ITEM 1. BUSINESS
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors. For a discussion of important factors that could cause our results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, please refer to Part I, Item 1A
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are inherent risks and uncertainties associated with our business that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Set forth below are descriptions of those risks and uncertainties that we currently believe to be material, but the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY
Our industry and the industries we serve are vulnerable to global economic conditions, including the slow recovery from the last recession and the risk of a recession relapse.
Metals industries and commodity products have historically been vulnerable to significant declines in consumption, global overcapacity and product pricing during prolonged periods of economic downturn. Our business supports cyclical industries such as commercial, residential and government construction, energy, metals service center, petrochemical and original equipment manufacturing. We may experience significant fluctuations in demand for our products from these industries based on the global or regional economic conditions, energy prices, consumer demand and decisions by governments to fund infrastructure projects such as highways, schools, energy plants and airports. Although the residential housing market is not a significant direct factor in our business, related commercial and infrastructure construction activities, such as shopping centers, schools and roads, could be adversely impacted by a prolonged slump in new housing construction. Our business, results of operations and financial condition are adversely affected when the industries we serve suffer a prolonged downturn or anemic growth. Because we do not have unlimited backlogs, our business, results of operations and financial condition are promptly affected by short-term economic fluctuations.
Eight years removed from the worldwide economic downturn that began in 2008, we have begun to see some improvement in general economic and manufacturing activity, but the economic outlook remains uncertain both in the United States and globally. In addition, uncertainties in Europe regarding the financial sector and sovereign debt and the potential impact on banks in other regions of the world have continued to weigh on global and domestic growth. These situations continue to contribute to weaker end-markets and depressed demand, which could stifle customer confidence and adversely affect demand for our products and further adversely affect our business. Although we believe that the long-term prospects for the steel industry remain bright, we are unable to predict the duration of current economic conditions that are contributing to reduced demand for our products compared to pre-recession levels. Future economic downturns or a prolonged period of slow growth or economic stagnation could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are vulnerable to the economic conditions in the regions in which our operations are concentrated.
Our geographic concentration in the southern and southwestern United States as well as Central Europe, Australia, China and the Middle East exposes us to the local market conditions in these regions. Economic downturns in these areas or decisions by governments that have an impact on the level and pace of overall economic activity in one of these regions could adversely affect demand for our products and, consequently, our sales and profitability. As a result, our financial results are substantially dependent upon the overall economic conditions in these areas. There is substantial uncertainty regarding the impact of the Referendum of the United Kingdom’s (“U.K.”) Membership of the European Union (“EU”) (referred to as “Brexit”) held in June 2016, where a majority of voters in the U.K. voted in favor of the U.K. leaving the EU, and negotiations are expected to commence to determine the future terms of the U.K.’s relationship with the EU, including the terms of trade between the U.K. and the EU. Potential adverse consequences of Brexit such as global market uncertainty, volatility in currency exchange rates, greater restrictions on imports and exports between the U.K. and EU countries and increased regulatory complexities could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Rapid and significant changes in the price of metals could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Prices for most metals in which we deal have experienced increased volatility over the last several years, and such increased price volatility impacts us in several ways. Some of our operations, such as our fabrication operations, may benefit from rapidly decreasing steel prices as their material cost for previously contracted fixed price work declines. Others, such as our Americas Mills and International Mill segments, would likely experience reduced margins and may be forced to liquidate high cost inventory at reduced margins or losses until prices stabilize. Sudden increases could have the opposite effect in each case. Overall, we believe that rapid substantial price changes are not to our industry's benefit. Our customer and supplier base would be impacted due to uncertainty as to future prices. A reluctance to purchase inventory in the face of extreme price decreases or to sell quickly during a period of rapid price increases would likely reduce our volume of business. Marginal industry participants or speculators may attempt to participate to an unhealthy extent during a period of rapid price escalation with a substantial risk of contract default if prices suddenly reverse. Risks of default in contract performance by customers or suppliers as well as an increased risk of bad debts and customer credit exposure could increase during periods of rapid and substantial price changes.
Excess capacity and over-production by foreign producers in our industry could increase the level of steel imports into the United States, resulting in lower domestic prices, which would adversely affect our sales, margins and profitability.
Global steel-making capacity exceeds demand for steel products in some regions around the world. Rather than reducing employment by rationalizing capacity with consumption, steel manufacturers in these countries (often with local government assistance or subsidies in various forms) have traditionally periodically exported steel at prices significantly below their home market prices, which prices may not reflect their costs of production or capital. For example, steel production in China, the world's largest producer and consumer of steel, has continued to exceed Chinese demand. This rising excess capacity in China has resulted in a further increase in imports of artificially low-priced steel and steel products to the United States and world steel markets. A continuation of this trend or a significant decrease in China's rate of economic expansion could result in increasing steel imports from China. Excessive imports of steel into the United States have exerted, and may continue to exert, downward pressure on U.S. steel prices, which negatively affects our ability to increase our sales, margins, and profitability. The excess capacity may create downward pressure on our steel prices and lead to reduced sales volumes as imports absorb market share that would otherwise be filled by domestic supply, all of which would adversely affect our sales, margins and profitability and could subject us to possible renegotiation of contracts or increases in bad debt.
We believe the downward pressure on, and periodically depressed levels of, U.S. steel prices in some recent years have been further exacerbated by imports of steel involving dumping and subsidy abuses by foreign steel producers. While some tariffs and quotas are periodically 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 U.S., there is no assurance that tariffs and quotas will always be levied, even if otherwise justified, and even when imposed many of these are short-lived. When such tariffs or duties expire or if others are further relaxed or repealed, or if relatively higher U.S. steel prices make it attractive for foreign steelmakers to export their steel products to the U.S., despite the presence of duties or tariffs, the resurgence of substantial imports of foreign steel could create downward pressure on U.S. steel prices.
Excess capacity has also led to greater protectionism as is evident in raw material and finished product border tariffs put in place by China, Brazil and other countries. Such protectionism could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Compliance with and changes in environmental compliance requirements and remediation requirements could result in substantially increased capital requirements and operating costs; violations of environmental requirements could result in costs that have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Existing laws or regulations, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, and future laws and regulations, may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations is a significant factor in our business. We are subject to local, state, federal and international environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other matters, waste disposal, air emissions, waste and storm water effluent and disposal and employee health. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties and may seek injunctive relief impacting continuing operations for non-compliance with environmental requirements.
New facilities that we may build, especially steel mills, like the micro-mill we are building in Durant, Oklahoma, are required to obtain several environmental permits before significant construction or commencement of operations. Delays in obtaining permits or unanticipated conditions in such permits could delay the project or increase construction costs or operating expenses. Our manufacturing and recycling operations produce significant amounts of by-products, some of which are handled as industrial waste or hazardous waste. For example, our mills generate electric arc furnace dust ("EAF dust"), which the EPA and other regulatory authorities classify as hazardous waste. EAF dust and other industrial waste and hazardous waste require special handling, recycling or disposal.
In addition, the primary feed materials for the shredders operated by our scrap metal recycling facilities are automobile hulks and obsolete household appliances. Approximately 20% of the weight of an automobile hull consists of unrecyclable material known as shredder fluff. After the segregation of ferrous and saleable nonferrous metals, shredder fluff remains. We, along with others in the recycling industry, interpret federal regulations to require shredder fluff to meet certain criteria and pass a toxic leaching test to avoid classification as a hazardous waste. We also endeavor to remove hazardous contaminants from the feed material prior to shredding. As a result, we believe the shredder fluff we generate is not normally considered or properly classified as hazardous waste. If the laws, regulations or testing methods change with regard to EAF dust or shredder fluff or other by-products, we may incur additional significant costs.
Changes to National Ambient Air Quality Standards ("NAAQS") or other requirements on our air emissions could make it more difficult to obtain new permits or to modify existing permits and could require changes to our operations or emissions control equipment. Such difficulties and changes could result in operational delays and capital and ongoing compliance expenditures.
Legal requirements are changing frequently and are subject to interpretation. New laws, regulations and changing interpretations by regulatory authorities, together with uncertainty regarding adequate pollution control levels, testing and sampling procedures, new pollution control technology and cost/benefit analysis based on market conditions are all factors that may increase our future expenditures to comply with environmental requirements. Accordingly, we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of future compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations. We cannot predict whether such costs would be able to be passed on to customers through product price increases. Competitors in various regions or countries where environmental regulation is less restrictive, subject to different interpretation or generally not enforced, may enjoy a competitive advantage.
We may also be required to conduct additional cleanup (and pay for associated natural resource damages) at sites where we have already participated in remediation efforts or take remediation action with regard to sites formerly used in connection with our operations. We may be required to pay for a portion or all of the costs of cleanup or remediation at sites we never owned or on which we never operated if we are found to have arranged for treatment or disposal of hazardous substances on the sites. In cases of joint and several liability, we may be obligated to pay a disproportionate share of cleanup costs if other responsible parties are financially insolvent.
We are involved and may in the future become involved in various environmental matters that may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against us or liability imposed upon us which we cannot presently estimate or reasonably foresee and which may have a material impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Under CERCLA or similar state statutes, we may have obligations to conduct investigation and remediation activities associated with alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA (or state agencies as applicable) for such activities and to pay for natural resource damages associated with alleged releases. We have been named a PRP at several federal and state Superfund sites because the EPA or an equivalent state agency contends that we and other potentially responsible scrap metal suppliers are liable for the cleanup of those sites as a result of having sold scrap metal to unrelated manufacturers for recycling as a raw material in the manufacture of new products. We are involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which we are contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, our liability. In addition, we have received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites.
We are presently participating in PRP organizations at several sites, which are paying for certain remediation expenses. Although we are unable to estimate precisely the ultimate dollar amount of exposure to loss in connection with various environmental matters or the effect on our consolidated financial position, we make accruals as warranted. In addition, although we do not believe that a reasonably possible range of loss in excess of amounts accrued for pending lawsuits, claims or proceedings would be material to our financial statements, additional developments may occur, and due to inherent uncertainties, including evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process, the uncertainties involved in litigation and other factors, the amounts we ultimately are required to pay could vary significantly from the amounts we accrue, and this could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Increased regulation associated with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions could impose significant additional costs on both our steelmaking and metals recycling operations.
The U.S. government and various governmental agencies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to the potential impact of climate change. International treaties or agreements may also result in increasing regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, including the introduction of carbon emissions trading mechanisms. Any such regulation regarding climate change and greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions could impose significant costs on our steelmaking and metals recycling operations and on the operations of our customers and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, 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. The potential costs of "allowances," "offsets" or "credits" that may be part of potential cap-and-trade programs or similar future regulatory measures are still uncertain. 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 such limitations. From a medium and long-term perspective, as a result of these regulatory initiatives, we may see an increase in costs relating to our assets that emit significant amounts of GHGs. These regulatory initiatives will be either voluntary or mandatory and 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 business, results of operations or financial condition, but such effect could be materially adverse to our business, results of operations and financial condition.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMPANY
Potential limitations on our ability to access credit, or the ability of our customers and suppliers to access credit, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If our access to credit is limited or impaired, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted. Our senior unsecured debt is rated by Standard & Poor's Corporation and Moody's Investors Service. In determining our credit ratings, the rating agencies consider a number of both quantitative and qualitative factors. These factors include earnings (loss), fixed charges such as interest, cash flows, total debt outstanding, off-balance sheet obligations and other commitments, total capitalization and various ratios calculated from these factors. The rating agencies also consider predictability of cash flows, business strategy and diversity, industry conditions and contingencies. Any downgrades in our credit ratings may make raising capital more difficult, increase the cost and affect the terms of future borrowings, affect the terms under which we purchase goods and services and limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities. We could also be adversely affected if our banks refused to honor their contractual commitments or cease lending.
We are also exposed to risks associated with the creditworthiness of our customers and suppliers. In certain markets, we have experienced a consolidation among those entities to whom we sell. This consolidation has resulted in an increased credit risk spread among fewer customers, often without a corresponding strengthening of their financial status. 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. 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 and financial condition.
The potential impact of our customers' non-compliance with existing commercial contracts and commitments, due to insolvency or for any other reason, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Most consumers of the metals products we sell have been negatively impacted by the recession and the continued slow recovery therefrom. Due to their economic hardship or the contraction in their operations or due to the fact that the prices for many of the products we sell have declined since the customers entered into the contracts with us, some of our customers have sought to renegotiate or cancel their existing purchase commitments. In addition, some of our customers have breached previously agreed upon contracts to buy our products by refusing delivery of the products.
Where appropriate, we have and will in the future pursue litigation to recover our damages resulting from customer contract defaults. We also use credit insurance both in the United States and internationally to mitigate the risk of customer insolvency. However, it is possible that we may not be capable of recovering all of our insured losses if the insurers with whom our accounts receivable are insured experience significant losses threatening their viability. Additionally, credit insurance policies typically have relatively short policy periods and require pre-approval of customers with maximum insured limits established by the customer. If credit insurers incur large losses, the insurance may be more difficult and more costly to secure and may be on less favorable terms. In addition, a significant amount of our accounts receivable are considered to be open account uninsured accounts receivable. A large number of our customers defaulting on existing contractual obligations to purchase our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
There can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares of our common stock at all or in any particular amounts.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to $100.0 million of shares of our common stock. The stock markets in general have experienced substantial price and trading fluctuations, which have resulted in volatility in the market prices of securities that often are unrelated or disproportionate to changes in operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. Price volatility over a given period may also cause the average price at which we repurchase our own common stock to exceed the stock's price at a given point in time. In addition, significant changes in the trading price of our common stock and our ability to access capital on terms favorable to us could impact our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company's management based on its evaluation of market conditions, capital allocation alternatives and other factors beyond our control. Our share repurchase program may be modified, suspended, extended or terminated by the Company at any time and without notice. Any failure to repurchase stock after we have announced our intention to do so may negatively impact investor confidence in us, thereby negatively impacting our stock price.
The agreements governing our notes and our other debt contain financial covenants and impose restrictions on our business.
The indenture governing our 6.50% notes due 2017, 7.35% notes due 2018 and 4.875% notes due 2023 contains restrictions on our ability to create liens, sell assets, enter into sale and leaseback transactions and consolidate or merge. In addition to these restrictions, our credit facility contains covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things, enter into transactions with affiliates and guarantee the debt of some of our subsidiaries. Our credit facility also requires that we meet certain financial tests and maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum debt to capitalization and interest coverage ratios.
Other agreements that we may enter into in the future may contain covenants imposing significant restrictions on our business that are similar to, or in addition to, the covenants under our existing agreements. These restrictions may affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise.
Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. The breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the indenture governing the notes or under our other debt agreements. An event of default under our debt agreements would permit some of our lenders to declare all amounts borrowed from them to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. If we were unable to repay debt to our secured lenders or if we incur secured debt in the future, these lenders could proceed against the collateral securing that debt. In addition, acceleration of our other indebtedness may cause us to be unable to make interest payments on the notes.
Increases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
An increase in the value of the U.S. dollar may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, and in particular, the increased strength of the U.S. dollar as compared to China's renminbi or the euro could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. A strong U.S. dollar makes imported metal products less expensive, resulting in more imports of steel products into the United States by our foreign competitors, while a weak U.S. dollar may have the opposite impact on imports. With the exception of exports of nonferrous scrap metal by our Americas Recycling segment, we have not recently been a significant exporter of metal products from our United States operations. Economic difficulties in some large steel-producing regions of the world, resulting in lower local demand for steel products, have historically encouraged greater steel exports to the United States at depressed prices which can be exacerbated by a strong U.S. dollar. As a result, our products that are made in the United States may become relatively more expensive as compared to imported steel, which has had and in the future could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
A strong U.S. dollar may also hamper our international marketing and distribution business. Weak local currencies limit the amount of U.S. dollar denominated products that we can import for our international operations and limit our ability to be competitive against local producers selling in local currencies.
The U.S. dollar and most global currencies are subject to daily price volatility based on several factors including changes in local government interest rates, macro events and developments, currency manipulation by governments in countries that buy or sell foreign currencies to strengthen or weaken the local currency or in those instances where local governments fix the pricing of their currencies versus having floating exchange rates.
Operating internationally carries risks and uncertainties which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our foreign operations generated approximately 23% of our fiscal 2016 net sales. We have significant facilities in Poland. Our marketing and trading offices are located in most major markets of the world, and our suppliers and customers are located throughout the world. Our marketing and distribution segment relies on substantial international shipments of materials and products in the ordinary course of its business. Our stability, growth and profitability are subject to a number of risks inherent in doing business internationally in addition to the currency exchange risk discussed above, including:
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political, military, terrorist or major pandemic events;
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local labor and social issues;
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legal and regulatory requirements or limitations imposed by foreign governments (particularly those with significant steel consumption or steel-related production including China, Brazil, Russia and India), including quotas, tariffs or other protectionist trade barriers, adverse tax law changes, nationalization or currency restrictions;
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disruptions or delays in shipments caused by customs compliance or government agencies; and
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potential difficulties in staffing and managing local operations.
These factors may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We rely on the availability of large amounts of electricity and natural gas for our mill operations. Disruptions in delivery or substantial increases in energy costs, including crude oil prices, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Minimills melt steel scrap in electric arc furnaces and use natural gas to heat steel billets for rolling into finished products. As large consumers of electricity and gas, often the largest in the geographic area where our minimills are located, we must have dependable delivery of electricity and natural gas in order to operate. Accordingly, we are at risk in the event of an energy disruption. Prolonged black-outs or brown-outs or disruptions caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes would substantially disrupt our production. While we have not suffered prolonged production delays due to our inability to access electricity or natural gas, several of our competitors have experienced such occurrences. Prolonged substantial increases in energy costs would have an adverse effect on the costs of operating our minimills and would negatively impact our gross margins unless we were able to fully pass through the additional expense to our customers. Our finished steel products are typically delivered by truck. Rapid increases in the price of fuel attributable to increases in crude oil prices would increase our costs and adversely affect many of our customers'
financial results, which in turn could result in reduced margins and declining demand for our products. Rapid increases in fuel costs may also negatively impact our ability to charter ships for international deliveries at anticipated freight rates, thereby decreasing our margins on those transactions or causing our customers to look for alternative sources.
The loss of or inability to hire key employees may adversely affect our ability to successfully manage our operations and meet our strategic objectives.
Our future success depends, in large part, on the continued service of our officers and other key employees and our ability to continue to attract and retain additional highly qualified personnel. These employees are integral to our success based on their expertise and knowledge of our business and products. We compete for such personnel with other companies, including public and private company competitors who may periodically offer more favorable terms of employment. The loss or interruption of the services of a number of our key employees could reduce our ability to effectively manage our operations due to the fact that we may not be able to find appropriate replacement personnel in a timely manner should the need arise.
We may have difficulty competing with companies that have a lower cost structure or access to greater financial resources.
We compete with regional, national and foreign manufacturers and traders. Consolidation among participants in the steel manufacturing and recycling industries has resulted in fewer competitors, and several of our competitors are significantly larger than us and have greater financial resources and more diverse businesses than us. Some of our foreign competitors may be able to pursue business opportunities without regard to certain of the laws and regulations with which we must comply, such as environmental regulations. These companies may have a lower cost structure and more operating flexibility, and consequently they may be able to offer better prices and more services than we can. There is no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully with these companies. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Information technology interruptions and breaches in data security could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We rely on computers, information and communications technology and related systems and networks in order to operate our business, including to store sensitive data such as intellectual property, our own proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners and personally identifiable information of our employees. Increased global information technology security requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and a rise in sophisticated and targeted computer crime pose a risk to the security of our systems, networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. Our systems and networks are also subject to damage or interruption from power outages, telecommunications failures, employee error and other similar events. Any of these or other events could result in system interruption, the disclosure, modification or destruction of proprietary and other key information, legal claims or proceedings, production delays or disruptions to operations including processing transactions and reporting financial results and could adversely impact our reputation and our operating results. We have taken steps to address these concerns and have implemented internal control and security measures to protect our systems and networks from security breaches; however, there can be no assurance that a system or network failure, or security breach, will not impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our mills require continual capital investments that we may not be able to sustain.
We must make regular substantial capital investments in our steel mills to maintain the mills, lower production costs and remain competitive. We cannot be certain that we will have sufficient internally generated cash or acceptable external financing to make necessary substantial capital expenditures in the future. The availability of external financing depends on many factors outside of our control, including capital market conditions and the overall performance of the economy. If funding is insufficient, we may be unable to develop or enhance our mills, take advantage of business opportunities and respond to competitive pressures.
Scrap and other supplies for our business are subject to significant price fluctuations and limited availability, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
At any given time, we may be unable to obtain an adequate supply of critical raw materials with a price and other terms acceptable to us. We depend on ferrous scrap, the primary feedstock for our steel mills, and other supplies such as graphite electrodes and ferroalloys for our steel mill operations. The price of scrap and other supplies has historically been subject to significant fluctuation, and we may not be able to adjust our product prices to recover the costs of rapid increases in material prices, especially over the short-term and in our domestic fabrication segment's fixed price contracts. The profitability of our steel mill operations and domestic fabrication segments would be adversely affected if we are unable to pass on to our customers increased raw material and supply costs. Changing processes could potentially impact the volume of scrap metal available to us and the volume and realized margins
of processed metal we sell.
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 resell to others, are highly volatile. A prolonged period of low scrap prices or a fall in scrap prices could reduce our ability to obtain, process and sell recycled material, which could have a material adverse effect on our metals recycling operations business, results of operations and financial condition. Our ability to respond to changing recycled metal selling prices may be limited by competitive or other factors during periods of low scrap prices, when the supply of scrap may decline considerably, as scrap generators hold onto their scrap in the hope of getting higher prices later; conversely, increased foreign demand for scrap due to economic expansion in countries such as China, India, Brazil and Turkey can result in an outflow of available domestic scrap as well as higher scrap prices that cannot always be passed on to domestic scrap consumers, further reducing the available domestic scrap flows and scrap margins, all of which could adversely affect our sales and profitability.
Our Arkansas mill does not have melting capacity, so it is dependent on an adequate supply of competitively priced used rail. The availability of used rail fluctuates with the pace of railroad abandonments, rail replacement by railroads in the United States and abroad and demand for used rail from other domestic and foreign rail rerolling mills. Price increases for used rail could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The availability and process of raw materials may also be negatively affected by new laws and regulations, allocations by suppliers, interruptions in production, accidents or natural disasters, changes in exchange rates, worldwide price fluctuations, and the availability and cost of transportation. If we were unable to obtain adequate and timely deliveries of our required raw materials, we may be unable to timely manufacture significant quantities of our products.
Unexpected equipment failures may lead to production curtailments or shutdowns, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Interruptions in our production capabilities would adversely affect our production costs, steel available for sale and earnings for the affected period. Our manufacturing processes are dependent upon critical pieces of steel-making equipment, such as our furnaces, continuous casters and rolling equipment, as well as electrical equipment, such as transformers. This equipment may, on occasion, be out of service as a result of unanticipated failures. We have experienced, and may in the future experience, material plant shutdowns or periods of reduced production as a result of such equipment failures. 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.
Competition from other materials may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In many applications, steel competes with other materials, such as aluminum and plastics (particularly in the automobile industry), cement, composites, glass and wood. Increased use of or additional substitutes for steel products could adversely affect future market prices and demand for steel products.
Hedging transactions may expose us to losses or limit our potential gains.
Our product lines and worldwide operations expose us to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. As part of our risk management program, we use financial instruments, including metals commodity futures, natural gas forward contracts, freight forward contracts, foreign currency exchange forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts. While intended to reduce the effects of the fluctuations, these transactions may limit our potential gains or expose us to losses. If our counterparties to such transactions or the sponsors of the exchanges through which these transactions are offered, such as the London Metal Exchange, fail to honor their obligations due to financial distress, we would be exposed to potential losses or the inability to recover anticipated gains from these transactions.
We enter into the foreign currency exchange forward contracts as economic hedges of trade commitments or anticipated commitments denominated in currencies other than the functional currency to mitigate the effects of changes in currency rates. These foreign exchange commitments are dependent on timely performance by our counterparties. Their failure to perform could result in our having to close these hedges without the anticipated underlying transaction and could result in losses if foreign currency exchange rates have changed.
We are subject to litigation and legal compliance risks which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are involved in various litigation matters, including regulatory proceedings, administrative proceedings, governmental investigations, environmental matters and construction contract disputes. The nature of our operations also exposes us to possible litigation claims in the future. Because of the uncertain nature of litigation and coverage decisions, we cannot predict the outcome of these matters. These matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Litigation is very costly, and the costs associated with prosecuting and defending litigation matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Although we are unable to estimate precisely the ultimate dollar amount of exposure to loss in connection with litigation matters, we make accruals as warranted. However, the amounts that we accrue could vary significantly from the amounts we actually pay, due to inherent uncertainties and the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process, the uncertainties involved in litigation and other factors. See Part I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a description of our current significant legal proceedings.
As noted above, existing laws or regulations, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, and future laws and regulations, may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. See the risk factor "Compliance with and changes in environmental compliance requirements and remediation requirements could result in substantially increased capital requirements and operating costs; violations of environmental requirements could result in costs that have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition" above for a description of such risks relating to environmental laws and regulations. In addition to such environmental laws and regulations, complex foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to our international operations, including without limitation the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws in other countries, which generally prohibit companies and those acting on their behalf from making improper payments to foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, regulations related to import-export controls, the Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions program and antiboycott provisions, may increase our cost of doing business in international jurisdictions and expose us and our employees to elevated risk. While we believe that we have adopted appropriate risk management and compliance programs, the nature of our operations means that legal and compliance risks will continue to exist. A negative outcome in an unusual or significant legal proceeding or compliance investigation could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Some of our operations present significant risk of injury or death.
The industrial activities conducted at certain of our facilities present significant risk of serious injury or death to our employees, customers or other visitors to our operations, notwithstanding our safety precautions, including our material compliance with federal, state and local employee health and safety regulations, and we may be unable to avoid material liabilities for injuries or deaths. We maintain workers' compensation insurance to address the risk of incurring material liabilities for injuries or deaths, but there can be no assurance that the insurance coverage will be adequate or will continue to be available on the terms acceptable to us, or at all, which could result in material liabilities to us for any injuries or deaths.
Health care legislation could result in substantially increased costs and adversely affect our workforce.
The health care mandates enacted in connection with the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may cause us to evaluate the scope of health benefits offered to our workforce and the method in which they are delivered, and increase our and our employees' costs. If we are not able to offer a competitive level of benefits, our ability to hire and retain qualified personnel may be adversely affected. Higher health care costs may result in (i) an inability to reinvest sufficient capital in our operations, (ii) an inability to sustain dividends, (iii) lowered debt ratings and (iv) an increase in the cost of capital, all of which may have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The following table describes our principal properties as of August 31, 2016. These properties are owned by us and not subject to any significant encumbrances, or are leased by us. We consider all properties to be appropriately utilized, suitable and adequate to meet the requirements of our present and foreseeable future operations. Refer to Part I, Item 1 “Business” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the nature of our operations.
(1) Refer to Part I, Item 1 “Business” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the calculation of capacity for our mill-related segments.
(2) As our business and the mix of products are constantly changing, the extent of capacity of the facilities by our International Marketing and Distribution segment cannot be accurately stated.
We lease the office space occupied by our corporate headquarters. Our steel trading division headquartered in the U.S. is located in our corporate headquarters.
The leases on the leased properties in the table above will expire on various dates and, with the exception of the CMCP leases in the table above, generally expire over the next ten years. Several of the leases have renewal options. We have had little difficulty in the past renewing such leases prior to their expiration. We estimate our minimum annual rental obligation for real estate operating leases in effect at August 31, 2016, to be paid during fiscal 2017, to be approximately $9.3 million.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we become involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and government investigations, including environmental matters.
We have received notices from the EPA or state agencies with similar responsibility that we and numerous other parties are considered PRPs and may be obligated under CERCLA, or similar state statutes, to pay for the cost of remedial investigation, feasibility studies and ultimately remediation to correct alleged releases of hazardous substances at ten locations. The notices refer to the following locations, none of which involve real estate we ever owned or upon which we ever conducted operations: the Sapp Battery Site in Cottondale, Florida, the Interstate Lead Company Site in Leeds, Alabama, the Ross Metals Site in Rossville, Tennessee, the Li Tungsten Site in Glen Cove, New York, the Peak Oil Site in Tampa, Florida, the R&H Oil Site in San Antonio, Texas, the SoGreen/Parramore Site in Tifton, Georgia, the Jensen Drive site in Houston, Texas, the Industrial Salvage site in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the Ward Transformer site in Raleigh, North Carolina. We may contest our designation as a PRP with regard to certain sites, while at other sites we are participating with other named PRPs in agreements or negotiations that have resulted or that we expect will result in agreements to remediate the sites. During 2010, we acquired a 70% interest in the real property at Jensen Drive as part of the remediation of that site. We have periodically received information requests from government environmental agencies with regard to other sites that are apparently under consideration for designation as listed sites under CERCLA or similar state statutes. Often we do not receive any further communication with regard to these sites, and as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we do not know if any of these inquiries will ultimately result in a demand for payment from us.
The EPA notified us and other alleged PRPs that under Section 106 of CERCLA, we and the other PRPs could be subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 per day and the imposition of treble damages if we and the other PRPs refuse to clean up the Peak Oil, Sapp Battery and SoGreen/Parramore sites as ordered by the EPA. We are presently participating in PRP organizations at these sites, which are paying for certain site remediation expenses. We do not believe that the EPA will pursue any fines against us if we continue to participate in the PRP groups or if we have adequate defenses to the EPA's imposition of fines against us in these matters.
We believe that adequate provisions have been made in the financial statements for the potential impact of any loss in connection with the above-described legal proceedings and environmental matters. Management believes that the outcome of the proceedings mentioned, and other miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
MARKET AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
The table below summarizes the high and low sales prices per share of CMC common stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), and the quarterly cash dividends per share that CMC paid for the past two fiscal years.
PRICE RANGE
OF COMMON STOCK
CMC common stock is traded on the NYSE. The number of stockholders of record of CMC common stock at October 27, 2016 was 3,469.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
Information about our equity compensation plans as of August 31, 2016 was as follows:
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the cumulative total return of CMC common stock during the five year period beginning September 1, 2011 and ending August 31, 2016 with the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500") and the Standard & Poor's Steel Industry Group Index (the "S&P Steel Group"). Each index assumes $100 invested at the close of trading August 31, 2011, and reinvestment of dividends.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
The following table provides information about purchases by the Company during the quarter ended August 31, 2016 of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
(1)
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company announced that CMC's Board of Directors had authorized a new share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $100.0 million of shares of CMC common stock. The share repurchase program does not require the Company to purchase any dollar amount or number of shares of CMC common stock and may be modified, suspended, extended or terminated by the Company at any time without prior notice.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2016. The selected consolidated financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" set forth in Part II, Item 7
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to general economic conditions, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and business and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including share repurchases, renewing the credit facilities of our Polish subsidiary, reinvesting the undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, U.S. construction activity, demand for finished steel products, the effects of global steel overcapacity and international trade, a strong U.S. dollar, and expectations regarding our liquidity, capital spending, the new Oklahoma micro-mill and our operating plans. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by phrases such as we or our management "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "intends," "plans to," "ought," "could," "will," "should," "likely," "appears," "projects," "forecasts," "outlook" or other similar words or phrases. There are inherent risks and uncertainties in any forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
Our forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and beliefs as of the time this Annual Report on Form 10-K is filed with the SEC or, with respect to any document incorporated by reference, as of the time such document was prepared. Although we believe that our expectations are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially. These factors include those described in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify any forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, new information or circumstances or any other changes. Some of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include the following:
•
conditions, including the ongoing recovery from the last recession, continued sovereign debt problems in the Euro-zone and construction activity or lack thereof, and their impact in a highly cyclical industry;
•
rapid and significant changes in the price of metals, potentially impairing our inventory values due to declines in commodity prices;
•
excess capacity in our industry, particularly in China, and product availability from competing steel mills and other steel suppliers including import quantities and pricing;
•
compliance with and changes in environmental laws and regulations, including increased regulation associated with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions;
•
involvement in various environmental matters that may result in fines, penalties or judgments;
•
potential limitations in our or our customers' ability to access credit and non-compliance by our customers with our contracts;
•
non-cash impairment charges in our results from continuing operations;
•
activity in repurchasing shares of our common stock under our repurchase program;
•
currency fluctuations;
•
financial covenants and restrictions on the operation of our business contained in agreements governing our debt;
•
global factors, including political uncertainties and military conflicts;
•
availability of electricity and natural gas for mill operations;
•
ability to hire and retain key executives and other employees;
•
competition from other materials or from competitors that have a lower cost structure or access to greater financial resources;
•
information technology interruptions and breaches in security data;
•
ability to make necessary capital expenditures;
•
availability and pricing of raw materials over which we exert little influence, including scrap metal, energy, insurance and supply prices;
•
unexpected equipment failures;
•
losses or limited potential gains due to hedging transactions;
•
litigation claims and settlements, court decisions, regulatory rulings and legal compliance risks;
•
risk of injury or death to employees, customers or other visitors to our operations; and
•
increased costs related to health care reform legislation.
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
OVERVIEW
Our business is organized into the following five segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication, International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution.
Americas Recycling
Our Americas Recycling segment processes scrap metals for use as a raw material by manufacturers of new metal products. This segment operates 26 scrap metal processing facilities with 13 locations in Texas, five locations in Florida, two locations in Missouri and one location each in Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
Americas Mills
Our Americas Mills segment is comprised of the following: (i) our five domestic steel mills, commonly referred to as "minimills" and "micro-mills," that collectively produce reinforcing bar ("rebar"), angles, flats, rounds, fence post sections and other shapes; (ii) two scrap metal shredders and ten processing facilities that directly support the steel mills; and (iii) a railroad salvage company.
Americas Fabrication
Our Americas Fabrication segment consists of our steel fabrication facilities that bend, weld, cut and fabricate steel, primarily rebar; warehouses that sell or rent products for the installation of concrete; facilities that produce steel fence posts; and facilities that heat-treat steel to improve strength and provide flexibility.
International Mill
Our International Mill segment is comprised of all of our mill, recycling and fabrication operations located in Poland. Our subsidiary, CMCP, owns a steel minimill and conducts its mill operations in Zawiercie, Poland. This minimill primarily produces rebar, angles, flats, rounds, and wire rod. In addition, this segment operates ferrous scrap processing facilities that directly support the Poland minimill and four steel fabrication facilities primarily for reinforcing bar and mesh.
International Marketing and Distribution
Our International Marketing and Distribution segment includes international operations for the sales, distribution and processing of primary and secondary metals, fabricated metals, semi-finished, long and flat steel products and other industrial products. Additionally, this segment includes two of our marketing and distribution divisions headquartered in the U.S., CMC Cometals and CMC Cometals Steel, and a recycling facility in Singapore. We market and distribute products through our global network of offices and processing facilities. Our customers use these products in a variety of industries.
During the first quarter of 2015, we decided to exit our steel distribution business in Australia, which met the definition of a discontinued operation and is shown as such for all periods presented. The Australian steel distribution business was previously included in the International Marketing and Distribution reporting segment.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our results of operations is based on our continuing operations and excludes any results of our discontinued operations. Data from fiscal years 2015 and 2014 has been restated to reflect our change in accounting principle away from the LIFO inventory valuation method to either the weighted average cost or specific identification method, depending on the affected business segment. For additional information on this change in accounting principle, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Consolidated Results of Operations
_________________________
* Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations.
+ Non-GAAP financial measure.
Adjusted Operating Profit from Continuing Operations
In the table above, we have included financial measures that were not derived in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations is the sum of our earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, interest expense and discounts on sales of accounts receivable. Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations should not be considered as an alternative to earnings from continuing operations or net earnings, as determined by GAAP. Management uses adjusted operating profit from continuing operations to evaluate the financial performance of CMC. For added flexibility, we may sell certain trade accounts receivable both in the U.S. and internationally. We consider sales of accounts receivable as an alternative source of liquidity to finance our operations, and we believe that removing these costs provides a clearer perspective of CMC's operating performance. Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations may be inconsistent with similar measures presented by other companies.
Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit from continuing operations are provided below:
Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is the sum of earnings from continuing operations before net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests, interest expense and income taxes. It also excludes CMC's largest recurring non-cash charge, depreciation and amortization, as well as long-lived asset impairment charges, which are also non-cash. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations should not be considered an alternative to earnings from continuing operations or net earnings, or as a better measure of liquidity than net cash flows from operating activities, as determined by GAAP. However, we believe that adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations provides relevant and useful information, which is often used by analysts, creditors and other interested parties in our industry. Additionally, adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is the target benchmark for our annual and long-term cash incentive performance plans for management. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations may be inconsistent with similar measures presented by other companies.
Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations are provided below:
Fiscal Year 2016 Compared to Fiscal Year 2015
Summary
Net sales for fiscal 2016 decreased $1.4 billion, or 23%, compared to fiscal 2015. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to a decrease in average selling prices across all of our segments and a decrease in shipments for our Americas Recycling, Americas Mills and International Marketing and Distribution segments. Import pressure in the U.S., excess global capacity as well as weak demand from the oil and gas industry, which began during the second half of fiscal 2015 and continued throughout fiscal 2016, adversely impacted selling prices and volumes. Additionally, net sales for fiscal 2015 included a $45.5 million benefit as a result of a termination of a contract with a customer for our International Marketing and Distribution segment. The change in net sales for fiscal 2016 reflects unfavorable foreign currency fluctuation impacts of approximately $62.3 million due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the zloty, Australian dollar and British pound.
Earnings from continuing operations were $72.5 million and $99.1 million for fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively. Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations for fiscal 2016 decreased $76.2 million, or 34%, compared to fiscal 2015 primarily driven by our Americas Recycling, Americas Mills and International Marketing and Distribution segments and the decrease in volumes discussed above. Our Americas Recycling segment recorded fixed asset impairment charges of $38.9 million in fiscal 2016 compared to goodwill impairment charges of $7.3 million in fiscal 2015. See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and Note 8, Long-lived Asset Impairment and Facility Closure Costs, to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional information on these impairments. Our Americas Recycling segment was also adversely impacted by average metal margin compression for ferrous material, while average metal margin for nonferrous material remained flat. Additionally, average metal margins for our Americas Mills segment decreased 11%. Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations for our International Marketing and Distribution segment in fiscal 2015 included a $45.5 million benefit as a result of a termination of a contract, discussed above. For fiscal 2016, this segment was also impacted by a decrease in average margins for all of its operations. In contrast, for fiscal 2016, our Americas Fabrication segment benefited from a 7% increase in average composite metal margin compared to fiscal 2015. Changes in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies did not have a material impact on the change in adjusted operating profit from continuing operations in fiscal 2016.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses from continuing operations in fiscal 2016 decreased $6.2 million compared to fiscal 2015. The decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses was primarily due to a $7.9 million reduction in net realized and unrealized losses from foreign currency transactions and foreign exchange derivative activities and a $2.7 million decrease in employee-related expenses compared to fiscal 2015. These decreases in selling, general, and administrative expenses were partially offset by a $5.0 million increase in non-qualified benefit restoration plan ("BRP") expenses compared to fiscal 2015.
Interest Expense
Interest expense from continuing operations in fiscal 2016 decreased $15.5 million compared to fiscal 2015. The partial repayment of certain long-term notes in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 reduced interest expense by $7.4 million for fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. Additionally, the decrease in usage of documentary letters of credit for our International Marketing and Distribution segment lowered interest expense by $4.6 million for fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. See Note 11, Credit Arrangements, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the repayment of long-term notes.
Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the year ended August 31, 2016 was 14.8% compared to 32.1% for the year ended August 31, 2015. In fiscal 2016, our effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by net discrete benefits during the year totaling $10.3 million resulting from the settlement of an audit, including the release of certain unrecognized tax benefits for which the accruals were greater than the amount assessed. Our income tax rate also benefited from a higher proportion of global income earned from operations in countries that have lower statutory income tax rates than the U.S., including Poland, which has a statutory income tax rate of 19%. Additionally, we realized a benefit under Section 199 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 199") related to U.S. production activity income, which was consistent with the benefit for fiscal 2015. However, with lower income before tax for 2016, the current year Section 199 benefit has a larger impact on our tax rate, causing our income tax rate to decrease year over year. Additionally, during fiscal 2016 we had a non-taxable gain on assets related to our nonqualified BRP, compared to fiscal 2015, which was a non-deductible loss, and caused our effective tax rate to decrease year over year.
We intend to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. If a repatriation of earnings occurs in the future, we would be required to provide for income taxes on dividends from our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Determination of the unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to the undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is not practicable because of the complexities related to its hypothetical calculation.
Fiscal Year 2015 Compared to Fiscal Year 2014
Summary
Net sales for fiscal 2015 decreased $801.8 million, or 12%, compared to fiscal 2014. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to a decrease in tons shipped and a decrease in average selling prices across our Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution segments. The decrease in net sales also reflects unfavorable foreign currency impacts of approximately $105.4 million and $38.6 million in fiscal 2015 for our International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution segments, respectively, while changes in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies did not have a material impact on these segments' net sales in fiscal 2014. In contrast, our Americas Fabrication segment reported an increase in net sales due to an increase in tons shipped and average composite selling price. In general, the strong U.S. dollar, increased import pressure in the U.S. and Poland, as well as excess global capacity during the current fiscal year adversely impacted our net sales.
Earnings from continuing operations were $99.1 million and $117.6 million for fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations for fiscal 2015 decreased $20.5 million, or 8%, compared to fiscal 2014, which was primarily driven by our Americas Recycling and International Mill segments, partially offset by an increase in adjusted operating profit from continuing operations for our Americas Fabrication and International Marketing and Distribution segments. During fiscal 2015, our Americas Recycling segment was adversely impacted by average metal margin compression for both ferrous and nonferrous material and a $7.3 million goodwill impairment charge. For our International Mill segment, a 19% decrease in the average metal margin, coupled with a $3.5 million unfavorable foreign currency impact, resulted in a decrease in adjusted operating profit from continuing operations for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014, which was partially offset by cost savings due to the commissioning of a new electric arc furnace during the third quarter of fiscal 2014. In contrast, our Americas Fabrication segment primarily benefited from a 12% expansion in the average metal margin during fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. Additionally, adjusted operating profit from continuing operations for our International Marketing and Distribution segment improved from a $45.5 million benefit as a result of a termination of a contract with a customer, partially offset by an increase in inventory write-downs of $30.1 million in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses from continuing operations in fiscal 2015 decreased $5.7 million compared to fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2014, selling, general and administrative expenses included a pre-tax charge of approximately $4.0 million that was incurred in connection with our final settlement of the Standard Iron Works v. ArcelorMittal et al. lawsuit. Additionally, during fiscal 2015, insurance costs and program and discount fees related to our accounts receivable securitization programs decreased compared to fiscal 2014. These decreases in selling, general and administrative expenses were partially offset by a decrease in gains realized on sales of fixed assets during fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014.
Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the year ended August 31, 2015 was 32.1% compared to 28.7% for the year ended August 31, 2014. In fiscal 2015, our income tax rate benefited from income earned from operations in countries which have lower statutory income tax rates than the U.S., notably Poland. However, the proportion of such income earned in fiscal 2015 was less than in the prior year, thus providing less benefit to our effective income tax rate than in fiscal 2014. We realized a benefit under Section 199, which was larger than the benefit for fiscal 2014, driven primarily by the increase in U.S. production related income in fiscal 2015. Additionally, during fiscal 2015 we had a non-deductible loss on BRP assets. Compared to the BRP adjustment in fiscal 2014, which was a non-taxable gain, this also caused our effective tax rate to increase year over year.
As noted above, in fiscal 2014, the income tax rate of 28.7% benefited from a higher proportion of the Company's global operating income earned from operations in countries with lower statutory income tax rates than the U.S., including Poland. Additionally, our state and local tax expense in fiscal 2014 was reduced, benefiting the effective tax rate, as we were able to release valuation allowances recorded against certain deferred tax assets for net operating losses in various states due to previous losses in our Americas Fabrication reporting segment.
SEGMENTS
Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts below are from continuing operations and calculated before income taxes. Financial results for our reportable segments are consistent with the basis and manner in which we internally disaggregate financial information for the purpose of making operating decisions. See Note 22, Business Segments, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Fiscal Year 2016 Compared to Fiscal Year 2015
Americas Recycling
Net sales in fiscal 2016 decreased $316.9 million, or 31%, compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to a decrease in the average ferrous selling price by $65 per short ton coupled with a 9% decrease in ferrous tons shipped. Additionally, the average nonferrous selling price declined $562 per short ton and nonferrous tons shipped decreased 11%. Global steel production overcapacity, specifically in China, continued to depress the price of steel. Additionally, a strong U.S. dollar, low iron ore pricing, and weak oil prices continued to negatively affect the market.
Adjusted operating loss in fiscal 2016 increased $32.1 million compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to an increase in impairment charges of $31.4 million compared to fiscal 2015. This segment recorded fixed asset impairment charges of $38.9 million in fiscal 2016 compared to $7.3 million of goodwill impairment charges recorded in fiscal 2015. See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and Note 8, Long-lived Asset Impairment and Facility Closure Costs, to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on these impairments. Adjusted operating loss was also negatively affected by the decline in average ferrous selling prices discussed above, which outweighed a decrease in average ferrous material cost and compressed average ferrous metal margin by 4%, while average nonferrous metal margin remained flat. However, the compressed metal margin was offset by a 10% per short ton decline in freight expenses due to reduced fuel costs, and a 24% per short ton decline in supplies expense.
Americas Mills
Net sales in fiscal 2016 decreased $343.0 million, or 19%, compared to fiscal 2015 due to a $113 per short ton decrease in the average selling price and a 2% decrease in total shipments compared to fiscal 2015. Finished products shipments decreased approximately 31 thousand short tons, while shipments of our semi-finished products decreased approximately 26 thousand short tons compared to fiscal 2015. Average selling prices and shipments of finished products decreased as a result of continued import pressures in the U.S. Shipments of our semi-finished products declined as a result of slowing demand from the oil and gas industry.
Adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2016 decreased $45.8 million compared to fiscal 2015. The decreases in average selling price discussed above more than offset a $75 per short ton decrease in the average cost of ferrous scrap consumed, and compressed average metal margins by 11% compared to fiscal 2015. Partially offsetting the margin compression were reductions in various expenses compared to fiscal 2015, largely attributable to: utilities expense of 14% per short ton due to lower utility rates and reduced consumption, freight expenses of 4% per short ton due to reduced fuel costs, supplies expenses of 11% per short ton, and repairs and maintenance expenses of $9.9 million due to variances in the timing and amounts of routine maintenance and equipment enhancements conducted in the normal course of business.
Americas Fabrication
Net sales in fiscal 2016 decreased $134.8 million, or 8%, compared to fiscal 2015. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to a decrease in the average composite selling price by $102 per short ton compared to fiscal 2015 as a result of falling steel commodity prices over the preceding twelve months.
Adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2016 increased $46.2 million compared to fiscal 2015 due to a 7% improvement in average composite metal margin, caused by a $119 per short ton decrease in material cost which outpaced the decrease in selling price discussed above. Further contributing to the increase in adjusted operating profit were reductions in various expenses compared to fiscal 2015, largely attributable to: employee-related expenses of 1% per short ton, freight expenses of 5% per short ton due to reduced fuel costs, supplies expenses of 16% per short ton, and depreciation and amortization expenses of $3.9 million due to the full amortization of certain intangible assets during fiscal 2015.
International Mill
Net sales in fiscal 2016 decreased $109.1 million, or 17%, compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to a 19% decline in average selling price, partially offset by a 2% increase in shipments. The decrease in average selling price for fiscal 2016 was due to global steel production overcapacity, which continued to depress global steel prices during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. Additionally, the decrease in net sales for fiscal 2016 reflects unfavorable foreign currency fluctuation impacts of approximately $41.1 million due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the zloty.
Adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2016 increased $11.3 million compared to fiscal 2015. During fiscal 2016, average metal margin decreased 5% as a result of an $89 per short ton decrease in average selling price, which outpaced a $79 per short ton decrease in the average cost of ferrous scrap consumed compared to fiscal 2015. The decline in average metal margin was more than offset by a reduction in utilities expenses of $13.1 million due to lower energy rates and excise taxes compared to fiscal 2015. Changes in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies did not have a material impact on the change in this segment's adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2016.
International Marketing and Distribution
Net sales in fiscal 2016 decreased $708.0 million, or 37%, compared to fiscal 2015. The decrease in net sales for fiscal 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in volumes for our raw materials and steel trading divisions headquartered in the U.S. and our operations in Europe coupled with a decline in average selling prices throughout our operations within this segment compared to fiscal 2015 due to the continued economic slowdown in China and weakness in global energy markets weighing on global steel and commodity pricing. In addition, this segment recorded a $45.5 million benefit as a result of a termination of a contract with a customer during
fiscal 2015. The change in net sales for fiscal 2016 includes unfavorable foreign currency fluctuation impacts of approximately $21.2 million primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Australian dollar and British pound.
Adjusted operating loss in fiscal 2016 reflects an unfavorable change of $42.5 million from adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2015 primarily due to the $45.5 million benefit as a result of the termination of a contract in fiscal 2015 discussed above. Contributing to the decrease in adjusted operating profit, volumes and average margins for our raw materials and steel trading divisions headquartered in the U.S. and our operations in Europe, decreased compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to the factors impacting global steel, commodity and energy markets discussed above. Additionally, the decline in average margins for our operations in Australia and Asia outweighed increases in volumes for these operations. Offsetting these declines, inventory write-downs decreased $19.5 million and employee-related expenses decreased 14% per short ton, in each case, compared to fiscal 2015. This segment was also favorably impacted by a $6.2 million net positive impact from foreign currency transactions and foreign exchange derivative activities in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. Changes in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies did not have a material impact on the change in this segment's adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2016.
Corporate
Corporate expenses in fiscal 2016 increased $17.3 million to $95.1 million compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to a $6.7 million increase in employee-related expenses due to centralization of certain shared services to the Corporate segment and the loss on debt extinguishment of $11.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. See Note 11, Credit Arrangements, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.
Discontinued Operations
Despite focused efforts and substantial progress to stabilize and improve the results of our Australian steel distribution business, we determined that achieving acceptable financial returns would take additional time and investment. In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we decided to exit our steel distribution business in Australia which met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, our steel distribution business in Australia has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company completed the sale of six locations that were a part of the Australian steel distribution business for proceeds of $26.4 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. Additionally, all operations ceased at three other locations that were part of the Australian steel distribution business and one location remained for sale. The Company recognized an $8.1 million pre-tax gain on the sale, which included a currency translation gain of $10.1 million. In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recognized a combined $15.8 million in impairment losses on the remaining asset group held for sale. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company completed the sale of the one remaining Australian steel distribution location for proceeds of $4.4 million, resulting in a nominal impact to earnings from discontinued operations for fiscal year 2016. Our Australian steel distribution business was previously included in the International Marketing and Distribution segment.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company completed the sale of all the outstanding capital stock of Howell for $58.5 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $6.3 million, which was included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of earnings for the year ended August 31, 2014. A portion of the proceeds totaling $3.2 million was placed in escrow and subsequently released to the Company in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company disposed of the remaining assets held for sale of $1.1 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 with an immaterial impact to the consolidated statement of earnings. We have included Howell in discontinued operations for all periods presented. Howell was previously included in the Americas Mills reporting segment.
See Note 10, Businesses Held For Sale, Discontinued Operations and Dispositions, to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional information.
Fiscal Year 2015 Compared to Fiscal Year 2014
Americas Recycling
Net sales in fiscal 2015 decreased $344.4 million, or 25%, compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to a decrease in the average ferrous selling price of $70 per short ton coupled with a 15% decrease in ferrous tons shipped. Ferrous scrap prices were depressed during fiscal 2015 due to a strong U.S. dollar, strong flow of imported steel and historically low iron ore pricing. Additionally, the average nonferrous selling price declined $358 per short ton and nonferrous tons shipped decreased 3%. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar weakened export demand and dampened nonferrous average selling prices.
Adjusted operating loss in fiscal 2015 increased $23.5 million compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to the decline in average ferrous and nonferrous selling prices discussed above, which outweighed a decrease in both average ferrous and nonferrous material cost and compressed average ferrous and nonferrous metal margins by 5% and 11%, respectively, compared to fiscal 2014. Additionally, for fiscal 2015, labor and employee benefit expenses increased approximately 7% per short ton as a result of a decrease in total tons shipped compared to fiscal 2014. Furthermore, this segment recorded goodwill impairment charges of $7.3 million as a result of the Company's annual goodwill impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
Americas Mills
Net sales in fiscal 2015 decreased $149.5 million, or 8%, compared to fiscal 2014 due to a 3% decrease in total shipments and a $38 per short ton decrease in the average selling price compared to fiscal 2014 as a result of continued import pressures in the U.S. Shipments of our higher priced finished products, including rebar and merchants, remained flat while our lower priced billet shipments decreased approximately 74 thousand short tons compared to fiscal 2014.
Adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2015 decreased $1.0 million, compared to fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2015, the average cost of ferrous scrap consumed decreased $66 per short ton compared to fiscal 2014, which more than offset the decreases in total shipments and average selling price discussed above and increased average metal margins by 9%. However, the increase in metal margin was offset by: labor and employee benefit expenses, which increased 5% per short ton due to the reduction in tons shipped; and repairs and maintenance expenses, which increased $12.1 million due to routine maintenance and equipment enhancements conducted in the normal course of business, in each case compared to fiscal 2014.
Americas Fabrication
Net sales in fiscal 2015 increased $86.8 million, or 6%, compared to fiscal 2014 due to a 2% increase in shipments coupled with a $15 per short ton increase in the average composite selling price compared to fiscal 2014. The increase in shipments during fiscal 2015 was primarily the result of an increase in non-residential construction spending in the United States compared to fiscal 2014.
Adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2015 increased $16.0 million compared to fiscal 2014 due to the increases in shipments and average composite selling price noted above combined with a 2% decrease in average composite material cost, which resulted in a 12% increase in average composite metal margin compared to fiscal 2014. However, the increase in metal margin was partially offset by labor and employee benefit expenses which increased 9% per short ton compared to fiscal 2014 in order to fulfill current activity levels.
International Mill
Net sales in fiscal 2015 decreased $196.9 million, or 24%, compared to fiscal 2014 due to a 5% decline in shipments coupled with a 21% decline in average selling price. The decrease in average selling price for fiscal 2015 was a result of increased import pressure in Poland compared to fiscal 2014. Additionally, the change in net sales for fiscal 2015 reflects unfavorable foreign currency fluctuation impacts of approximately $105.4 million. Changes in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies did not have a material impact on this segment's net sales in fiscal 2014.
Adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2015 decreased $13.1 million compared to fiscal 2014 due to a 19% decrease in average metal margin in fiscal 2015 as a result of a $125 per short ton decrease in average selling price, which outpaced a $77 per short ton decrease in the average cost of ferrous scrap consumed. Partially offsetting the decrease in average metal margin for fiscal 2015, utilities and repairs and maintenance expenses decreased by $24.6 million compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to efficiencies gained from the commissioning of a new, state-of-the-art electric arc furnace in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. For fiscal 2015, freight expenses also decreased 29% per short ton compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to a decrease in exports in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. Additionally, the decrease in adjusting operating profit for fiscal 2015 reflects unfavorable foreign currency fluctuation impacts of approximately $3.5 million due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the zloty.
International Marketing and Distribution
Net sales in fiscal 2015 decreased $222.9 million, or 11%, compared to fiscal 2014. The decrease in net sales for fiscal 2015 was primarily due to decreases in volumes and the average selling price for our Asian operations and decreases in volumes for our Australian operations which surpassed a modest increase in the average selling price for our Australian operations compared to fiscal 2014. An economic slowdown in China coupled with a reduction in China's consumption of raw materials has largely driven a collapse in commodity prices in the Asia-Pacific region as well as in other markets globally. This segment recorded a $45.5 million benefit as a result of a termination of a contract with a customer in fiscal year 2015, which was recorded in net sales for this segment and partially offset the segment's decrease in net sales. Furthermore, the decrease in net sales for fiscal 2015 reflects unfavorable foreign currency fluctuation impacts of $38.6 million due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Australian dollar, British pound and euro.
Adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2015 increased $4.8 million compared to fiscal 2014. The improvement in adjusted operating profit resulted from the $45.5 million contract termination benefit partially offset by an increase in inventory write-downs in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 of $30.1 million. Adjusted operating profit for this segment was also unfavorably impacted by foreign currency transaction losses, partially offset by gains on foreign exchange derivative instruments, resulting in a net decrease
in adjusted operating profit of $8.3 million. The transaction losses were primarily due to the movements of the euro and zloty in relation to the U.S. dollar and movements of the U.S. dollar in relation to the British pound. Such transactions did not have a material impact on adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2014. Changes in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies did not have a material impact on the change in this segment's adjusted operating profit in fiscal 2015.
Corporate
Corporate expenses in fiscal 2015 increased $5.5 million to $77.8 million compared to fiscal 2014 primarily as a result of a decrease in earnings on BRP assets and a decrease in inter-company interest charged to our other operating segments, which were partially offset by decreased pension and BRP expense.
Discontinued Operations
Despite focused efforts and substantial progress to stabilize and improve the results of our Australian steel distribution business, we determined that achieving acceptable financial returns would take additional time and investment. In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we decided to exit our steel distribution business in Australia which met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, our steel distribution business in Australia has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods. On July 31, 2015, we completed the sale of six locations that were a part of our Australian steel distribution business. In addition, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we ceased all operations at three other locations that were part of our Australian steel distribution business. As of August 31, 2015, one location of the Australian steel distribution business remained for sale and continued to be classified as held for sale. The expenses associated with exiting this business were not material for the year ended August 31, 2015. Our Australian steel distribution business was previously included in the International Marketing and Distribution segment.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company completed the sale of all the outstanding capital stock of Howell for $58.5 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $6.3 million, which was included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of earnings for the year ended August 31, 2014. A portion of the proceeds totaling $3.2 million was placed in escrow and remained in escrow as of both August 31, 2014 and 2015. The Company disposed of the remaining assets held for sale of $1.1 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 with an immaterial impact to the consolidated statement of earnings. We have included Howell in discontinued operations for all periods presented. Howell was previously included in the Americas Mills reporting segment.
See Note 10, Businesses Held For Sale, Discontinued Operations and Dispositions, to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional information.
Outlook
Forward looking indicators we track point toward modest strength in the demand for our products, with a slow start to the fiscal year. One of our primary end use markets in the U.S. is non-residential construction, where spending was up 4% year over year in August. Additionally, the Architectural Billings Index for the southern U.S., an important geography for CMC, has steadily improved over the last several months. However, we continue to believe our operations will face pressure in pricing and margins due to high steel import activity into the U.S. and the strong U.S. dollar. We believe the increased import activity is a result of unfair trading practices by certain foreign producers which we are actively challenging through international trade cases. While global economies appear to be stabilizing, we see few indications of significant improvements in international steel markets due to overcapacity. As an organization we remain focused on navigating through these market challenges while staying committed to our long-term strategy. In the near term we will manage the items within our control, namely: controlling costs; prudent allocation of long-term capital and working capital; and cost savings through supply chain optimization.
Historically, our first quarter has been a seasonally slower period as the construction season winds down before the onset of the winter months. We believe our Americas Mills and International Mill operations will remain stable, partially offset by margin compression in our Americas Fabrication business.
FISCAL 2016 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
See Note 11, Credit Arrangements, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
While we believe the lending institutions participating in our credit arrangements are financially capable, it is important to note that the banking and capital markets industries periodically experience volatility that may limit our ability to raise capital. Additionally, changes to our credit rating by any rating agency may impact our ability to raise capital and manage our financing costs.
The table below reflects our sources, facilities and availability of liquidity as of August 31, 2016:
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* We believe we have access to additional financing and refinancing, if needed.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we accepted for purchase approximately $100.0 million and $100.2 million of the outstanding principal amount of our 2017 Notes (as defined below) and 2018 Notes (as defined below), respectively, through a cash tender offer. As of August 31, 2016, we had $300.0 million of 6.50% Senior Notes due July 2017 (the "2017 Notes"), $399.8 million of 7.35% Senior Notes due August 2018 (the "2018 Notes") and $330.0 million of 4.875% Senior Notes due May 2023 (the "2023 Notes" and together with the 2017 Notes and the 2018 Notes, the "Notes"). The Notes require interest only payments until maturity. We expect cash on hand and cash generated from operations to be sufficient to meet all interest and principal payments due within the next twelve months, and we believe we will be able to obtain additional financing or to refinance these notes when they mature.
At August 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, CMCP had uncommitted credit facilities with several banks of PLN 175.0 million ($44.8 million) and PLN 215.0 million ($56.9 million), respectively. As of August 31, 2016, the uncommitted credit facilities have expiration dates ranging from November 2016 to March 2017, which CMCP intends to renew upon expiration. At August 31, 2016, no amounts were outstanding under these facilities. During fiscal 2016, CMCP had no borrowings or repayments under its uncommitted credit facilities. During fiscal 2015, CMCP had total borrowings of $49.6 million and total repayments of $49.6 million under its uncommitted credit facilities.
The maximum availability under our $350.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement") can be increased to $500.0 million. Our obligation under the Credit Agreement is collateralized by our U.S. inventory. The Credit Agreement's capacity includes $50.0 million for the issuance of stand-by letters of credit and was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit, which totaled $3.0 million at August 31, 2016. The Company had no amounts drawn under its revolving credit facilities at August 31, 2016 and 2015.
Under the Credit Agreement, we are required to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants, including covenants to maintain: (i) an interest coverage ratio (consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense, as each is defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 and (ii) a debt to capitalization ratio (consolidated funded debt to total capitalization, as each is defined in the Credit Agreement) that does not exceed 0.60 to 1.00. In addition, beginning on the date three months prior to each maturity date of the 2017 Notes and the 2018 Notes and each day thereafter that the 2017 Notes and the 2018 Notes are outstanding, we are required to maintain liquidity of at least $150 million in excess of each of the outstanding aggregate principal amounts of the 2017 Notes and 2018 Notes. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest based on the Eurocurrency rate, a base rate, or the LIBOR rate. At August 31, 2016, our interest coverage ratio was 5.00 to 1.00 and our debt to capitalization ratio was 0.44 to 1.00.
At August 31, 2016, we were in compliance with all of the covenants contained in our debt agreements.
Our foreign operations generated approximately 23% of our net sales in fiscal 2016, and as a result, our foreign operations had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $173.8 million and $43.7 million at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Historically, our U.S. operations have generated the majority of our cash, which has been used to fund the cash needs of our U.S. operations as well as our foreign operations. Additionally, our U.S. operations have access to the $350 million Credit Agreement described above and the $200.0 million sale of accounts receivable program described below. We intend to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. If a repatriation of earnings occurs in the future, we would be required to provide for income taxes on dividends from our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Determination of the unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to the undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is not practicable because of the complexities with its hypothetical calculation.
We regularly maintain a substantial amount of accounts receivable. We actively monitor our accounts receivable and, based on market conditions and customers' financial condition, we record allowances as soon as we believe accounts are uncollectible. Continued pressure on the liquidity of our customers could result in additional allowances as we make our assessments in the future. We use credit insurance both in the U.S. and internationally to mitigate the risk of customer insolvency. We estimate that the amount of credit insured receivables (and those covered by export letters of credit) was approximately 30% of total receivables at August 31, 2016.
For added flexibility, we may sell certain accounts receivable both in the U.S. and internationally. See Note 5, Sales of Accounts Receivable, to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our U.S. sale of accounts receivable program contains certain cross-default provisions whereby a termination event could occur if we default under certain of our credit arrangements. Additionally, our U.S. sale of accounts receivable program contains covenants that are consistent with the covenants contained in the Credit Agreement.
We utilize documentary letter of credit programs whereby we assign certain trade accounts payable associated with trading transactions entered into by our marketing and distribution divisions. These letters of credit allow for payment at a future date and are used as an additional source of working capital financing. These letters of credit are issued under uncommitted lines of credit, which are in addition to and separate from our contractually committed revolving credit arrangements and are not included in our overall liquidity analysis. We did not have any material amounts of documentary letters of credit outstanding at August 31, 2016 and had $41.5 million outstanding at August 31, 2015. The decrease in documentary letters of credit in fiscal 2016 resulted in a use of cash of $41.5 million for financing activities. The amount of documentary letters of credit outstanding during the period can fluctuate as a result of the level of activity and volume of materials purchased during the period as well as a result of their length and timing to maturity.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, CMC's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $100.0 million of CMC's outstanding common stock. This program replaced the then-existing program, which was terminated by CMC's Board of Directors in connection with the approval of the new program. We intend to repurchase shares from time to time for cash in open market transactions or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing and the amount of repurchases, if any, will be determined by management based on an evaluation of market conditions, capital allocation alternatives and other factors. The share repurchase program does not require us to acquire any dollar amount or number of shares of CMC's common stock and may be modified, suspended, extended or terminated at any time without prior notice. Under the new share repurchase program, CMC purchased 2,255,069 shares during the year ended August 31, 2016 and had remaining authorization to purchase $27.6 million of its common stock at August 31, 2016.
Cash Flows
Our cash flows from operating activities result primarily from sales of steel and related products, and to a lesser extent, sales of nonferrous metal products and other raw materials used in steel manufacturing. We have a diverse and generally stable customer base. From time to time, we use futures or forward contracts to mitigate the risks from fluctuations in metal commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, natural gas prices and interest rates. See Note 13, Derivatives and Risk Management, to the consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015
Operating Activities
During fiscal 2016, net cash flows from operating activities increased $273.4 million compared to fiscal 2015. Net earnings decreased $24.7 million during fiscal 2016 compared to the prior fiscal year. Net earnings for fiscal 2016 were impacted by the following non-cash items and items included in net earnings for which the cash effects did not relate to operating activities: $11.5 million loss on debt extinguishment, $55.8 million in asset impairments, and $15.6 million in write-down of inventories compared to no debt extinguishment, $14.6 million in asset impairments, and $37.7 million in write-down of inventories, respectively, during fiscal 2015. Cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities increased $251.5 million during fiscal 2016 compared to the prior fiscal year with the following significant components:
Accounts receivable - Cash generated from accounts receivable decreased $64.1 million during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. The decrease in cash from accounts receivable primarily relates to the change in consolidated net sales period over period as consolidated net sales from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 decreased $224.8 million, and consolidated net sales from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 decreased $462.3 million. However, the change in net sales was partially offset by the change in days sales outstanding, namely that days sales outstanding during fiscal 2016 remained flat while days sales outstanding during fiscal 2015 deteriorated eight days.
Advance payments on sale of accounts receivables programs, net - Cash used by advance payments on sale of accounts receivable programs, net decreased $98.3 million during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. As cash flows from operating activities improved during fiscal years 2015 and 2016, we reduced the usage of these facilities, thus reducing the outstanding balances by $117.8 million during fiscal year 2015 and an additional $19.5 million during fiscal year 2016.
Inventories - Cash generated from inventories increased $82.0 million during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. Cash generated from inventories increased as a result of improved inventory turnover, as days sales in inventories during fiscal 2016 improved six days while days sales in inventories during fiscal 2015 deteriorated three days.
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables - Cash used by accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables decreased $136.9 million during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the fluctuation in commodity prices period over period as the prices paid per ton of metal fell at a greater rate during fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2016.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows used by investing activities increased $98.8 million during fiscal 2016 compared to the prior fiscal year. The largest factor contributing to the use of cash was an increase in capital expenditures of $43.8 million compared to fiscal 2015, primarily related to key capital projects within our Americas Mills segment. Additionally, during fiscal 2016 there was an increase in restricted cash of $21.8 million to be used for the construction of a new steel micro-mill in Durant, Oklahoma. Lastly, as a part of the sale of our discontinued Australian distribution business, we received cash proceeds of $4.3 million during fiscal 2016 compared to cash proceeds of $27.8 million during fiscal 2015.
We estimate that our fiscal 2017 capital budget will be between $250 million and $300 million. We expect that our capital spending will be funded from internally generated capital. We regularly assess our capital spending and reevaluate our requirements based on current and expected results.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used by financing activities increased $197.0 million during fiscal 2016 compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase primarily resulted from increases in repayments of long-term debt and debt extinguishment costs of $200.1 million and $11.1 million, respectively. Also contributing to the increase was a change in repayments of short-term borrowings, which increased $27.9 million. The increase was partially offset by the change in the level of usage of documentary letters of credit of $39.0 million and an $11.2 million decrease in purchases of CMC common stock compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The amount of documentary letters of credit outstanding during the period can fluctuate as a result of the level of activity and volume of materials purchased during the period as well as a result of their length and timing to maturity.
We anticipate our current cash balances, cash flows from operations and our available credit sources will be sufficient to meet our cash needs, make scheduled payments for our contractual obligations, capital expenditures, working capital, share repurchases, dividends and other prudent deployment of our capital. However, in the event of sustained market deterioration, we may need additional liquidity, which would require us to evaluate available alternatives and take appropriate steps to obtain sufficient additional funds.
Fiscal 2015 Compared to Fiscal 2014
Operating Activities
During fiscal 2015, net cash flows from operating activities increased $176.5 million compared to fiscal 2014. Net earnings decreased $33.8 million during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior fiscal year. For fiscal 2015, deferred income taxes decreased $43.2 million compared to fiscal 2014. However, the decrease in deferred income taxes was offset by increases in write-downs of inventories and asset impairments of $32.6 million and $11.1 million, respectively. There were no other material fluctuations of non-cash items or items included in net earnings for which the cash effects did not relate to operating activities for fiscal 2015. Cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities increased $200.2 million during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior fiscal year with the following significant components:
Accounts receivable - Cash from accounts receivable was $206.6 million for fiscal 2015, compared to cash used by accounts receivable of $143.4 million for fiscal 2014. This cash inflow improved as net sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 were $462.3 million lower than the same period in the prior fiscal year. In addition, net sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 were $169.0 million greater than the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. However, days sales outstanding increased seven days to 56 days at August 31, 2015 from 49 days at August 31, 2014.
Advance payments on sale of accounts receivables programs, net - Cash used by advance payments on sale of accounts receivable programs, net during fiscal 2015 was $117.8 million, compared to cash from advance payments on sale of accounts receivable programs, net of $121.0 million in the prior fiscal year. As cash flows from operating activities improved during fiscal year 2015, we reduced the usage of these facilities, thus reducing the outstanding balances of $117.8 million during fiscal year 2015 compared to an increase in usage of these facilities during fiscal 2014, leading to cash inflows of $121.0 million.
Inventories - Cash from inventories during fiscal 2015 was $127.6 million, compared to cash used by inventories during fiscal 2014 of $191.4 million. This cash inflow was primarily the result of a decrease in inventory levels for our International Marketing and Distribution segment in fiscal 2015 compared to an increase in inventory levels for this segment in fiscal 2014. Days sales in inventories increased two days to 62 days at August 31, 2015 from 60 days at August 31, 2014.
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables - Cash used by accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables during fiscal 2015 was $180.5 million, compared to cash from accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables of $90.6 million during fiscal 2014. This cash outflow was due to a decrease in trade payables resulting from reduced inventory costs, primarily caused by falling commodity prices, and timing of payments.
Investing Activities
Net cash flows used by investing activities increased $29.6 million during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior fiscal year. The largest factor contributing to the use of cash by investing activities in fiscal 2015 was a $24.8 million decrease in proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries, of which $52.6 million related to the proceeds from the sale of Howell during fiscal 2014. Additionally, net cash flows used by investing activities increased during fiscal 2015 due to a $17.8 million increase in capital expenditures compared to fiscal 2014. These increases in cash used by investing activities were partially offset by a $15.7 million reduction in cash used for acquisitions, as there were no acquisitions during fiscal 2015.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used by financing activities increased $146.3 million during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase in net cash flows used by financing activities primarily resulted from a $92.2 million decrease in the level of usage of documentary letters of credit during fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. The amount of documentary letters of credit outstanding during the period can fluctuate as a result of the level of activity and volume of materials purchased during the period as well as a result of their length and timing to maturity. Additionally, net cash flows used by financing activities increased during fiscal 2015 due to a $41.8 million increase in purchases of CMC common stock under our share repurchase program, as well as a $14.3 million decrease in the release of restricted cash, primarily related to an $18.0 million release of restricted cash from fiscal 2014 that had been serving as collateral for letters of credit obligations for our Australian operations.
Contractual Obligations
The following table represents our contractual obligations as of August 31, 2016:
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* We have not discounted the cash obligations in this table.
(1)
Total amounts are included in the August 31, 2016 consolidated balance sheet. See Note 11, Credit Arrangements, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding scheduled maturities of our long-term debt.
(2)
Includes minimum lease payment obligations for noncancelable equipment and real estate leases in effect as of August 31, 2016. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information regarding minimum lease commitments payable for noncancelable operating leases.
(3)
Approximately 68% of these purchase obligations are for inventory items to be sold in the ordinary course of business. Purchase obligations include all enforceable, legally binding agreements to purchase goods or services that specify all significant terms, regardless of the duration of the agreement. Agreements with variable terms are excluded because we are unable to estimate the minimum amounts. Another significant obligation relates to capital expenditures.
We provide certain eligible executives benefits pursuant to our nonqualified BRP equal to amounts that would have been available under the tax qualified plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), but for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. The deferred compensation liability under the BRP was $71.0 million at August 31, 2016 and is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. We generally expect to fund future contributions with cash flows from operating activities, but we are not required to do so. We did not include estimated payments related to the BRP in the above contractual obligation table. Refer to Note 18, Employees' Retirement Plans, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
A certain number of employees, primarily outside of the U.S., participate in defined benefit plans maintained in accordance with local regulations. At August 31, 2016, our liability related to the unfunded status of the defined benefit plans was $1.6 million. We generally expect to fund future contributions with cash flows from operating activities. We did not include estimated payments related to defined benefit plans in the table above. Refer to Note 18, Employees' Retirement Plans, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our other noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets include deferred tax liabilities, gross unrecognized tax benefits and the related gross interest and penalties. As of August 31, 2016, we had noncurrent deferred tax liabilities of $63.0 million. In addition, as of August 31, 2016, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $9.5 million and an additional $1.0 million for gross interest and penalties classified as noncurrent liabilities. At this time, we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years in connection with these tax liabilities; therefore, such amounts are not included in the above contractual obligations table.
Other Commercial Commitments
We maintain stand-by letters of credit to provide support for certain transactions that governmental agencies, our insurance providers and suppliers request. At August 31, 2016, we had committed $24.6 million under these arrangements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
For added flexibility, we sell certain accounts receivable both in the U.S. and internationally. We utilize proceeds from the sales of the trade accounts receivables as an alternative to short-term borrowings, effectively managing our overall borrowing costs and providing an additional source of working capital. We account for sales of the trade accounts receivables as true sales and the trade accounts receivable balances that are sold are removed from the consolidated balance sheets. The cash advances received are reflected as cash provided by operating activities on our consolidated statements of cash flows. See Note 5, Sales of Accounts Receivable, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CONTINGENCIES
See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we become involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters. We may incur settlements, fines, penalties or judgments because of some of these matters. Liabilities and costs associated with litigation-related loss contingencies require estimates and judgments based on our knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding each matter and the advice of our legal counsel. We record liabilities for litigation-related losses when a loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss. We evaluate the measurement of recorded liabilities each reporting period based on the current facts and circumstances specific to each matter. The ultimate losses incurred upon final resolution of litigation-related loss contingencies may differ materially from the estimated liability recorded at a particular balance sheet date. Changes in estimates are recorded in earnings in the period in which such changes occur. We do not believe that any currently pending legal proceedings to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
Environmental and Other Matters
The information set forth in Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference.
General
We are subject to federal, state and local pollution control laws and regulations in all locations where we have operating facilities. We anticipate that compliance with these laws and regulations will involve continuing capital expenditures and operating costs.
Metals recycling was our original business, and it has been one of our core businesses for over a century. In the present era of conservation of natural resources and ecological concerns, we are committed to sound ecological and business conduct. Certain governmental regulations regarding environmental concerns, however well-intentioned, may expose us and our industry to potentially significant risks. We believe that recycled materials are commodities that are diverted by recyclers, such as us, from the solid waste streams because of their inherent value. Commodities are materials that are purchased and sold in public and private markets and commodities exchanges every day around the world. They are identified, purchased, sorted, processed and sold in accordance with carefully established industry specifications.
Solid and Hazardous Waste
We currently own or lease, and in the past we have owned or leased, properties that have been used in our operations. Although we have used operating and disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, wastes may have been disposed of or released on or under the properties or on or under locations where such wastes have been taken for disposal. We are currently involved in the investigation and remediation of several such properties. State and federal laws applicable to wastes and contaminated properties have gradually become stricter over time. Under new laws, we could be required to remediate properties impacted by previously disposed wastes. We have been named as a potentially responsible party ("PRP") at a number of contaminated sites, none of which involve real estate we ever owned or upon which we have ever conducted operations. There is no guarantee that the EPA or individual states will not adopt more stringent requirements for the handling of, or make changes to the exemptions upon which we rely for, the wastes that we generate. Any such change could result in an increase in our costs to manage and dispose of waste which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of our operations and financial condition.
We generate wastes, including hazardous wastes, that are subject to the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and comparable state and local statutes where we operate. These statutes, regulations and laws may limit our disposal options with respect to certain wastes.
Superfund
The EPA, or an equivalent state agency, has notified us that we are considered a PRP at several sites, none of which involve real estate we ever owned or upon which we have ever conducted operations. We may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"), or similar state statutes, to conduct remedial investigation, feasibility studies, remediation and/or removal of alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA for such activities and pay costs for associated damages to natural resources. We are involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which we are contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, our liability. In addition, we have received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites. Because of various factors, including the ambiguity of the regulations, the difficulty of identifying the responsible parties for any particular site, the complexity of determining the relative liability among them, the uncertainty as to the most desirable remediation techniques and the amount of damages and cleanup costs and the extended time periods over which such costs may be incurred, we cannot reasonably estimate our ultimate costs of compliance with CERCLA. Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, we had $0.7 million and $1.0 million accrued as of August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in connection with CERCLA sites. We have accrued for these liabilities based upon our best estimates. The amounts paid and the expenses incurred on these sites for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were not material. Historically, the amounts that we have ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material.
Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act ("CWA") imposes restrictions and strict controls regarding the discharge of wastes into waters of the United States, a term broadly defined, or into publicly owned treatment works. These controls have become more stringent over time, and it is probable that additional restrictions will be imposed in the future. Permits must generally be obtained to discharge pollutants
into federal waters or into publicly owned treatment works; comparable permits may be required at the state level. The CWA and many state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of pollutants. In addition, the EPA's regulations and comparable state statutes may require us to obtain permits to discharge storm water runoff. In the event of an unauthorized discharge or non-compliance with permit requirements, we may be liable for penalties and costs.
Clean Air Act
Our operations are subject to regulations at the federal, state and local level for the control of emissions from sources of air pollution. New and modified sources of air pollutants are often required to obtain permits prior to commencing construction, modification or operations. Major sources of air pollutants are subject to more stringent requirements, including the potential need for additional permits and to increase scrutiny in the context of enforcement. The EPA has been implementing its stationary emission control program through expanded enforcement of the New Source Review Program. Under this program, new or modified sources may be required to construct emission sources using what is referred to as the Best Available Control Technology, or in any areas that are not meeting NAAQS, using methods that satisfy requirements for the Lowest Achievable Emission Rate. Additionally, the EPA has implemented and is continuing to implement new, more stringent standards for NAAQS including fine particulate matter. Compliance with new standards could require additional expenditures.
We incurred environmental expenses of $33.9 million, $31.7 million and $34.5 million for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The expenses included the cost of disposal, environmental personnel at various divisions, permit and license fees, accruals and payments for studies, tests, assessments, remediation, consultant fees, baghouse dust removal and various other expenses. In addition, during fiscal 2016, we spent approximately $19.6 million in capital expenditures related to costs directly associated with environmental compliance. Our accrued environmental liabilities were $3.3 million and $4.3 million as of August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, of which $2.1 million and $2.4 million were classified as other long-term liabilities as of August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
DIVIDENDS
We have paid quarterly cash dividends in each of the past 208 consecutive quarters. We paid dividends in fiscal 2016 at the rate of $0.12 per share of common stock for each quarter.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preceding 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 GAAP. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. We evaluate the appropriateness of these estimates and assumptions, including those related to the valuation allowances for receivables and inventory, the carrying value of non-current assets, reserves for environmental obligations and income taxes, on an ongoing basis. Estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe 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. Accordingly, actual results in future periods could differ materially from these estimates. Significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements apply to the following critical accounting policies:
Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We recognize sales when title passes to the customer either when goods are shipped or when they are delivered based on the terms of the sale, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When we estimate that a contract with one of our customers will result in a loss, we accrue the calculated loss as soon as it is probable and estimable. We account for certain fabrication projects based on the percentage of completion accounting method which is based primarily on contract cost incurred to date compared to total estimated contract cost. Changes in revenue attributed to the changes in the estimated total contract cost, or loss, if any, are recognized in the period in which they are determined. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect our estimate of the uncollectability of accounts receivable. These reserves are based on historical trends, current market conditions and customers' financial condition.
Income Taxes
We determine the income tax expense related to continuing operations to be the income tax consequences of amounts reported in continuing operations without regard to the income tax consequences of other components of the financial statements, such as other comprehensive income or discontinued operations. The amount of income tax expense or benefit to be allocated to the other
components is the incremental effect that those pre-tax amounts have on the total income tax expense or benefit. If there is more than one financial statement component other than continuing operations, the allocation is made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with each component's incremental income tax effects.
In fiscal 2016, total income taxes of $12.6 million were allocated to continuing operations and $0.2 million of income tax benefit was allocated to discontinued operations. The continuing operations income tax rate differs from the income tax rate for discontinued operations because the loss from discontinued operations is principally composed of losses in Australia, a jurisdiction in which we believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets related to such losses will not be realized. As such, there is no income tax benefit associated with the Australian losses in discontinued operations. The nominal income tax in discontinued operations represents tax benefit related to the non-Australian components of discontinued operations. There were no additional financial statement components.
We periodically assess the likelihood of realizing our deferred tax assets based on the amount of deferred tax assets that we believe is more likely than not to be realized. We base our judgment of the recoverability of our deferred tax assets primarily on historical earnings, our estimate of current and expected future earnings, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, and current and future ownership changes.
Our effective income tax rate may fluctuate on a quarterly basis due to various factors, including, but not limited to, total earnings and the mix of earnings by jurisdiction, the timing of changes in tax laws, and the amount of income tax provided for uncertain income tax positions. We establish income tax liabilities to reduce some or all of the income tax benefit of any of our income tax positions at the time we determine that the positions become uncertain based upon one of the following: (1) the tax position is not "more likely than not" to be sustained, (2) the tax position is "more likely than not" to be sustained, but for a lesser amount, or (3) the tax position is "more likely than not" to be sustained, but not in the financial period in which the tax position was originally taken. Our evaluation of whether or not a tax position is uncertain is based on the following: (1) we presume the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information, (2) the technical merits of a tax position are derived from authorities such as legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings and case law and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position, and (3) each tax position is evaluated without considerations of the possibility of offset or aggregation with other tax positions taken. We adjust these income tax liabilities when our judgment changes as a result of new information. Any change will impact income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made.
Inventory Cost
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we elected to change the accounting method by which we value our U.S. inventories from the LIFO method of accounting to the weighted average cost method for our Americas Mills, Americas Recycling and Americas Fabrication segments and to the specific identification method for our steel trading division headquartered in the U.S. in our International Marketing and Distribution segment. This change affected 51% of our inventories which were valued using the LIFO method as of September 1, 2015, and we applied this change in accounting principle retrospectively to all prior periods presented. As a result of the retrospective application of this change in accounting principle, certain financial statement line items in our consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2015 and our consolidated statement of earnings and consolidated statement of cash flows for the 2015 and 2014 fiscal years were adjusted.
Additionally, in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we elected to change the accounting method by which we value our inventories in our International Marketing and Distribution segment, except for those of our steel trading division headquartered in the U.S., from the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method to the specific identification method. At September 1, 2015, 38% of our inventories were valued using the FIFO method. This change did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements in any prior period. As such, this change in accounting principle was not applied retrospectively.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we adopted guidance issued by the FASB requiring entities to measure inventory, other than inventory measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method, at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis. Adjustments to inventory may be due to changes in price levels, obsolescence, damage, physical deterioration, and other causes. Any adjustments required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to net realizable value are recorded as a charge to cost of goods sold.
Inventory cost for most operations in the CMC Americas Segments and our International Mill Segment is determined by the weighted average cost method. Inventory cost for our International Marketing and Distribution segment is determined by the specific identification method. At August 31, 2016, 60% of our net inventories were valued using the weighted average cost method and 40% of our total net inventories were valued using the specification identification method. At August 31, 2015, 52% of our
total net inventories were valued using the weighted average cost method, and 48% of our total net inventories were valued using the specification identification method.
Elements of cost in finished goods inventory in addition to the cost of material include depreciation, amortization, utilities, consumable production supplies, maintenance, production, wages and transportation costs. Additionally, the costs of departments that support production, including materials management and quality control, are allocated to inventory.
Goodwill
We perform our goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or when changes in circumstances indicate an impairment event may have occurred by estimating the fair value of each reporting unit compared to its carrying value. Our reporting units represent an operating segment or a reporting level below an operating segment.
Additionally, the reporting units are aggregated based on similar economic characteristics, nature of products and services, nature of production processes, type of customers and distribution methods. We use a discounted cash flow model and a market approach to calculate the fair value of our reporting units. The model includes a number of significant assumptions and estimates regarding future cash flows including discount rates, volumes, prices, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. These estimates could be materially impacted by adverse changes in market conditions.
The annual goodwill impairment analysis did not result in any impairment charges in fiscal 2016. As a result of the goodwill impairment tests in fiscal 2015, we recorded an impairment charge of $7.3 million related to our Americas Recycling segment in the prior year. As of August 31, 2016 and 2015, one of our reporting units within our Americas Fabrication segment comprised $51.3 million of our total goodwill and the fair value exceeded the carrying value by 20% at August 31, 2016. For all other reporting units with significant goodwill amounts as of August 31, 2016, the excess of the fair value over carrying value of each reporting unit was substantial.
We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from the income and market approaches. Under the income approach, we determine the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections are based on management's estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into account industry and market conditions. The discount rate is based on a weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the characteristics of our business. The market approach, on the other hand, estimates fair value based on market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit.
As noted above, at August 31, 2016, the fair value of one of our reporting units within our Americas Fabrication segment exceeded the carrying value by 20%. The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment could include matters such as: a decrease in expected net earnings, adverse equity market conditions, a decline in current market multiples, a decline in our common stock price, a significant adverse change in legal factors or the general business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, a significant downturn in non-residential construction markets in the U.S., and continued levels of imported steel into the U.S. In the event of significant adverse changes of the nature described above, it may be necessary for us to recognize a non-cash impairment of goodwill, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be recoverable from the undiscounted future cash flows from operations. Events or circumstances that could trigger an impairment review of a long-lived asset or asset group include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in the market price of the asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner that the asset is used or in its physical condition, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of the asset, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of original expectation for the acquisition or construction of the asset, a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset, and a more-likely-than-not expectation that the asset will be sold or disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. If an impairment exists, the net book values are reduced to fair values as warranted. Our U.S. and international steel mills, fabrication and recycling businesses are capital intensive. Some of the estimated values for assets that we currently use in our operations are based upon judgments and assumptions of future undiscounted cash flows that the assets will produce. If these assets were for sale, our estimates of their values could be significantly different because of market conditions, specific transaction terms and a buyer's different viewpoint of future cash flows. Also, we depreciate property, plant and equipment on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciable lives are based on our estimate of the assets' economical useful lives. To the extent that an asset's actual life differs from our estimate, there could be an impact on depreciation expense or a gain/loss on the disposal of the asset in a later period. We expense major maintenance costs as incurred.
Based on continued margin and volume pressure in our Americas Recycling segment, which caused us to revise our estimate as to the timing of improvements in these metrics, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, management considered a triggering event to have occurred. As a result, we reviewed the undiscounted future cash flows for our Americas Recycling long-lived asset groups. The results of the undiscounted future cash flow analyses indicated the carrying amounts for certain long-lived asset groups subject to testing were not expected to be recovered. Fair value for these long-lived asset groups was then estimated and compared to the carrying values of the long-lived asset groups, which resulted in a total impairment of $38.9 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. The primary factors that affect estimates of future cash flows for these long-lived asset groups are (i) management's scrap price outlook, (ii) scrap demand, (iii) working capital changes, (iv) capital expenditures and (v) selling, general and administrative expenses.
New Markets Tax Credits
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we entered into a financing transaction related to the development, construction and equipping of a steel micro-mill in Durant, Oklahoma, which qualified under the New Markets Tax Credit Program ("NMTC Program") provided for in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (the "Act"). The NMTC Program is intended to induce capital investment in qualified low-income communities. The Act permits taxpayers to claim credits (tax credit investors) against federal income taxes for up to 39% of qualified investments in certain community development entities ("CDEs"). CDEs are privately managed entities that are certified to make qualified low-income community investments to qualified projects. This transaction includes a put/call provision whereby we may be obligated or entitled to repurchase the tax credit investor's interest in the entities established to claim the tax credits related to their investments in the Durant, Oklahoma steel micro-mill project. We have concluded that these entities are variable interest entities, of which we are the primary beneficiary and have consolidated the entities in accordance with the accounting standard for consolidation. The tax credit investor's contribution, net of fees, is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See Note 12, New Markets Tax Credit Transactions, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details.
Contingencies
In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we become involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters. We may incur settlements, fines, penalties or judgments in connection with some of these matters. While we are unable to estimate the ultimate dollar amount of exposure or loss in connection with these matters, we make accruals when a loss is assessed to be probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The amounts we accrue could vary substantially from amounts we pay due to several factors including the following: evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process, and the uncertainties involved in litigation. We believe that we have adequately provided in our consolidated financial statements for the impact of these contingencies. We also believe that the outcomes will not materially affect our results of operations, our financial position or our cash flows.
Other Accounting Policies and New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk
Approach to Mitigating Market Risk
See Note 13, Derivatives and Risk Management, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for disclosure regarding our approach to mitigating market risk and for summarized market risk information for the preceding fiscal year. Also, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following types of derivative instruments were outstanding or utilized during fiscal 2016, in accordance with our risk management program. All of the instruments are highly liquid and were not entered into for trading purposes.
Currency Exchange Forwards
We enter into currency exchange forward contracts as economic hedges of international trade commitments denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of CMC or its subsidiaries. No single foreign currency poses a primary risk to us. Fluctuations that cause temporary disruptions in one market segment tend to open opportunities in other segments.
Commodity Prices
We base pricing in some of our sales and purchase contracts on metal commodity futures exchange quotes, which we determine at the beginning of the contract. Due to the volatility of the metal commodity indices, we enter into metal commodity futures contracts for copper, aluminum and zinc. These futures mitigate the risk of unanticipated declines in gross margin due to the volatility of the commodities' prices on these contractual commitments. Physical transaction quantities will not match exactly with standard commodity lot sizes, leading to minimal gains and losses from ineffectiveness.
Natural Gas
We occasionally enter into natural gas forward contracts as economic hedges of our Americas Mills operations based on anticipated consumption of natural gas in order to mitigate the risk of unanticipated increases in operating cost due to the volatility of natural gas prices. As of August 31, 2016, we had no open natural gas forward contract commitments.
Freight
We occasionally enter into freight forward contracts when sales commitments to customers include a fixed price freight component in order to mitigate the effect of the volatility of ocean freight rates. As of August 31, 2016, we had no open freight forward contract commitments.
Interest Rates
We may enter into interest rate swap contracts to maintain a portion of our debt obligations at variable interest rates. These interest rate swap contracts, under which we agree to pay variable rates of interest and receive fixed rates of interest, are designated as fair value hedges of fixed rate debt. As of August 31, 2016, we had no outstanding interest rate swap transactions.
The following tables provide certain information regarding the foreign exchange and commodity financial instruments discussed above.
Gross foreign currency exchange contract commitments as of August 31, 2016:
_________________
(1) Substantially all foreign currency exchange contracts mature within one year. The range of hedge rates represents functional to foreign currency conversion rates.
(2) Chinese yuan
(3) New Zealand dollar
(4) Thai baht
Commodity contract commitments as of August 31, 2016:
_________________
MT = Metric ton
(1) All commodity contract commitments mature within one year.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by or under the supervision of a company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of August 31, 2016. Deloitte & Touche LLP has audited the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting; their attestation report is included on page 54 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Commercial Metals Company
Irving, Texas
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of August 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 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 Report of Management 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel 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 the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended August 31, 2016, of the Company and our report dated October 31, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company's change in accounting method for valuing its U.S. inventories from the last-in, first-out method to the weighted average cost method for its Americas Mills, Americas Recycling, and Americas Fabrication segments and to the specific identification method for its steel trading division headquartered in the U.S. in its International Marketing and Distribution segment.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Dallas, Texas
October 31, 2016
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Commercial Metals Company
Irving, Texas
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of August 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2016. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries as of August 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2016, the Company changed its accounting method for valuing its U.S. inventories from the last-in, first-out method to the weighted average cost method for its Americas Mills, Americas Recycling, and Americas Fabrication segments and to the specific identification method for its steel trading division headquartered in the U.S. in its International Marketing and Distribution segment. The Company applied this change in accounting principle retrospectively to all prior periods presented.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated October 31, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Dallas, Texas
October 31, 2016
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Nature of Operations
Through its global operations and marketing offices, Commercial Metals Company ("CMC," and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") manufactures, recycles and markets steel and metal products, related materials and services through a network including steel mills, commonly referred to as "minimills" or "micro-mills," steel fabrication and processing facilities, construction-related product warehouses, metal recycling facilities and marketing and distribution offices in the United States ("U.S.") and in strategic international markets.
The Company has five business segments across two geographic divisions. The CMC Americas Division includes three segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills and Americas Fabrication. The CMC International Division includes two segments: International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution.
Americas Recycling
The Americas Recycling segment processes scrap metals for use as a raw material by manufacturers of new metal products. This segment sells scrap metals to steel mills and foundries, aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers, brass and bronze ingot makers, copper refineries and mills, secondary lead smelters, specialty steel mills, high temperature alloy manufacturers and other consumers.
Americas Mills
The Americas Mills segment manufactures finished long steel products including reinforcing bar ("rebar"), merchant bar, light structural, and other special sections as well as semi-finished billets for re-rolling and forging applications. This segment's products are sold to the construction, service center, transportation, steel warehousing, fabrication, energy, petrochemical and original equipment manufacturing industries. The Americas Mills segment also includes ten scrap processing facilities and two scrap metal shredders that directly support the steel mills.
Americas Fabrication
The Americas Fabrication segment consists of rebar and structural fabrication operations, fence post manufacturing facilities, construction-related product facilities and facilities that heat-treat steel to strengthen and provide flexibility. Fabricated steel products are used primarily in the construction of commercial and non-commercial buildings, hospitals, convention centers, industrial plants, power plants, highways, bridges, arenas, stadiums and dams.
International Mill
The International Mill segment is comprised of all mill, recycling and fabrication operations located in Poland. This segment manufactures rebar, merchant bar, and wire rod as well as semi-finished billets. In addition, this segment's fabrication operations sell fabricated rebar, fabricated mesh, assembled rebar cages and other rebar by-products. The International Mill's products are sold primarily to fabricators, manufacturers, distributors and construction companies.
International Marketing and Distribution
The International Marketing and Distribution segment includes international operations for the sale, distribution and processing of steel products, ferrous and nonferrous metals and other industrial products. Additionally, this segment includes two of the Company's marketing and distribution divisions headquartered in the United States and also operates a recycling facility in Singapore. The International Marketing and Distribution segment buys and sells primary and secondary metals, fabricated metals, semi-finished, long and flat steel products and other industrial products. This segment sells its products to customers, primarily manufacturers, in the steel, nonferrous metals, metal fabrication, chemical, refractory, construction and transportation industries.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries and certain variable interest entities ("VIEs") for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Upon inception of an arrangement with a potential VIE, the Company performs an assessment of the contractual agreements that define the ownership structure, risks, responsibilities, indebtedness, voting rights and board representation of the respective parties when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of the entity. The Company concludes that it is the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE if it has both (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the variable interest entity that potentially could be significant to the VIE. The Company's assessment of whether it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE is continuously performed.
The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates in which the Company has the ability to exert significant influence, but does not have effective control. Investments in affiliates which are 20% or less owned are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. As of August 31, 2016, the Company had no investments accounted for under the equity or cost method of accounting.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the valuation of assets received in acquisitions; the carrying value of long-lived assets, including goodwill; valuation allowances for receivables, inventories and deferred income taxes; percentage of completion accounting method for revenue recognition; share-based compensation; potential litigation claims and settlements; environmental liabilities; and the carrying value of assets held for sale. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates and assumptions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit and short-term, highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes sales when title passes to the customer either when goods are shipped or when they are delivered based upon the terms of the sale, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When the Company estimates that a firm purchase commitment from a customer will result in a loss, the Company accrues the entire loss as soon as it is probable and estimable. The Company accounts for certain fabrication projects based on the percentage of completion accounting method, based primarily on contract cost incurred to date compared to total estimated contract cost. Changes to total estimated contract cost, or loss, if any, are recognized in the period in which they are determined. Sales recognized in excess of amounts billed of $19.4 million and $25.0 million are classified as current assets and are reflected in accounts receivable on the Company's consolidated balances sheets as of August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Accounts receivable included retainage of $38.7 million and $40.7 million as of August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Shipping and other transportation costs billed to customers are included in net sales and the related costs incurred are reflected in cost of goods sold in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect its estimate of the uncollectability of accounts receivable. These reserves are based on historical trends, current market conditions and customers' financial condition.
The Company maintains both corporate and divisional credit departments. Credit limits are set for each customer. Some of the Company's divisions use credit insurance or letters of credit to ensure prompt payment in accordance with the terms of sale. Generally, collateral is not required. Approximately 30% and 35% of total receivables at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were secured by credit insurance or letters of credit.
Inventories, Net
At August 31, 2016, inventories were stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. At August 31, 2015, inventories were stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost for most operations in the CMC Americas segments and our International Mill Segment is determined by the weighted average cost method. Inventory cost for our International Marketing and Distribution segment is determined by the specific identification method.
Elements of cost in finished goods inventory in addition to the cost of material include depreciation, amortization, utilities, consumable production supplies, maintenance, production, wages and transportation costs. Additionally, the costs of departments that support production, including materials management and quality control, are allocated to inventory.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company elected to change its accounting method for valuing its U.S. inventories that used the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method to the weighted average cost method for its Americas Mills, Americas Recycling, and Americas Fabrication segments and to the specific identification method for its steel trading division headquartered in the U.S. in its International Marketing and Distribution segment. At September 1, 2015, prior to the accounting method change, 51% of the Company's total net inventories were valued using LIFO. The Company believes the changes are preferable because weighted average cost or specific identification (1) results in better matching of revenues and expenses and better reflects the current value of inventory in the Company's consolidated balance sheet, (2) more closely aligns with the physical flow of these inventories, (3) are the methods the Company uses to monitor the financial results of these segments and this division for operational and financial planning, (4) eliminates the manual LIFO calculation and quarterly LIFO estimation process resulting in greater precision in determining quarterly cost of goods sold and inventory balances and reducing the administrative burden to report inventories because the information systems calculate inventory using the weighted average cost or the specific identification methods, and (5) improves comparability with the Company's peers. Additionally, the Company believes that the change to using weighted average cost at its Americas Mills, Americas Recycling, and Americas Fabrication segments increases consistency in inventory costing as its International Mill segment uses the weighted average cost method. The Company applied this change in accounting principle retrospectively to all prior periods presented herein. The cumulative effect of these accounting changes resulted in a $124.2 million increase in retained earnings as of September 1, 2014.
Additionally, in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company elected to change its accounting method for valuing its inventories in its International Marketing and Distribution segment, except for its steel trading division headquartered in the U.S., from the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method to the specific identification method. At September 1, 2015, prior to the accounting method change, 38% of the Company's total net inventories were valued using the FIFO method. The Company believes the change from FIFO to specific identification is preferable because it (1) results in better matching of revenues with expenses, (2) more closely aligns with the physical flow of these inventories, and (3) is the method the Company uses to monitor the financial results of the segment for operational and financial planning. Because this change in accounting principle was immaterial in all prior periods, it was not applied retrospectively. The change did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended August 31, 2016.
As a result of the retrospective application of the change in accounting principle from LIFO to weighted average cost or specific identification, certain financial statement line items in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2015 and its consolidated statements of earnings and consolidated statement of cash flows for the 2015 and 2014 fiscal years were adjusted as presented below.
The effect of the change in accounting principle is net of the effect of lower of cost or market adjustments.
The following table shows the effect of the change in accounting principle from LIFO to weighted average cost or specific identification on earnings from continuing operations, net earnings attributable to CMC and the related basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to CMC for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance is expensed as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term. Depreciation and amortization is recorded on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
The Company evaluates impairment of its property, plant and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. For each asset or group of assets held for use with indicators of impairment, the Company compares the sum of the expected future cash flows generated by the asset or group of assets with its associated net carrying value. If the net carrying value of the asset or group of assets exceeds expected undiscounted future cash flows, the excess of the net book value over estimated fair value is charged to impairment loss in the accompanying combined statements of earnings. Properties held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or their estimated sales price, less estimated costs to sell.
New Markets Tax Credits
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company entered into a financing transaction related to the development, construction and equipping of a steel micro-mill in Durant, Oklahoma, which qualified under the New Markets Tax Credit Program ("NMTC Program") provided for in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (the "Act"). The NMTC Program is intended to induce capital investment in qualified low-income communities. The Act permits taxpayers to claim credits (tax credit investors) against federal income taxes for up to 39% of qualified investments in certain community development entities ("CDEs"). CDEs are privately managed entities that are certified to make qualified low-income community investments to qualified projects. This transaction includes a put/call provision whereby the Company may be obligated or entitled to repurchase the tax credit investor's interest in the entities established to claim the tax credits related to their investments in the Durant, Oklahoma steel micro-mill project. The Company has concluded that these entities are VIEs, of which the Company is the primary beneficiary and has consolidated the entities in accordance with the accounting standard for consolidation. The tax credit investor's contribution, net of fees, is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 12, New Markets Tax Credit Transactions, to the consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually in the fourth quarter and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company's reporting units represent an operating segment or one level below an operating segment.
The Company utilizes the two-step quantitative approach to evaluate goodwill for impairment. The Company performs the first step of the test by comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company performs the second step of the test to measure the amount of impairment, if any. In the second step of the test, the Company allocates the fair value of the reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized.
The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using an income approach based on the present value of expected future cash flows and a market approach based on valuation metrics of comparable peer companies and a reconciliation of the Company's estimate of the aggregate fair value of the reporting units to the Company's market capitalization, including a control premium. The determination of fair value involves a number of significant assumptions and estimates, including discount rates, volumes, prices, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. These estimates could be materially impacted by adverse changes in these assumptions.
For fiscal years 2016 and 2014, the annual goodwill impairment analysis did not result in any impairment charges at any of the Company's reporting units. For fiscal year 2015, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $7.3 million related to its Americas Recycling segment. See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional details of this impairment charge. As of August 31, 2016 and 2015, one of the Company's reporting units within the Americas Fabrication reporting segment comprised $51.3 million of the Company's total goodwill. Goodwill at the Company's other reporting units was not material at August 31, 2016 and 2015.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment charges are recorded on finite-lived intangible assets 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. During fiscal 2016 and 2015, impairment charges within the Company's intangible assets with finite lives were not material.
Contingencies
The Company accrues for claims and litigation, including environmental investigation and remediation costs, when they are both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Environmental costs are based upon estimates regarding the sites for which the Company will be responsible, the scope and cost of work to be performed at each site, the portion of costs that will be shared with other parties and the timing of remediation. Where timing and amounts cannot be reasonably determined, a range is estimated and the lower end of the range is typically recorded.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes stock-based equity awards and liability awards at fair value in the financial statements. The fair value of each stock-based equity award is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes or Monte Carlo pricing model. Total compensation cost of the stock-based equity award is amortized over the requisite service period using the accelerated method of amortization for grants with graded vesting or using the straight-line method for grants with cliff vesting. Stock-based liability awards are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period and will fluctuate based on the price of CMC common stock and performance relative to the targets.
Accounts Payable - Documentary Letters of Credit
In order to facilitate certain trade transactions, the Company utilizes documentary letters of credit to provide assurance of payment to its suppliers. These letters of credit are typically for payment at a future date conditional upon the bank determining the documentation presented to be in strict compliance with all terms and conditions of the letters of credit. Banks issue these letters of credit under uncommitted lines of credit, which are in addition to and separate from the Company's contractually committed revolving credit agreement. In some cases, if the Company's suppliers choose to discount the future dated obligation, the Company may pay the fee associated with the discount.
Income Taxes
CMC and its U.S. subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. The principal differences are described in Note 15, Income Tax. Benefits from income tax credits are reflected currently in earnings. The Company intends to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company records income tax positions based on a more likely than not threshold that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities having full knowledge of all relevant information.
Foreign Currencies
The functional currencies of the Company's Australian, German, Polish, United Kingdom and certain Chinese, Singaporean and Thai operations are their local currencies. The Company's remaining international subsidiaries' functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Transaction gains (losses) from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies were $(13.9) million, $(45.4) million and $9.0 million for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges are adjusted to fair value through net earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as hedges are recognized in two fashions depending on the nature of the hedge. In the case of fair value hedges, changes are recognized as an offset against the change in fair value of the hedged balance sheet item. When the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and is highly effective, changes are recognized as other comprehensive income. The ineffective portion of a change in fair value for derivatives designated as hedges is recognized in net earnings.
When a derivative instrument is sold, terminated, exercised, or expires, the gain or loss is recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings for fair value hedges, and the cumulative unrealized gain or loss, which had been recognized in the statement of comprehensive income, is reclassified to the consolidated statement of earnings for cash flow hedges. Additionally, when hedged items are sold or extinguished, or the anticipated transaction being hedged is no longer expected to occur, the Company recognizes the gain or loss on the designated hedged financial instrument.
Fair Value
The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Level 1 represents unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Level 2 represents quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets (other than those included in Level 1) which are observable, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 represents valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") requiring an entity to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The adoption of this guidance was applied retrospectively and did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company adopted guidance issued by the FASB requiring deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This change in accounting principle simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. This change was applied prospectively, and prior periods presented were not adjusted.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company adopted guidance issued by the FASB changing the requirements for reporting discontinued operations if the disposal of a component of an entity, or a group of components of an entity, represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The guidance requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations and also requires entities to disclose the pre-tax profit or loss of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The guidance changed the Company's practice of assessing discontinued operations and the presentation and disclosure in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company adopted guidance issued by the FASB requiring entities to measure inventory, other than that measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method, at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is defined as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The guidance changes the Company's practice of measuring inventory at the lower of cost or market, which included net realizable value, replacement cost and net realizable value plus normal profit margin. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The provisions of this guidance are to be adopted retrospectively. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance simplifying several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including recognizing excess tax benefits and deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the statement of earnings, classifying excess tax benefits and expenses as an operating activity within the statement of cash flows, and an option to recognize gross stock compensation expense with actual forfeitures recognized as they occur. The provisions of this guidance related to excess tax benefits and deficiencies are to be applied on a prospective basis. If elected, the provisions of this guidance related to forfeitures are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on its balance sheet for all leases with terms of twelve months or greater. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The provisions of this guidance are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach, with elective reliefs, which requires application of the guidance for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance to improve the accounting models for financial instruments. Specifically, the new guidance (i) requires equity investments be measured at fair value, or at cost adjusted for changes in observable prices less impairment for equity investments without readily determinable fair values, with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (ii) requires a qualitative assessment to identify impairment for equity investments without readily determinable fair values; (iii) eliminates the requirement to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (iv) requires use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments; (v) requires entities that elect the fair value option for financial liabilities to recognize changes in fair value related to instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income; (vi) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; and (vii) clarifies that entities must assess valuation allowances for deferred taxes related to available-for-sale debt securities in combination with their other deferred tax assets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permissible, but limited in application. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance requiring the acquirer in a business combination to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Additionally, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, must be calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the circumstances under which an entity would account for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement as a license of internal-use software. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance modifying the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities. This guidance also eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods
therein, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Entities may elect to apply this guidance either on a retrospective or a modified retrospective basis. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. Under this guidance an entity will no longer be allowed to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations if an event or transaction is unusual in nature and occurs infrequently. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt this guidance prospectively. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide disclosures in certain circumstances. The new guidance was issued to reduce diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. This guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, and all annual and interim periods thereafter. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance providing a measurement alternative to the existing fair value measurement guidance for reporting entities that consolidate a collateralized financing entity in which (1) the financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value except for those incidental financial assets and financial liabilities with their carrying values that approximate fair values and (2) the changes in the fair values of those financial assets and financial liabilities are reflected in earnings. When the measurement alternative is elected, the financial assets and liabilities of a collateralized financing entity will be measured using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities. This guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and for interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance requiring entities to account for a performance target as a performance condition if the target affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period. The new guidance did not introduce additional disclosure requirements and was issued to resolve diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company currently accounts for such performance targets in a manner consistent with the new guidance and does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued a new standard related to revenue recognition. Under the new standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The FASB subsequently issued several amendments to the standard, including clarification on identifying performance obligations. The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2018. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCI"), net of income taxes, was comprised of the following:
The significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the corresponding line items in the consolidated statements of earnings to which the items were reclassified were as follows:
Amounts in parentheses reduce earnings.
NOTE 4. ACQUISITIONS
For the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not have any business acquisitions.
On June 13, 2014, the Company completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Newell Recycling of San Antonio, LP ("Newell Recycling"), a recycling facility in San Antonio, Texas. This acquisition continued the vertical integration model of the Company by providing raw materials for its CMC Steel Texas location, established a larger recycling presence in San Antonio, Texas, and provided an opportunity for continued growth of the Company's recycling operations in the central Texas area. The operating results of this facility are included in the Americas Mills reporting segment.
The acquisition of Newell Recycling was not material, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company's financial position or results of operations. Pro forma operating results for the acquisition are not presented, since the results would not be significantly different than reported results.
NOTE 5. SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
On July 29, 2016, the Company entered into a fifth amended $200.0 million U.S. sale of accounts receivable program which expires on August 15, 2019. Under the program, Commercial Metals Company contributes, and several of its subsidiaries sell without recourse, certain eligible trade accounts receivable to CMC Receivables, Inc. ("CMCRV"), a wholly owned subsidiary of CMC. CMCRV is structured to be a bankruptcy-remote entity formed for the sole purpose of buying and selling trade accounts receivable generated by the Company. CMCRV sells the trade accounts receivable in their entirety to two financial institutions. Under the amended U.S. sale of accounts receivable program, with the consent of both CMCRV and the program's administrative agent, the amount advanced by the financial institutions can be increased to a maximum of $300.0 million for all trade accounts receivable sold. The remaining portion of the purchase price of the trade accounts receivable takes the form of subordinated notes from the respective financial institutions. These notes will be satisfied from the ultimate collection of the trade accounts receivable after payment of certain fees and other costs. The Company accounts for sales of the trade accounts receivable as true sales, and the trade accounts receivable balances that are sold are removed from the consolidated balance sheets. The cash advances received are reflected as cash provided by operating activities on the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows. Additionally, the U.S. sale of accounts receivable program contains certain cross-default provisions whereby a termination event could occur if the Company defaulted under certain of its credit arrangements. The covenants contained in the receivables purchase agreement are consistent with the credit facility described in Note 11, Credit Arrangements.
At August 31, 2016 and 2015, under its U.S. sale of accounts receivable program, the Company had sold $215.9 million and $274.3 million of trade accounts receivable, respectively, to the financial institutions. At August 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no advance payments outstanding on the sale of its trade accounts receivable.
In addition to the U.S. sale of accounts receivable program described above, the Company's international subsidiaries in Europe and Australia sell, or have sold in the past, trade accounts receivable to financial institutions without recourse. These arrangements constitute true sales, and once the trade accounts receivable are sold, they are no longer available to the Company's creditors in the event of bankruptcy. In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company phased out its existing European program and entered into a new, two year renewable, trade accounts receivable sales program with a different financial institution. The new agreement increased the facility limit from Polish zloty ("PLN") 200.0 million to PLN 220.0 million. The European program allows the Company's European subsidiaries to obtain an advance of up to 90% of eligible trade accounts receivable sold under the terms of the arrangement. In fiscal 2014, the Company phased out its existing Australian program and entered into a new, one year renewable, trade accounts receivable sales program with a different financial institution. Subsequently, through two amendments, the facility limit was reduced from A$75.0 million to A$40.0 million and the maturity extended for two years. Under the Australian program, trade accounts receivable balances are sold to a special purpose entity, which in turn sells 100% of the eligible trade accounts receivable of the Company's Australian entities to the financial institution. The financial institution will fund up to the facility limit for all trade accounts receivable sold, and the remaining portion of the purchase price of the trade accounts receivable is in the form of a subordinated note from the financial institution. This note will be satisfied from the ultimate collection of the trade accounts receivable after payment of certain fees and other costs. The Company accounts for sales of the trade accounts receivable as true sales, and the trade accounts receivable balances that are sold are removed from the consolidated balance sheets. The cash advances received are reflected as cash provided by operating activities on the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows. In October 2016, the Company's existing Australian program expired and the Company currently does not plan to enter into a new program.
At August 31, 2016 and 2015, under its European and Australian programs, the Company had sold $85.7 million and $97.9 million of trade accounts receivable, respectively, to third-party financial institutions and received advance payments of $8.3 million and $27.7 million, respectively.
For the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, cash proceeds from the U.S. and international sale of accounts receivable programs were $400.8 million, $596.4 million and $688.2 million, respectively, and cash payments to the owners of accounts receivable were $420.3 million, $714.2 million and $567.2 million, respectively. For a nominal servicing fee, the Company is responsible for servicing the accounts receivable for the U.S. and Australian programs. Discounts on U.S. and international sales of trade accounts receivable were $1.7 million, $2.4 million and $3.9 million for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings.
The deferred purchase price on the Company's U.S. and international sale of trade accounts receivable programs is included in accounts receivable on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, except at August 31, 2015. That year, the deferred purchase price on the G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd. sale of accounts receivable program was included in assets of businesses held for sale on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The following tables summarize the activity of the deferred purchase price receivables for the U.S. and international sale of accounts receivable programs:
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* Includes the sale of accounts receivable activities related to discontinued operations and businesses sold. For the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015, transfers of accounts receivable were $45.8 million and $180.0 million, respectively, and collections were $61.7 million and $209.2 million, respectively.
NOTE 6. INVENTORIES, NET
At August 31, 2016, inventories were stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. At August 31, 2015, inventories were stated at the lower of cost or market. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for further discussion of the adoption of the new accounting pronouncement.
Effective September 1, 2015, the Company elected to change its accounting method for valuing all of its inventories that used the LIFO method to either the weighted average or specific identification methods. The Company applied this change in accounting principle retrospectively to all prior periods presented. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for further disclosures regarding this change in accounting principle.
Additionally, effective September 1, 2015, the Company elected to change its accounting method for valuing all of its inventories in its International Marketing and Distribution segment, except for its steel trading division headquartered in the U.S., from the FIFO method to the specification identification method. This change in accounting principle was not material in all prior periods, and thus was not applied retrospectively. The change did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended August 31, 2016. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for further disclosures regarding this change in accounting principle.
The Company determines the inventory cost for its International Mill segment using the weighted average cost method.
At August 31, 2016, 60% of the Company's total net inventories were valued using the weighted average cost method, and 40% of the Company's total net inventories were valued using the specification identification method.
The majority of the Company's inventories are in the form of semi-finished and finished goods. The Company’s business model, with the exception of the International Marketing and Distribution segment, is such that products are sold to external customers in various stages, from semi-finished billets through fabricated steel, leading these categories to be combined. Inventories in the International Marketing and Distribution segment are sold as finished goods. As such, work in process inventories were not material at August 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015. At August 31, 2016 and August 31, 2015, $77.9 million and $61.5 million, respectively, of the Company's inventories were in the form of raw materials.
Inventory write-downs were $15.6 million, $37.7 million, and $5.0 million for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
NOTE 7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table details the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment:
(1) Includes $1.6 million of goodwill and $1.6 million of accumulated goodwill impairment losses related to assets that were sold during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
The annual goodwill impairment analysis did not result in any impairment charges in fiscal years 2016 or 2014.
As of August 31, 2016 and 2015, one of the Company's reporting units within the Americas Fabrication reporting segment comprised $51.3 million of the Company's total goodwill and the fair value exceeded the carrying value by 20% at August 31, 2016. For all other reporting units with goodwill amounts as of August 31, 2016, the excess of the fair value over carrying value of each reporting unit was substantial.
The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from the income and market approaches. Under the income approach, the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections are based on management's estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into account industry and market conditions. The discount rate is based on a weighted average cost of capital
adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the characteristics of the Company. The market approach, on the other hand, estimates fair value based on market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit.
As noted above, at August 31, 2016, the excess of one of the Company's reporting units within the Americas Fabrication segment exceeded the carrying value by 20%. The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment could include matters such as: a decrease in expected net earnings, adverse equity market conditions, a decline in current market multiples, a decline in our common stock price, a significant adverse change in legal factors or the general business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, a significant downturn in non-residential construction markets in the U.S., and continued high levels of imported steel into the U.S. In the event of significant adverse changes of the nature described above, it may be necessary for the Company to recognize a non-cash impairment of goodwill, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
As a result of the Company's annual goodwill impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company determined that the carrying amount of its Americas Recycling reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value. The resulting impairment charge of $7.3 million was recorded within the Americas Recycling reporting segment in the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015. The weakened demand for ferrous scrap exports coupled with a lower near term forecast of future operating results were the contributing factors that led to the impairment charge recorded in fiscal 2015.
The following intangible assets subject to amortization are included in other noncurrent assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets:
Excluding goodwill, there are no other significant intangible assets with indefinite lives. Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $3.6 million, $6.9 million, and $5.1 million, respectively. At August 31, 2016, the weighted average remaining useful life of these intangible assets, excluding the favorable land leases was 10 years. The weighted average life of the favorable land leases was 48 years. Estimated amounts of amortization expense for the next five years are as follows:
NOTE 8. LONG-LIVED ASSET IMPAIRMENT AND FACILITY CLOSURE COSTS
The Company decided to exit its steel trading business and its steel distribution business, each headquartered in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, respectively. These operations are included in the Company's International Marketing and Distribution reporting segment. The expenses associated with exiting these businesses were not material in each respective fiscal year and were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company decided to exit and sell its steel distribution business in Australia which met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, this business has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods presented. During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $15.8 million, including the impact of an approximate $13.5 million accumulated foreign currency translation loss, on its remaining component of the Australian steel distribution business that was classified as held for sale at May 31, 2016. See Note 14, Fair Value, for further discussion of this impairment charge. Other expenses associated with exiting this business were not material for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company made the decision to exit its steel trading business headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. In connection with this decision, severance and other exit costs incurred by the Company were not material and were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings. The operation is included in the Company's International Marketing and Distribution reporting segment.
The Company evaluates the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Based on continued margin and volume pressure in our Americas Recycling segment, which caused the Company to revise its estimate as to the timing of improvement in these metrics, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, management considered a triggering event to have occurred. As a result, the Company reviewed the undiscounted future cash flows for its Americas Recycling long-lived asset groups. The results of the undiscounted future cash flow analyses indicated the carrying amounts for certain long-lived asset groups subject to testing were not expected to be recovered. The Company estimated the fair value for these long-lived asset groups using market and income approaches. The fair value was then compared to the carrying values of the long-lived asset groups. The resulting non-recurring impairment charges of $38.9 million were recorded within the Americas Recycling reporting segment at August 31, 2016.
NOTE 9. SEVERANCE
The Company recorded consolidated severance cost of $3.2 million, $5.8 million and $3.7 million for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The severance cost recorded during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was not individually material to any of the Company's segments. As of August 31, 2016 and 2015, the remaining liability to be paid in the future related to termination benefits was not material.
NOTE 10. BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
Businesses Held for Sale
The Company did not have any businesses classified as held for sale at August 31, 2016. As of August 31, 2015, one component of the Australian steel distribution business was classified as held for sale. Assets and liabilities of the business held for sale on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet consisted of the following:
Discontinued Operations
Despite focused efforts and substantial progress to stabilize and improve the results of the Australian distribution business, the Company determined that achieving acceptable financial returns would take additional time and investment. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company decided to exit and sell its steel distribution business in Australia and determined that the decision
to exit this business met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, this business has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods presented. The Australian steel distribution business was previously included in the International Marketing and Distribution reporting segment.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company decided to sell all of the capital stock of its wholly owned copper tube manufacturing operation, Howell Metal Company ("Howell"). The Company determined that the decision to sell this business met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, the Company included Howell in discontinued operations for all periods presented. Howell was previously included in the Americas Mills reporting segment.
Financial information for discontinued operations was as follows:
Dispositions
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company completed the sale of six locations that were a part of the Australian steel distribution business for proceeds of $26.4 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The Company recognized an $8.1 million pre-tax gain on the sale, which included a currency translation gain of $10.1 million. Additionally, all operations ceased at three other locations that were part of the Australian steel distribution business. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company completed the sale of the one remaining Australian steel distribution location, excluding accounts receivable, for proceeds of $4.4 million, resulting in an immaterial impact to earnings from discontinued operations for fiscal year 2016. The results of the sales and the activity related to the Australian steel distribution business were included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of earnings for all periods presented.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company completed the sale of all of the outstanding capital stock of Howell for $58.5 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $6.3 million, which was included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of earnings for the year ended August 31, 2014. A portion of the proceeds totaling $3.2 million was placed in escrow and subsequently released to the Company in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company disposed of the remaining assets held for sale of $1.1 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 with an immaterial impact to the consolidated statement of earnings.
NOTE 11. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
On June 26, 2014, the Company entered into a fourth amended and restated credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a revolving credit facility of $350.0 million and a maturity date of June 26, 2019. The maximum availability under the Credit Agreement can be increased to $500.0 million with bank approval. The Company's obligation under the Credit Agreement is collateralized by its U.S. inventory. The Credit Agreement's capacity includes $50.0 million for the issuance of stand-by letters of credit and was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit which totaled $3.0 million and $23.4 million at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Under the Credit Agreement, the Company is required to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants, including covenants to maintain: (i) an interest coverage ratio (consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense, as each is defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 and (ii) a debt to capitalization ratio (consolidated funded debt to total capitalization, as each is defined in the Credit Agreement) that does not exceed 0.60 to 1.00. In addition, beginning on the date three months prior to each maturity date of the Company's 2017 Notes and 2018 Notes, each as defined below, and each day thereafter that the 2017 Notes and the 2018 Notes are outstanding, the Company will be required to maintain liquidity of at least $150 million in excess of each of the outstanding aggregate principal amounts of the 2017 Notes and 2018 Notes. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest based on the Eurocurrency rate, a base rate, or the LIBOR rate.
At August 31, 2016, the Company's interest coverage ratio was 5.00 to 1.00 and the Company's debt to capitalization ratio was 0.44 to 1.00. The Company had no amounts drawn under its revolving credit facilities at August 31, 2016 and 2015.
In May 2013, the Company issued $330.0 million of 4.875% Senior Notes due May 2023 (the "2023 Notes"). Interest on these notes is payable semiannually.
In August 2008, the Company issued $500.0 million of 7.35% senior unsecured notes due August 2018 (the "2018 Notes"). During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company entered into hedging transactions which reduced the Company's effective interest
rate on these notes to 6.40% per annum. Interest on these notes is payable semiannually. In February 2016, the Company accepted for purchase approximately $100.2 million of the outstanding principal amount of its 2018 Notes through a cash tender offer. The Company recognized expenses of approximately $6.1 million related to the early extinguishment of this debt, which are included in loss on debt extinguishment in the consolidated statements of earnings for the year ended August 31, 2016.
In July 2007, the Company issued $400.0 million of 6.50% senior unsecured notes due July 2017 (the "2017 Notes"). During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company entered into hedging transactions which reduced the Company's effective interest rate on these notes to 5.74% per annum. Interest on these notes is payable semiannually. In February 2016, the Company accepted for purchase $100.0 million of the outstanding principal amount of its 2017 Notes though a cash tender offer. The Company recognized expenses of approximately $5.4 million related to the early extinguishment of this debt, which are included in loss on debt extinguishment in the consolidated statements of earnings for the year ended August 31, 2016.
During fiscal 2012, the Company terminated its existing interest rate swap transactions and received cash proceeds of approximately $52.7 million, net of customary finance charges. The resulting gain was deferred and is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the respective debt tranches. At August 31, 2016 and 2015, the unamortized portion was $11.6 million and $19.2 million, respectively. Amortization of the deferred gain was $7.6 million for each of the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
The Company has uncommitted credit facilities available from U.S. and international banks. In general, these credit facilities are used to support trade letters of credit (including accounts payable settled under bankers' acceptances as described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies), foreign exchange transactions and short-term advances which are priced at market rates.
Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps, was as follows:
Interest on these notes is payable semiannually.
At August 31, 2016 and 2015, CMC Poland Sp. z.o.o. ("CMCP") had uncommitted credit facilities with several banks of PLN 175.0 million ($44.8 million) and PLN 215.0 million ($56.9 million), respectively. As of August 31, 2016, the uncommitted credit facilities have expiration dates ranging from November 2016 to March 2017, which CMCP intends to renew upon expiration. At August 31, 2016, no amounts were outstanding under these facilities. During fiscal 2016, CMCP had no borrowings or repayments under its uncommitted credit facilities. During fiscal 2015, CMCP had total borrowings of $49.6 million and total repayments of $49.6 million under its uncommitted credit facilities.
The scheduled maturities of the Company's long-term debt are as follows:
The Company capitalized $3.6 million of interest in the cost of property, plant and equipment during fiscal year 2016, and immaterial amounts during fiscal years 2015 and 2014. Cash paid for interest for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $74.7 million, $86.7 million and $85.6 million, respectively.
NOTE 12. NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company entered into a financing transaction with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, a Minnesota corporation ("USBCDC"), related to the development, construction and equipping of a steel micro-mill in Durant, Oklahoma. To effect the transaction, USBCDC made a capital contribution to USBCDC Investment Fund 156, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (the "Investment Fund"). Additionally, Commonwealth Acquisitions Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CMC ("Commonwealth"), made a loan to the Investment Fund. The transaction qualified under the NMTC Program provided for in the Act. The NMTC Program is intended to induce capital investment in qualified low-income communities. The Act permits taxpayers to claim credits against federal income taxes for up to 39% of qualified investments in certain CDEs. CDEs are privately managed entities that are certified to make qualified low-income community investments to qualified projects.
Commonwealth loaned $35.3 million to the Investment Fund at an interest rate of approximately 1.08% per year and with a maturity date of December 24, 2045 (the "Commonwealth Loan"). The Investment Fund also received capital contributions from USBCDC in the aggregate amount of $17.7 million (the "USBCDC Equity"). The Investment Fund used $51.5 million of the proceeds received from the Commonwealth Loan and the USBCDC Equity to make qualified equity investments ("QEIs") into certain CDEs, which, in turn, used $50.7 million of the QEIs to make loans to CMC Steel Oklahoma, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CMC, with terms similar to the Commonwealth Loan and as partial financing for the construction, development and equipping of a new steel micro-mill in Durant, Oklahoma. The proceeds of the loans from the CDEs were recorded as restricted cash and included in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. During fiscal year 2016, the Company spent $27.2 million for qualified construction, development, and equipping activities for the micro-mill. The balance remaining in restricted cash was $21.7 million at August 31, 2016.
By virtue of its capital contribution to the Investment Fund, USBCDC is entitled to substantially all of the benefits derived from the new markets tax credits ("NMTCs"). This transaction includes a put/call provision whereby the Company may be obligated or entitled to repurchase USBCDC's interest in the Investment Fund. The Company believes USBCDC will exercise the put option in December 2022 at the end of the recapture period. The value attributed to the put/call is de minimis. The NMTC is subject to 100% recapture for a period of seven years as provided in the Internal Revenue Code. The Company is required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC Program. Non-compliance with applicable requirements could result in projected tax benefits not being realized and, therefore, could require the Company to indemnify USBCDC for any loss or recapture of NMTCs related to the financing until such time as the Company's obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved. The Company does not anticipate any credit recaptures will be required in connection with this arrangement.
The Company has determined that the Investment Fund is a VIE, of which the Company is the primary beneficiary and has consolidated it in accordance with the accounting standard for consolidation. USBCDC's contribution is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Direct costs incurred in structuring the financing arrangement are deferred and will be recognized as expense over the seven year recapture period. Incremental costs to maintain the structure during the compliance period are recognized as incurred.
NOTE 13. DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company's global operations and product lines expose it to risks from fluctuations in metal commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, natural gas prices and interest rates. One objective of the Company's risk management program is to mitigate these risks using derivative instruments. The Company enters into (i) metal commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in gross margin due to the volatility of the commodities' prices, (ii) foreign currency forward contracts that match the expected settlements for purchases and sales denominated in foreign currencies and (iii) natural gas forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in operating cost due to the volatility of natural gas prices. When sales commitments to customers include a fixed price freight component, the Company occasionally enters into freight forward contracts to reduce the effects of the volatility of ocean freight rates.
At August 31, 2016, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency contract commitments and its commodity contract commitments were $258.3 million and $19.8 million, respectively. At August 31, 2015, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency contract commitments and its commodity contract commitments were $390.8 million and $37.7 million, respectively.
The Company designates only those contracts which closely match the terms of the underlying transaction as hedges for accounting purposes. These hedges resulted in substantially no ineffectiveness in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings, and there were no components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015. Certain foreign currency and commodity contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, although management believes they are essential economic hedges.
The following tables summarize activities related to the Company's derivative instruments and hedged items recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings:
The Company's fair value hedges are designated for accounting purposes with the gains or losses on the hedged items offsetting the gains or losses on the related derivative transactions. Hedged items relate to firm commitments on commercial sales and purchases and capital expenditures.
The Company enters into derivative agreements that include provisions to allow the set-off of certain amounts. Derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The asset and liability balances in the tables below reflect the gross amounts of derivative instruments at August 31, 2016 and 2015. The fair value of the Company's derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows:
_________________________
* Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged items designated as fair value hedges.
As of August 31, 2016 and 2015, substantially all of the Company's derivative instruments designated to hedge exposure to the variability in future cash flows of the forecasted transactions will mature within twelve months.
All of the instruments are highly liquid and were not entered into for trading purposes.
NOTE 14. FAIR VALUE
The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Levels within the hierarchy are defined as follows:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets (other than those included in Level 1) which are observable, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
The following tables summarize information regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
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(1) Money market investments are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by broker quoted prices in active markets. The investment portfolio mix can change each period based on the Company's assessment of investment options.
(2) Derivative assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 are commodity futures contracts valued based on quoted market prices in the London Metal Exchange or the New York Mercantile Exchange. Amounts in Level 2 are based on broker quotes in the over-the-counter market. Further discussion regarding the Company's use of derivative instruments and the classification of the assets and liabilities is included in Note 13, Derivatives and Risk Management.
On June 10, 2016, the Company, through its wholly owned Australian subsidiary, G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd., signed a definitive asset sale agreement to sell its remaining steel distribution assets located in Australia. During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $15.8 million, including the impact of an approximate $13.5 million accumulated foreign currency translation loss, on this remaining component of the Australian steel distribution business that was classified as held for
sale at May 31, 2016. The signed definitive asset sale agreement (Level 3) was the basis for the determination of fair value of this component. This impairment charge was recorded in loss from discontinued operations during the year ended August 31, 2016.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company prepared an impairment analysis on long-lived asset groups within the Americas Recycling segment and determined the carrying value of certain fixed assets exceeded their fair value as determined using market and income approaches. Determining the fair value is judgmental in nature and requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, considered to be level 3 inputs, including projected cash flows over the estimated projection period and the discount rate. The resulting $38.9 million non-recurring impairment charges were recorded within the Americas Recycling segment. See Note 8, Long-Lived Asset Impairment and Facility Closure Costs, for additional information. After consideration of the non-recurring impairment charges, the fair value of the Americas Recycling segment's fixed assets was $82.8 million at August 31, 2016. There were no other material non-recurring fair value remeasurements during fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015.
The carrying values of the Company's short-term items, including the deferred purchase price of accounts receivable, documentary letters of credit and notes payable, approximate fair value due to their short term nature.
The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
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(1) The fair value of the notes is determined based on indicated market values.
NOTE 15. INCOME TAX
The components of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows:
The income taxes (benefit) included in the consolidated statements of earnings are as follows:
A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the Company's effective income tax rate from continuing operations is as follows:
The Company's effective income tax rates from discontinued operations for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were 0.9%, 2.2% and (64.6)%, respectively.
The Company's effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 14.8% for the year ended August 31, 2016, compared to the statutory rate of 35%. Several factors influence the effective tax rate. Items that benefited the effective tax rate include:
(i) net favorable adjustments resulting from the settlement of an audit, including the release of certain unrecognized tax benefits for which the accruals were greater than the amount assessed,
(ii) benefit for domestic production activity income pursuant to Section 199 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 199”),
(iii) a non-taxable gain on assets related to our non-qualified Benefits Restoration Plan (“BRP”), and
(iv) the proportion of our global income from operations in jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates than the U.S., including Poland, which has a statutory income tax rate of 19%.
Items negatively impacting the effective tax rate include:
(a) U.S. state and local taxes imposed on the release of unrecognized tax benefits, and
(b) losses from operations in certain jurisdictions where the Company maintains a valuation allowance, thus providing no benefit for such losses.
For the year ended August 31, 2015, the effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 32.1% compared to the statutory rate of 35%. Items that benefited the effective tax rate include:
(i) income from operations in jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates than the U.S., including Poland, and
(ii) benefit for domestic production activity under Section 199.
Items that had a negative impact on the effective tax rate include:
(a) U.S. state and local taxes imposed on income from domestic operations,
(b) losses from operations in certain jurisdictions where the Company maintains a valuation allowance, thus providing no benefit for such losses, and
(c) a non-deductible loss on BRP assets.
For the year ended August 31, 2014, the effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 28.7%. It was lower than the statutory income tax rate of 35% because the Company earned a higher proportion of its global income from operations in countries which have lower income tax rates than the U.S., notably Poland. Additionally, the Company realized a benefit under Section 199 for domestic production activity, and had a non-taxable gain on BRP assets.
The Company made net payments of $50.2 million, $61.0 million and $11.8 million for income taxes for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The income tax effects of significant temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
Net operating losses giving rise to deferred tax assets consist of $324.0 million of state net operating losses that expire during the tax years ending from 2017 to 2036 and foreign net operating losses of $461.0 million that expire in varying amounts beginning in 2018 (with certain amounts having indefinite lives). These assets will be reduced as income tax expense is recognized in future periods.
The Company maintains a valuation allowance to reduce certain deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. During the year ended August 31, 2016, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $73.0 million related to net operating loss carryforwards in certain state and foreign jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of their realization. Such valuation allowance is largely attributed to a loss generated by a foreign tax impairment charge on valuation of subsidiaries. During the year ended August 31, 2015, the Company recorded a valuation allowance in the amount of $10.2 million related to net operating loss carryforwards in certain state and foreign jurisdictions due to the uncertainty of their realization.
In general, it is the practice and intention of the Company to reinvest the earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations. As of August 31, 2016, the Company had not made a provision for U.S. or additional foreign withholding taxes on approximately $537.0 million of undistributed earnings and profits associated with the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the income tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that is indefinitely reinvested. Generally, such amounts become subject to U.S. taxation upon the remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of deferred tax liability related to investments in these foreign subsidiaries.
The unrecognized income tax benefits as of August 31, 2016 were $9.5 million, all of which, if recognized, would have impacted the Company's effective income tax rate at the end of fiscal 2016. The unrecognized income tax benefits as of both August 31, 2015 and 2014 were $27.3 million, of which $12.0 million, if recognized, would have impacted the Company's effective tax rate for the end of both fiscal 2015 and 2014.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized income tax benefits is as follows:
The Company's policy classifies interest recognized on an underpayment of income taxes and any statutory penalties recognized on a tax position as income tax expense, and the balances at the end of a reporting period are recorded as part of the current or noncurrent liability for uncertain income tax positions. At August 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $1.0 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
During the twelve months ending August 31, 2017, we do not currently anticipate that the statute of limitations pertaining to positions of the Company in prior year income tax returns may lapse or that income tax audits in various taxing jurisdictions will be finalized. As a result, we do not anticipate any changes in the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits nor any reduction to the provision for income taxes related to such.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and multiple foreign jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. The following is a summary of tax years subject to examination:
U.S. Federal - 2009 and forward
U.S. States - 2009 and forward
Foreign - 2010 and forward
The Company recently completed an IRS exam for the years 2009 through 2011 and received confirmation from the United States Congress Joint Committee on Taxation that all matters were settled with the exception of R&D credits, which are still under review. In addition, the Company is under examination with certain state revenue authorities for the years 2009 to 2015. Management believes the Company's recorded income tax liabilities as of August 31, 2016 sufficiently reflect the anticipated outcome of these examinations.
NOTE 16. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
The Company's stock-based compensation plans provide for the issuance of incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and units, stock appreciation rights and performance-based awards. The Compensation Committee of CMC's Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee") approves all awards that are granted under the Company's stock-based compensation plans. Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 of $26.4 million, $23.5 million and $18.1 million, respectively, is mainly included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company's consolidated statements of earnings. As of August 31, 2016, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements was $22.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of three years, except for certain restricted stock units granted during fiscal 2014, which will vest over a weighted-average period of four years.
The following table summarizes the total awards granted:
As of August 31, 2016, CMC had 9,394,846 shares available for future grants.
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units issued under the Company's stock-based compensation plans provide that units awarded may not be sold, transferred, pledged or assigned until service-based restrictions have lapsed. The restricted stock units granted to U.S. employees generally vest and are converted to CMC common stock in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. The restricted stock units granted to non-U.S. employees generally vest and are settled in cash in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. Generally, upon termination of employment, restricted stock units that have not vested are forfeited. Upon death, disability or qualifying retirement, a pro-rata portion of the unvested restricted stock awarded will vest and become payable.
Certain restricted stock units granted during fiscal 2014 will vest and either convert to CMC common stock or settle in cash after a specified service period; 25% vest two years from the date of grant; 25% vest three years from the date of grant; and the remaining 50% vest four years from the date of grant.
The estimated fair value of the stock-settled restricted stock units is based on the closing price of CMC common stock on the date of grant, discounted for the expected dividend yield through the vesting period. Compensation cost related to the stock-settled restricted stock units is recognized ratably over the service period and is included in equity on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the cash-settled restricted stock units is remeasured each reporting period and is recognized ratably over the service period. The liability related to the cash-settled restricted stock units is included in accrued expenses and other payables on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Performance Stock Units
Performance stock units issued under the Company's stock-based compensation plans provide that units awarded may not be sold, transferred, pledged or assigned until service-based restrictions have lapsed and any performance objectives have been attained as established by the Compensation Committee. Recipients of these awards generally must be actively employed by and providing services to the Company on the last day of the performance period in order to receive an award payout. Upon death, disability or qualifying retirement, a pro-rata portion of the performance stock units will vest and become payable at the end of the performance period.
Compensation cost for performance stock units is accrued based on the probable outcome of specified performance conditions, net of estimated forfeitures. The Company accrues compensation cost if it is probable that the performance conditions will be met. The Company reassesses the probability of meeting the specified performance conditions at the end of each reporting period and adjusts compensation cost, as necessary, based on the probability of achieving the performance conditions. If the performance conditions are not met at the end of the performance period, the Company reverses the related compensation cost.
Performance targets established by the Compensation Committee for performance stock units awarded in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 are weighted 75% based on the Company's cumulative EBITDA targets and positive return on invested capital for the fiscal year in which the awards were granted and the succeeding two fiscal years, as approved by CMC's Board of Directors in the respective year's business plan, and 25% based on a three year relative total stockholder return metric. Performance stock units awarded to U.S. participants will be settled in CMC common stock. Award payouts range from a threshold of 50% to a maximum of 200% for each portion of the target awards. The performance stock units awarded in fiscal years 2016 and 2015 associated with the cumulative EBITDA targets have been classified as liability awards since the final EBITDA target will not be set until the third year of the performance period. Consequently, these awards are included in accrued expenses and other payables on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of these performance stock units is remeasured each reporting period and is recognized ratably over the service period. The performance stock units awarded in fiscal 2014, as well as the performance stock units associated with the total stockholder return metric were valued at fair value on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo pricing model and are included in equity on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Performance stock units awarded to non-U.S. participants in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 will be settled in cash. The fair value of the performance stock units is remeasured each reporting period and is recognized ratably over the service period. The liability related to these awards is included in accrued expenses and other payables on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
In fiscal 2014, the Company reassessed the probability of achieving the specified performance conditions related to performance stock units awarded in fiscal 2012 and determined the Company did not meet the EBITDA and return on net assets targets at the end of the service period. As a result, the compensation cost previously recognized for these performance stock units was reversed in fiscal 2014.
Information for restricted stock units and performance stock units, excluding the cash component, is as follows:
The total fair value of shares vested during fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $21.3 million, $10.2 million and $10.0 million, respectively.
The Company granted 464,782 and 392,517 equivalent shares of restricted stock units and performance stock units accounted for as liability awards during the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of August 31, 2016, the Company had 871,182 equivalent shares of awards outstanding and expects 829,343 equivalent shares to vest.
Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Options
Stock appreciation rights and stock options are awarded to certain employees with an exercise price equal to the market value of CMC common stock on the date of grant. No stock appreciation rights or stock options were granted during the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.
Combined activity for the Company's stock appreciation rights and stock options, excluding the cash component, is as follows:
The total intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights and stock options exercised during fiscal years 2016 and 2014 was $2.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights and stock options exercised during fiscal 2015 was not material.
Information related to stock appreciation rights and stock options as of August 31, 2016 is summarized below:
No cash-settled stock appreciation rights were granted during the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015. As of August 31, 2016, the Company had 38,446 equivalent shares of cash-settled stock appreciation rights outstanding and expects 36,524 equivalent shares of cash-settled stock appreciation rights to vest.
During the year ended August 31, 2013, the Company awarded 59,399 equivalent shares of stock appreciation rights to non-U.S. employees, which are settled in cash. The fair value of these stock appreciation rights was fully recognized as of August 31, 2016. The liability related to these awards is included in accrued expenses and other payables on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Stock Purchase Plan
Almost all U.S. resident employees with one year of service at the beginning of each calendar year may participate in the Company's employee stock purchase plan. Each eligible employee may purchase up to 400 shares annually. The Board of Directors established the purchase discount of 15% based on market prices on specified dates for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Yearly activity of the stock purchase plan is as follows:
NOTE 17. CAPITAL STOCK
Treasury Stock
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, CMC's Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $100.0 million of CMC's outstanding shares of common stock. The share repurchase program does not require us to acquire any dollar amount or number of shares of CMC's common stock and may be modified, suspended, extended or terminated at any time without prior notice. During the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company purchased 2,255,069 and 2,902,218 shares of CMC common stock, respectively, at an average purchase price of $13.57 and $14.40 per share, respectively. The Company had remaining authorization to purchase $27.6 million of its common stock at August 31, 2016.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock has a par value of $1.00 per share, with 2,000,000 shares authorized. It may be issued in series, and the shares of each series have such rights and preferences as may be fixed by CMC's Board of Directors when authorizing the issuance of that particular series. There are no shares of preferred stock outstanding.
NOTE 18. EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT PLANS
Substantially all employees in the U.S. are covered by a defined contribution retirement plan. This tax qualified plan is maintained and contributions are made in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). The Company also provides certain eligible executives benefits pursuant to its BRP Plan equal to amounts that would have been available under the tax qualified ERISA plan, but were subject to the limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. Company expenses for these plans, a portion of which are discretionary, are recorded in both cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $25.0 million, $9.7 million and $19.3 million for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The deferred compensation liability under the BRP Plan was $71.0 million and $72.3 million at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Though under no obligation to fund the plan, the Company has segregated assets in a trust with a current value of $69.7 million and $66.6 million at August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and such assets are included in other long-term assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The net holding gain on these segregated assets was $5.4 million for the year ended August 31, 2016, an immaterial loss for the year ended August 31, 2015 and a gain of $13.3 million for the year ended August 31, 2014, and is included in net sales in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings.
A certain number of employees, primarily outside of the U.S., participate in defined benefit plans that are maintained in accordance with local regulations. The Company's expenses for these plans were $0.6 million, $0.7 million and $2.0 million for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings. The Company recognizes the unfunded status of the defined benefit plans as a liability with a corresponding reduction to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income taxes. At August 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company's liability related to the unfunded status of the defined benefit plans was $1.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Because the defined benefit pension plans are not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements, disclosures that would have otherwise been required by GAAP have been omitted.
NOTE 19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Lease Commitments
The Company has operating leases relating principally to transportation and other equipment and real estate with varying terms. The majority of our lease agreements include renewal options to extend the agreements as necessary and certain leases include escalation clauses and/or purchase options. These leases do not contain any financial covenants for the Company. Minimum lease commitments payable by the Company for noncancelable operating leases are as follows:
Total rental expense was $40.7 million, $52.8 million and $46.8 million in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Purchase Obligations
The Company regularly enters into future purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services and fixed assets related to ongoing operations. Approximately 68% of these purchase obligations are for inventory items to be sold in the ordinary course of business. Purchase obligations include all enforceable, legally binding agreements to purchase goods or services that specify all significant terms, regardless of the duration of the agreement. Agreements with variable terms are excluded because we are unable to estimate the minimum amounts. Another significant obligation relates to capital expenditures. We do not expect potential payments under these provisions to materially affect results of operations or financial condition based upon
reasonably likely outcomes derived by reference to experience and current business plans. These future purchase commitments are summarized below:
Legal and Environmental Matters
In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded a $45.5 million benefit as a result of a termination of a contract with a customer, which is included in net sales on the Company's consolidated statements of earnings for fiscal 2015.
The Company has received notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or state agencies with similar responsibility that it is considered a potentially responsible party at several sites, none owned by the Company, and may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA") or similar state statutes to conduct remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remediation and/or removal of alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA for such activities. The Company is involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which the Company is contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, its liability at the sites. In addition, the Company has received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites. Some of these environmental matters or other proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against the Company. At August 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, accrued for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with CERCLA sites. The estimation process is based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete. Total environmental liabilities, including CERCLA sites, were $3.3 million and $4.3 million as of August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, of which $2.1 million and $2.4 million were classified as other long-term liabilities as of August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These amounts have not been discounted to their present values. Due to evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process and other factors, amounts accrued could vary significantly from amounts paid. Historically, the amounts the Company has ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material.
Management believes that adequate provisions have been made in the Company's consolidated financial statements for the potential impact of these contingencies, and that the outcomes of the suits and proceedings described above, and other miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of the Company.
NOTE 20. EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC
The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows:
The Company's restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, but omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.
NOTE 21. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES
Significant accrued expenses and other payables were as follows:
NOTE 22. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Company's operating segments engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses and for which discrete financial information is available. Operating results for the operating segments are regularly reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and to assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is identified as the Chief Executive Officer. Operating segments are aggregated for reporting purposes when the operating segments are identified as similar in accordance with the basic principles and aggregation criteria in the accounting standards. The Company's reporting segments are based primarily on product lines and secondarily on geographic area. The reporting segments have different lines of management responsibility as each business requires different marketing strategies and management expertise.
The Company structures its business into the following five reporting segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication, International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution. See Note 1, Nature of Operations, for more information about the reporting segments, including the types of products and services from which each reporting segment derives its net sales.
Corporate contains earnings on BRP assets and short term investments as well as expenses of the Company's corporate headquarters and interest expense related to its long-term debt.
The financial information presented for the International Marketing and Distribution segment excludes the operations of the Australian steel distribution business. This operation has been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings. See Note 10, Businesses Held for Sale, Discontinued Operations and Dispositions for more information.
The Company uses adjusted operating profit from continuing operations to compare and to evaluate the financial performance of its segments. Adjusted operating profit is the sum of the Company's earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, interest expense and discounts on sales of accounts receivable. Intersegment sales are generally priced at prevailing market prices. Certain corporate administrative expenses are allocated to the segments based upon the nature of the expense. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment:
________________________
* Includes intercompany interest expense (income) in the segments and is all eliminated within Corporate.
** Excludes capital expenditures from discontinued operations that were immaterial for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
*** Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $6.8 million at August 31, 2016, $31.5 million at August 31, 2015 and $151.1 million at August 31, 2014.
Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit from continuing operations are provided below:
The following represents the Company's external net sales from continuing operations by major product and geographic area:
The following table represents long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, by geographic area:
NOTE 23. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly financial data for fiscal 2016 and 2015 was as follows:
_________________________
* Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations. See Note 10, Businesses Held for Sale, Discontinued Operations and Dispositions.
** Represents the effect of the retrospective application of the change in accounting principle from LIFO to weighted average cost or specific identification. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
NOTE 24. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company had no significant related party transactions for the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The term "disclosure controls and procedures" is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. This term refers to the controls and procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods, including controls and disclosures designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and they have concluded that as of that date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
(b) Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Management concluded that, as of August 31, 2016, our internal control over financial reporting was effective. Our Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, as of August 31, 2016, can be found on page 53 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the related Report of Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting can be found on page 54 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, each of which is incorporated by reference into this Item 9A.
(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. No change to our internal control over financial reporting occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information required in response to this item with regard to directors is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K from our definitive proxy statement for our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders (such proxy statement, the "2017 Proxy Statement"). Such information will be included in the 2017 Proxy Statement under the captions "Proposal 1: Election of Directors," "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions," "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," "Audit Committee Report" and "Corporate Governance; Board and Committee Matters." Information regarding the Company's executive officers is set forth under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Financial Code of Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller and any of our other officers that may function as a Chief Accounting Officer. Our Financial Code of Ethics is available on our website (www.cmc.com), and we intend to post any amendments to or waivers from our Financial Code of Ethics on our website to the extent applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller or any other officer that may function as a Chief Accounting Officer. We hereby undertake to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of our Financial Code of Ethics. Requests may be directed to Commercial Metals Company, 6565 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 800, Irving, Texas 75039, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or by calling (214) 689-4300.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information required in response to this Item 11 is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K from our 2017 Proxy Statement. Such information will be included in the 2017 Proxy Statement under the caption "Executive Compensation," "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Compensation Committee Report."
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
See Part II, Item 5, "Equity Compensation Plans" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. which is incorporated by reference into this Item 12. The other information required in response to this Item 12 is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K from the 2017 Proxy Statement. Such information will be included in the 2017 Proxy Statement under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
To the extent applicable, information required in response to this Item 13 is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K from the 2017 Proxy Statement. Such information will be included in the 2017 Proxy Statement under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions."
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required in response to this Item 14 is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K from the 2017 Proxy Statement. Such information will be included in the 2017 Proxy Statement under the caption "Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm."
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
1. All financial statements are included in Item 8 above.
2. Financial statement schedule: The following financial statement schedule is attached to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, they are not required or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits:
EXHIBIT
NO.
DESCRIPTION
10(ii)(f)
Omnibus Amendment No. 1 (Amendment No. 2 to Receivables Sale Agreement, Amendment No. 2 to Receivables Purchase Agreement, and Amendment No. 2 to Performance Undertaking), dated May 3, 2013, by and among Commercial Metals Company, individually and as provider of the Performance Undertaking, CMC Cometals Processing, Inc., Howell Metal Company, Structural Metals, Inc., CMC Steel Fabricators, Inc., SMI Steel LLC, SMI-Owen Steel Company, Inc., Owen Electric Steel Company of South Carolina, AHT, Inc., CMC Receivables, Inc., Liberty Street Funding LLC, The Bank of Nova Scotia, individually and in its capacity as administrator of the Liberty Street Funding Group, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., individually and as administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(g)
Omnibus Amendment No. 2 (Amendment No. 3 to Receivables Sale Agreement, Amendment No. 3 to Receivables Purchase Agreement, and Amendment No. 3 to Performance Undertaking), dated August 15, 2014, by and among the Company, as servicer and provider of the Performance Undertaking, certain subsidiaries of the Company parties thereto, as originators, CMC Receivables, Inc., the conduit purchasers party thereto, the committed purchasers party thereto, Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., "Rabobank Nederland", New York Branch in its capacity as administrator of the Nieuw Amsterdam Funding Group, BMO Capital Markets Corp. in its capacity as administrator of the Fairway Funding Group and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as a committed purchaser and as administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 21, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(ii)(h)
Amendment No. 5 to Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated July 29, 2016, by and among Commercial Metals Company, CMC Receivables, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., and Nieuw Amsterdam Receivables Corporation B.V. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 2, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(a)*
Second Amended and Restated 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(a) to Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending February 28, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(b)*
Amendment Number One to the Second Amended and Restated 1999 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Commercial Metals Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 28, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(c)*
Commercial Metals Company 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(b) to Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending February 28, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(d)*
Amendment Number One to Commercial Metals Company 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Commercial Metals Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 28, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(e)*
Commercial Metals Company 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 28, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(f)*
Form of Executive Employment Continuity Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(g)*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed herewith).
10(iii)(h)*
Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(iii)(q) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
10(iii)(i)*
Form of Performance Award Agreement (filed herewith).
EXHIBIT
NO.
DESCRIPTION
The following financial information from Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (filed herewith).
† The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit upon the request of the SEC in accordance with Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K.
*
Denotes management contract or compensatory plan.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(1)
Recoveries and translation adjustments.
(2)
Uncollectable accounts charged to the allowance. For the years ended August 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, $(1,401), $(1,695) and $(1,010) were reclassified to the fair value of the deferred purchase price under our sale of accounts receivables program, respectively.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
By
/s/ Joseph Alvarado
Joseph Alvarado
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: October 31, 2016
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
† The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit upon the request of the SEC in accordance with Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K.
*
Denotes management contract or compensatory plan.