equipment, and pipe and tube (including OCTG) markets, and these industries are also cyclical in nature. Therefore, these industries may experience their own fluctuations in demand for our products based on such things as economic conditions, raw material and energy costs, consumer demand and infrastructure funding decisions by governments. Many of these factors are beyond our control. As a result of volatility in our industry or in the industries we serve, we may have difficulty increasing or maintaining our level of sales or profitability. If our industry or the industries we serve were to suffer a downturn, then we may experience an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

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A prospective decline in consumer and business confidence and spending, which is often coupled with reductions in the availability of credit or increased cost of credit, as well as volatility in the capital and credit markets, could adversely affect the business and economic environment in which we operate and the profitability of our business. We are also exposed to risks associated with the creditworthiness of our suppliers and customers. If the availability of credit to fund or support the continuation and expansion of our customers’ business operations is curtailed or if the cost of that credit is increased the resulting inability of our customers or of their customers to either access credit or absorb the increased cost of that credit could adversely affect our business by reducing our sales or by increasing our exposure to losses from uncollectible customer accounts. A disruption of the credit markets could also result in financial instability of some of our suppliers and customers. The consequences of such adverse effects could include the interruption of production at the facilities of our customers, the reduction, delay or cancellation of customer orders, delays or interruptions of the supply of raw materials we purchase, and bankruptcy of customers, suppliers or other creditors. Any of these events may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our level of production and our sales and earnings are subject to significant fluctuations as a result of the cyclical nature of the steel industry and some of the industries we serve.

The steel manufacturing business is cyclical in nature, and the selling price of the steel we make may fluctuate significantly due to many factors beyond our control. Furthermore, a number of our products are commodities, subject to their own cyclical fluctuations in supply and demand in both metal consuming and metal generating industries, including the construction and manufacturing industries. The timing, magnitude and duration of these cycles and the resulting price fluctuations are difficult to predict. The sale of our manufactured steel products is directly affected by demand for our products in other cyclical industries, such as construction, automotive, manufacturing, transportation, heavy and agriculture equipment, and pipe and tube (including OCTG) markets. Economic difficulties, stagnant or slow global economies, supply/demand imbalances and currency fluctuations in the United States or globally could decrease the demand for our products or increase the amount of imports of steel into the United States, which could decrease our sales, margins and profitability.

The scrap metal recycling industry has historically been, and is expected to remain, highly cyclical and this could have a material adverse effect on our metals recycling operations’ results.

Scrap metal prices remain volatile, and operating results within the metals recycling industry in general have historically been, and are expected to remain, highly cyclical in nature. Similarly, but not necessarily paralleling the price fluctuations in the steel business, the purchase prices for automobile bodies and various other grades of obsolete and industrial scrap, as well as the selling prices for processed and recycled scrap metals we utilize in our own manufacturing process, or which we resell to others through our metals recycling operations, are also volatile. During periods of excess domestic supply or increased imports, scrap metal prices may become or remain depressed and adversely affect the sales, profitability and margins of our scrap business. As a metals recycler, we may attempt to respond to changing recycled metal selling prices by adjusting the scrap metal purchase prices we pay to others, but our ability to do this may be limited by competitive or other factors during periods of low scrap prices, when inbound scrap flow may slow considerably, as scrap generators hold on to their scrap in hopes of getting higher prices later. As such, a prolonged period of low scrap prices could reduce our ability to obtain, process, and sell recycled materials, and this could adversely affect our metals recycling operations’ results. Conversely, periodic increased foreign demand for scrap can result in an outflow of available domestic scrap, as well as resulting higher scrap prices domestically that cannot always be passed on to domestic scrap consumers, thereby further reducing available domestic scrap flows and scrap margins, all of which could adversely affect our sales and profitability of our metals recycling operations. Additionally, during periods of high demand and resulting higher scrap prices, ferrous scrap consumers may seek and develop ferrous scrap alternatives, including pig iron and DRI. The availability and pricing of these scrap alternatives in the domestic market may have a longer term impact on scrap pricing, particularly in prime grades, which could adversely affect our sales, profitability and margins.

Volatility and major fluctuations in scrap metal, pig iron, zinc and graphite electrode prices and availability, and our potential inability to pass higher costs on to our customers may constrain operating levels and reduce profit margins.

Steel producers require large amounts of raw materials, including scrap metal and scrap substitute products such as pig iron, pelletized iron and other supplies such as zinc, graphite electrodes and ferroalloys. Our principal raw material is scrap metal derived primarily from end-of-life automobiles, industrial scrap, railroad cars, railroad track materials, agricultural machinery and demolition scrap from obsolete structures, containers and machines. The prices for scrap are subject to market forces largely beyond our control, including demand by United States and international steel producers, freight costs and speculation. The prices for scrap have varied significantly in the past, may vary significantly in the future and do not necessarily fluctuate in tandem with the price of steel. Moreover, some of our integrated steel producer competitors are not as dependent as we are on scrap as a part of their raw material melt mix, which, during periods of high scrap costs relative to the cost of blast furnace iron used by the integrated producers, give them a raw material cost advantage over mini-mills. While our vertical integration into the metals recycling business, through our OmniSource operations, and into the ironmaking business, through our IDI facility, should enable us to continue being a cost-effective supplier to our own steelmaking operations, for some of our metallics requirements, we will still need to rely on other metallics and raw material suppliers, as well as upon general industry supply conditions for the balance of our needs.

Purchase prices for auto bodies, scrap metal and scrap substitute products such as pig iron that we consume, and selling prices for scrap and recycled metals that we sell to third parties are volatile and beyond our control. While OmniSource attempts to respond to changing recycled metal selling prices through adjustments to its metal purchase prices, its ability to do so is limited by competitive and other market factors. Changing prices could potentially impact the volume of scrap metal available to us and the volume and realized margins of processed metals we sell.

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The availability and prices of raw materials may also be negatively affected by new or existing laws and regulations, allocation by suppliers, interruptions in production, accidents or natural disasters, changes in exchange rates, global price fluctuations, the availability and cost of transportation, and competing uses for raw materials.  As a major producer of galvanized steel products, we purchase and consume a large amount of zinc, which is currently at historically high prices, and may have an effect on our profit margins.  Due to its use in other industries, demand for the primary raw material (needle coke) used in the production of graphite electrodes has recently expanded, leading to increased price of graphite electrodes, and possible shortage.  Graphite electrodes are a critical raw material in our steelmaking.  Any inability to secure a consistent supply of graphite electrodes could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

If prices for ferrous metallics increase by a greater margin than corresponding price increases for the sale of our steel products, we may not be able to recoup such cost increases from increases in the selling prices of steel products. Conversely, depressed prices for ferrous scrap may constrain its supply, which may adversely affect our metals recycling operations and also the availability of certain grades of scrap for our steelmaking operations. Additionally, our inability to pass on all or any substantial part of any cost increases during periods of rapidly rising scrap prices, through scrap or other surcharges, or to provide for our customers’ needs because of the potential unavailability of key raw materials or other inputs, may result in production slow downs or curtailments or may otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

The cost and availability of electricity and natural gas are also subject to volatile market conditions.

Steel producers like us consume large amounts of energy, inasmuch as mini-mills melt ferrous scrap in electric arc furnaces and use natural gas to reheat steel or steel billets for rolling into finished products. We rely on third parties for the supply of energy resources we consume in our steelmaking activities. The prices for and availability of electricity, natural gas, oil and other energy resources are also subject to volatile market conditions, often affected by weather conditions as well as political and economic factors beyond our control. As large consumers of electricity and gas, we must have dependable delivery in order to operate. Accordingly, we are at risk in the event of an energy disruption, including power outages or power unavailability. Prolonged blackouts or brownouts or disruptions caused by natural disasters or by political considerations would substantially disrupt our production. Since a significant portion of our finished steel products are delivered by truck, unforeseen fluctuations in the price of fuel attributable to fluctuations in crude oil prices would also have a negative impact on our costs or on the costs of many of our customers. In addition, changes in certain environmental regulations in the United States, including those that may impose output limitations or higher costs associated with climate change or greenhouse gas emissions legislation could substantially increase the cost of manufacturing and raw materials, such as energy, to us and other United States steel producers.

Fluctuations in the value of the United States dollar relative to other currencies may adversely affect our business.

Fluctuations in the value of the dollar can be expected to affect our business. A strong United States dollar, such as recently experienced, makes imported products less expensive, potentially resulting in more imports of steel products into the United States by our foreign competitors, while a weak United States dollar may have the opposite impact on imports.

Compliance with and changes in environmental and remediation requirements could result in substantially increased capital requirements and operating costs.

Existing laws or regulations, as currently interpreted or as may be interpreted in the future, as well as future laws or regulations, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to comprehensive local, state, federal and international statutory and regulatory environmental requirements relating to, among other things:

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations, which affect our steelmaking, metals recycling, ironmaking, and copper and aluminum production operations, is a significant factor in our business. We are required to obtain and comply with environmental permits and licenses, and failure to obtain or renew or the violation of any permit or license could result in substantial fines and penalties, capital expenditures, operational changes, suspension of operations and/or the closure of a subject facility. Similarly, delays, increased costs and/or the imposition of onerous conditions to the securing or renewal of permits could have a material adverse effect on these operations.

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Private parties might also bring claims against us under citizen suit provisions and/or for property damage or personal injury allegedly resulting from our operations. Moreover, legal requirements change frequently, are subject to interpretation and have tended to become more stringent over time. Uncertainty regarding adequate pollution control levels, testing and sampling procedures, and new pollution control technology are factors that may increase our future compliance expenditures. We are unable to predict the ultimate cost of future compliance with environmental requirements or their effect on our operations. Although we work hard to be in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, legal requirements frequently change and are subject to interpretation. New laws, regulations and changing interpretations by regulatory authorities, together with uncertainty regarding the application of existing requirements are among the factors that may increase our future expenditures to comply with environmental requirements. The cost of complying with existing laws or regulations as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, or with future laws or regulations, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our manufacturing and metals recycling operations produce significant amounts of by-products, some of which are handled as solid or hazardous waste. For example, our steel mills generate electric arc furnace (EAF) dust, which the United States Environmental Protection Agency (United States EPA) and other regulatory authorities classify as hazardous waste and regulate accordingly unless recycled in an exempt manner.

In addition, the primary feed materials for the shredders operated by our metals recycling operations include automobile bodies and obsolete household appliances. A portion of the feed materials consist of unrecyclable material known as shredder residue. If laws or regulations, the interpretation of the laws or regulations, or testing methods change with regard to EAF dust or shredder residue or other by-products created by our operations, we may incur significant additional expenditures.

Federal and state environmental laws enable the United States EPA, state agencies and certain private parties to recover from owners, operators, generators and transporters the cost of investigation and cleanup of sites at which wastes or hazardous substances were disposed. In connection with these laws, we may be required to clean up contamination discovered at our sites including contamination that may have been caused by former owners or operators of the sites, to conduct additional cleanup at sites that have already had some cleanup performed, and/or to perform cleanup with regard to sites formerly used in connection with our operations.

In addition, we may be required to pay for, or to pay a portion of, the costs of cleanup at sites to which we sent materials for disposal or recycling, notwithstanding that the original disposal or recycling activity may have complied with all regulatory requirements then in effect. Under certain laws, a party can be held jointly and severally liable for all of the cleanup costs associated with a disposal site. In practice, a liable party often splits the costs of cleanup with other potentially responsible parties. We have received notices from the United States EPA, state agencies and third parties that we have been identified as potentially responsible for the cost of investigating and cleaning up a number of disposal sites. In most cases, many other parties are also named as potentially responsible parties.

Because cleanup liability can in some cases be imposed retroactively on activities that occurred many years ago, and because the United States EPA and state agencies are still discovering sites that pose a threat to public health or the environment, we can provide no assurance that we will not become liable for significant costs associated with investigation and remediation of cleanup sites.

Increased regulation associated with climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could impose significant costs on both our steelmaking and metals recycling operations.

The United States government or various governmental agencies may introduce regulatory changes in response to the potential impacts of climate change. International treaties or agreements may also result in increasing regulation of GHG emissions, including the introduction of carbon emissions limitations or trading mechanisms. Any such regulation regarding climate change and greenhouse gas, or GHG emissions, could impose significant costs on our operations and on the operations of our customers and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, emissions controls, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs in order to comply with current or future laws or regulations concerning and limitations imposed on our operations by virtue of climate change and GHG emissions laws and regulations. Any adopted future climate change and GHG regulations could negatively impact our ability, and that of our customers and suppliers, to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to or not complying with such limitations.

From a medium and long-term perspective, we are likely to see an increase in costs relating to our assets that emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases as a result of these regulatory initiatives. These regulatory initiatives may impact our operations directly or through our suppliers or customers. Until the timing, scope and extent of any future regulation becomes known, we cannot predict the effect on our financial condition, operating performance and ability to compete.

Risks Related to the Business

Our senior secured credit facility contains, and any future financing agreements may contain, restrictive covenants that may limit our flexibility.

Restrictions and covenants in our existing debt agreements, including our senior secured credit facility, and any future financing agreements, may impair our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities. Specifically, these agreements may limit or restrict our ability to:

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A breach of any of the restrictions or covenants could cause a default under our senior secured credit facility, our senior notes, or our other debt. A significant portion of our indebtedness then may become immediately due and payable if the default is not remedied.

Under our senior secured credit facility, we are required to maintain certain financial covenants tied to our leverage and profitability. Our ability to meet such covenants or other restrictions can be affected by events beyond our control. If a default were to occur, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts then outstanding to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we are unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure such indebtedness. We have pledged substantially all of our receivables and inventories and all shares of capital stock or other equity interests of our subsidiaries and intercompany debt held by us as collateral for our senior secured credit facility.

We may face significant price and other forms of competition from other steel producers, scrap processors and alternative materials, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation or prospects.

The global markets in which steel companies and scrap processors conduct business are highly competitive and became even more so due to consolidations in the steel and scrap industries. Additionally, in many applications, steel competes with other materials, such as aluminum, cement, composites, plastics, carbon fiber, glass and wood.  Increased use of alternative materials could decrease demand for steel and combined with increased competition could cause us to lose market share, increase expenditures or reduce pricing, any one of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. The global steel industry suffers from overcapacity, and that excess capacity intensifies price competition for some of our products. A decrease in the global demand for steel scrap, due to market or other conditions, generally causes a decrease in the price of scrap metals. A decrease in price could result in some scrap generators exiting the marketplace which could further decrease the availability of scrap. This shortage in availability of scrap could have a material adverse effect on both our steelmaking and our metals recycling operations and thus on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

We are subject to significant risks relating to changes in commodity prices and may not be able to effectively protect against these risks.

We are exposed to commodity price risk during periods where we hold scrap metal inventory for processing or resale. Prices of commodities, including scrap, can be volatile due to numerous factors beyond our control. In an increasing price environment for raw materials, competitive conditions may limit our ability to pass on price increases to our consumers. In a decreasing price environment for processed scrap, we may not have the ability to fully recoup the cost of raw materials that we procure, process, and sell to our customers. In addition, new entrants into the market areas we serve could result in higher purchase prices for raw materials and lower margins from our scrap. While we typically hedge certain commodities in which the futures market is well developed, we have not hedged positions in certain commodities where futures markets are not well established. Thus, our sales and inventory position will be vulnerable to adverse changes in commodity prices, which could materially adversely impact our operating and financial performance.

Availability of an adequate source of supply is required for our metals recycling operations.

We procure our scrap inventory from numerous sources. These suppliers generally are not bound by long-term contracts and have no obligation to sell recyclable metal to us. In periods of low industry prices, suppliers may elect to hold recyclable metal to wait for higher prices or intentionally slow their metal collection activities. If a substantial number of suppliers cease selling recyclable metal to us, we will be unable to recycle metal at desired levels and our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, a slowdown of industrial production in the United States reduces the supply of industrial grades of metal to the metal recycling industry, resulting in our having less recyclable metal available to process and market.

We are subject to cybersecurity threats and may face risks to the security of our information technology.

Increased global cybersecurity and information technology security requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and a rise in sophisticated and targeted cybercrime pose a risk to the security and functionality of our systems, our information networks, and to the confidentiality, availability and integrity of sensitive data, including intellectual property, proprietary information, financial information, customer, supplier and business partner information, and personally identifiable information, any of which could have materially adverse economic consequences.  Additionally, such cybersecurity vulnerabilities or attacks could result in an interruption of the functionality of our automated and electronically controlled manufacturing operating systems, which, if compromised, could cease, threaten, delay or slow down our ability to melt, roll or otherwise process steel or any of our other products for the duration of such interruption, which could have materially adverse economic consequences.

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Although we believe we have adopted procedures and controls to adequately protect our sensitive data, networks and information and operating technology and systems, there can be no assurance that a system or network failure, or cybersecurity breach, will be prevented, whether due to attacks by cyber criminals or due to employee error or malfeasance. This could lead to system interruption, production delays or downtimes and operational disruptions, and the disclosure, modification or destruction of sensitive data, which could have an adverse effect on our reputation, customer, supplier and business partner relationships, financial results and results of operations, and could result in litigation or regulatory investigations or actions.  Additionally, as cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, we may need to invest additional resources to protect the security of our systems and information networks.

We may face risks associated with the implementation of our growth strategy.

Our growth strategy subjects us to various risks. As part of our growth strategy, we may expand existing facilities, enter into new product or process initiatives, acquire or build additional plants, acquire other businesses and assets, enter into joint ventures, or form strategic alliances that we believe will complement our existing business. These transactions will likely involve some or all of the following risks:

These initiatives or transactions might be required for us to remain competitive, but we may not be able to complete any such transactions on favorable terms or obtain financing, if necessary. Future transactions may not improve our competitive position and business prospects as anticipated, and if they do not, our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects may be adversely affected.

Impairment charges could adversely affect our results of operations.

Occasionally, assumptions that we have made regarding products or businesses we have acquired or sought to develop about the sustainability of markets we sought to exploit, or about industry conditions that underlie our decision making when we elected to capitalize a venture turn out differently than anticipated.  In such instances, the fair value of such assets may fall below their carrying value recorded on our balance sheet.

Accordingly, we periodically test goodwill, and long-lived tangible and intangible assets to determine whether their estimated fair value is in fact less than their value recorded on our balance sheet.  If we determine that the fair value of any of these assets, from whatever cause, is less than the value recorded on our balance sheet, we are required to incur non-cash asset impairment charges, such as those recorded in current and past years, that adversely affect our results of operations. There can be no assurances that continued market dynamics or other factors may not result in future impairment charges.

We are subject to litigation and legal compliance risks which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

We are involved from time to time in various routine litigation matters, including administrative proceedings, regulatory proceedings, governmental investigations, environmental matters, and commercial and construction contract disputes, none of which at the present time are expected to have a material impact on our financial conditions, results of operations or liquidity. For additional information regarding legal proceedings please refer to Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

In addition to risks associated with our environmental and other regulatory compliance, our international operations are subject to complex foreign and United States laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, regulations related to import-export controls, the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and other laws and regulations, each of which may increase our cost of doing business and expose us to increased risk.

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Unexpected equipment downtime or shutdowns could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Interruptions in our production capabilities could adversely affect our production costs, products available for sale and earnings during the affected period. In addition to equipment failures, our facilities are also subject to the risk of catastrophic loss due to unanticipated events such as fires, explosions or violent weather conditions. Our manufacturing processes are dependent upon critical pieces of steelmaking equipment, such as our furnaces, continuous casters and rolling equipment, some of which are controlled by our information technology systems, as well as electrical equipment, such as transformers. This equipment may, on occasion, be out of service as a result of unanticipated failures or other events, including cyber attacks or system failures. We have experienced and may in the future experience plant shutdowns or periods of reduced production as a result of such equipment failures or other events. These disruptions could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We have incurred, and may incur in the future, costs to idle facilities, idled facility carrying costs, or increased costs to resume production at idled facilities.

Our Minnesota ironmaking operations are indefinitely idled and should we in the future resume production, we would incur increased costs related to preparing for operation, performing any required repairs and maintenance, and training employees. Should economic or market conditions dictate, we may in the future idle additional facilities, which may require us to incur idling and carrying costs related to those facilities, as well as further increased costs should production be resumed at any idled facility, which could have an adverse effect on our financial results and results of operations.

Governmental agencies may refuse to grant or renew some of our licenses and permits.

We must receive licenses, air, water and other permits and approvals from state and local governments to conduct certain of our operations or to develop or acquire new facilities. Governmental agencies sometimes resist the establishment of certain types of facilities in their communities, including scrap metal collection and processing facilities. There can be no assurance that future approvals, licenses and permits will be granted or that we will be able to maintain and renew the approvals, licenses and permits we currently hold. Failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS



None.

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ITEM 2.PROPERTIES



The following table describes our more significant properties as of December 31, 2017. These properties are owned by us and not subject to any significant encumbrances, or are leased by us. We believe these properties are suitable and adequate for our current operations and are appropriately utilized. For additional information regarding our facilities please refer to Item 1. Business. 





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*       For 2017, our steel mill production utilization was 92% of our estimated annual steelmaking capability.

**    The Mesabi Nugget and Mesabi Mining properties are located at the site of an open pit taconite mine on the Mesabi Iron Range near Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota.  The site encompasses 7,981 acres of land owned outright by us (including mineral and surface rights) and land for which we acquired leasehold interests (including 774 acres of mineral and 624 acres of surface rights).  The properties were purchased from Cleveland Cliffs, Inc. and were formerly operated by LTV Corporation.

***  Mining Resources has leases for iron-bearing materials on 916 acres of iron tailings basins located in Chisholm, Minnesota.

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ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS



We are involved in various litigation matters, including administrative proceedings, regulatory proceedings, governmental investigations, environmental matters, and commercial and construction contract disputes, none of which are currently expected to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. 



We may also be involved from time to time in various governmental investigations, regulatory proceedings or judicial actions seeking penalties, injunctive relief, and/or remediation under federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. The United States EPA has conducted such investigations and proceedings involving us, in some instances along with state environmental regulators, under various environmental laws, including RCRA, CERCLA, the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act. Some of these matters have resulted in fines or penalties, for which a total of $420,000 is recorded in our financial statements as of December 31, 2017.



ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Information required to be furnished pursuant to Item 4 concerning mine safety disclosure matters, if applicable, by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.104), is included in Exhibit 95 to this annual report. There are no mine safety disclosures to report for the year ended December 31, 2017, therefore, no Exhibit 95 is required.

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PART II

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

The information required by Item 5 with respect to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is set forth in Part III, Item 12 of this Form 10-K. Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select Stock Market under the symbol STLD.  The reported high and low “intra-day” sales prices of our common stock and our dividend information for the two most recent fiscal years are set forth in the following table (in dollars):





As of February 20, 2018,  we had 236,071,369 shares of common stock outstanding and held beneficially by approximately 23,500 stockholders based on our security position listing. Because many of the shares were held by depositories, brokers and other nominees, the number of registered holders (approximately 1,460) is not representative of the number of beneficial holders.

We declared our first quarterly cash dividend in July 2004 and continued quarterly dividends throughout 2017. Our board of directors, along with executive management, approves the payment of dividends on a quarterly basis. The determination to pay cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors, after taking into account various factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, outstanding indebtedness, current and anticipated cash needs and growth plans. In addition, the terms of our senior secured credit facility and the indentures relating to our senior notes restrict the amount of cash dividends we can pay.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

We purchased the following equity securities registered by us pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the three months ended December 31, 2017.  





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Total Return Graph



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ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth the selected consolidated financial and operating data of Steel Dynamics, Inc. The selected consolidated operating, other financial and balance sheet data, as of and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2017, were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. You should read the following data in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our consolidated financial statements and notes appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

You should also read the following information in conjunction with the data in the table on the following page:



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

Forward‑Looking Statements

This report contains some predictive statements about future events, including statements related to conditions in the steel and metallic scrap markets, Steel Dynamics’ revenues, costs of purchased materials, future profitability and earnings, and the operation of new or existing facilities. These statements, which we generally precede or accompany by such typical conditional words as "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "plan," "seek," "project" or "expect," or by the words "may," "will," or "should," are intended to be made as “forward-looking,” subject to many risks and uncertainties, within the safe harbor protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements speak only as of this date and are based upon information and assumptions, which we consider reasonable as of this date, concerning our businesses and the environments in which they operate. Such predictive statements are not guarantees of future performance, and we undertake no duty to update or revise any such statements. Some factors that could cause such forward-looking statements to turn out differently than anticipated include: (1) the effects of uncertain economic conditions; (2) cyclical and changing industrial demand; (3) changes in conditions in any of the steel or scrap-consuming sectors of the economy which affect demand for our products, including the strength of the non-residential and residential construction, automotive, manufacturing, appliance, pipe and tube, and other steel-consuming industries; (4) fluctuations in the cost of key raw materials and supplies (including steel scrap, iron units, and energy costs) and our ability to pass on any cost increases; (5) the impact of domestic and foreign import price competition; (6) unanticipated difficulties in integrating or starting up new or acquired businesses; (7) risks and uncertainties involving product and/or technology development; and (8) occurrences of unexpected plant outages or equipment failures.



More specifically, we refer you to the sections titled Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements at the beginning of Part I of this Report and Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A of this Report, as well as in other subsequent reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for a more detailed explanation of these and other factors and risks that may cause such predictive statements to turn out differently than expected or anticipated. These reports are available publicly on the Securities and Exchange Commission website, www.sec.gov, and on our website, www.steeldynamics.com under “Investors – SEC Filings”.

 

Operating Statement Classifications



Net Sales.  Net sales from our operations are a factor of volumes shipped, product mix and related pricing. We charge premium prices for certain grades of steel, product dimensions, certain smaller volumes, and for value-added processing or coating of our steel products.  Except for the steel fabrication operations, we recognize revenues from sales and the allowance for estimated returns and claims from these sales at the time the title of the product transfers, upon shipment. Provision is made for estimated product returns and customer claims based on historical experience. If the historical data used in the estimates does not reflect future returns and claims trends, additional provision may be necessary. Our steel fabrication operations recognizes revenues utilizing a percentage of completion methodology based on steel tons used on completed units to date as a percentage of estimated total steel tons required for each contract.  

Costs of Goods Sold.  Our costs of goods sold represent all direct and indirect costs associated with the manufacture of our products. The principal elements of these costs are scrap and scrap substitutes (which represent the most significant single component of our consolidated costs of goods sold), steel, direct and indirect labor and related benefits, alloys, zinc, transportation and freight, repairs and maintenance, utilities such as electricity and natural gas, and depreciation.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of all costs associated with our sales, finance and accounting, and administrative departments. These costs include, among other items, labor and related benefits, professional services, insurance premiums, and property taxes. Company-wide profit sharing and amortization of intangible assets are each separately presented in the statement of operations.

Interest Expense, net of Capitalized Interest.  Interest expense consists of interest associated with our senior credit facilities and other debt net of interest costs that are required to be capitalized during the construction period of certain capital investment projects. 

Other Expense (Income), net.  Other income consists of interest income earned on our temporary cash deposits and investments; any other non-operating income activity, including income from non-consolidated investments accounted for under the equity method. Other expense consists of any non-operating costs, such as certain acquisition and financing expenses.

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2017 Overview



Our consolidated results for 2017 benefited from improved demand in the domestic steel market, resulting in record steel shipments and sales compared to 2016, improved metal spreads from increased selling prices, and a resulting 19% increase in operating income.  Underlying domestic steel consumption increased in 2017,  as the construction and energy markets continued to improve throughout the year, the heavy and off-road equipment and general industrial manufacturing markets improved, and the automotive markets remained strong.  However, steel imports rose again in 2017, most notably in structural and fabricated structural, but also in cold roll and coated sheet. Supported by increased domestic steel mill utilization compared to 2016, our metals recycling operations were able to maintain consistent volume and realize increased ferrous metal spreads, while also further reducing operating costs, resulting in improved operating income of almost 250%.  The non-residential construction market continued to strengthen, resulting in record steel fabrication sales and shipments, however increasing selling prices were outpaced by higher steel input costs, resulting in compressed metal spread.



Our 2017 performance, both operationally and financially was one of Steel Dynamics, Inc. best years. We achieved numerous annual records, while continuing to focus on and improve company-wide safety.



Summary of significant achievements within our annual 2017 results:



Consolidated operating income for 2017 increased $206.1 million, or 24%, to $1.1 billion, compared to $860.8 million in 2016, which excludes $132.8 million of non-cash asset impairment charge. Net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. for 2017 increased $354.1 million, or 77%, to $812.7 million, compared to 2016. Diluted earnings per share attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. for 2017 was $3.36, compared to $1.56 for 2016. Included in net income for 2017 was a one-time tax benefit of $180.6 million, or $0.75 per diluted share, resulting from our revaluation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities in connection with the U.S. Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and net income for 2016 was reduced by $76.4 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, of non-cash asset impairment charge.



2016 Overview



Our consolidated results for 2016 benefited from positive momentum in the sheet steel supply environment during the year, driving improved sheet steel volume and metal spreads, as well as increased metal spread and operating cost reductions in our metals recycling operations. Underlying domestic steel consumption remained relatively consistent, as the automotive markets were strong and construction improved throughout the year, while heavy equipment, agriculture and energy markets remained weak. Sheet steel import levels declined during 2016 as compared to 2015, amidst the duties that were levied during 2016 pursuant to the trade cases filed with the United States International Trade Commission, and customer inventory levels remained low compared to historical averages. Domestic steel mill utilization rates were flat in 2016 compared to 2015, resulting in lower ferrous volumes in our metals recycling operations, our metal spreads improved, particularly in nonferrous materials, and we benefited from continued operational cost containment efforts. The non-residential construction market for our steel fabrication operations was strong, resulting in record shipments; however, average selling prices contracted, outpacing declining steel input costs, resulting in compressed metal spread during 2016.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded a $127.3 million non-cash asset impairment charge, including amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests of $13.1 million, which reduced net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. by $72.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Also, during the fourth quarter of 2016, a $5.5 million OmniSource goodwill impairment charge was recorded in conjunction with OmniSource entering into a definitive sale agreement with a third-party pertaining to certain OmniSource long-lived assets (classified and reported as held for sale as of December 31, 2016), inventory and spare parts. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded a pretax non-cash impairment charge related to goodwill - $341.3 million, indefinite-lived intangible assets - $68.5 million, and certain other assets - $10.3 million, associated with OmniSource. This impairment charge reduced 2015 operating income by $428.5 million, and net income and net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. by $268.7 million.

Excluding the impact of the $132.8 million and $428.5 million in pretax non-cash asset impairment charges in 2016 and 2015, respectively, consolidated operating income increased $505.1 million, or 142%, to $860.8 million in 2016, compared to $355.7 million in 2015, and net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. increased $320.3 million, or 232%, to $458.6 million, or $1.87 per diluted share, during 2016, compared with net income of $138.3 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, during 2015. The impact of the $132.8 million pretax non-cash asset impairment charges, including amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests of $13.1 million, reduced 2016 net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. by $76.4 million and our diluted earnings per share by $0.31. The impact of the $428.5 million pretax non-cash asset impairment charge reduced 2015 net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. by $268.7 million and our diluted earnings per share by $1.11.



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Segment Operating Results (dollars in thousands)













Steel Operations Segment.  Steel operations consist of our electric arc furnace steel mills, producing sheet and long products steel from ferrous scrap and scrap substitutes, utilizing continuous casting, automated rolling mills with several downstream coating and bar processing lines, as well as IDI, our liquid pig iron production facility that supplies solely the Butler Flat Roll Division. Our steel operations sell directly to end-users, steel fabricators, and service centers. These products are used in numerous industry sectors, including the construction, automotive, manufacturing, transportation, heavy equipment and agriculture, and pipe and tube (including OCTG) markets (see Item 1 to this Form 10-K). Steel operations accounted for 72% of our consolidated net sales during 2017 and 2016, and 69% in 2015.

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Steel Operations Segment Shipments (tons):



Segment Results 2017 vs. 2016

Underlying domestic steel consumption increased in 2017,  as the construction and energy markets continued to improve throughout the year, the heavy and off-road equipment and general industrial manufacturing markets improved, and the automotive markets remained strong, as we continued to gain market share in this market, particularly at our Columbus Flat Roll Division.  With domestic steel consumption increasing in 2017 over 2016, steel imports, particularly for long products but also cold roll and coated sheet, rose over 15% from 2016 levels, representing 27% of 2017 domestic consumption. In spite of increased imports, our steel mills utilization rate increased to 92% in 2017, as compared to 87% in 2016, with increases in both our sheet and long products steel utilization rates. Our steel utilization rates continue to outpace our domestic competitors, which averaged 74% during 2017, due to our diversified value-added product offerings. Net sales for the steel operations increased 22% in 2017, when compared to 2016, due to a 4% increase in steel operations shipments combined with an increase of $110 per ton, or 17%, in average selling prices. Sheet steel average selling prices increased 19% in 2017 compared to 2016, while long products rose 10%.



Metallic raw materials used in our electric arc furnaces represent our single most significant steel manufacturing cost, generally comprising approximately 60% of our steel operations’ manufacturing costs, excluding the operations of The Techs and Vulcan, which purchase, rather than produce, the steel they further process. Our metallic raw material cost per net ton consumed in our steel operations increased $73, or 33%, compared to the same period in 2016, consistent with overall ferrous scrap market pricing.



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Operating income for the steel operations increased 19%, to a record $1.1 billion, in 2017, compared to 2016, due to an 8% increase in metal spread (which we define as the difference between average selling prices and the cost of ferrous scrap consumed) on higher selling prices, coupled with increased steel shipments.



Segment Results 2016 vs. 2015

Overall steel operations performance in 2016 compared to 2015 benefited from positive momentum throughout the year in the sheet steel supply environment, as the excessively high levels of steel imports experienced in 2015 and 2014 declined approximately 15% in 2016 on a year-over-year basis. Duties levied in 2016 pursuant to the trade case rulings from the United States International Trade Commission, coupled with low customer inventories compared to historical levels, precipitated higher domestic steel shipments and higher utilization for our steel mills. Our steel mills utilization rate improved to 87% for 2016, as compared to 79% in 2015, with our sheet steel utilization rate improving to 99% in 2016 from 86% in 2015. The domestic steel demand outlook remained relatively unchanged throughout 2016, as automotive markets were strong and construction improved throughout the year, while heavy equipment, agriculture and energy markets remained challenged. Overall steel selling prices improved during the last three quarters of 2016 from the significant decline that occurred throughout 2015 and early 2016 as sheet steel imports declined. Net sales for the steel operations increased 8% in 2016, when compared to 2015, as an 11% increase in steel operations shipments more than offset a decrease of $15 per ton, or 2%, in average selling prices.



Our metallic raw material cost per net ton consumed in our steel operations decreased $35, or 14%, in 2016 compared to 2015, consistent with overall ferrous scrap market pricing.



Operating income for the steel operations increased 130%, to $927.0 million, in 2016, compared to 2015, due to an 11% increase in steel shipments coupled with a 5% increase in overall steel operations metal spread expansion. Sheet steel metal spread expanded 15%, while long products metal spread contracted 9%, as domestic overcapacity and an aggressive competitive environment continued.





Metals Recycling Operations Segment.  Metals recycling operations consists solely of OmniSource and includes both ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal processing, transportation, marketing, and brokerage services, strategically located primarily in close proximity to our steel mills and other end-user scrap consumers throughout the eastern half of the United States.  OmniSource designs, installs, and manages customized programs for industrial manufacturing companies at hundreds of locations throughout North America. Our steel mills utilize a large portion (between 54% and 63% for the periods presented) of the ferrous scrap sold by OmniSource as raw material in our steelmaking operations, and the remainder is sold to other consumers, such as other steel manufacturers and foundries. Metals recycling operations accounted for 15% of our consolidated net sales during 2017 and 2016 and 19% in 2015.

Metals Recycling Operations Segment Shipments:





Segment Results 2017 vs. 2016

Metals recycling operations operating income in 2017 of $71.1 million increased  $45.1 million, or almost 250%, compared to 2016  (excluding the impact in 2016 of a  $5.5 million impairment charge). Net sales increased 30% in 2017 as compared to 2016, driven by increased ferrous and nonferrous pricing, which improved 39% and 29%, respectively, compared to 2016. We were able to maintain shipments close to 2016 levels despite the sale of some non-core locations in early 2017, as overall domestic steel mill utilization was 74% in 2017, compared to 70% in 2016. Metals recycling operations ferrous shipments to our steel mills increased to 63% of total tons shipped in 2017,  compared to 61% in 2016. Ferrous metal spread (which we define as the difference between average selling prices and the cost of purchased scrap) improved 17% as selling prices increased throughout 2017, and we were able to achieve further reduced operating expenses. 



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Segment Results 2016 vs. 2015

Metals recycling operations operating income in 2016 of $25.9 million (excluding the impact of a $5.5 million asset impairment charge) was $45.6 million higher than 2015 (excluding the impact in 2015 of $428.5 million of impairment charges), due to our continued focus on reduction of operating costs, along with improved ferrous and nonferrous metal spreads. Net sales decreased 7% in 2016 compared to 2015, with ferrous and nonferrous selling prices decreasing 5% and 9%, respectively. While total ferrous and nonferrous shipments were comparable during 2016 and 2015, metal spreads increased 11% and 10%, respectively, as scrap costs declined more than selling prices, driving improved operating income during 2016.  With improved utilization at our steel mills in 2016, the metals recycling operations ferrous shipments to our mills increased to 61% of total tons shipped in 2016, compared to 54% in 2015. 





Steel Fabrication Operations Segment.  Steel fabrication operations include our New Millennium Building Systems’ joist and deck plants located throughout the United States and in Northern Mexico. Revenues from these plants are generated from the fabrication of steel joists, trusses, girders and steel deck used within the non-residential construction industry. Steel fabrication operations accounted for 9% of our consolidated net sales during 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Segment Results 2017 vs. 2016

The overall non-residential construction market continued to improve throughout 2017, demonstrating a positive growth profile, as our fabrication operations achieved record shipments in 2017. Net sales of $824.4 million for the segment increased $120.9 million, or 17%, in 2017, compared to 2016, as volumes increased 11% and selling prices increased 5%. Our steel fabrication operations continued to realize strength in order activity and resulting shipments, as we continued to leverage our national operating footprint to sustain and improve market share, and market demand continued to improve.



The purchase of various steel products is the largest single cost of production for our steel fabrication operations, generally representing approximately two-thirds of the total cost of manufacturing. The average cost of steel consumed increased by 15% in 2017, consistent with increased selling prices discussed in the steel operations results, as compared to 2016, while average selling prices increased only 5%, resulting in metal spread (which we define as the difference between average selling prices and the cost of purchased steel) contracting 5%. Operating income decreased 4% to $87.3 million in 2017 compared to 2016, as increased shipments were more than offset by metal spread contraction.

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Segment Results 2016 vs. 2015

The non-residential construction market was strong during 2016; however, decreased annual selling prices outpaced decreased overall steel input costs, resulting in metal spread compression. As a result of record shipments, which more than offset decreased selling prices, net sales for the steel fabrication operations increased $30.1 million, or 4%, in 2016, compared to 2015. Metal spread declined 10% in 2016, compared to 2015, as a $116 per ton, or 8%, decrease in average selling prices outpaced a 7% decrease in the average cost of steel consumed. This resulted in a 22% decrease in operating income to $91.0 million in 2016, as compared to $115.9 million in 2015.  









Other operations consists of subsidiary operations that are below the quantitative thresholds required for reportable segments and primarily consist of our idled Minnesota ironmaking operations and smaller joint ventures. Also included in “Other” are certain unallocated corporate accounts, such as the company’s senior secured credit facility, senior notes, certain other investments and certain profit sharing expenses.



During the fourth quarter of 2016 impairment indicators related primarily to Mining Resources and Mesabi Mining fixed assets within our Minnesota ironmaking operations resulted in a non-cash asset impairment charge of $127.3 million, including amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests of $13.1 million, which reduced net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. by $72.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. 

Consolidated Results 2017 vs. 2016

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $394.6 million during 2017 increased 6% from $374.0 million during 2016,  representing approximately 4.1% and 4.8% of net sales, respectively. The increase in 2017 compared to 2016 is due most notably to increased performance-based incentive compensation, associated with our increased profitability. Profit sharing of $91.3 million in 2017, increased $21.0 million, or 28% over 2016, with our increased profitability.

Interest Expense, net of Capitalized Interest.    During 2017, interest expense decreased $11.6 million to $134.4 million, when compared to 2016.  The decrease in interest expense is due to lower interest rates on our senior notes outstanding. In the fourth quarter of 2016, we called and repaid $400.0 million of 6.125% senior notes due 2019 with 5.000% senior notes due 2026. Also in the fourth quarter of 2016, we early paid off the remaining $228.1 million of outstanding Senior Term Loan debt. In addition, in the second half of 2017, we called and repaid our $350.0 million of 6.375% senior notes due 2022 with 4.125% senior notes due 2025.

Other Expense (Income), net.  Net other income of $2.8 million in 2017 included $14.6 million of expense associated with call premium and other financing costs associated with the tender and call of the Senior Notes due 2022, which were more than offset by other income, primarily interest. Net other expense of $17.8 million in 2016 included $16.5 million of expense associated with call premium and other financing costs associated with the tender and call of the Senior Notes due 2019.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit).  During 2017, our income tax expense was $129.4 million at an effective income tax rate of 13.8%, as compared to income tax expense of $204.1 million resulting in an effective income tax rate of 36.2% during 2016. The lower effective tax rate in 2017 was due primarily to a one-time $180.6 million net federal tax benefit resulting from our revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities in connection with the enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and discrete tax benefits related to valuation allowance reductions, state tax refunds and equity-based compensation.

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits of $16.7 million at December 31, 2017, are potential benefits of $12.5 million that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. We recognize interest and penalties related to our tax contingencies on a net-of-tax basis in income tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized expense from the increase of interest expense of $85,000, net of tax.  In addition to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, we had $4.8 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2017.

We file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction as well as income tax returns in various state jurisdictions. We are subject to examination and proposed adjustments by the IRS for years 2010 and thereafter.  At this time, we do not believe there will be any significant examination adjustments that would result in a material change to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could change in the next twelve months as a result of these federal income tax audits, and state income tax audits. Based on the current audits in process, the payment of taxes as a result of audit settlements could be in an amount from zero to $3.3 million by the end of 2018. With the exception of the 2010 and 2011 federal returns, we are no longer subject to federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years ended before 2012.

Consolidated Results 2016 vs. 2015

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses of $374.0 million during 2016 increased 14% from $328.8 million during 2015, representing approximately 4.8% and 4.3% of net sales, respectively. The increase in 2016 compared to 2015 is due most notably to increased performance-based incentive compensation, associated with our increased profitability. Profit sharing of $71.3 million in 2016, increased $48.2 million over 2015, with our increased profitability.

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Interest Expense, net of Capitalized Interest.    During 2016, interest expense decreased $7.9 million to $146.0 million, when compared to 2015. The decrease in interest expense is due primarily to the call and prepayment of our $350.0 million 7 5/₈% Senior Notes due 2020, in the first quarter of 2015.

Other Expense (Income), net.  During 2016, net other expense of $17.8 million included $16.5 million of expenses associated with call premium and other financing costs associated with the tender and call of the Senior Notes due 2019. Net other expense of $15.4 million in 2015 includes $16.7 million of expenses associated with tender and call premium and other financing costs associated with the tender and call of the Senior Notes due 2020.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit).  During 2016, our income tax expense was $204.1 million at an effective income tax rate of 36.2%, as compared to a benefit of $96.9 million resulting in an effective income tax rate of 40.0% during 2015. The lower effective tax rate in 2016 was due primarily to benefits from other permanent tax benefit items, most notably the 2016 domestic manufacturing deduction, available in years with taxable income.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Capital Resources and Long‑term Debt. Our business is capital intensive and requires substantial expenditures for, among other things, the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in our steel, metals recycling, and steel fabrication operations, and to remain in compliance with environmental laws. Our short-term and long-term liquidity needs arise primarily from working capital requirements, capital expenditures, principal and interest payments related to our outstanding indebtedness, dividends to our shareholders, and acquisitions. We have met these liquidity requirements primarily with cash provided by operations and long-term borrowings, and we also have availability under our Revolver. Our liquidity at December 31, 2017, is as follows (in thousands):





Our total outstanding debt increased $22.1 million during 2017, due to additional revolving credit facility borrowings at one of our controlled subsidiaries. Our total long-term debt to capitalization ratio (representing our long-term debt, including current maturities, divided by the sum of our long-term debt, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and our total stockholders’ equity) decreased to 41.9% at December 31, 2017, from 44.9% at December 31, 2016.



In September 2017, we issued $350.0 million of 4.125% senior notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes"), the proceeds of which, along with available cash, were used to fund the September 2017 tender to purchase at a redemption price of 103.563%, $182.9 million principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of repurchase, of our 6.375% senior notes due 2022 (the "2022 Notes"), and the October 2017 call and repayment at a redemption price of 103.188% of the $167.1 million remaining outstanding principal amount of the 2022 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of repayment.



Our November 2014 senior secured credit facility (Facility), which provides a $1.2 billion Revolver, matures November 2019. Subject to certain conditions, we have the opportunity to increase the Revolver size by at least $750.0 million. The Facility is guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries; and is secured by substantially all of our and our wholly-owned subsidiaries’ receivables and inventories, and by pledges of all shares of our wholly-owned subsidiaries’ capital stock or other equity interests, and intercompany debt held by us as collateral. The Revolver is available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes. The Facility contains financial covenants and other covenants pertaining to our ability (which may under certain circumstances be limited) to make capital expenditures; incur indebtedness; permit liens on property; enter into transactions with affiliates; make restricted payments or investments; enter into mergers, acquisitions or consolidations; conduct asset sales; pay dividends or distributions, or enter into other specified transactions and activities. Our ability to borrow funds within the terms of the Revolver is dependent upon our continued compliance with the financial and other covenants. At December 31, 2017, we had $1.2 billion of availability on the Revolver, $11.9 million of outstanding letters of credit and other obligations which reduce availability, and there were no borrowings outstanding.



The financial covenants under our Facility state that we must maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.50:1.00. Our interest coverage ratio is calculated by dividing our last-twelve-months (LTM) consolidated adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and certain other non-cash transactions as allowed in the Facility) by our LTM gross interest expense, less amortization of financing fees. In addition, a net debt (as defined in the Facility) to consolidated LTM adjusted EBITDA (net debt leverage ratio) of not more than 5.00:1.00 must be maintained. If the net debt leverage ratio exceeds 3.50:1:00 at any time, our ability to make certain payments as defined in the Facility (which includes cash dividends to stockholders and share purchases, among other things), is limited. At December 31, 2017, our interest coverage ratio and net debt leverage ratio were 10.75:1.00 and 1.35:1.00, respectively. We were, therefore, in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2017, and we anticipate we will continue to be in compliance during the next twelve months.  



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Working Capital.  We generated cash flow from operations of $739.6 million in 2017. Operational working capital (representing amounts invested in trade receivables and inventories, less current liabilities other than income taxes payable and debt) increased $250.7 million to $1.6 billion at December  31,  2017. Increases in volumes, pricing and profitability have resulted in increased accounts receivable and inventory, which have been partially offset by increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Operational working capital as a percentage of annual net sales is 16.3% at December 31, 2017, as compared to 16.7% at December 31, 2016.

Capital Investments.  During 2017, we invested $164.9 million in property, plant and equipment, compared with $198.2 million during 2016. Our current estimated 2018 cash allocation plan includes the investment of approximately $250 million in capital expenditures in our existing and announced operations. 

Cash Dividends.    As a reflection of continued confidence in our current and future cash flow generation ability and financial position, we increased our quarterly cash dividend by 11% to $0.155 per share in the first quarter 2017 (from $0.140 per share in 2016), resulting in declared cash dividends of $148.2 million during 2017, compared to $136.5 million during 2016. We paid cash dividends of $145.6 million and $135.8 million during 2017 and 2016, respectively. Our board of directors, along with executive management, approves the payment of dividends on a quarterly basis. The determination to pay cash dividends in the future is at the discretion of our board of directors, after taking into account various factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, outstanding indebtedness, current and anticipated cash needs and growth plans. In addition, the terms of our Facility and the indentures relating to our senior notes may restrict the amount of cash dividends we can pay.

Other.  During October 2016, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $450 million of our common stock. Under the share repurchase program, purchases will take place, as and when, we determine in open market or private transactions made based upon the market price of our common stock, the nature of other investment opportunities or growth projects, our cash flows from operations, and general economic conditions.  The share repurchase program does not require us to acquire any specific number of shares, and may be modified, suspended, extended or terminated by us at any time. We acquired 7.4 million shares of our common stock for $252.2 million during 2017, and 732,000 shares for $25.0 million during 2016, leaving $172.7 million available pursuant to this program. See Part II Other Information, Item 5 Market  For  Registrant’s  Common  Equity, Related  Stockholder  Matters And  Issuer  Purchases  Of  Equity  Securities for additional information.

Our ability to meet our debt service obligations and reduce our total debt will depend upon our future performance which, in turn, will depend upon general economic, financial and business conditions, along with competition, legislation and regulatory factors that are largely beyond our control. In addition, we cannot assure that our operating results, cash flows, access to credit markets and capital resources will be sufficient for repayment of our indebtedness in the future. We believe that based upon current levels of operations and anticipated growth, cash flows from operations, together with other available sources of funds, including if necessary borrowings under our Revolver through its term, will be adequate for the next twelve months for making required payments of principal and interest on our indebtedness, funding working capital requirements, and anticipated capital expenditures.

During 2017, we received benefits from state and local governments in the form of real estate and personal property tax abatements and credits of approximately $10.8 million. Based on our current abatements and incentive credits, and utilizing our existing long-lived asset structure, we estimate the remaining annual benefit to our future operations to be approximately $10.7 million, $9.4 million, $3.6 million, $3.5 million, $3.4 million, $3.0 million, and $2.6 million during the years 2018 through 2024, respectively.

Contractual Obligations and Other Long-Term Liabilities



We have the following minimum commitments under contractual obligations, including purchase obligations, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. A “purchase obligation” is defined as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding and that specifies all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Other long-term liabilities are defined as long-term liabilities that are reflected on our balance sheet under generally accepted accounting principles. Based on this definition, the following table includes only those contracts which include fixed or minimum obligations. It does not include normal purchases, which are made in the ordinary course of business. The following table provides aggregated information about outstanding contractual obligations and other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2017 (in thousands):





(1)The long-term debt payment information presented above assumes that our senior notes remain outstanding until maturity. Refer to Note 3 Long-term Debt to the consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report for additional information regarding these transactions, and our long-term debt.

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(2)The estimated interest payments shown above assume interest rates of 5.125% on our $700.0 million senior unsecured notes due October 2021; 51/4% on our $400.0 million senior unsecured notes due April 2023; 5.500% on our $500.0 million senior unsecured notes due October 2024; 4.125% on our $350.0 million senior unsecured notes due September 2025; 5.00% on our $400.0 million senior unsecured notes due December 2026; 0.225% commitment fee on our available Revolver; and an average of 4.8% on our other debt of $58.9 million.

(3)Purchase obligations include commitments we have for the purchase of electricity, natural gas and its transportation, fuel, air products, electrodes, and zinc. These arrangements have “take or pay” or other similar commitment provisions. We have utilized such “take or pay” requirements during the past three years under these contracts, except for certain air products at our Minnesota ironmaking operations which have been idle since May 2015.

(4)Construction commitments relate to firm contracts we have with various vendors for the completion of certain construction projects at our various divisions at December 31, 2017.

(5)Other commitments principally relate to deferred compensation plan obligations. 

(6)We expect to make cash outlays in the future related to our unrecognized tax benefits; however, due to the uncertainty of the timing, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates regarding the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities. Accordingly, unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties of $21.5 million as of December 31, 2017, have been excluded from the contractual obligations table above.  Refer to Note 4 Income Taxes to the consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report for additional information.  

Other Matters

Inflation

We believe that inflation has not had a material effect on our results of operations.

Environmental and Other Contingencies

We have incurred, and in the future will continue to incur, capital expenditures and operating expenses for matters relating to environmental control, remediation, monitoring and compliance. During 2017, we incurred costs related to the monitoring and compliance of environmental matters in the amount of approximately $39.1 million and capital expenditures related to environmental compliance of approximately $2.9 million. Of the costs incurred during 2017 for monitoring and compliance, approximately 77% were related to the normal transportation of certain types of waste produced in our steelmaking processes and other facilities, in accordance with legal requirements. We incurred combined environmental remediation costs of approximately $623,000 at all of our facilities during 2017. We have an accrual of $2.9 million recorded for environmental remediation related to our metals recycling operations, and $2.6 million related to Minnesota ironmaking operations. We believe, apart from our dependence on environmental construction and operating permits for our existing and any future manufacturing facilities, that compliance with current environmental laws and regulations is not likely to have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, environmental laws and regulations evolve and change, and we may become subject to more stringent environmental laws and regulations in the future, such as the impact of United States government or various governmental agencies introducing regulatory changes in response to the potential of climate change.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We review the accounting policies we use in reporting our financial results on a regular basis. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. We evaluate the appropriateness of these estimations and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Results may differ from these estimates due to actual outcomes being different from those on which we based our assumptions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  Except for our steel fabrication operations, we recognize revenues from sales and the allowance for estimated returns and customer claims from these sales at the time title of the product transfers, upon shipment. Provision is made for estimated product returns and customer claims based on historical experience. If the historical data used in our estimates does not reflect future returns and claims trends, additional provision may be necessary. Our steel fabrication operations recognizes revenues using a percentage of completion methodology based on steel tons used on completed units to date as a percentage of estimated total steel tons required by each contract. The allowance for doubtful accounts for all operating segments is based on our best estimate of probable credit losses, along with historical experience, which estimates may or may not prove accurate.

We are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonpayment by our customers, which in steel operations are principally intermediate steel processors and service centers that sell our products to numerous industry sectors, including the construction, automotive, manufacturing, transportation, heavy and agriculture equipment, and pipe and tube (including OCTG) markets. Our metals recycling operations sell ferrous scrap to

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steel mills and foundries, and nonferrous scrap, such as copper, brass, aluminum and stainless steel to, among others, ingot manufacturers, copper refineries and mills, smelters, and specialty mills. Our steel fabrication operations sell fabricated steel joists and deck primarily to the non-residential construction market. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments based on known credit risks, historical loss experience and current economic conditions affecting our customers. We mitigate our exposure to credit risk, which we generally extend initially on an unsecured basis, by performing ongoing credit evaluations and taking further action when necessary, such as requiring letters of credit or other security interests to support the customer receivable. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in the impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowance may be required.

Inventories.  We record inventories at lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using a weighted average cost method for raw materials and supplies, and on a first-in, first-out, basis for other inventory. We record amounts required, if any, to reduce the carrying value of inventory to its net realizable value as a charge to cost of goods sold.  If product selling prices were to decline in future periods, further write-down of inventory could result, specifically raw material inventory such as scrap purchased during periods of peak market pricing.

Impairments of Long-Lived Tangible and Definite‑Lived Intangible Assets.  We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts. The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying amount. We consider various factors and determine whether an impairment test is necessary, including by way of examples, a significant and prolonged deterioration in operating results and/or projected cash flows, significant changes in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, technological advances with respect to assets which would potentially render them obsolete, our strategy and capital planning, and the economic climate in markets to be served. When determining future cash flows and if necessary, fair value, we must make judgments as to the expected utilization of assets and estimated future cash flows related to those assets. We consider historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, the impact of planned business and operational strategies and all other available information at the time the estimates are made. Those estimates and judgments may or may not ultimately prove accurate.   

A long-lived asset is classified as held for sale upon meeting specified criteria related to ability and intent to sell. An asset classified as held for sale is measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the company reported $8.7 million and $29.3 million, respectively, of assets held for sale within other current assets in our consolidated balance sheet.  An impairment loss is recognized for any initial or subsequent write-down of the asset held for sale to its fair value less cost to sell.  For assets determined to be classified as held for sale in the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the asset carrying amounts approximated their fair value less cost to sell. The company determined fair value using Level 3 fair value inputs as provided for under ASC 820, consisting of information provided by brokers and other external sources along with management’s own assumptions.



Significant events occurred during the fourth quarter of 2016 that represented impairment indicators related primarily to Mining Resources and Mesabi Mining fixed assets within our Minnesota ironmaking operations. The company therefore undertook a fourth quarter 2016 assessment of the recoverability of the carrying amounts of primarily our Mining Resources and Mesabi Mining operation’s fixed assets. With the company’s outlook at the time of this 2016 assessment regarding future cash flows, the company concluded that the carrying amounts of the fixed assets were no longer fully recoverable, and they were in fact impaired. This 2016 assessment resulted in a non-cash asset impairment charge of $127.3 million, including amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests of $13.1 million, which reduced net income attributable to Steel Dynamics, Inc. by $72.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The carrying values of the impaired assets were adjusted to their estimated fair values at that time as determined primarily on the cost approach, as well as expected future discounted cash flows (an income approach), using Level 3 fair value inputs as provided for under ASC 820.

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets.    

Our goodwill relates to various business combinations and is allocated to the following reporting units at December 31 (in thousands):







At least once annually (as of October 1) or when indicators of impairment exist, the company performs an impairment test for goodwill. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are generally one level below the company’s operating segments. We utilize a two-stepped approach to evaluate goodwill impairment. The first step of the test determines if there is potential goodwill impairment. In this step the company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount (which includes goodwill). The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by

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using an estimate of future cash flows utilizing a risk-adjusted discount rate to calculate the net present value of future cash flows (income approach), and by using a market approach based upon an analysis of valuation metrics of comparable peer companies, Level 3 inputs as provided for under ASC 820. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, there is no impairment. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the company performs the second step of the test, which measures the amount of impairment loss to be recorded. In the second step, the company compares the carrying amount of the goodwill to the implied fair value of the goodwill based on the net fair value of the recognized and unrecognized assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to which it is allocated. If the implied fair value is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying value. 

Key assumptions used to determine the estimated fair value of each reporting unit under the discounted cash flows method (income approach) include: (a) expected cash flows for the five-year period following the testing date (including market share, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce and estimated capital needs); (b) an estimated terminal value using a terminal year growth rate determined based on the growth prospects of the reporting unit; and (c) a risk-adjusted discount rate based on management’s best estimate of market participants’ after-tax weighted average cost of capital and market risk premiums. Key assumptions used to determine the estimated fair value of each reporting unit under the market approach include the expected revenues and cash flows in the next year. We consider historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, the impact of planned business and operational strategies and all available information at the time the fair values of its reporting units are estimated. Those estimates and judgments may or may not ultimately prove accurate.   

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired in past transactions are naturally more susceptible to impairment, primarily due to the fact that they are recorded at fair value based on operating plans and economic conditions at the time of acquisition. Consequently, if operating results and/or economic conditions deteriorate after an acquisition, it could result in the impairment of the acquired assets. A deterioration of economic conditions may not only negatively impact the estimated operating cash flows used in our cash flow models, but may also negatively impact other assumptions used in our analyses, including, but not limited to, the estimated cost of capital and/or discount rates. Additionally, we are required to ensure that assumptions used to determine fair value in our analyses are consistent with the assumptions a hypothetical marketplace participant would use. As a result, the cost of capital and/or discount rates used in our analyses may increase or decrease based on market conditions and trends, regardless of whether our actual cost of capital has changed. Therefore, we may recognize an impairment of an intangible asset or assets in spite of realizing actual cash flows that are approximately equal to or greater than our previously forecasted amounts.

At least once annually (as of October 1) or when indicators of impairment exist, we test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment through the comparison of the fair value of the specific intangible asset with its carrying amount.  The fair value of the intangible asset is determined by using an estimate of future cash flows attributable to the asset and a risk-adjusted discount rate to compute a net present value of future cash flows (income approach).  If the fair value is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded in an amount equal to the excess in carrying value. 

Our fourth quarter 2017 annual goodwill impairment analyses did not result in any impairment charges.  Management does not believe that it is reasonably likely that our reporting units will fail step one of a goodwill impairment test in the near term, as the determined fair value of the reporting units with goodwill exceeded their carrying value by more than an insignificant amount. We will continue to monitor operating results within all reporting units throughout the upcoming year to determine if events and circumstances warrant interim impairment testing. Otherwise, all reporting units will again be subject to the required annual impairment test during the fourth quarter of 2018. Changes in judgments and estimates underlying our analysis of goodwill for possible impairment, including expected future operating cash flows and discount rate, could decrease the estimated fair value of our reporting units in the future and could result in an impairment of goodwill.



In 2016, a $5.5 million OmniSource goodwill impairment charge was recorded in conjunction with OmniSource entering into a definitive sale agreement with a third-party pertaining to certain OmniSource long-lived assets (classified and reported as held for sale as of December 31, 2016), inventory and spare parts, as provided under ASC 350.

During our 2015 annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessment, we determined that the fair value of OmniSource was less than its carrying value, and upon the completion of the impairment analysis, that the goodwill and trade name indefinite-lived assets were impaired. The OmniSource goodwill and trade name indefinite-lived intangible assets were written down to their respective fair values, resulting in pretax non-cash asset impairment charges of $341.3 million and $68.5 million, respectively, that are reflected in asset impairment charges in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015, within the metals recycling operations.

Income Taxes.  We are required to estimate our income taxes as a part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements. This requires us to estimate our actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatments of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. We also establish reserves to reduce some or all of the tax benefit of any of our tax positions at the time we determine that the positions become uncertain. We adjust these reserves, including any impact on the related interest and penalties, in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of a tax audit. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have established a reserve is audited by a taxing authority and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The tax benefit that has been previously reserved because of a failure to meet the "more likely than not" recognition threshold would be recognized in our income tax expense in the first interim period when the uncertainty disappears. Settlement of any particular issue would usually require the use of cash.

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ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to interest rate changes. Our objectives in managing fluctuations in interest rates are to limit the impact of these rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we may use interest rate swaps to manage net exposure to interest rate changes related to our portfolio of borrowings. 

The following table represents the principal cash repayments and related weighted‑average interest rates by maturity date for our long-term debt, as of December 31, 2017 (in thousands):





Commodity Risk

In the normal course of business we are exposed to the market risk and price fluctuations related to the sale of our products and to the purchase of raw materials used in our operations, such as metallic raw materials, electricity, natural gas and its transportation services, fuel, air products, zinc, and electrodes. Our risk strategy associated with product sales has generally been to obtain competitive prices for our products and to allow operating results to reflect market price movements dictated by supply and demand.

Our risk strategy associated with the purchase of raw materials utilized within our operations has generally been to make some commitments with suppliers relating to future expected requirements for some commodities such as electricity, natural gas and its transportation services, fuel, air products, zinc, and electrodes. Certain of these commitments contain provisions which require us to “take or pay” for specified quantities without regard to actual usage for periods of up to 5 years for physical commodity requirements and commodity transportation requirements, and for up to 11 years for air products. Our commitments for these arrangements with “take or pay” or other similar commitment provisions for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in thousands):







We utilized such “take or pay” requirements during the past three years under these contracts, except for certain air products at our Minnesota ironmaking operations which have been idle since May 2015. We believe that production requirements will be such that consumption of the products or services purchased under these commitments will occur in the normal production process, other than certain air products related to our Minnesota ironmaking operations during the idle period. We also purchase electricity consumed at our Butler Flat Roll Division pursuant to a contract which extends through December 2018, which establishes an agreed fixed-rate energy charge per Mill/kWh consumed for each year through the expiration of the agreement.



In our metals recycling operations, we have certain fixed price contracts with various customers and suppliers for future delivery of nonferrous metals. Our risk strategy has been to enter into base metal financial contracts with the goal to protect the profit margin, within certain parameters, that was contemplated when we entered into the transaction with the customer or vendor. At December 31, 2017, we had a cumulative unrealized loss associated with these financial contracts of $7.7 million, substantially all of which have settlement dates in 2018. We believe the customer contracts associated with the financial contracts will be fully consummated.



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ITEM 8.CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Steel Dynamics, Inc. is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the company’s consolidated financial statements and for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a – 15(f) of the Exchange Act, for the company (including its consolidated subsidiaries). We maintain accounting and internal control systems which are intended to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized use or disposition, transactions are executed in accordance with management’s authorization, and accounting records are reliable for preparing financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We are dedicated to ensuring that we maintain the high standards of financial accounting and reporting that we have established. Our culture demands integrity and an unyielding commitment to strong internal control practices and policies.

Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and provide reasonable assurance that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

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

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. The framework on which such evaluation was based upon is contained in the report entitled “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) (the “COSO criteria”). Based on that evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017, the end of the period covered by this report.









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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM





To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Steel Dynamics, Inc.



Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Steel Dynamics, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Steel Dynamics, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of Steel Dynamics, Inc. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and our report dated February 27, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP



Indianapolis, Indiana

February 27, 2018

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM





To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Steel Dynamics, Inc.



Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Steel Dynamics, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”).  In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 27, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis of Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP



We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999.



Indianapolis, Indiana

February 27, 2018







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STEEL DYNAMICS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)









See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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STEEL DYNAMICS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)























See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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STEEL DYNAMICS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(in thousands)











































































See notes to consolidated financial statements

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STEEL DYNAMICS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)











See notes to consolidated financial statements.