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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

(Mark One)
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year endedFiscal Year Ended August 31, 20172020

or

  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

or
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition periodTransition Period fromto

Commission File Number 0-22496

000-22496

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

OREGON93-0341923

Oregon

93-0341923

(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation)incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


299 SW Clay Street, Suite 350,

Portland, Oregon

97201

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(503) 224-9900

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (503) 224-9900

code)

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

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par value

The

SCHN

NASDAQ Global Select Market

(Title of Each Class)(Name of each Exchange on which registered)

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

None

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

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes o   No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x   No o

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

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

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

Large accelerated filer

o

Accelerated filer

x

Non-accelerated filer

o

Smaller reporting company

o

Emerging growth company

o

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o   No x

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates on February 28, 2017 29, 2020 was $623,145,280.

$429,207,543.

The registrant had 26,862,56926,907,823 shares of Class A common stock, par value of $1.00 per share, and 200,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value of $1.00 per share, outstanding as of October 20, 2017.

2020.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the January 20182021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

PAGE

1

PART I

Item 1

2

Item 1A

Item 1A

Risk Factors

14

Item 1B

27

Item 2

Item 32

28

Item 3

Legal Proceedings

29

Item 4

30

Item 5

31

Item 6

33

Item 7

34

Item 7A

53

Item 8

54

Item 9

99

Item 9A

99

Item 9B

Item 9B

Other Information

99

PART III

Item 10

100

Item 11

Item 11

Executive Compensation

100

Item 12

100

Item 13

100

Item 14

100

Item 15

101

Item 16

104

105



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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements and information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K by Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Except as noted herein or as the context may otherwise require, all references to “we,” “our,” “us,” “the Company” and “SSI” refer to the CompanySchnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include statements regarding future events or our expectations, intentions, beliefs and strategies regarding the future, which may include statements regarding trends, cyclicality and changes in the markets we sell into;impact of pandemics, epidemics or other public health emergencies, such as the Company'scoronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic; the Company’s outlook, growth initiatives or expected results or objectives, including pricing, margins, sales volumes and profitability; liquidity positions; our ability to generate cash from continuing operations; trends, cyclicality and changes in the markets we sell into; strategic direction or goals; targets; changes to manufacturing and production processes; the realization of deferred tax assets; planned capital expenditures; the cost of and the status of any agreements or actions related to our compliance with environmental and other laws; expected tax rates, deductions and credits; the realizationimpact of deferred tax assets; planned capital expenditures; liquidity positions; ability to generate cash from continuing operations;sanctions and tariffs, quotas and other trade actions and import restrictions; the potential impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements; obligations under our retirement plans; benefits, savings or additional costs from business realignment, cost containment and productivity improvement programs; and the adequacy of accruals.

Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, and often contain words such as “outlook,” “target,” “aim,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “assumes,” “estimates,” “evaluates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “opinions,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “plans,” “future,” “forward,” “potential,” “probable,” and similar expressions. However, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.

We may make other forward-looking statements from time to time, including in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, presentations and on public conference calls. All forward-looking statements we make are based on information available to us at the time the statements are made, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Our business is subject to the effects of changes in domestic and global economic conditions and a number of other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Some of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in "Item“Item 1A. Risk Factors"Factors” of Part I of this Form 10-K. Examples of these risks include: the impact of pandemics, epidemics or other public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; potential environmental cleanup costs related to the Portland Harbor Superfund site or other locations; the cyclicality and impact of general economic conditions; instabilitychanging conditions in international markets;global markets including the impact of sanctions and tariffs, quotas and other trade actions and import restrictions; volatile supply and demand conditions affecting prices and volumes in the markets for both our products and raw materials and other inputs we purchase; significant decreases in scrap metal prices; imbalances in supply and demand conditions in the global steel industry; the impact of goodwill impairment charges; the impact of long-lived asset and cost and equity method investment impairment charges; failure to realize or delays in realizing expected benefits from investments in processing and manufacturing technology improvements; inability to achieve or sustain the benefits from productivity, cost savings and restructuring initiatives; inability to renew facility leases; difficulties associated with acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; customer fulfillment of their contractual obligations; increases in the relative value of the U.S. dollar; the impact of foreign currency fluctuations; potential limitations on our ability to access capital resources and existing credit facilities; restrictions on our business and financial covenants under the agreement governing our bank credit agreement;facilities; the impact of consolidation in the steel industry; inabilityreliance on third party shipping companies, including with respect to realize expected benefits from investments in technology; freight rates and the availability of transportation; the impact of equipment upgrades, equipment failures and facility damage on production; product liability claims; the impact of legal proceedings and legal compliance; the adverse impact of climate change; the impact of not realizing deferred tax assets; the impact of tax increases and changes in tax rules; the impact of property tax increases or property tax rate changes; the impact of one or more cybersecurity incidents; environmental compliance costs and potential environmental liabilities; inability to obtain or renew business licenses and permits or renew facility leases;permits; compliance with climate change and greenhouse gas emission laws and regulations; reliance on employees subject to collective bargaining agreements; and the impact of the underfunded status of multiemployer plans in which we participate.


1 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 20172020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.



Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


PART I


ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

Founded in 1906, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. ("SSI"(“SSI”), an Oregon corporation, is one of North America’s largest recyclers of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal, including end-of-life vehicles, and a manufacturer of finished steel products. Worldwide demand for recycled scrap metal is driven primarily by steel production levels. Steellevels, as recycled scrap metal is the primary feedstock for steel mill production using electric arc furnace (“EAF”) technology relies on recycled scrap metal as its primary feedstock, and one of the raw materials utilized for steel manufacturing using blast furnace technology also uses recycled scrap metal for a portion of its raw materials.technology. Steel mills around the world, including those in the North American domestic market in which our own steel mill operates, are the primary end markets for our ferrous recycled scrap metal. Specialty steelmakers, foundries, refineries, smelters, wholesalers, and other recycled metal processors globally are the primary end markets for our nonferrous recycled scrap metal. Our steel mill in Oregon produces finished steel products using internally sourced recycled scrap metal as the primary raw material and sells to industrial customers primarily in North America.

Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, our internal organizational and reporting structure supported two operating and reportable segments: the Auto and Metals Recycling ("AMR") business and the Steel Manufacturing Business ("SMB"). In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, in accordance with our plan announced in June 2017, we modified our internal organizational and reporting structure to combine our steel manufacturing operations, which had been reported as our SMB segment, with our Oregon metals recycling operations, which had been reported within our AMR segment, forming a new division named Cascade Steel and Scrap ("CSS"). The Oregon metals recycling operations include our collection, shredding, and export facilities in Portland, Oregon, and also include four metals recycling feeder yard operations located in Oregon and Southern Washington and one joint venture ownership interest. The Oregon metals recycling operations source substantially all of the scrap raw material needs of our steel manufacturing operations. This change in organizational structure is intended to enhance our flexibility, generate internal synergies, and enable us to more effectively adjust to market changes across our recycling and steel manufacturing operations. We began reporting on this new segment structure in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 as reflected in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The segment data for the comparable periods presented has been recast to conform to the current period presentation for all activities of the reorganized segments. Recasting this historical information did not have an impact on the consolidated financial performance of

SSI for any of the periods presented.

SSI collectsacquires and recycles autobodies,auto bodies, rail cars, home appliances, industrial machinery, manufacturing scrap and construction and demolition scrap through its 9794 auto and metals recycling facilities. We source material through well-developed, regional supply chains that collect scrap from large and small businesses and individuals. Our largest source of autobodiesauto bodies is our own network of 5350 retail self-service auto parts stores, which operate under the commercial brand-name Pick-n-Pull. AllThe majority of our auto parts stores are reported within the AMR segment, and a majority of the stores are located in close geographic proximity to our regional metals recycling operations which have large-scale shredders and deep water port access. The level of vertical integration of our auto parts stores and metals recycling operations provides for efficient processing of salvaged automobiles into recycled metal products for new metal production in steel mills and smelters globally.
globally or for further processing by other customers.

We utilize a variety of systems and technologies to process recycled metals ranging from iron and steel to aluminum, copper, brass, lead, stainless steel, zinc and zincother nonferrous metals for use in the manufacture of new or refined products. With scrap recycling facilities located in 23 States, Puerto Rico and Western Canada, we are well-positioned to efficiently collectacquire scrap metal throughout North America and deliver recycled metal products to customers around the world from our seven deep water ports and also to our steel mill in Oregon. In fiscal 2017,2020, we sold our products to customers located in 2429 countries, including the United States ("(“U.S.") and Canada, and we sold to external customers or delivered to our steel mill an aggregate of 3.64.0 million tons of ferrous recycled scrap metal and sold 585551 million pounds of nonferrous recycled scrap metal to external customers.

Our internal organizational and reporting structure includes two operating and reportable segments: the Auto and Metals Recycling (“AMR”) business and the Cascade Steel and Scrap (“CSS”) business.

AMR is our largest segment, representing 80% 76%of our total revenues from sales to external customers in fiscal 2017.2020. AMR generated 91% of its revenues in fiscal 20172020 from sales of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal, with the remainder generated primarily from retail auto parts and other sales. AMR'sAMR’s revenues from sales of recycled scrap metal, disaggregated by major product category, were 68%70% ferrous scrap metal and 32%30% nonferrous scrap metal in fiscal 2017. The remainder of our revenues from external scrap metal sales are generated by our2020. Our metals recycling operations reported within the CSS segment. The significant majorityalso generate revenue from external sales of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal processed by the CSS metals recycling operations is used by our steel mill to produce finished steel products, and a minority portion is sold to the export market.

metal.

CSS produces finished steel products such as rebar, wire rod, coiled rebar, merchant bar and other specialty products using ferrous recycled scrap metal primarily sourced internally from its metals recycling operations and other raw materials. CSS'sCSS’s finished steel products are primarily used in nonresidential and infrastructure construction in North America. In fiscal 2017,2020, CSS sold 496505 thousandshort tons of finished steel products.


2 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


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Tabular presentation of our active recycling and steel facilities by geographic region and segment is as follows:
  Auto Parts Stores 
Metals Recycling Facilities(1)
 Total Recycling Facilities 
Large-Scale Shredders(2)
 Deep Water Ports 
Steel Facilities(3)
 Segment
Northwest
WA, OR, MT
 7 3 10 1 1  AMR
  5 5 1 1 1 CSS
Southwest and Hawaii
CA, NV, UT, HI
 22 7 29 2 2  AMR
      1 CSS
Midwest and South
IL, IN, OH, MO, KS, TX, AR
 15  15    AMR
Northeast
MA, ME, NH, RI
 2 9 11 1 2  AMR
Southeast and Puerto Rico
GA, AL, TN, FL, VA, PR
 3 16 19 1 1  AMR
Western Canada
BC, AB
 4 4 8    AMR
Total 53 44 97 6 7 2  
_____________________
(1)Excludes joint venture facilities.
(2)All large-scale shredding operations employ advanced nonferrous extraction and separation equipment.
(3)Includes one steel mini-mill in Oregon and one distribution center in California.
During the past five years, we implemented a number of cost reduction, productivity improvement, and restructuring initiatives to more closely align our business with market conditions. The combined benefit of the measures initiated since the beginning of fiscal 2015 represents a targeted annual improvement to operating performance of approximately $95 million. In fiscal 2017, we achieved approximately $95 million in combined benefits related to these measures, compared to approximately $78 million and $28 million of benefits in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. In total, we have achieved approximately $160 million in combined annual benefits to operating performance since announcing the initial phase of these cost savings and productivity initiatives at the end of fiscal 2012.
We incurred restructuring charges and other exit-related activities during fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 in connection with cost reduction, productivity improvement, and restructuring initiatives. See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of this report for further discussion of restructuring initiatives, benefits and costs.

See Note 18 - Segment Information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for a discussion of the primary activities of each reportable segment, total assets by reportable segment, operating results from continuing operations by reportable segment, revenues from external customers and concentration of sales to foreign countries.

In fiscal 2020, we implemented productivity initiatives aimed at reducing our annual operating expenses at Corporate, AMR and CSS, mainly through reductions in non-trade procurement spend, including outside and professional services, lower employee-related expenses and other non-headcount measures. We targeted $15 million in realized benefits in fiscal 2020 from these initiatives, and we exceeded this target with achievement of approximately $18 million of benefits in fiscal 2020.

2 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

In April 2020, we announced our intention to modify our internal organizational and reporting structure to a functionally based, integrated model. We will consolidate our operations, sales, services and other functional capabilities at an enterprise level. This change in structure is intended to result in a more agile organization and solidify recent productivity improvement and cost reduction initiatives. We expect to complete this transition in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

During fiscal 2020, we incurred aggregate restructuring charges and other exit-related costs of approximately $9 million in connection with these initiatives, comprising severance costs of $2 million, costs associated with a lease contract termination of $1 million, and professional services costs of $6 million. The substantial majority of the restructuring charges and other exit-related costs related to these initiatives were recognized in fiscal 2020 and required us to make cash payments.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”)

In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. The outbreak resulted in governments around the world implementing stringent measures to help control the spread of the virus, followed by phased regulations and guidelines for reopening communities and economies. The pandemic and resulting measures have had a significant impact on national and global economic conditions.

We are a company operating in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Consistent with federal guidelines and with state and local orders to date, we have continued to operate across our footprint throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring the health and welfare of our employees, and all who visit our sites, is our top priority and we are following all U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local health department guidelines. Further, we implemented infection control measures at all our sites and put in place restrictions on travel and in-person meetings and other physical distancing measures. Notwithstanding our continued operations, COVID-19 has negatively impacted and may have further unfavorable impacts on our financial performance, operations, supply chain and flows of raw materials, transportation and logistics networks and customers. For further discussion of the impacts of COVID-19 on our financial condition and results of operations in fiscal 2020, refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

While we expect the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position, the current level of uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 means the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. For further discussion of the risks relating to this matter, refer to Risk Factors in this Part I, Item 1A of this report.

Tabular presentation of our active recycling and steel facilities by geographic region and segment is as follows:

 

 

Auto Parts

Stores

 

 

Metals Recycling

Facilities(1)

 

 

Total Recycling

Facilities

 

 

Large-Scale

Shredders(2)

 

 

Deep Water

Ports

 

 

Steel

Facilities(3)

 

 

Segment

Northwest

 

 

7

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

AMR

(WA, OR, MT)

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

CSS

Southwest and Hawaii

 

 

22

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

AMR

(CA, NV, UT, HI)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

CSS

Midwest and South

(AR, IL, IN, OH, MO, KS, TX)

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMR

Northeast

(MA, ME, NH, RI)

 

 

2

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

AMR

Southeast and Puerto Rico

(GA, AL, TN, FL, VA, PR)

 

 

2

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

AMR

Western Canada

(BC, AB)

 

 

4

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMR

Total

 

 

50

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

94

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

(1)

Excludes joint venture facilities.

AMR

(2)

All large-scale shredding operations employ nonferrous extraction and separation equipment.

(3)

Includes one steel mini-mill in Oregon and one distribution center in California.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

AMR

Business

AMR sells and brokers ferrous recycled scrap metal (containing iron) to foreign and domestic steel producers and nonferrous recycled scrap metal (not containing iron) toin both foreign and domestic markets. AMR buys, collects,acquires, processes and recycles autobodies,auto bodies, rail cars, home appliances, industrial machinery, manufacturing scrap and construction and demolition scrap through its 9289 auto and metals recycling facilities. Our largest source of autobodiesauto bodies is our own network of retail auto parts stores, which operate under the commercial brand-name Pick-n-Pull. AMR procures salvaged vehicles and sells serviceable used auto parts from these vehicles through its 5350 self-service auto parts stores located across the U.S. and Western Canada. Upon acquiring a salvaged vehicle, we remove catalytic converters, aluminum wheels and batteries for separate processing and sale prior to placing the vehicle in our retail lot. After retail customers have removed desired parts from a vehicle, we may remove remaining major component parts containing ferrous and nonferrous materials such as engines, transmissions and alternators,metals, which are primarily sold to wholesalers. The remaining autobodiesauto bodies are crushed and shipped to our metals recycling facilities to be shredded or sold to third parties where geographically more economical.


3 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


To prepare scrap metal, we crush, sort and bale the material by product grade for easier handling and sale.

AMR processes mixed and large pieces of scrap metal into smaller pieces by crushing, torching, shearing, shredding and sorting, resulting in scrap metal pieces of a size, density and metal content required by customers to meet their production needs. The manufacturing process includes physical separation of ferrous and nonferrous materials through automated and manual processes into various sub-classifications, each of which has a value and metal content of importance to differentused by our customers for their end products. One of the most efficient ways to process and sort recycled scrap metal is through the use of shredding and separation systems.

AMR operates six deep water port locations, five of which are equipped with large-scale shredders. AMR'sAMR’s largest port facilities in Everett, Massachusetts; Oakland, California; and Tacoma, Washington each operate a mega-shredder with 7,000 to 9,000 horsepower. Our port facilities in Salinas, Puerto Rico and Kapolei, Hawaii each operate a shredder with 1,500 to 6,000 horsepower.and 4,000 horsepower, respectively. Our port facility in Providence, Rhode Island does not operate a shredder.shredder, but exports ferrous recycled scrap metal acquired in the regional market. Our shredders are designed to provide a denser product and, in conjunction with advanced separation equipment, a more refined form of ferrous scrap metal which is used efficiently by steel mills in the production of new steel. The shredding process reduces autobodiesauto bodies and other scrap metal into fist-size pieces of shredded recycled scrap metal. The shredded material is then carried by conveyor under magnetized drums that attract the ferrous scrap metal and separate it from the mixed nonferrous scrap metal and other residue, found in the shredded material, resulting in a consistent and high-quality shredded ferrous product. The mixed nonferrous scrap metal and residue then pass through a series of additional mechanical sorting systems designed to separate the nonferrous metal from the residue.

The remaining mixed nonferrous metal is then further sorted by product and size grade before being sold.sold as joint products, which include zorba (primarily aluminum), zurik (primarily stainless steel) and shredded insulated wire (primarily copper and aluminum). AMR invests in nonferrous metal extraction and separation technologies in order to maximize the recoverability of valuable nonferrous metal. metal and to meet the metal purity requirements of customers. AMR has a major strategic initiative currently underway to replace, upgrade and add to its existing nonferrous metal recovery technologies that is expected to increase metal recovery yields, provide for additional product optionality and create higher quality furnace-ready products. The rollout of these new technologies is anticipated to be completed in fiscal 2021, with total capital expenditures estimated to be $100 million, of which $41 million has been incurred, including $29 million during fiscal 2020. AMR also purchases nonferrous metal directly from industrial vendors and other suppliers and aggregates and prepares this metal for shipment to customers by ship, rail or truck.

In addition to the sale of recycled metal products processed at our facilities, AMR also brokers the sale of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal generated by industrial entities and demolition projects to customers in the domestic market.

Products

AMR's and Services

AMR’s primary products consist of recycled ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal. Ferrous recycled scrap metal is a key feedstock used in the production of finished steel and is largely categorized into heavy melting steel (“HMS”), plate and structural (“bonus”) and shredded scrap (“shred”), although there are various grades of each category depending on metal content and the size and consistency of individual pieces. These attributes affect the product’s relative value. Our nonferrous products include mixed metal joint products recovered from the shredding process, such as zorba, zurik and shredded insulated wire, as well as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, nickel, brass, titanium, lead, and high temperature alloysalloys. We also sell catalytic converters to specialty processors that extract the nonferrous precious metals including platinum, palladium and joint products such as zorba (primarily mixed aluminum nonferrous material) and zurik (predominantly stainless steel).

rhodium.

Prior to the shredding process, AMR sells serviceable used auto parts from salvaged vehicles through its self-service auto parts stores located across the U.S. and Western Canada. Each retail self-service store offers an extensive selection of vehicles (including domestic and foreign cars, vans and light trucks) from which customers can remove and purchase parts. We employ proprietary information technology systems to centrally manage and operate the geographically diverse network of auto parts stores, and we regularly rotate the

4 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

inventory to provide customers with greater access to parts. In general, we believe the list prices of auto parts at our self-service stores are significantly lower than those offered at full-service auto dismantlers, retail car parts stores and car dealerships.

AMR enters into limited duration contracts with public entities and other third parties for vehicle dismantling and asset recovery services, which provide a source of low-cost salvage vehicles. In addition, AMR provides recycling services for scrap metal and other recyclable materials to a range of customers, including large retailers, industrial manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers and owners of end-of-life railcars.

Customers

AMR sells its ferrous and nonferrous recycled metal products globally to steel mills, foundries, refineries, smelters, wholesalers and smelters. AMR'sother recycled metal processors. AMR’s self-service auto parts stores also serve retail customers seeking to obtain serviceable used auto parts at a competitive price. Retail customers remove the parts without the assistance of store employees and pay a listed price for the part. AMR also supplies a small portion of its scrap metal to CSS'sCSS’s shredding operation in Portland, Oregon, the substantial majority of which is processed and delivered to CSS'sCSS’s steel mill.

Presented below are AMR revenues by continent for the last three fiscal years ended August 31 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

2020

 

 

% of

Revenue

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Revenue

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Revenue

 

North America(1)

 

$

507,637

 

 

 

39

%

 

$

664,308

 

 

 

40

%

 

$

736,494

 

 

 

39

%

Asia

 

 

527,765

 

 

 

41

%

 

 

767,670

 

 

 

46

%

 

 

834,038

 

 

 

44

%

Europe(2)

 

 

253,107

 

 

 

19

%

 

 

206,851

 

 

 

12

%

 

 

298,725

 

 

 

16

%

South America

 

 

14,984

 

 

 

1

%

 

 

42,084

 

 

 

3

%

 

 

25,277

 

 

 

1

%

Africa

 

 

4,319

 

 

 

%

 

 

4,064

 

 

 

%

 

 

14,432

 

 

 

1

%

Intercompany sales to CSS

 

 

(7,634

)

 

 

(1

)%

 

 

(11,612

)

 

 

(1

)%

 

 

(24,892

)

 

 

(1

)%

Total (net of intercompany)

 

$

1,300,178

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,673,365

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,884,074

 

 

 

 

 

 2017 
% of
Revenue
 2016 
% of
Revenue
 2015 
% of
Revenue
North America(1)
$571,620
 42 % $429,997
 41 % $612,275
 41 %
Asia593,332
 44 % 433,415
 41 % 586,519
 40 %
Europe(2)
167,576
 12 % 174,038
 17 % 233,970
 16 %
Africa11,932
 1 % 
  % 61,568
 4 %
South America19,158
 1 % 23,142
 2 % 18,983
 1 %
Intercompany sales to CSS(15,647) (1)% (12,081) (1)% (33,029) (2)%
Total (net of intercompany)$1,347,971
 

 $1,048,511
 

 $1,480,286
 

 ____________________________

(1)

(1)

Includes intercompany sales to CSS.

(2)

(2)

Includes sales to customers in Turkey.


4 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


In fiscal 2017,2020, the five countries from which AMR derived its largest revenues from external customers were the United States, China, Turkey, Bangladesh, South Korea and India which collectively accounted for 81%80% of total AMR external revenues.revenues. In fiscal 20162019 and 2015,2018, the five countries from which AMR derived its largest revenues from external customers accounted for 85%76% and 81%75%, respectively, of total AMR external revenue.revenues. We generally attribute revenues from external customers to individual countries based on the country in which the customer takes delivery of the goods.

is located.

AMR’s five largest external ferrous scrap metal customers accounted for 31%45% of external recycled ferrous metal revenues in fiscal 2017,2020, compared to 37% and 33% in fiscal 20162019 and 2015, 2018, respectively. AMR had no external customers that accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015. 2020, 2019 or 2018.

Total sales volumes of ferrous scrap metal vary from year-to-year due to the level of demand, availability of supply, general economic growth,conditions, infrastructure spending, relative currency values, availability of credit and other factors. Ferrous scrap metal sales are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, and nearly all of theour large shipments of ferrous scrap metal to foreign customers arehave historically been supported by letters of credit.

The table below sets forth, on a revenue and volume basis, the amount of recycled ferrous scrap metal sold by AMR to foreign and domestic customers, including sales to CSS, during the last three fiscal years ended August 31:

Ferrous Recycled Metal

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

Revenues(1)

 

 

Volume(2)

 

 

Revenues(1)

 

 

Volume(2)

 

 

Revenues(1)

 

 

Volume(2)

 

Foreign

 

$

652,901

 

 

 

2,379

 

 

$

824,596

 

 

 

2,475

 

 

$

959,001

 

 

 

2,623

 

Domestic

 

 

172,415

 

 

 

993

 

 

 

298,584

 

 

 

1,265

 

 

 

329,286

 

 

 

1,085

 

Total

 

$

825,316

 

 

 

3,372

 

 

$

1,123,180

 

 

 

3,740

 

 

$

1,288,287

 

 

 

3,708

 

Ferrous Recycled Metal2017 2016 2015
 
Revenues(1)
 
Volume(2)
 
Revenues(1)
 
Volume(2)
 
Revenues(1)
 
Volume(2)
Foreign$608,339
 2,197
 $452,242
 2,040
 $653,440
 2,183
Domestic234,883
 948
 173,275
 859
 280,617
 1,003
Total$843,222
 3,145
 $625,517
 2,899
 $934,057
 3,186
 _____________________________

(1)

(1)

Revenues stated in thousands of dollars.

(2)

(2)

Volume stated in thousands of long tons (one long ton = 2,240 pounds).

5 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


AMR sells nonferrous recycled scrap metal to specialty steelmakers, foundries, aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers, copper refineries and smelters, brass and bronze ingot manufacturers, wholesalers, and wire and cable producers globally. AMR invests in advanced separation technologies in order to extract higher nonferrous yields from the shredding process and to enhance the separation of nonferrous metals in order to maximize the grade and value of the individual metals.

Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

The table below sets forth, on a revenue and volume basis, the amount of recycled nonferrous scrap metal sold by AMR to foreign and domestic customers during the last three fiscal years ended August 31:

Nonferrous Recycled Metal

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

Revenues(1)

 

 

Volume(2)

 

 

Revenues(1)

 

 

Volume(2)

 

 

Revenues(1)

 

 

Volume(2)

 

Foreign

 

$

167,271

 

 

 

307,636

 

 

$

222,752

 

 

 

363,096

 

 

$

264,628

 

 

 

357,389

 

Domestic

 

 

193,037

 

 

 

189,872

 

 

 

207,609

 

 

 

245,198

 

 

 

217,149

 

 

 

214,316

 

Total

 

$

360,308

 

 

 

497,508

 

 

$

430,361

 

 

 

608,294

 

 

$

481,777

 

 

 

571,705

 

Nonferrous Recycled Metal2017 2016 2015
 
Revenues(1)
 
Volume(2)
 
Revenues(1)
 
Volume(2)
 
Revenues(1)
 
Volume(2)
Foreign$216,362
 319,629
 $186,989
 290,430
 $260,209
 326,059
Domestic178,615
 221,162
 143,362
 183,307
 189,606
 213,791
Total$394,977
 540,791
 $330,351
 473,737
 $449,815
 539,850
 ____________________________

(1)

(1)

Revenues stated in thousands of dollars.

(2)

(2)

Volume stated in thousands of pounds and volume information excludes PGMplatinum-group metals (“PGMs”) in catalytic converters.

AMR's

AMR’s retail auto parts sales accountaccounted for less than 10% of SSI'sSSI’s consolidated revenues in alleach of the periods presented.

Pricing

Domestic and foreign prices for ferrous and nonferrous recycled scrap metal are generally based on prevailing market rates, which differ by region, and are subject to market cycles that are influenced by worldwide demand from steel and other metal producers as well as by the availability of materials that can be processed into saleable scrap metal, among other factors. Sanctions and trade actions, including tariffs, quotas and restrictions or bans on access to certain markets, and licensing and inspection requirements can also impact pricing for the affected products. Ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal export sales contracts generally provide for shipment within 30 to 60 days after the price is agreed to which, in most cases, includes freight. Nonferrous scrap metal sales contracts generally provide for shipment within 30 days after the price is agreed to, which also typically includes freight.


5 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


AMR responds to changes in selling prices for processed metal by seeking to adjust purchase prices for unprocessed scrap metal in order to manage the impact on its operating income. The spread between selling prices and the cost of purchased materialscrap metal (metal spread) is subject to a number of factors, including differences in the market conditions between the domestic regions where unprocessed scrap metal is acquired and the areas in the world to which the processed materialsmetals are sold, market volatility from the time the selling price is agreed upon with the customer until the time the unprocessed materialscrap metal is purchased, and changes in the estimated costs of transportation to the customer's facility.costs. We believe AMR generally benefits from sustained periods of stable or rising recycled scrap metal selling prices, which allow it to better maintain or increase both operating income and unprocessed scrap metal flow into its facilities. When recycled scrap metal selling prices decline, either sharply or for a sustained period, AMR'sAMR’s operating margins typically compress.

The sales prices for auto parts from salvaged vehicles are deeply discounted from prevailing national new and refurbished sales prices offered at full-service auto dismantlers, retail carauto parts stores and car dealerships. Our stores provide a list price, available at each location and online. Prices for autobodiesauto bodies sold to third parties and for major component parts, such as engines, transmissions and alternators sold to wholesalers, are based on prevailing scrap market rates which differ by region and are subject to market cycles. Prices for catalytic converters sold to third-partythird party processors are based on prevailing market rates for the extracted metals.precious metals including platinum, palladium and rhodium. By consolidating shipments of auto bodies and component parts, and autobodies, we are able to optimize prices by focusing on larger wholesale customers that pay a premium for volume and consistency of shipments.

Markets

Global production of finished steel products drives demand for materials used in the steel-making process, including ferrous recycled scrap metal which is the primary feedstock used in EAFs and can also be used in blast furnaces to manufacture steel. AMR exports ferrous recycled scrap metal primarily to countries in Asia, the Mediterranean region and North, Central and South America. Ferrous exports made up approximately 70%71%, 66% and 71% of AMR'sAMR’s total ferrous sales volume in fiscal 2017, 2016,2020, 2019 and 2015. In fiscal 2017, the combination of improved U.S. and global economic growth and lower Chinese steel exports driven by higher domestic demand and reductions in less efficient steel-making capacity contributed to improved demand and prices for ferrous recycled scrap metal. 2018, respectively. We believe long-term demand for recycled metals will continue to be driven by factors including global economic growth and an increased focus on environmental policies promoting natural resource conservation, lower greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs. We believe the significant environmental benefits and production efficiencies associated with EAF steel-making, which uses scrap metal as a primary raw material, compared to blast furnace steel-making, which primarily uses iron ore mined from natural resources, will positively contribute to worldwide long-term demand for ferrous recycled scrap metal.

6 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Nonferrous exports made up approximately62%, 60% and 63% of AMR’s total nonferrous sales volumes in fiscal 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015. 2018, respectively. The substantial majority of AMR’s nonferrous joint products recovered from the shredding process are sold to the export market and comprise approximately 45% ofAMR’s total nonferrous sales volumes. China and the U.S. havehad historically been the largest sales destinations in the nonferrous markets, unlike the ferrous market which is highly diversified with no single country other than the U.S. being the dominantprimary destination for our products from yearnonferrous exports, representing 64% of AMR’s total nonferrous export sales volumes in fiscal 2018. Since then, concentration of AMR’s combined nonferrous exports to year.

countries in Asia other than China and to Europe has significantly increased, primarily in response to new regulations, increased inspection and licensing requirements, import quotas and tariffs on U.S. scrap imports put in place by China beginning in fiscal 2018. In fiscal 2020 and 2019, 13% and 39%, respectively, of AMR’s total nonferrous export sales volumes were to China.

Distribution

AMR delivers recycled ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal to foreign customers by ship and to domestic customers by barge, rail and road transportation networks. Cost efficiencies are achieved by operating deep water terminal facilities in Everett, Massachusetts; Oakland, California; Tacoma, Washington; and Providence, Rhode Island, all of which are owned, except for the Providence, Rhode Island facility which is operated under a long-term lease. We also have access to deep water terminal facilities at Kapolei, Hawaii and Salinas, Puerto Rico through public docks. AMR'sThe use of deep water terminals enableenables us to load ferrous material in large vessels capable of holding up to 50,000 tons for trans-oceanic shipments. Additionally, because we own mostWe believe the use of theour owned and leased terminal facilities at which we operate, AMR is not normally subjectadvantageous because it allows us to more effectively manage loading costs and minimize the same berthing delays often experienced by users of unaffiliated terminals. We believe that AMR’s loading costs are lower than at terminal facilities operated by third parties. From time to time, AMR may enter into contracts of affreightment, which guarantee the availability of ocean going vessels, in order to manage the risks associated with ship availability and freight costs.

Our nonferrous products are shipped in 20- to 30-ton capacity containers which hold 20 to 30 tons, from container ports and rail ramps located in close proximity to our recycling facilities. Containerized shipments are exported by marine vessels to customers globally, and domestic shipments are typically shipped to customers by rail or by truck.

AMR sells used auto parts from its self-service retail stores. OnceBoth before and after retail customers have pulled desirableremoved desired parts from the vehicle,acquired salvaged vehicles, we remove otherextract and consolidate certain valuable ferrous and nonferrous parts which are consolidated and shippedcomponents from auto bodies for shipment by truck primarily to wholesale customerscustomers. We also remove and collect catalytic converters from salvaged vehicles for shipment by truck.truck to specialty processers which extract the nonferrous precious metals. The salvaged autobodiesauto bodies are crushed and shipped by truck to our metals recycling facilities where geographically feasible, or to third-partythird party recyclers, for shredding.


6 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


Sources of Unprocessed Metal

The most common forms of purchased unprocessed metal are obsolete machinery and equipment, such as automobiles, railroad cars, railroad tracks, home appliances and other consumer goods, wastescrap metal from manufacturing operations and retailers and demolition metal from buildings and other infrastructure. Unprocessed metal is acquired from a diverse base of suppliers who unload at our facilities, from drop boxes at suppliers’ industrial sites, and through negotiated purchases from other large suppliers, including railroads, manufacturers, automobile salvage facilities, metal dealers, various government entities and individuals. We typically seek to locate our retail auto parts stores in major population centers with convenient road access. Our auto parts store network spans 15 states in the U.S. and two provinces in Western Canada, with a majority of the stores concentrated in regions where our large shredders are located. Through our network of auto parts stores, we seek to obtain salvaged vehicles from five primary sources: private parties, tow companies, charities, auto auctions and municipal and other contracts. AMR has a program to purchase vehicles from private parties called “Cash for Junk Cars” which is advertised in local markets. Private parties either call a toll-free number and receive a quote for their vehicle or obtain an instant online quote. The private party can either deliver the vehicle to one of our retail locations or arrange for the vehicle to be picked up. AMR also employs car buyers who travel to vendors and bid on vehicles. Further, AMR enters into limited duration contracts with public entities and other third parties for vehicle dismantling and asset recovery services, which provide a source of low-cost salvage vehicles. The expiration of such contracts may lead us to seek alternative sources of vehicles, potentially at a higher cost. AMR also sources scrap metal and other recyclable materials through its recycling services from a range of customers including large retailers, industrial manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers and railcar owners.

7 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

The majority of AMR’s scrap metal collection and processing facilities receive unprocessed metal via major railroad routes, waterways or highways. Metals recycling facilities situated near industrial manufacturing and major transportation routes have the competitive advantage of reduced freight costs because of the significant cost of freight relative to the cost of metal. The locations of AMR’s West Coast facilities provide access to sources of unprocessed metal in the Northern California region, northward to Western Canada and Alaska, and to the East, including Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado and Nevada. The locations of the East Coast facilities provide access to sources of unprocessed metal in New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Eastern Canada and, from time to time, the Midwest. In the Southeastern U.S., approximately half of AMR’s ferrous and nonferrous unprocessed metal volume is purchased from industrial companies, including auto manufacturers, with the remaining volume being purchased from smaller dealers and individuals. These industrial companies provide AMR with metals that are by-products of their manufacturing processes.

The supply of scrap metal from these various sources can fluctuate with the level of economic activity in the U.S. and can be sensitive to variability in scrap metal prices, particularly in the short term. The supply of scrap metal can also fluctuate, to a lesser degree, due to seasonal factors, such as severe weather conditions, which can inhibit scrap metal collections at our facilities and production levels in our yards. Severe weather conditions can also adversely impact the timing of shipments of our products, the level of manufacturing activity utilizing our products, and retail admissions at our auto parts stores.

Backlog

As of September 30, 2017,2020, AMR had a backlog of orders to sell $97 million of export ferrous metal compared to $104 million at the same time in the prior year primarily due to the timing of sales and relative selling prices. Additionally, as of September 30, 2020, AMR had a backlog of orders to sell $96$36 million of export ferrousnonferrous metal compared to $55$28 million at the same time in the prior year primarily due to increased selling prices and the timing of sales. Additionally, as of September 30, 2017, AMR had a backlog of orders to sell $34 million of export nonferrous metal compared to $27 million in the prior year primarily due to increased selling prices. We expect to fill the entirety of the backlog of orders for export ferrous and nonferrous metal during fiscal 2018.

2021.

Competition

AMR competes in the U.S. and in Western Canada for the purchase of scrap metal with large, well-financed recyclers of scrap metal, steel mills that own scrap yards, and with smaller metalmetals facilities and dealers. AMR'sAMR’s auto stores compete for the purchase of end-of-life vehicles with other auto dismantlers, used car dealers, auto auctions and metalmetals recyclers. In general, the competitive factors impacting the purchase of scrap metal and end-of-life vehicles are the price offered by the purchaser, and the proximity of the purchaser to the source of scrap metal and end-of-life vehicles.vehicles, and the purchaser’s ability to efficiently collect the scrap metal and end-of-life vehicles from certain suppliers’ locations. AMR also competes with brokers that buy scrap metal on behalf of domestic and foreign steel mills.

Demand for AMR’s products is cyclical in nature and sensitive to general economic conditions and other factors. AMR competes globally for the sale of processed recycled metal to finished steel and other metal product producers. The predominant competitive factors that impact recycled metal sales are price (including duties and shipping cost), reliability of service, product quality, the relative value of the U.S. dollar and the availability and price of raw material alternatives, including scrap metal substitutes such as pig iron and direct-reduced iron (both derived from iron ore), and semi-finished products, such as steel billets. CommencingOur ability to compete in fiscal 2012certain export markets may be impacted by sanctions and spanning through the first halftrade actions, such as tariffs, quotas and other import restrictions, and by licensing and inspection requirements. Such restrictions may require us to perform additional processing and packaging of fiscal 2016, low-priced steel billets using iron ore as their primary raw material contributed to lowercertain nonferrous recycled scrap metal demandproducts, as well as engage in increased inspection and prices. These challenging market conditions ledcertification activities, in order to an industry trend of reductions in capacity through idling of equipment and curtailment of operations, including by large and well-capitalized companies, while a number of smaller competitors consolidated or exitedcontinue selling into the scrap market due to the protracted cyclical downturn. In fiscal 2015, we idled a large-scale shredder in Johnston, Rhode Island and another in Surrey, British Columbia, and in fiscal 2016, we idled a small shredder in Concord, New Hampshire to more closely align our business with the prevalent market conditions. Market conditions improved in fiscal 2017 mainly due to higher demand from steel manufacturers in the domestic and export markets resulting in higher selling prices for raw materials used in steel production and increased supply flows of scrap metal,


7 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


including end-of-life vehicles. Higher average selling prices and supply volumes, in combination with increased sales diversification and the benefits to our operating efficiency from our multi-year cost savings and productivity initiatives, led to significant improvements in our operating performance year over year.
affected markets.

AMR also competes for the sale of used auto parts to retail customers with other self-service and full-service auto dismantlers. The auto parts industry is characterized by diverse and fragmented competition and comprises a large number of aftermarket and used auto parts suppliers of all sizes, ranging from large, multinational corporations which serve both original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket on a worldwide basis to small, local entities which have more limited supply. The main competitive factors impacting the retail sale of auto parts are price, availability and visibility of product, quality and convenience of the retail stores to customers.

AMR's

AMR’s ability to process substantial volumes of scrap metal products, advanced processing equipment, number and geographic dispersion of locations, access to a variety of different modes of transportation, geographic dispersion and the operating synergies of its integrated platform provide its business with the ability to compete successfully in varying market conditions.

8 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

CSS

Business

CSS operates a steel mini-mill in McMinnville, Oregon that produces a range of finished steel long products such as reinforcing bar (rebar) and wire rod. The primary feedstock for the manufacture of its products is ferrous recycled scrap metal. CSS'sCSS’s steel mill obtains substantially all of its scrap metal raw material requirements from its integrated metals recycling and joint venture operations. CSS'sCSS’s metals recycling operations are comprised ofcomprise a collection, shredding and export operation in Portland, Oregon, four feeder yard operations located in Oregon and Southern Washington, and one metals recycling joint venture ownership interest. Additionally, CSS purchases small volumes of ferrous scrap metal from AMR and sells ferrous and nonferrous recycled scrap metal primarily into the export market. CSS'sCSS’s revenues from external sales of recycled scrap metal account for less than 10% of SSI's SSI’s consolidated revenues in alleach of the periods presented.

Manufacturing

CSS’s melt shop includes an EAF, a ladle refining furnace with enhanced steel chemistry refining capabilities, and a five-strand continuous billet caster, permitting the mill to produce special alloy grades of steel not currently produced by other mills on the West Coast of the U.S. The melt shop produced 489519 thousand, 499537 thousandand 600561 thousandshort tons of steel in the form of billets during fiscal 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively. The substantial majority of these billets are used by CSS in its rolling mill to produce finished steel products.

Through the end of fiscal 2016, CSS operated two computerized rolling mills. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we implemented a plan to shut down and decommission the older rolling mill, which was entered into service over 40 years ago, and which in recent years had been producing only a small proportion of CSS's finished steel products. This action, in conjunction with an initiative to enhance the operating efficiency of the newer and more technologically advanced rolling mill, is expected to improve product quality, while expanding its overall effective annual production capacity. The newer rolling mill has an effective annual production capacity of 580 thousand tons of finished steel products.
Billets produced in CSS’s melt shop are reheated in a natural gas-fueled furnace and are then hot-rolled through the rolling mill to produce finished steel products. CSS continues to monitor the market for new products and, through discussions with customers, to identify additional opportunities to expand its product lines and sales.
CSSThe rollingmillhasaneffective annual production capacity under current conditions of approximately 580 thousand tons of finished steelproducts.

Our steel mill has an operating permit issued under Title V of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which governs certain air quality standards. The permit is based uponon an annual production capacity of approximately 950 thousand tons. The permit was first issued in 1998 and has since been renewed multiple times, most recently in April 2020 extending the permit through FebruaryApril 1, 2018. The permit renewal process occurs every five years and is underway for the next renewal period.

2025.

Products

CSS produces semi-finished goods (billets) and finished goods, consisting of rebar, coiled rebar, wire rod, merchant bar and other specialty products. Semi-finished goods are predominantly used for CSS’s finished products, but also have been produced for sale to other steel mills. Rebar is produced in either straight length steel bars or coils and used to increase the strength of poured concrete. Coiled rebar is preferred by some manufacturers because it reduces the waste generated by cutting individual lengths to meet customer specifications and, therefore, improves yield. Wire rod is steel rod, delivered in coiled form, used by manufacturers to produce a variety of products such as chain link fencing, nails, wire, stucco netting, and pre-stressed concrete strand. Merchant bar consists of rounds and square steel bars used by manufacturers to produce a wide variety of products, including bolts, threaded bars, and dowel bars. CSS is also certified to producean approved supplier of high-quality rebar to support nuclear power plant construction and has a license to produce certain patented high-strength specialty steels.


8 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


CSS monitors the market for new products in order to identify opportunities to expand its product lines and sales.

The table below sets forth, on a revenue and volume basis, the salesamount of finished steel products sold by CSS during the last three fiscal years ended August 31:

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

Revenues(1)

 

 

Volume(2)

 

 

Revenues(1)

 

 

Volume(2)

 

 

Revenues(1)

 

 

Volume(2)

 

Finished steel products

 

$

336,899

 

 

 

504,967

 

 

$

358,851

 

 

 

477,511

 

 

$

363,849

 

 

 

519,162

 

 2017 2016 2015
 
Revenues(1)
 
Volume(2)
 
Revenues(1)
 
Volume(2)
 
Revenues(1)
 
Volume(2)
Finished steel products$280,206
 495,516
 $269,355
 488,212
 $363,795
 539,984
_____________________________

(1)

(1)

Revenues stated in thousands of dollars.

(2)

(2)

Volume stated in short tons (one short ton = 2,000 pounds).


The metals recycling operations within CSS produce substantially the same recycled scrap metal products as those produced by the metals recycling operations within AMR and are exposed to similar market and competitive forces.

9 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Customers

CSS’s finished steel customers are primarily steel service centers, construction industry subcontractors, steel fabricators, wire drawers and major farm and wood products suppliers. During fiscal 2017,2020, CSS sold its finished steel products to customers located primarily in the Western U.S. and Western Canada. Customers in California accounted for 53%55%, 48%,54% and 46%48% of CSS'sCSS’s steel revenues in fiscal 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively. CSS’s ten largest steel customers accounted for 51%, 45%49% and 42%46% of its steel revenues during fiscal 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015, 2018, respectively. No CSS steel customer accounted for 10% or more of SSI’s consolidated revenues in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015.

2020, 2019 or 2018.

The metals recycling operations within CSS also sell ferrous and nonferrous recycled metal products to external customers comprising primarily to steel mills, foundries, refineries, smelters and smeltersother recycled metal processors in Asia.

Pricing

CSS’s finished steel product prices differ by product size and grade. Selling prices are influenced by the price of raw materials, including the cost of recycled ferrous scrap metal and required consumables including graphite electrodes and alloys, as well as regional demand in the West Coast market. Selling prices for our finished steel products may also be affected by the price and availability of steel imports.

Distribution

CSS sells finished steel products directly from its mini-mill in McMinnville, Oregon and its owned distribution center in City of Industry, California (Los Angeles area). Finished steel products are shipped from the mini-mill to the distribution center primarily by rail. The distribution center facilitates sales by maintaining an inventory of products close to major customers for just-in-time delivery. CSS communicates regularly with major customers to determine their anticipated needs and plans its rolling mill production schedule accordingly. Finished steel shipments to customers are made by common carrier, primarily truck or rail.

CSS delivers recycled ferrous scrap metal to export customers by bulk ship using its deep water terminal facility in Portland, Oregon, and nonferrous recycled scrap metal to export customers in containers by ship.

Supply of Scrap Metal

We believe CSS operates the only mini-mill in the Western U.S. that obtains its scrap metal requirements from an integrated metals recycler. CSS'sCSS’s metals recycling operations provide its steel mill with a mix of recycled metal grades, which allows the mill to achieve optimum efficiency in its melting operations.

Energy Supply

CSS needs electricity to run its steel manufacturing operations, primarily its EAF. CSS purchases electricity under a long-term contract with McMinnville Water & Light (“MW&L”), which in turn relies on the Bonneville Power Administration (“BPA”).Administration. We entered into our current contract with MW&L in October 2011 that will expire in September 2028.

CSS's

CSS’s steel manufacturing operations also need natural gas to run its reheat furnace, which is used to reheat billets prior to running them through the rolling mill. CSS meets this demand through a natural gas agreement with a utility provider that obligates CSS at each month-end to purchase a volume of gas based on its projected needs for the immediately subsequent month on a take-or-pay basis priced using published natural gas indices.

Energy costs representedrepresented 5% of CSS’s cost of goods sold in fiscal 2017 and 6% in each of fiscal 20162020 and 2015.

2019, and 4% in fiscal 2018.

Backlog

CSS's steel manufacturing operations generally ship products within days after the receipt of a purchase order.

As of September 30, 20172020 and 2016,2019, CSS had a backlog of finished steel orders of $19$21 million and $5$14 million, respectively.


9 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table We expect to fill the entirety of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


the backlog of orders for finished steel products during fiscal 2021.

Competition

The primary domestic competitors of CSS for the sale of finished steel products include Nucor Corporation’s manufacturing facilities in Arizona, Utah and Washington; Gerdau Long Steel North America’s facility in California;Washington, and Commercial Metals Company’s manufacturing facilityfacilities in Arizona.Arizona and California. In addition to domestic competition, CSS competes with foreign steel producers, principally located in Asia, Canada, Mexico and Central and South America, primarily in shorter length rebar and certain wire rod grades. In recent years, a trend of increasing volumes of imported steel products has occurred in CSS's primary domestic markets, driven by global overcapacity in steel-making production and by the relative strength of the U.S. dollar which increases the competitiveness of imports. The principal competitive factors in CSS’s market are price, quality, service, product availability and the relative value of the U.S. dollar.

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Large volumes of low-priced imports have negatively impacted, and have the potential to continue to negatively impact, the ability of CSS to compete.

For more than a decade, CSS'sCSS’s steel manufacturing operations,operation, as part of a U.S. industry coalition, has petitioned the U.S. Government under our international trade laws for relief in the form of antidumping and countervailing duties against wire rod and rebar products from a number of foreign countries. Many of those cases have beenwere successful and as ofled to a decrease in finished steel imports into CSS’s domestic markets from the start ofpeak reached in fiscal 2017,2016. During fiscal 2020, antidumping duty orders were in effect related to imports of rebar from Belarus, China, Indonesia, Japan, Latvia, Mexico, Moldova, Poland, Taiwan, Turkey and Ukraine; a countervailing duty order was in effect related to imports of rebar from Turkey; antidumping duty orders were in effect related to imports of wire rod from Belarus, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Moldova, andRussia, South Africa, Spain, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago;Tobago and aTurkey; and countervailing duty order wasorders were in effect related to imports of wire rod from Brazil. During 2017, following a petition by the U.S. domestic industryBrazil, China, Italy and successful resolution, new antidumping duty orders were imposed against rebar from Japan, Taiwan and Turkey.

The duties imposed as part of these orders are periodically reassessed through the administrative review process. In addition, every five years the U.S. governmentGovernment conducts sunset reviews to determine whether revocation of the orders would likely lead to resumption of dumping and subsidization and negatively impact the U.S. domestic industry. Affirmative decisions allow the orders to continue for an additional five years. The next sunset reviewsreview for rebar from Belarus, China, Indonesia, Latvia, Moldova, Poland and Ukraine will bewas initiated in June 2018, and, following an affirmative decision in October 2018, orders covering these countries remain in place for another five years. The first sunset review covering rebar from Mexico and Turkey (from the 2014 investigation) will becommenced in 2019.October 2019, and, following an affirmative decision in September 2020, orders covering these countries remain in place for another five years. The administrative reviews for rebar from the newest orderthird sunset review covering imports from Japan, Taiwan and Turkey will be in 2022. The next sunset reviews for wire rod from allBrazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Moldova and Trinidad and Tobago, was initiated in June 2019, and, following an affirmative decision in July 2020, orders covering these countries will beremain in 2019.

During fiscal 2017, theplace for another five years.

There are antidumping margin on one large Mexican wire rod manufacturer was increased significantlyand countervailing duty orders in the administrative review process.

In May 2017, following successful resolution of a petition from the Canadian domestic industry, theeffect in Canada Border Services Agency issued antidumping duty orders covering rebar from Belarus, China, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Portugal, and Spain. Along with the current orders against rebar from China, KoreaSpain and Turkey these orders are expectedthat we expect will continue to generally lead to a reduction in the volume of imports into Canada from these countries.
In March 2017, the U.S. domestic steel manufacturing industry filed a new petition targeting wire rod from Belarus, Italy, Korea, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The petition alleges dumping of wire rod from all countries, and additional unfair subsidization of wire rod from Italy and Turkey. The U.S. International Trade Commission made an affirmative preliminary injury determination in May and the case is currently with the Department of Commerce for determination of dumping and subsidization margins.

The long-term effectiveness of existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders related to imports of wire rod and rebar products is largely uncertain and is impacted by the U.S. Government'sGovernment’s ability to efficiently identify and respond to violations of U.S. international trade laws affecting CSS'sCSS’s steel manufacturing operations.

In addition to antidumpingMarch 2018, the President of the United States imposed tariffs in the amount of 25 percent and countervailing duty activity,10 percent on imports of certain steel and aluminum products, respectively. The imposition of the tariffs was the conclusion of an investigation started in April 2017 the U.S. Department of Commerce self-initiated a national security investigation under Section 232(B)232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The purpose of this law is to provide1962 that allows for an exemption from normal international trade rules if imports of a product or products, are harming national security. Currently, imports from Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea are exempt from these duties pursuant to various agreements, including quotas. Further, while the President of the United States initially imposed an additional 25% tariff on imports from Turkey, that order was rescinded in May 2019. Also, in May 2019, the President announced an agreement with Canada and Mexico that eliminated the Section 232 tariffs on steel from those countries. As part of the agreement, Canada and Mexico also suspended their retaliatory duties on U.S. imports. The Secretaryelimination of the 25% duty on U.S.-origin steel imports into Canada has allowed CSS to resume shipping steel to Western Canada. Sales of finished steel products to customers in Canada represented 6%, 3%, and 7% of our steel mill’s external sales in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The European Union continues to impose retaliatory duties on U.S.-origin steel imports. The Department of Commerce has 270 days (or until January 2018) to present the U.S. President with a report and recommendations. If remedies are imposed on steel imports (such as additional tariffs, quotas or a combination of the two), this could result in a decrease in imports and higher prices for those imports which are sold into the U.S.


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Strategic Focus
Use of our Operating Platform to Meet Both Domestic and Global Demand
Our operating platform includes a wide-ranging network of locations that allows us to diversify our sales by directly accessing customers domestically and around the world to meet demand for recycled metal wherever it is greatest. Our seven deep water terminal facilities enable us to bulk load large vessels capable of trans-oceanic shipments, thereby allowing us to efficiently ship products globally. We achieve cost efficiencies because we own the majority of these terminal facilities, which reduces the likelihood of berthing delays often experienced by users of unaffiliated terminals, and because we are able to ship bulk cargoes of up to 50,000 tons, which generally have lower freight costs on a per-ton basis than containerized shipments that hold 20 to 30 tons per container. We also use an internal and third-party logistics network to transport both ferrous and nonferrous metals by truck, rail and barge to efficiently meet regional domestic demand in our North American market.
Integrated Operations Maximize Opportunities for Synergies, Cost Efficiencies and Volumes
We have historically focused on, and will continue to emphasize, continuous improvement programs, including productivity initiatives and technology investments which seek to maximize ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal recovery and to improve productivity in our steel manufacturing operations. The objective of these programs is to identify areas in existing processes that could be made more efficient, or where current performance could be improved, and to recommend and implement solutions that could increase revenues or reduce costs by increasing output, recovery and productivity.
In recent years, we undertook a number of productivity improvements and restructuring initiatives designed to reduce operating expenses and improve profitability, including further integration among our operating platforms. In fiscal 2012, we implemented restructuring initiatives which achieved a reduction in annual pre-tax operating costs of $25 million and were completed by the end of fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2014, we implemented productivity improvement and restructuring initiatives which achieved a reduction in annual pre-tax operating costs of $40 million and were completed by the end of fiscal 2015. In fiscal 2015, we initiated and implemented restructuring initiatives including idling underutilized metals recycling assets and closing seven auto parts stores to more closely align our business to the prevalent market conditions. We also implemented measures focused on further reducing our annual operating expenses through headcount reductions, reducing organizational layers, consolidating shared services functions and other non-headcount measures. Additional cost savings and productivity improvement initiatives, including additional reductions in personnel, savingsan exclusion process whereby U.S. entities can request that certain products be excluded from procurement activities, streamlining of administrative and supporting services functions, and adjustmentsthe Section 232 tariffs. CSS reviews any exclusion requests relevant to our operating capacity through additional facility closures, were identified and initiated in fiscal 2016 asits product line to determine whether an expansion of the fiscal 2015 restructuring initiatives. Together, these fiscal 2015 and 2016 initiatives targeted an improvement in annual pre-tax operating results of approximately $95 million. In fiscal 2017, we achieved the approximately $95 million in combined benefits related to these measures, compared to $78 million and $28 million of benefits in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. In total, we have achieved approximately $160 million in combined annual benefits to operating performance since announcing the initial phase of these cost savings and productivity initiatives at the end of fiscal 2012. See Note 8 - Discontinued Operations and Note 10 - Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Activities in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further details.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we combined our auto parts and metals recycling businesses into a single operating platform, AMR, to further optimize the efficiencies within the platform, enable additional synergies toobjection might be captured throughout our supply chain and global sales channel, and more effectively leverage our shared services functions. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we combined our steel manufacturing operations with our Oregon metals recycling operations, forming CSS, which is intended to enhance our flexibility, generate internal synergies, and enable us to more effectively adjust to market changes across our recycling and steel manufacturing operations. Through our integrated platforms, we seek to generate operational efficiencies through the use of regionally-based supply networks, automation, enhanced logistics, and national commercial market activities.
During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, we spent $45 million, $35 million and $32 million, respectively, on capital improvements. These capital expenditures primarily reflect our significant investments in modern equipment to improve the efficiency and capabilities of our businesses in order to further maximize our economies of scale and to comply with environmental regulations. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2017 included costs to upgrade our equipment and infrastructure and expand on our investments in environmental and safety-related assets. We currently plan to invest in the range of $55 to $70 million in capital expenditures on similar projects in fiscal 2018, including approximately $20 million on environmental projects.

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appropriate.

Environmental Matters

Impact of Legislation and Regulation

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations is a significant factor in our operations. Our businesses are subject to extensive local, state and federal environmental protection, health, safety and transportation laws and regulations relating to, among others:

Remediation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”);

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”);

The discharge of materials and emissions into the air;

Remediation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”);

The prevention and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination;

The discharge of materials and emissions into the air;

The management, treatment and discharge of wastewater and storm water;

The prevention and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination;

Climate change;

The management and treatment of wastewater and storm water;

The generation, discharge, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials and secondary materials; and

Global climate change;

The protection of our employees’ health and safety.

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The treatment, handling and/or disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste; and

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The protection of our employees’ health and safety.

These environmental laws regulate, among other things, the release and discharge of hazardous materials into the air, water and ground; exposure to hazardous materials; and the identification, storage, treatment, handling and disposal of hazardous materials. Environmental legislation and regulations have changed rapidly in recent years, and it is likely that we will be subject to even more stringent environmental standards in the future.

Concern over climate change, including the impact of global warming, has led to significant U.S. and international regulatory and legislative initiatives to limit greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions. In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) was authorized to regulate carbon dioxide under the U.S. Clean Air Act. As a consequence, theThe EPA subsequently initiated a series of regulatory efforts aimed at addressing greenhouse gasesGHGs as pollutants, including finding that GHG emissions endanger public health, implementing mandatory GHG emission reporting requirements, and setting carbon emission standards for light-duty vehiclesvehicles.

Environmental legislation and taking other stepsregulations have changed rapidly in recent years, and it is likely that we will be subject to address GHG emissions.even more stringent environmental standards in the future. Legislation has also been proposed in the U.S. Congress to address GHG emissions and global climate change, including “cap and trade” programs, and some form of federal climate change legislation or additional federal regulation is possible. In addition,A number of states, including states in which we have operations and facilities, have considered, are considering or have already enacted legislation or executive action to develop information or address climate change and GHG emissions, including state-level “cap and trade” programs. Currently, we are required to annually report GHG emissions from our steel mill to the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA. A numberEPA, and in March 2020, the Governor of other states, including states in which we have operationsOregon issued an executive order directing state agencies to take certain actions to reduce and facilities, have considered, are considering or have already enacted legislation to develop information or address climate change andregulate GHG emissions as well.

including development of a “cap and reduce” program that would cover large stationary sources.

Although our objective is to maintain compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, we have, in the past, been found to be not in compliance with certain environmental laws and regulations and have incurred liabilities, expenditures, fines and penalties associated with such violations. In December 2000, we were notified by the EPA that we are one of the potentially responsible parties that owns or operates, or formerly owned or operated, sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor Superfund site (seesite. Further, we have been notified that we are or may be a potentially responsible party at sites other than Portland Harbor currently or formerly owned or operated by us or at other sites where we may have responsibility for such costs due to past disposal or other activities. See discussion in Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A1A. Risk Factors and Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report). report.

In fiscal 2017,2020, capital expenditures related to environmental projects were $17$10 million, and we expect to spend up to $20in the range of $24 million on capital expenditures related to environmental projects in fiscal 2018.

2021.

Indirect Consequences of Future Legislation and Regulation

Future legislation or increased regulation regarding climate change and GHG emissions could impose significant costs on our business and our customers and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, emissions controls, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs in order to comply with laws and regulations concerning and limitations imposed on climate change and GHG emissions. The potential costs of allowances, taxes, fees, offsets or credits that may be part of “cap and trade” programs or similar future legislative or regulatory measures are still uncertain.uncertain, and the future of these programs or measures is unknown. Any adopted future climate change and GHG laws or regulations could negatively impact our ability (and that of our customers and suppliers) to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to or complying with such limitations.requirements. Furthermore, even without such laws or regulations, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about the GHGs emitted by companies in the metals recycling and steel manufacturing industries could harm our reputation and reduce customer demand for our products.

GHG legislation and regulation is also expected to have an effect on the future price of electricity, especially whenelectricity generated using carbon-based fuels. Since the electricity supply for CSS includes a significant element of hydro-generated production which is not subject to GHG legislation and regulation, CSS’s energy costs are less likely to be impacted than those of competitors using electricity generated by carbon-based fuels. In addition, demand for scrap metal may increase as a result offrom mills with blast furnaces seekingas they seek to maximize the scrap metal component of raw material infeed, as melting scrap metal involveswhich requires less energy than is required for melting iron ore.


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Since the use of recycled iron and steel instead of iron ore to make new steel results in savings in the consumption of energy, virgin materials and water and reduces mining wastes, we believe our recycled metal products position us to be more competitive in the future for business from companies wishing to reduce their carbon footprint and impact on the environment. In addition, the EAF at our EAFsteel mill generates significantly less GHG emissions than traditional blast furnaces.

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Physical Impacts of Climate Change on Our Costs and Operations

There has been public discussion that climate change may be associated with higher temperatures, lower snowpack, drier forests, rising sea levels as well as extreme weather events and conditions such as more intense hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, wildfires and snow or ice storms. Extreme weather conditions may increase our costs or cause damage to our facilities, and any damage resulting from extreme weather may not be fully insured. As many of our recycling facilities are located near deep water ports, significantly rising sea levels may disrupt our ability to receive scrap metal, process the scrap metal through our mega-shreddersshredders and ship productproducts to our customers. Periods of extended adverse weather conditions may inhibit the supply ofconstruction activity utilizing our products, scrap metal inflows to AMRour recycling facilities, and CSS. In addition, sustained periods of increased temperature levels in the summer in areas where our retail auto parts operations are located could result in less customer traffic, thus resulting in reduced admissions and parts sales.

sales at our auto parts stores. Potential adverse impacts from climate change, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events and conditions, may create health and safety issues for employees operating at our facilities and may lead to an inability to maintain standard operating hours.

Employees

As of September 30, 2017,2020, we had 3,1833,032 full-time employees, consisting of 2,4642,259 employees at AMR, 546576 employees at CSS and 173197 corporate administrative and shared services employees. Of these employees, 665688 were covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Cascade Steel Rolling Mills contract with the United Steelworkers of America, which covers 289284 of these employees, was renewed and ratified in April 2016October 2019 and will expire on March 31, 2019.2022. We believe that in general our labor relations are good.

Executive Officers of the Company

The executive officers of the Company are elected each year at the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors, which follows the annual meeting of the shareholders, and at other Board of Directors meetings, as appropriate. Each of the executive officers has been employed by the Company for more than five years.

At October 22, 2020, the executive officers of the Company were as follows:

Name

Age

Office

Tamara L. Lundgren

63

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer(1)

Richard D. Peach

57

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer(2)

Michael R. Henderson

61

Senior Vice President and President, Operations(3)

Steven G. Heiskell

51

Senior Vice President and President, Recycling Products & Services(4)

Peter B. Saba

59

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary(5)

Erich D. Wilson

52

Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Chief of Corporate Operations(6)

Stefano R. Gaggini

49

Vice President, Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer(7)

(1)

Ms. Lundgren was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in December 2008 and also was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors in March 2020.

(2)

Mr. Peach was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in December 2007. Mr. Peach also served as Chief of Corporate Operations from September 2016 until March 2020 and was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer in March 2020.

(3)

Mr. Henderson served as Senior Vice President and Co-President of the Auto and Metals Recycling business from April 2015 until March 2020, and also served as Co-President of the Cascade Steel and Scrap business from June 2017 until March 2020. Mr. Henderson was appointed Senior Vice President and President, Operations in March 2020.

(4)

Mr. Heiskell served as Senior Vice President and Co-President of the Auto and Metals Recycling business from April 2015 until March 2020. Mr. Heiskell was appointed Senior Vice President and President, Recycling Products & Services in March 2020.

(5)

Mr. Saba was appointed Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in July 2015.

(6)

Mr. Wilson served as Director, Human Resource Operations from August 2015 until March 2020. Mr. Wilson was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief of Corporate Operations in March 2020.

(7)

Mr. Gaggini served as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer from December 2013 until September 2018. Since September 2018, Mr. Gaggini has served as Vice President, Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer.

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Available Information

Our internetInternet website address is www.schnitzersteel.com. The content of our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make available on our website, free of charge, under the caption “Investors – SEC Filings” our annual reportsreport on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing with or furnishing such materials to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Also available on our website are our definitive Proxy Statements and ownership reports pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Act of 1933. Copies of these filings may also be obtained from the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov).

We may use our website as a channel of distribution offor distributing material Company information. Financial and other material information regarding our Company is routinely posted on and accessible athttp://www.schnitzersteel.com/investors.aspx. In addition, youYou may automaticallyregister your e-mail under the caption “Investors – E-mail Alerts” to receive e-mail alerts and other information aboutnotifications of new company information.

The content of our Companywebsite is not incorporated by visiting the “E-mail Alerts” section at http://www.schnitzersteel.com/investors.aspx and registering your email address.


reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Described below are risks, which are categorized as “Risk Factors Relating to Our Business,” “Risk Factors Relating to the Regulatory Environment” and “Risk Factors Relating to Our Employees,” that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows or could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. See “Forward-Looking Statements” that precedes Part I of this report. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of or that we currently deem immaterial may in the future have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Risk Factors Relating to Our Business

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Future epidemics or other public health emergencies could have similar effects.

Our operations expose us to risks associated with pandemics, epidemics or other public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic which spread from China to many other countries including the United States. In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. The outbreak resulted in governments around the world implementing stringent measures to help control the spread of the virus, followed by phased regulations and guidelines for reopening communities and economies. In addition, governments and central banks in several parts of the world have enacted fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to counteract the impacts of COVID-19.

We are a company operating in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Consistent with federal guidelines and with state and local orders to date, we have continued to operate across our footprint. Notwithstanding our continued operations, COVID-19 has negatively impacted and may have further negative impacts on our financial performance, operations, supply chain and flows of raw materials, transportation and logistics networks and customers. Due in large part to the impacts of and response to the spread of COVID-19, global economic conditions declined sharply during the third quarter of fiscal 2020, resulting in historic unemployment levels, rapid changes in supply and demand in certain industry sectors, businesses switching to remote work or ceasing operations, and consumers eliminating, restricting or redirecting spending. The economic downturn adversely affected demand for our products and contributed to weaker supply and demand conditions affecting prices and volumes in the markets for our products, services and raw materials. During fiscal 2020, in particular the third quarter, our operations, margins and results were adversely impacted by lower sales volumes of recycled metals driven by severely constrained supplies of scrap metal including end-of-life vehicles, leading to lower processed volumes at our recycling facilities. We also experienced significant decreases in selling prices for our recycled metal products, softer demand, supply chain disruptions, reduced availability of shipping containers, and other logistics constraints.

The COVID-19 pandemic could further negatively impact our business or results of operations through the temporary closure of our operating locations or those of our customers or suppliers, disrupting scrap metal inflows to our recycling facilities, limiting our ability to process scrap metal through our shredders, inhibiting the manufacture of steel products at our steel mill, reducing retail admissions and parts sales at our auto parts stores, and delaying or preventing deliveries to our customers, among others. In addition, the ability of our employees and our suppliers’ and customers’ employees to work may be significantly impacted by individuals contracting or being exposed to COVID-19, or as a result of prevention and control measures, which may significantly hamper our production throughout the supply chain and constrict sales channels. Our customers may be directly impacted by business curtailments or weak market conditions and may not be willing or able to fulfill their contractual obligations or open letters of credit. We may also experience delays in obtaining letters of credit or processing letter of credit payments due to the impacts of COVID-19 on foreign issuing and U.S. intermediary banks.

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In addition, as a result of COVID-19, we have experienced reductions in the availability of credit insurance that we have historically used to cover a portion of our recycled metal and finished steel sales to domestic customers, which reduced availability may increase our exposure to customer credit risk. Furthermore, the progression of and global response to the COVID-19 outbreak has caused and increases the risk of further delays in construction activities and equipment deliveries related to our capital projects, including delays in obtaining permits from government agencies. The extent of such delays and other effects of COVID-19 on our capital projects, certain of which are outside of our control, is unknown, but they may impact or delay the timing of anticipated benefits on capital projects.

Our bank credit agreement requires that we maintain certain financial and other covenants. Events resulting from the effects of COVID-19 may negatively impact our ability to comply with these covenants, which has caused us to obtain an amendment temporarily relaxing the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio until the quarter ended May 31, 2021, and which could lead us to seek further amendments or waivers from our lenders, limit access to or require accelerated repayment of our existing credit facilities, or require us to pursue alternative financing. We have no assurance that any such alternative financing, if required, could be obtained at terms acceptable to us, or at all, including as a result of the effects of COVID-19 on financial markets at such time.

Because the severity, magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences are uncertain, continually changing and difficult to predict, the pandemic’s impacts on our operations and financial performance, as well as its impact on our ability to successfully execute our business strategies and initiatives, are also uncertain and difficult to predict. Further, the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and financial performance depends on many factors that are not within our control, including, but not limited to: governmental, business and individuals’ actions that have been and continue to be taken in response to the pandemic (including restrictions on travel and transportation and workforce pressures); the impact of the pandemic and actions taken in response on global and regional economies and on levels of economic activity; the availability of federal, state or local funding programs; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and financial market volatility; global economic conditions and levels of economic growth; and the pace of recovery when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. While we expect the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position, the current level of uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 means the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

Potential costs related to the environmental cleanup of Portland Harbor may be material to our financial position and liquidity

In December 2000, we were notified by the EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) under CERCLAthe Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) that we are one of the potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) that owns or operates or formerly owned or operated sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor Superfund site (the “Site”). The precise nature and extent of any cleanup of any specific areas within the Site, the parties to be involved, the timing of any specific remedial action and the allocation of the costs for any cleanup among responsible parties have not yet been determined. The process of site investigation, remedy selection, identification of additional PRPs and allocation of costs has been underway for a number of years, but significant uncertainties remain. It is unclear to what extent we will be liable for environmental costs or natural resource damage claims or third party contribution or damage claims with respect to the Site.

While we participated in certain preliminary Site study efforts, we were not party to the consent order entered into by the EPA with certain other PRPs, referred to as the “Lower Willamette Group” (“LWG”), for a remedial investigation/feasibility study (“RI/FS”). During fiscal 2007, we and certain other parties agreed to an interim settlement with the LWG under which we made a cash contribution to the LWG RI/FS. The LWG has indicated that it had incurred over $115$155 million in investigation-related costs over an approximately ten18 year period working on the RI/FS. Following submittal of draft RI and FS documents which the EPA largely rejected, the EPA took over the RI/FS process.


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We have joined with approximately 100 other PRPs, including the LWG members, in a voluntary process to establish an allocation of costs at the Site, including the costs incurred by the LWG in the RI/FS process. The LWG members have also commenced federal court litigation, which has been stayed, seeking to bring additional parties into the allocation process.

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In January 2008, the Portland Harbor Natural Resource Damages Trustee Council (“Trustees”Trustee Council”) for Portland Harbor invited us and other PRPs to participate in funding and implementing the Natural Resource Injury Assessment for the Site. Following meetings among the TrusteesTrustee Council and the PRPs, a funding and participation agreement wasagreements were negotiated under which the participating PRPs, including us, agreed to fund the first phase of the three-phase natural resource damage assessment. WePhase 1, which included the development of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Plan (“AP”) and implementation of several early studies, was substantially completed in 2010. In December 2017, we joined with other participating PRPs in thatagreeing to fund Phase I agreement and paid a portion of those costs. We did not participate in funding the second phase2 of the natural resource damage assessment.

A formerassessment, which includes the implementation of the AP to develop information sufficient to facilitate early settlements between the Trustee Council and Phase 2 participants and the identification of restoration projects to be funded by the settlements. In late May 2018, the Trustee Council published notice of its intent to proceed with Phase 3, which will involve the full implementation of the AP and the final injury and damage determination. We are proceeding with the process established by the Trustee Council regarding early settlements under Phase 2. It is uncertain whether we will enter into an early settlement for natural resource damages or what costs we may incur in any such early settlement.

On January 30, 2017, one of the Trustees, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, which withdrew from the council in 2009, filed a suit on January 30, 2017 against approximately 30 parties, including us, seeking reimbursement of certain past and future response costs in connection with remedial action at the Site and recovery of assessment costs related to natural resources damages from releases at and from the Site to the Multnomah Channel and the Lower Columbia River. The parties filed various motions to dismiss or stay this suit, and in August 2019, the court issued an order denying the motions to dismiss and staying the action. We intend to defend against suchthe claims in this suit and do not have sufficient information to determine the likelihood of a loss in this matter or to estimate the amount of damages being sought or the amount of such damages that could be allocated to us.

Estimates of the cost of remedial action for the cleanup of the in-river portion of the Site have varied widely in various drafts of the FS and in the EPA’s final FS issued in June 2016 have varied widely,ranging from approximately $170 million to over $2.5 billion (net present value), depending on the remedyremedial alternative and a number of other factors. In addition,comments submitted to the EPA, we and certain other stakeholders have identified a number of serious concerns regarding the EPA'sEPA’s risk and remedial alternatives assessments, and the EPA's cost estimates, scheduling assumptions and conclusions regarding the feasibility effectiveness and assignmenteffectiveness of remediation technologies, including that the EPA’s FS was based on data that are more than a decade old and may not accurately represent site or background conditions.

technologies.

In January 2017, the EPA issued a Record of Decision (“ROD”) that identified the selected remedy for the Site. The selected remedy is a modified version of one of the alternative remedies evaluated in the EPA’s FS that expands the scope of the cleanup and has an estimated cost which is significantly more than the Proposed Plan identified by the EPA in the final FS.was expanded to include additional work at a greater cost. The EPA has estimated the total cost of the selected remedy at $1.7 billion with a net present value cost of $1.05 billion (at a 7% discount rate) and an estimated construction period of 13 years following completion of the remedial designs. In the ROD, the EPA stated that the cost estimate is an order-of-magnitude engineering estimate that is expected to be within +50% to -30% of the actual project cost and that changes in the cost elements are likely to occur as a result of new information and data collected during the engineering design. We have identified a number of concerns regarding the EPA's estimated costremedy described in the ROD, which is based on data that is more than a decade old, and the EPA’s estimates for the costs and time required forto implement the selected remedy. Because of ongoing questions regarding cost-effectivenesscost effectiveness, technical feasibility, and other concerns, such as technical feasibility,the use of stale data and the need for new baseline data, it is uncertain whether the ROD will be implemented as issued. In addition, the ROD doesdid not determine or allocate the responsibility for remediation costs.

costs among the PRPs.

In the ROD, the EPA acknowledged that much of the assumptionsdata used in preparing the ROD was more than a decade old and would need to estimate costs for the selected remedy were developed based on the existing data and will be finalized duringupdated with a new round of “baseline” sampling to be conducted prior to the remedial design after design level data to refine the baseline conditions are obtained. Moreover,phase. Accordingly, the ROD provides only Site-wide cost estimates and does not provide sufficient detail or ranges of certainty and finality to estimate costsprovided for specific sediment management areas. Accordingly, the EPA has indicated and we anticipate that additional pre-remedial design investigative work such as newand baseline sampling and monitoring, willto be conducted in order to provide a re-baselinebaseline of current conditions and delineate particular remedial actions for specific areas within the Site. This re-baselining will need to occuradditional sampling was required prior to proceeding with the next phase in the process which is the remedial design. The remedial design phase is an engineering phase during which additional technical information and data will beare collected, identified and incorporated into technical drawings and specifications developed for the subsequent remedial action. TheMoreover, the ROD provided only Site-wide cost estimates and did not provide sufficient detail to estimate costs for specific sediment management areas within the Site. Following issuance of the ROD, EPA is seekingproposed that the PRPs, or a subgroup of PRPs, perform the additional investigative work identified in the ROD under a new coalitionconsent order.

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In December 2017, we and three other PRPs to perform the re-baselining and remedial design activities. We are considering whether to become a party toentered into a new Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent with EPA to perform such pre-remedial design investigative activities, if an acceptable consent order can be finalized.investigation and baseline sampling over a two-year period. We do not believeestimated that our share of the costs of performing such work would be material,approximately $2 million, which we accrued in fiscal 2018. Such costs were fully covered by existing insurance coverage and, thus, we also recorded an insurance receivable for $2 million in fiscal 2018, resulting in no net impact to our consolidated results of operations.

The pre-remedial design investigation and baseline sampling work has been completed, and the report evaluating the data was submitted to EPA on June 17, 2019. The evaluation report concludes that Site conditions have improved substantially since the data forming the basis of the ROD was collected over a decade ago. The analysis contained in the report has significant implications for remedial design and remedial action at the Site. EPA has reviewed the report, finding with a few limited corrections that the data is of suitable quality and generally acceptable and stating that such data will be used, in addition to existing and forthcoming design-level data, to inform implementation of the ROD. However, EPA did not agree that the data or the analysis warrants a change to the remedy at this time and reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with remedial design. We and other PRPs disagree with EPA’s position on use of the more recent data and will continue to pursue limited, but critical, changes to the selected remedy for the Site during the remedial design phase.

EPA encouraged PRPs to step forward (individually or in groups) to enter into consent agreements to perform remedial design covering the entire Site and proposed dividing the Site into eight to ten subareas for remedial design. Certain PRPs have since executed consent agreements for remedial design work covering a little more than half of the remedial action areas at the Site. Because of EPA’s refusal to date to modify the remedy to reflect the most current data on Site conditions and because of concerns with the terms of the consent agreement, we elected not to enter into a consent agreement for remedial design with respect to any of the subareas at the Site. On March 26, 2020, EPA issued a unilateral administrative order (UAO) to us and MMGL, LLC (“MMGL”), an unaffiliated company, for the remedial design work in the portion of one of the EPA identified subareas within the Site designated as the River Mile 3.5 East Project Area. Following a conference with us to discuss the UAO and written comments submitted by us, EPA made limited modifications to the UAO and issued an amendment to the UAO on April 27, 2020 with an effective date of May 4, 2020. As required by the UAO, we notified EPA of our intent to comply with the UAO on the effective date while reserving all of our sufficient cause defenses. Failure to comply with a UAO, without sufficient cause, could subject us to significant penalties or treble damages. Pursuant to the optimized remedial design timeline set forth in the UAO, EPA’s expected schedule for completion of the remedial design work is four years. EPA has estimated the cost of the work at approximately $4 million. We have agreed with the other respondent to the UAO, MMGL, that we will lead the performance and be responsible for a portion of the costs of the work for remedial design under the UAO and also entered into an agreement with another PRP pursuant to which such other PRP has agreed to fund a portion of the costs of such work. These agreements are not an allocation of liability or claims associated with the Site as between the respondents or with respect to any third party. We estimated that our share of the costs of performing such work under the UAO would be approximately $3 million, which we recorded to environmental liabilities and selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated financial statements in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. We have insurance policies that we believe thatwill provide reimbursement for costs we incur for remedial design, but not for any penalties. We also expect to pursue in the future allocation or contribution from other PRPs for a portion of such costs would be allocableremedial design costs.

Our environmental liabilities as of August 31, 2020 and that they would be reimbursable under the insurance policies discussed below.

Remediation2019 include $4 million and $1 million, respectively, relating to Portland Harbor.

Except for certain early action projects in which we are not involved, remediation activities are not expected to commence for a number of yearsyears. Moreover, remediation activities at the Site are expected to be sequenced, and the order and timing of such sequencing has not been determined. In addition, as discussed above, responsibility for implementing and funding the remedy will be determined in a separate allocation process. While an allocation process, which is currently underway as discussed above,on-going. We expect the EPA's ROD has raised questions and uncertainty as to when and how that allocation process will proceed. We would not expectnext major stage of the allocation process to proceed until after additional pre-remedialin parallel with the remedial design data is collected.

process.

Because the final remedial actions have not yet been designed and there has not been a determination of the specific remediation actions that will be required, the amount of natural resource damages or howof the allocation among the PRPs of costs of the investigations, and any remedy andremedial action costs or natural resource damages, will be allocated among the PRPs, we believe it is not possible to reasonably estimate the amount or range of costs which we are likely to or which it is reasonably possible that we will incur in connection with the Site, although such costs could be material to our financial position, results of


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operations, cash flows and liquidity. Among the facts currently being developed are detailed information on the history of ownership of and the nature of the uses of and activities and operations performed on each property within the Site, which are factors that will play a substantial role in determining the allocation of investigation and remedy costs among the PRPs.

We have insurance policies that we believe will provide reimbursement for costs we incur for defense, remediationremedial design, remedial action and mitigation for natural resource damages claims in connection with the Site. Most of these policies jointly insure us and MMGL, as the successor to a former subsidiary of ours. We and MMGL have negotiated the settlement with certain insurers of claims against them related to the Site, although there is no assurance that thosecontinue to seek settlements with other insurers and formed a Qualified Settlement Fund (“QSF”) which became

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operative in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 to hold such settlement amounts until funds are needed to pay or reimburse costs incurred by us or MMGL in connection with the Site. These insurance policies willand the funds in the QSF may not cover all of the costs which we may incur.

Significant cash outflows in the future related to the Site could reduce the amount of our borrowing capacity that could otherwise be used for investment in capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases and acquisitions. Any material liabilities incurred in the future related to the Site could result in our failure to maintain compliance with certain covenants in our debt agreements. See “Contingencies – Environmental” in Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

We operate in industries that are cyclical and sensitive to general economic conditions, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition and cash flows

Demand for most of our products is cyclical in nature and sensitive to general economic conditions. The timing and magnitude of the cycles in the industries in which our products are used, including global steel manufacturing and residentialnonresidential and infrastructure construction in the U.S., are difficult to predict. The cyclical nature of our operations tends to reflect and be amplified by changes in economic conditions, both domestically and internationally, and foreign currency exchange fluctuations. The impact of recent political events, such as the United Kingdom referendum to exit the European Union declared in June 2016, on global economic conditions is currently uncertain. Economic downturns or a prolonged period of slow growth in the U.S. and foreign markets or any of the industries in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Instability

Changing conditions in internationalglobal markets including the impact of sanctions and tariffs, quotas and other trade actions and import restrictions may adversely affect our business,operating results, financial positioncondition and results of operations

cash flows

We generate a substantial portion of our revenues from sales to customers located outside the U.S., including countries in Asia, the Mediterranean region and North, Central and South America. In each of the last three years, exports comprised approximately 66 to 71 percent of AMR’s ferrous sales volumes and 60 to 63 percent of AMR’s nonferrous sales volumes. Further, in certain years prior to fiscal 2019, total sales to customers in China exceeded 10 percent of our consolidated revenues. Our ability to sell our products profitably, or at all, tointo international markets is subject to a number of risks including adverse impacts of political, economic, military, terrorist or major pandemic events; local labor and social issues; legal and regulatory requirements or limitations imposed by foreign governments including quotas, tariffs or other protectionist trade barriers, sanctions, adverse tax law changes, nationalization, currency restrictions, or import restrictions for certain types of products we export; and disruptions or delays in shipments caused by customs compliance or other actions of government agencies.

The occurrence of such events and conditions may adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.

For example, in fiscal 2017, regulators in China began implementing the National Sword initiative involving inspections of Chinese industrial enterprises, including recyclers, in order to identify rules violations with respect to discharge of pollutants or illegally transferred scrap imports. The scope ofRestrictions resulting from the National Sword initiative which could include import bansa ban on certain imported recycled products, is still being developed. Basedlower contamination limits for permitted recycled materials, and more comprehensive pre- and post-shipment inspection requirements. Disruptions in pre-inspection certifications and stringent inspection procedures at certain Chinese destination ports have limited access to these destinations and resulted in the renegotiation or cancellation of certain nonferrous customer contracts in connection with the redirection of such shipments to alternate destinations. Commencing July 1, 2019, China imposed further restrictions in the form of import license requirements and quotas on certain scrap products, including certain nonferrous products we sell. Chinese import licenses and quotas are issued to Chinese scrap consumers on a quarterly basis for the most current information available, weimportation of scrap products. Since the implementation of this program, the size of import quotas has been steadily reduced on a quarter-over-quarter basis. We have continued to sell our recycled metal products into China; however, additional or modified license requirements and quotas, as well as additional product quality requirements, may be issued in the future. We believe that athe potential impact on our recycling operations of the Chinese regulatory actions described above could include requirements that would necessitate additional processing and packaging of certain nonferrous recycled scrap metal products, priorincreased inspection and certification activities with respect to exportexports to China, or a change in the use of our sales channels in the event of delays in the issuance of licenses, restrictive quotas or an outright ban on certain or all of our recycled metals products by China. If necessary to address additionalAs regulatory developments progress, we may assess the potential forneed to make further investments in nonferrous processing equipment beyond existing planned investments where economically justified.

The occurrence of such eventsjustified, incur additional costs in order to comply with new inspection requirements, or seek alternative markets for the impacted products, which may result in lower sales prices or higher costs and conditions may adversely affectimpact our business financial position andor results of operations.

In March 2018, the U.S. imposed a 25 percent tariff on certain imported steel products and a 10 percent tariff on certain imported aluminum products under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. These new tariffs, along with other U.S. trade actions, have triggered retaliatory actions by certain affected countries, and other foreign governments have initiated or are considering imposing trade measures on other U.S. goods. For example, China has imposed a series of retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. products, including a 25

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percent tariff on all grades of U.S. scrap and an additional 25 percent tariff on U.S. aluminum scrap. These tariffs and other trade actions could result in a decrease in international steel demand beyond that already experienced and further negatively impact demand for our products, which would adversely impact our business. Given the uncertainty regarding the scope and duration of these trade actions by the U.S. or other countries, the impact of the trade actions on our operations or results remains uncertain, but this impact could be material.

Changes in the availability or price of inputs such as raw materials and end-of-life vehicles could reduce our sales

Our businesses require certain materials that are sourced from third-partythird party suppliers. Although the synergies from our integrated operations allow us to be our own source for some raw materials, particularly with respect to scrap metal for our steel manufacturing operations, we rely on other suppliers for most of our raw material and other input needs, including inputs to steel production such as graphite electrodes, alloys and other required consumables. Industry supply conditions generally involve risks, including the possibility of shortages of raw materials, increases in raw material and other input costs, and reduced control over delivery schedules. We procure our scrap inventory from numerous sources. These suppliers generally are not bound by long-term contracts and have no obligation to sell scrap metal to us. In periods of declining or lower scrap metal prices such as the declining price environment we experienced in fiscal 2015 and the first half of fiscal 2016, suppliers may elect to hold scrap metal to wait for higher prices or intentionally slow their metal collection activities, tightening supply. If a substantial number of suppliers cease selling scrap metal to us, we will be unable to recycle metal at desired levels, and our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. For instance, in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 a lower price environment for recycled metals in combination with economic and other restrictions on suppliers relating to COVID-19 severely constricted the supply of scrap metal including end-of-life vehicles, which resulted in significantly reduced processed volumes. A slowdown of industrial production in the U.S. may also reduce the supply of industrial grades of metal to the metals recycling industry, resulting in less recyclable metal available to process and market. Increased competition for domestic scrap metal, including as a result of overcapacity in the scrap recycling industry in the U.S. and Canada, may also reduce the supply of scrap metal available to us. Failure to obtain a steady supply of scrap material could both adversely impact our ability to meet sales commitments and reduce our operating margins. Failure to obtain an adequate supply of end-of-life vehicles could adversely impact our ability to attract customers and charge admission fees and reduce our parts sales. Failure to obtain raw materials and other inputs to steel production such as alloys, graphite electrodes, alloys and other required consumables, could adversely impact our ability to make steel to the specifications of our customers.


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Significant decreases in scrap metal prices may adversely impact our operating results

The timing and magnitude of the cycles in the industries in which we operate are difficult to predict and are influenced by different economic conditions in the domestic market, where we typically acquire our raw materials, and foreign markets, where we typically sell the majority of our products. Purchase prices for scrap metal including end-of-life vehicles and selling prices for recycled scrap metal are subject to market forces beyond our control. For instance, in fiscal 2015 and the first half of fiscal 2016, scrap metal prices experienced a significant downward trend caused primarily by the weak macroeconomic conditions and global steel-making overcapacity, which was further exacerbated by the impact of lower iron ore prices, a raw material used in steel-making in blast furnaces which compete with EAF steel-making production that uses ferrous scrap as its primary feedstock. While we attempt to respond to changing recycled scrap metal selling prices through adjustments to our metal purchase prices, our ability to do so is limited by competitive and other market factors. As a result, we may not be able to reduce our metal purchase prices to fully offset a sharp reduction in recycled scrap metal sales prices, which may adversely impact our operating income and cash flows. In fiscal 2015 and the first half of fiscal 2016, lower demand for recycled scrap metal relative to demand and competition for supply of unprocessed scrap metal in the domestic market compressed operating margins due to selling prices decreasing at a faster rate than purchase prices for unprocessed scrap metal. In addition, a rapid decrease in selling prices may compress our operating margins due to the impact of average inventory cost accounting, which causes cost of goods sold recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations to decrease at a slower rate than metal purchase prices.

For instance, in fiscal 2020, weaker market conditions for recycled metals, including as a result of the sharp decline in global economic conditions during the third quarter of fiscal 2020 in large part due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and structural changes to the market for certain recycled nonferrous products primarily from Chinese import restrictions and tariffs, resulted in periods of sharply declining commodity prices and lower average net selling prices.

prices for our ferrous and nonferrous recycled metal products compared to fiscal 2019. As a result, operating margins at AMR in fiscal 2020 compressed as the decline in average net selling prices for our recycled metal products outpaced the reduction in purchase costs for raw materials.

Imbalances in supply and demand conditions in the global steel industry may reduce demand for our products

Economic expansions and contractions in global economies can result in supply and demand imbalances in the global steel industry that can significantly affect the price of commodities used and sold by our business, as well as the price of and demand for finished steel products. In a number of foreign countries, such as China, steel producers are generally government-owned and may therefore make production decisions based on political or other factors that do not reflect free market conditions. In recent years,the past, overcapacity and excess steel production in these foreign countries resulted in the export of aggressively priced semi-finished and finished steel products. This led to disruptions in steel-making operations within other countries, negatively impacting demand for our recycled scrap metal products used by EAF mills globally as their primary feedstock. Further, the import of foreign steel products into the U.S. at similarly aggressive prices have in the past adversely impacted finished steel sales prices and sales volumes at CSS. Existing or new trade laws and regulations may cause or be inadequate to prevent disadvantageous trade practices, which could have a material adverse effect on our

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financial condition and results of operations. Although trade regulations restrict or impose duties on the importation of certain products, if foreign steel production significantly exceeds consumption in those countries, global demand for our recycled scrap metal products could decline and imports of steel products into the U.S. could increase, resulting in lower volumes and selling prices for our recycled metal products and finished steel products.

Goodwill impairment charges may adversely affect our operating results

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the net amount of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination measured at fair value. We have a substantial amountAs of August 31, 2020, we had $170 million of goodwill on our balance sheet, almost all of which was carried by a single reporting unit within AMR as of August 31, 2017.AMR. We test the goodwill balancebalances allocated to our reporting units for impairment on an annual basis and when events occur or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of theone or more of our reporting unitunits with allocated goodwill may be below its carrying amount. When testing goodwill for impairment, we may be required to measure the fair value of the reporting unitunits in order to determine the amount of impairment, if any. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to inherent uncertainties and changes in estimates and assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, operating margins, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, discount rates, tax rates, terminal growth rates, discount rates, benefits associated with a taxable transaction and synergistic benefits available to market participants. DeclinesA lack of recovery or further deterioration in market conditions, a trend of weaker than anticipated financial performance for one of our single reporting unitunits with allocated goodwill, a decline in our share price for a sustained period of time, or an increase in the market-based weighted average cost of capital, among other factors, are indicators that the carrying value of our goodwill may not be recoverable. We may be required to record a goodwill impairment charge that, if incurred, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For example,See Note 7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net in the second quarterNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of fiscal 2015, management identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill, which resulted in impairment of a reporting unit's goodwill totaling $141 million, and in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, management identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill, which resulted in impairment of a different reporting unit's goodwill totaling $9 million. Both of these impairment charges are reported within the results of AMR in this report.


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Impairment of long-lived assets and cost and equity method investments may adversely affect our operating results

Our long-lived asset groups are subject to an impairment assessment when certain triggering events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds our estimate of future undiscounted cash flows of the operations related to the asset group, an impairment is recorded for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset group. The results of these tests for potential impairment may be adversely affected by unfavorable market conditions, our financial performance trends, or an increase in interest rates, among other factors. If, as a result of the impairment test, we determine that the fair value of any of our long-lived asset groups is less than its carrying amount, we may incur an impairment charge that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We recorded impairment charges of $6 million on long-lived tangible and intangiblelease right-of-use assets associated with certain regional metals recycling operations and used auto parts store locationsstores in the amount of $8 million and $44 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.2020. With respect to our investments in unconsolidated entities accounted for under the cost and equity methods,method, a loss in value of an investment thatis recognized when the decline is other than temporary. With respect to our $6 million equity investment in a temporary decline is recognized. Onceprivately-held waste and recycling entity that does not have a readily determinable fair value, we determine that an other-than-temporary impairment exists, we may incurwould recognize an impairment charge if our qualitative assessment indicates that the investment is impaired and the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value. Impairment of our equity investments could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We recorded impairment charges of $1 million and $2 million during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to investments in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method. See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further detail on long-lived asset and joint venture investment impairment charges.

Failure to realize or delays in realizing expected benefits from investments in processing and manufacturing technology improvements may impact our operating results and cash flows

We make significant investments in processing and manufacturing technology improvements aimed at increasing the efficiency and capabilities of our businesses and to maximize our economies of scale. Such improvements may be subject to many factors including, but not limited to, permitting, construction, equipment delivery, commissioning and technology performance risks, some of which are outside our control and could result in further delays in such projects or require us to incur additional costs. Failure to realize or delays in realizing the anticipated benefits and to generate adequate returns on such capital improvement projects may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

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Inability to achieve or sustain the benefits from productivity, cost savings and restructuring initiatives may adversely impact our operating results

We have undertaken

During the past several years, we implemented a number of productivity improvement, cost savings and restructuring initiatives designed to reduce operating expenses and improve profitability and to achieve further integration and synergistic cost efficiencies in our operating platform. These initiatives included idling underutilized assets and closing facilities to more closely align our business to market conditions, implementing productivity initiatives to increase production efficiency and material recovery, and further reducing our annual operating expenses through headcount reductions, reducing organizational layers, consolidating shared service functions, savings from procurement activities, streamlining of administrative and supporting services functions, and other non-headcount measures. In fiscal 2019, we implemented productivity initiatives targeted to achieve $35 million in annual benefits through a combination of production cost efficiencies, reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses and increases in retail sales. In fiscal 2020, we implemented productivity initiatives targeted to achieve $15 million in realized benefits in fiscal 2020 by further reducing our annual operating expenses, mainly through reductions in non-trade procurement spend, including outside and professional services, lower employee-related expenses and other non-headcount measures. We may undertake similar or additional productivity initiatives in the future in the normal course or in response to market conditions. Our ability to achieve or sustain the anticipated cost reductions and other benefits from these initiatives within the expected time frame is subject to many estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are subject to significant economic, competitive and other uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control.

We incurred restructuring charges and other exit-related activities in fiscal 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 as a result of these initiatives.initiatives and may incur such charges in the future. Failure to achieve or sustain the expected cost reductions and other benefits related to these productivity improvements, cost savings and restructuring initiatives could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

We may be unable to renew facility leases, thus restricting our ability to operate

We lease a significant portion of our facilities, including the substantial majority of our auto parts facilities. The cost to renew such leases may increase significantly, and we may not be able to renew such leases on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Failure to renew these leases or find suitable alternative locations for our facilities may impact our ability to continue operations within certain geographic areas, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses may result in operating difficulties and other unintended consequences

We may make acquisitions of or expand into complementary businesses to enable us to enhance our customer base and grow our revenues. Execution of any past or potential future acquisition or expansion involves a number of risks, including:

Difficulty integrating the acquired businesses’ personnel and operations;

Difficulty integrating the acquired businesses’ personnel and operations;

Challenges in obtaining permits or meeting other regulatory requirements;

Potential loss of key employees, or customers or suppliers of the acquired business;

Difficulties in realizing anticipated cost savings, efficiencies and synergies;

Unexpected costs;

Inaccurate assessment of or undisclosed liabilities;

Inability to maintain uniform standards, controls and procedures; and procedures;

Difficulty in managing growth.

Disruption to existing businesses; and

Difficulty in managing growth.

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If we do not successfully execute on acquisitions or expansions and the acquired or expanded businesses do not perform as projected, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Changing economic conditions may result in customers not fulfilling their contractual obligations

We enter into export ferrous sales contracts preceded by negotiations that include fixing price, quantity, shipping terms and other contractual terms. Upon finalization of these terms and satisfactory completion of other contractual contingencies, the customer typically opens a letter of credit to satisfy its payment obligation under the contract prior to our shipment of the cargo. Although not considered normal course of business, incargo. In times of changing economic conditions, including during periods of sharply falling scrap metal prices, such as those experienced in fiscal 2015 and the first half of fiscal 2016, there is an increased risk that customers may not be willing or able to fulfill their contractual obligations or open letters of credit. For example, in fiscal 2015, the resale or modification of the terms, each at significantly lower prices, of certain previously contracted bulk shipments had a $7 million negative impact on our operating results. As of August 31, 20172020 and 2016, 33%2019, 40% and 34%32%, respectively, of our trade accounts receivable balance were covered by letters of credit.


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Increases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may reduce the demand for our products

A significant portion of our recycled scrap metal revenues is generated from sales to foreign customers, which are denominated in U.S. dollars, including customers located in Asia, Africathe Mediterranean region and Europe.North, Central and South America. A strengthening U.S. dollar, as experienced during recent years including fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2016,2020, makes our products more expensive for non-U.S. customers, which may negatively impact export sales. A strengthening U.S. dollar also makes imported metal products less expensive, which may result in an increase in imports of steel products into the U.S. As a result, our finished steel products, which are made in the U.S., may become more expensive for our U.S. customers relative to imported steel products thereby reducing demand for our products.

We are exposed to translation and transaction risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates Hedging instruments may not be effective in mitigating such risks and may expose us to losses or limit our potential gains

Our operations in Canada expose us to translation and transaction risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates as compared to the U.S. dollar, our reporting currency. As a result, we are subject to foreign currency exchange risks due to exchange rate movements in connection with the translation of the operating costs and the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations into our functional currency for inclusion in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

We are also exposed to foreign currency exchange transaction risk. As part of our risk management program, we may use financial instruments, including foreign currency exchange forward contracts. While intended to reduce the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, these instruments may not be effective in reducing all risks related to such fluctuations and may limit our potential gains or expose us to losses. Although we do not enter into these instruments for trading purposes or speculation, and our management believes all such instruments are entered into as hedges of underlying physical transactions, these instruments are dependent on timely performance by our counterparties. Should our counterparties to such instruments or the sponsors of the exchanges through which these transactions are offered fail to honor their obligations due to financial distress or otherwise, we would be exposed to potential losses or the inability to recover anticipated gains from the transactions covered by these instruments.

Potential limitations on our ability to access capital resources may restrict our ability to operate

Our operations are capital intensive. Our business also requires substantial expenditures for routine maintenance. While we expect that our cash requirements, including the funding of capital expenditures, debt service, dividends, share repurchases and investments, will be financed by internally generated funds or from borrowings under our secured committed bank credit facilities, there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Additional acquisitions could require financing from external sources. Although we believe we have adequate access to contractually committed borrowings, we could be adversely affected if we are not able to meet the conditions required to incur such borrowing or if our banks ceased lending or were unable to honor their contractual commitments or ceased lending.commitments. Failure to access our credit facilities could restrict our ability to fund operations, make capital expenditures or execute acquisitions.

The agreement governing our bank credit facilityfacilities imposes certain restrictions on our business and contains financial covenants

Our secured bank credit facilities contain certain restrictions on our business which limit (subject to certain exceptions) our ability to, among other things, incur or suffer to exist certain liens, make investments, incur or guaranty additional indebtedness, enter into consolidations, mergers, acquisitions, and sales of assets, make distributions and other restricted payments, change the nature of our business, engage in transactions with affiliates and enter into restrictive agreements, including agreements that restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions. These restrictions may affect our ability to operate our business or execute our strategy and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. Our bank credit agreement also requires that we maintain certain financial and other covenants, including a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and a consolidated leverage ratio and, for each of the fiscal quarters ending August 31, 2020 through May 31, 2021, a consolidated asset coverage ratio. Our ability to comply with these covenants may also be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. Our failure to comply with any of these restrictions or financial covenants could result in an event of default under the bank credit agreement, and permit our lenders to cease lending to us and declare all amounts borrowed from them to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. This could require us to refinance our bank facilities, which we may not be able to do at terms acceptable to us, or at all.

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Consolidation in the steel industry may reduce demand for our products

There has been a significant amount of consolidation in the steel industry in recent years that has included steel mills acquiring steel fabricators to ensure demand for their products. If any of our steel mill'smill’s significant remaining customers were to be acquired by competing steel mills, this could reduce the demand for our products and force us to lower our prices, reducing our revenues, or to reduce production, which could increase our unit costs and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.


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Failure to realize expected benefits from investments in processing and manufacturing technology may impact our operating results and cash flows
We make significant investments in processing and manufacturing technology improvements aimed at increasing the efficiency and capabilities of our businesses and to maximize our economies of scale. Failure to realize the anticipated benefits and generate adequate returns on such capital improvement projects may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

Reliance on third party shipping companies may restrict our ability to ship our products

We generallysignificantly rely on third parties to handle and transport raw materials to our production facilities and products to customers. Despite our practice of utilizing a diversified group of suppliers of transportation, factors beyond our control, including changes in fuel prices, political events, governmental regulation of transportation, changes in market rates, carrier availability, carrier bankruptcy, shipping industry consolidation and disruptions in transportation infrastructure, may adversely impact our ability to ship our products. These impacts could include delays or other disruptions in shipments in transit or third party shipping companies increasing their charges for transportation services or otherwise reducing or eliminating the availability of their vehicles, rail cars, barges or ships. As a result, we may not be able to transport our products in a timely and cost-effective manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and may harm our reputation.

Equipment upgrades, equipment failures and facility damage may lead to production curtailments or shutdowns

Our business operations and recycling and manufacturing processes depend on critical pieces of equipment, including information technology equipment, shredders, nonferrous sorting technology, furnaces and a rolling mill, which may be out of service occasionally for scheduled upgrades or maintenance or as a result of unanticipated failures. Our facilities are subject to equipment failures and the risk of catastrophic loss due to unanticipated events such as fires, earthquakes, accidents or violent weather conditions. For instance, our metals recycling operationscertain facilities in Puerto RicoCalifornia, Oregon and Washington were briefly interruptedclosed in September 20172020 due to poor air quality as a result of Hurricane Maria,wildfires, although the damages to and losses incurred by theimpact on our operations werewas not material.significant. We have insurance to cover certain of the risks associated with equipment damage and resulting business interruption, but there are certain events that would not be covered by insurance and there can be no assurance that insurance will continue to be available on acceptable terms. Interruptions in our processing and production capabilities and shutdowns resulting from unanticipated events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Product liability claims may adversely impact our operating results

We could inadvertently acquire radioactive scrap metal that could potentially be included in mixed scrap metal shipped to consumers worldwide. Although we have invested in radiation detection equipment in the majority of our locations, including the facilities from which we ship directly to customers, failure to detect radioactive scrap metal remains a possibility. Even though we maintain insurance to address the risk of this failure in detection, there can be no assurance that the insurance coverage would be adequate or will continue to be available on acceptable terms. In addition, if we fail to meet contractual requirements for a product, we may be subject to product warranty costs and claims. These costs and claims could both have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and harm our reputation.

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We are subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks that may adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity

We spend substantial resources ensuring that we comply with domestic and foreign regulations, contractual obligations and other legal standards. Notwithstanding this, we are subject to a variety of legal proceedings and compliance risks in respect of various matters, including regulatory, safety, environmental, employment, transportation, intellectual property, contractual, import/export, international trade and governmental matters that arise in the course of our business and in our industry. For example, legal proceedings can include those arising from accidents involving Company-owned vehicles, including Company tractor trailers. In some instances, such accidents and the related litigation involve accidents that have resulted in third party fatalities. A negativeAn outcome in an unusual or significant legal proceeding or compliance investigation in excess of insurance recoveries could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. For information regarding our current significant legal proceedings and contingencies, see “Legal Proceedings” in Part I, Item 3 and “Contingencies – Other” within Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies in Part II, Item 8 of this report.


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Climate change may adversely impact our facilities and our ongoing operations

The potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain and depend upon the unique geographic and environmental factors present, for example rising sea levels at our deep water port facilities, changing storm patterns and intensities, and changing temperature levels. As many of our recycling facilities are located near deep water ports, rising sea levels may disrupt our ability to receive scrap metal, process the scrap metal through our mega-shreddersshredders and ship products to our customers. PeriodsExtreme weather events and conditions, such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, wildfires and snow or ice storms, may increase our costs or cause damage to our facilities, and any damage resulting from extreme weather may not be fully insured. Increased frequency and duration of extended adverse weather events and conditions may also inhibit the supply ofconstruction activity utilizing our products, scrap metal inflows to our recycling facilities, which could have an adverse effect on our sales or cause us to fail to meet our sales commitments. In addition, sustained periods of increased temperature levels in the summer in areas where our auto store operations are located could result in reduced customer traffic, thus resulting in lowerand retail admissions and parts sales.

sales at our auto parts stores. Potential adverse impacts from climate change, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events and conditions, may create health and safety issues for employees operating at our facilities and may lead to an inability to maintain standard operating hours.

We may not realize our deferred tax assets in the future

The assessment of recoverability of our deferred tax assets is based on an evaluation of existing positive and negative evidence as to whether it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that they will be realized. If negative evidence outweighs positive evidence, a valuation allowance is required. Impairment of deferred tax assets may result from significant negative industry or economic trends, a decrease in earnings performance and projections of future taxable income, adverse changes in laws or regulations, and a variety of other factors. Impairment of deferred tax assets could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition and could result in not realizing the deferred tax assets. In recent years,the past, we have recorded significant valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets, and our low annual effective tax ratesrate in the fiscal years presented in this report are2017 was primarily the result of our full valuation allowance position.positions at the time. Deferred tax assets generated in future periods may require further valuation allowances if it is not more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.

In fiscal 2018, we released valuation allowances against certain U.S. federal and state and Canadian deferred tax assets resulting in recognition of discrete tax benefits. The release of the valuation allowances was the result of sufficient positive evidence at the time, including cumulative income in recent years and projections of future taxable income from operations, that it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. In the event that actual results differ from our projections or we adjust our estimates in future periods, we may need to establish a valuation allowance, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.

Tax increases and changes in tax rules may adversely affect our financial results

As a company conducting business on a global basis with physical operations throughout North America, we are exposed, both directly and indirectly, to the effects of changes in U.S., state, local and foreign tax rules. Taxes for financial reporting purposes and cash tax liabilities in the future may be adversely affected by changes in such tax rules. In many cases, such changes put us at a competitive disadvantage compared to some of our major competitors, to the extent we are unable to pass the tax costs through to our customers.

On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed and enacted into law comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). The effects of the Tax Act have been incorporated into our financial results beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. There is a risk that certain aspects of the Tax Act could be repealed or otherwise modified or that states or foreign jurisdictions may amend their tax laws in response to the Tax Act, which could have a material impact on our future results of operations and cash flows.

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Property tax increases due to reassessments and property tax rate changes may adversely affect our financial results

Real property taxes on our owned and leased properties may increase as these properties are reassessed by taxing authorities or as property tax rates change, which could have a material impact on our future results of operations. For instance, the State of California previously passed a law commonly referred to as Proposition 13, which generally limits annual real estate tax increases on California properties to 2% of assessed value per annum. From time to time, various groups have proposed repealing Proposition 13, or providing for modifications such as a “split roll tax,” whereby commercial property, for example, would be taxed at a higher rate than residential property. Such a split roll tax is on the November 2020 ballot in California which, if approved, would require taxes on such properties located in the State of California to be assessed based on the basis of fair market value as opposed to purchase price, commencing in fiscal 2022. Given the outcome of the November 2020 ballot in California is uncertain, and that we cannot predict the Company’s portfolio of properties in California subject to any changes in future periods, the impact on our operations or results related to this potential change and other property tax changes remains uncertain and cannot be quantified, but could be material.

One or more cybersecurity incidents may adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and reputation

We face global cybersecurity risks and threats on a continual and ongoing basis. These risks and threats range from inadvertent release of sensitive information to sophisticated and targeted measures directed at us.

Our operations involve the use of multiple systems, some of which are outsourced to certain third party service and hosting providers, that process, store and transmit sensitive information about our customers, suppliers, employees, financial position, operating results and strategies. We face global cybersecurity risks and threats on a continual and ongoing basis, which include, but are not limited to, attempts to access systems and information, computer viruses, or denial-of-service attacks. These risks and threats range from uncoordinated individual attempts to sophisticated and targeted measures. Increased numbers of employees working remotely increases our exposure to cyber-threats. While we are not aware of any material cyber-attacks or breaches of our systems to date, we have and continue to implement measures to safeguard our systems and information and mitigate potential risks, including employee training around phishing, malware and other cyber risks, but there is no assurance that such actions will be sufficient to prevent cyber-attacks or security breaches that manipulate or improperly use our systems, compromise sensitive information, destroy or corrupt data, or otherwise disrupt our operations. The occurrence of such events, including breaches of our security measures or those of our third party service providers, could negatively impact our reputation and our competitive position and could result in litigation with third parties, regulatory action, loss of business due to disruption of operations and/or reputational damage, potential liability and increased remediation and protection costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Additionally, as cybersecurity risks become more sophisticated, we may need to increase our investments in security measures which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Risk Factors Relating to the Regulatory Environment

Environmental compliance costs and potential environmental liabilities may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations is a significant factor in our business. We are subject to local, state and federal environmental laws and regulations in the U.S. and other countries relating to, among other matters:

Waste disposal;

Waste disposal;

Air emissions;

Air emissions;

Waste water and storm water management, treatment and discharge;

Waste water and storm water management and treatment;

The use and treatment of groundwater;

Soil and groundwater contamination and remediation;

Global climate

Climate change;

Discharge,

Generation, discharge, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials and secondary materials; and

Employee health and safety.


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We are also required to obtain environmental permits from governmental authorities for certain operations. Violation of or failure to obtain permits or comply with these laws or regulations could result in our business being fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators or becoming subject to litigation by private parties. In recent years, capital expenditures for environmental projects have increased and have represented a significant share of our total capital expenditures. Future environmental compliance costs, including capital expenditures for environmental projects, may increase because of new laws and regulations, changing interpretations and stricter enforcement of current laws and regulations by regulatory authorities, expanding emissions, groundwater and other testing requirements and new information on emission or contaminant levels, uncertainty regarding adequate pollution control levels, the future costs of pollution control technology and issues related to global climate change.

We have seen an increased focus by federal, state and local regulators on metals recycling and auto dismantling facilities and new or expanding regulatory requirements.

Our operations use, handle and generate hazardous substances. In addition, previous operations by others at facilities that we currently or formerly owned, operated or otherwise used may have caused contamination from hazardous substances. As a result, we are exposed to possible claims, including government fines and penalties, costs for investigation and clean-up activities, claims for natural resources damages and claims by third parties for personal injury and property damage, under environmental laws and regulations, especially for the remediation of waterways and soil or groundwater contamination. These laws can impose liability for the cleanup of hazardous substances even if the owner or operator was neither aware of nor responsible for the release of the hazardous substances. We have, in the past, been found not to be in compliance with certain of these laws and regulations, and have incurred liabilities, expenditures, fines and penalties associated with such violations. In addition,December 2000, we were notified by the EPA that we are one of the potentially responsible parties that owns or operates, or formerly owned or operated, sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor Superfund site. Further, we have been notified that we are or may be a potentially responsible party for actual or possible investigation and cleanup costs from historical contamination at sites other than Portland Harbor currently or formerly owned or operated by us or at other sites where we may have responsibility for such costs due to past disposal or other activities. Environmental compliance costs and potential environmental liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See also the risk factor “Potential costs related to the environmental cleanup of Portland Harbor may be material to our financial position and liquidity” in this Item 1A.

1A and “Contingencies – Environmental” in Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Governmental agencies may refuse to grant or renew our licenses and permits, and we may be unable to renew facility leases, thus restricting our ability to operate

We conduct certain of our operations subject to licenses, permits and approvals from state and local governments. Governmental agencies often resist the establishment of certain types of facilities in their communities, including auto parts facilities. Changes in zoning and increased residential and mixed-use development near our facilities are reducing the buffer zones and creating land use conflicts with heavy industrial uses such as ours. This could result in increased complaints, increased inspections and enforcement including fines and penalties, operating restrictions, the need for additional capital expenditures and increased opposition to maintaining or renewing required approvals, licenses and permits. In addition, from time to time, both the U.S. and foreign governments impose regulations and restrictions on trade in the markets in which we operate. In some countries, governments can require us to apply for certificates or registration before allowing shipment of recycled metal to customers in those countries. There can be no assurance that future approvals, licenses and permits will be granted or that we will be able to maintain and renew the approvals, licenses and permits we currently hold. Failure to obtain these approvals could cause us to limit or discontinue operations in these locations or prevent us from developing or acquiring new facilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We lease a significant portion of our facilities, including the substantial majority of our auto parts facilities. Failure to renew these leases may impact our ability to continue operations within certain geographic areas, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Compliance with existing and newfuture climate change and greenhouse gas emission laws and regulations may adversely impact our operating results

Future legislation or increased regulation regarding climate change and GHG emissions could impose significant costs on our business and our customers and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, emissions controls, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs in order to comply with laws and regulations concerning and limitations imposed on climate change and GHG emissions. The potential costs of allowances, taxes, fees, offsets or credits that may be part of “cap and trade” programs or similar future legislative or regulatory measures are still uncertain and the future of these programs or measures is unknown. Any adopted futureFor example, in March 2020, the Governor of Oregon issued an executive order directing state agencies to take certain actions to reduce and regulate GHG emissions including development of a “cap and reduce” program that would cover large stationary sources in the state. The scope and timing of that program are unclear. Future climate change and GHG laws or 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.requirements. Until the timing, scope and extent of any future laws or regulations becomes known, we cannot predict the effect on our financial condition, operating performance or ability to compete. Furthermore, even without such laws or regulations, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about the GHGs emitted by companies in the metals recycling and steel manufacturing industries could harm our reputation and reduce customer demand for our products. See “Business - Environmental Matters” in Part I, Item 1 of this report for further detail.

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Risk Factors Relating to Our Employees

Reliance on employees subject to collective bargaining may restrict our ability to operate

Approximately 21%23% of our full-time employees are represented by unions under collective bargaining agreements, including substantially all of the manufacturing employees at our CSS steel manufacturing facility. As these agreements expire, we may not be able to negotiate extensions or replacements of such agreements on acceptable terms. Any failure to reach an agreement with one or more of our unions may result in strikes, lockouts or other labor actions, including work slowdowns or stoppages, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.


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The underfunded status of our multiemployer pension plans may cause us to increase our contributions to the plans

As discussed in Note 1312 - Employee Benefits in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report, we contribute to the Steelworkers Western Independent Shops Pension Plan (“WISPP”), a multiemployer plan benefiting union employees of CSS.our steel mill. Because we have no current intention of withdrawing from the WISPP, we have not recognized a withdrawal liability in our consolidated financial statements. However, if such a liability were triggered, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, liquidity and cash flows. Our contributions to the WISPP could also increase as a result of a diminished contribution base due to the insolvency or withdrawal of other employers who currently contribute to it, the inability or failure of withdrawing employers to pay their withdrawal liabilities, or other funding deficiencies, as we would need to fund the retirement obligations of these employers.

In 2004, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) approved a seven-year extension of the period over which the WISPP may amortize unfunded liabilities, conditioned upon maintenance of certain minimum funding levels. In 2014, the WISPP obtained relief from the specified funding requirements from the IRS, which requires that the WISPP meet a minimum funded percentage on each valuation date and achieve a funded percentage of 100% as of October 1, 2029. Based on the most recent actuarial valuation for the WISPP, as of October 1, 2016, the funded percentage (based on the ratio of the market value of assets to the accumulated benefits liability (present value of accrued benefits) using the valuation method prescribed by the IRS) was 76.4%, which satisfiesIRS satisfied the minimum funded percentage requirements of the IRS.


requirement.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.



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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our facilities and administrative offices by division, type including their total acreage,and location were as follows as of August 31, 2017:2020:

 

 

 

 

Number of Facilities

 

 

Division

Type

Location

 

Owned(1)

 

 

 

Leased

 

 

AMR:

Administrative Offices

California

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

New Jersey

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Rhode Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

Auto Parts Stores

Alberta, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

Arkansas

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

British Columbia, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

California(2)

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

 

Florida

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Illinois

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Indiana

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kansas

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Missouri

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

Nevada

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

Ohio

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Oregon

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

Rhode Island

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

Utah

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Virginia

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Washington

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

Metals Recycling

Alabama

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

British Columbia, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

California

 

 

4

 

[A]

[B]

 

 

 

 

 

Georgia

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hawaii

 

 

1

 

[A]

[B]

 

1

 

 

 

 

Maine

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Massachusetts

 

 

2

 

[A]

[B]

 

1

 

 

 

 

Montana

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nevada

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

New Hampshire

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico

 

 

1

 

[A]

[B]

 

3

 

 

 

 

Rhode Island

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

 

[A]

 

 

Tennessee

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Washington

 

 

2

 

[A]

[B]

 

 

 

CSS:

Steel Mill

Oregon

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steel Distribution

California

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metals Recycling

Oregon

 

 

4

 

[A]

[B]

 

 

 

 

 

Washington

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate:

Administrative Offices

Oregon

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Total Operating Facilities and Administrative Offices

 

 

43

 

 

 

 

58

 

 

 

 

Non-Operating(3)

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53

 

 

 

 

70

 

 

Division
No. of
Facilities
 Acreage
Leased Owned Total
Corporate offices – Domestic1
 
 
 
Auto and Metals Recycling:       
Domestic:(1)
       
Administrative offices3
 
 
 
Collection and processing31
 47
 445
 492
Collection4
 5
 14
 19
Auto parts stores49
 583
 166
 749
Non-operating sites(4)
17
 47
 160
 207
Foreign:(2)

 
 
 
Collection and processing3
 28
 4
 32
Collection1
 6
 
 6
Auto parts stores4
 50
 
 50
Non-operating sites(4)
7
 24
 
 24
Cascade Scrap and Steel:       
Domestic:       
Steel mill and administrative offices2
 
 85
 85
Collection and processing3
 
 98
 98
Collection2
 
 8
 8
Non-operating sites(4)
2
 
 50
 50
Total company:       
Domestic114
 682
 1,026
 1,708
Foreign(2)
15
 108
 4
 112
Total(3)
129
 790
 1,030
 1,820
_____________________________

[A]

Operation includes a deep water port. Puerto Rico and Hawaii operations access deep water ports through public docks.

(1)

[B]

We

Includes large-scale shredding operations.

(1)

Includes eight primarily owned facilities where an adjacent or supplementary parcel of the site is leased.

(2)

Three sites are jointly own 36 acres in California at three of our sites and 19 acres in Indiana at one of our sitesowned with minority interest partners.

(3)

(2)All foreign facilities are located in Canada.
(3)For long-lived assets by geography, see Note 18 – Segment Information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.
(4)

Non-operating sites are comprisedconsist of owned and leased real properties, some of which are sublet to external parties.

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We consider all operating properties, both owned and leased, to be well-maintained, in good operating condition and suitable and adequate to carry on our business.


For further discussion of our operating properties, see “AMR-Business,” “AMR-Distribution,” “CSS-Business” and “CSS-Distribution” in Part I, Item 1 of this report

From time to time, we are involved in various litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business involving normal and routine claims, including environmental compliance matters. Such proceedings include, but are not limited to, proceedings relating to our status as a potentially responsible party with respect to the Portland Harbor Superfund Site, proceedings relating to other legacy environmental issues, and proceedings arising from accidents involving Company-owned vehicles, including Company tractor trailers. For additional information regarding such matters, see Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report. Except as described in such Note, we currently believe that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows or business.


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In fiscal 2013, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts advised us of alleged violations of environmental requirements, including but not limited to those related to air emissions and hazardous waste management, at our operations in the Commonwealth. We actively engaged in discussions with the Commonwealth's representatives, which resulted in a settlement agreement to resolve the alleged violations. A consent judgment was jointly filed with and entered by the Superior Court for the County of Suffolk, Commonwealth of Massachusetts on September 24, 2015. The settlement involved a $450,000$450 thousand cash payment, an additional $450,000$450 thousand in suspended payments to be waived upon completion of a shredder emission control system and certain other specified milestones, and $350,000$350 thousand in supplemental environmental projects that we have completed.

The

We are continuing settlement discussions with the Alameda County District Attorney and the California Office of the Attorney General (COAG), the latter on behalf of certain state agencies, are jointly investigatingregarding alleged violations of environmental requirements, including but not limited to those related to hazardous waste management and water quality, at one of our operations in the California. We are currently engagedCalifornia stemming from investigations initiated in extensive discussions2013 and inspections conducted in 2015. In conjunction with the governmental representatives concerning the nature, extent and schedule for implementation ofon-going settlement discussions, we have completed or have underway various facility upgrades and remedial activities that have been completed or that are underway and are included infunded through our capital expenditure budget and that we believewill resolve the underlying environmental concerns identified by the agencies. We have also continued to dispute certain of the allegations that have been raised and maintain that the operational practices giving rise to those allegations were in compliance with applicable laws. To date, no complaint has been filed by the District Attorney or the State of California, although we anticipate that the settlement of this matter will ultimately involve the simultaneous filing of a complaint and a stipulation (settlement) that involves a commitment. We have agreed to complete agreed-upon actions, paymentsettle the matter for $4.1 million, of awhich $2.05 million is for civil penalty,penalties and reimbursement of the agencies’ enforcement costs. Completion of acosts and $2.05 million will fund Supplemental Environmental Project may offset some portionProjects. The settlement is subject to finalization of the penalty. The government has not yet presented a penalty demand or disclosed its enforcement costs, but based on similar enforcement proceedings that have recently been concluded instipulation and settlement agreement and final approval by the State of California and the government’s positive response to the facility improvements that have been completed or are underway, we do not believe that the potential penalty or enforcement costs associated with resolution of this enforcement proceeding will be material to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity.

The California Officeagencies of the Attorney Generalsettlement.

The COAG has also received a formal enforcement referral relating to another facility that we operate in California. This matter grew out of an agencya Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) inspection of the facility in 2013 and subsequent issuance of a Summary of Violations in 2015 setting forth a number of alleged violations relating to hazardous waste management requirements. We were notified bydisputed the agency thatallegations in our response to the Summary of Violations, was not accepted and thatDTSC referred the matter had been referred to COAG. While COAG, DTSC and Schnitzer Fresno, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, which operates the Attorney General. We are currently engagedfacility, agreed in April 2018 to settle the matter for $490 thousand, of which $368 thousand shall be paid as a civil penalty and $122 thousand shall be paid for agency investigation and enforcement costs, the parties were not able to reach agreement on the injunctive terms of the settlement agreement, and on June 25, 2020, the COAG, on behalf of DTSC, served a complaint for permanent injunction and civil penalties on Schnitzer Fresno, Inc. that was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Fresno. While we plan to continue to pursue settlement discussions to resolve this matter. Based onconsistent with the nature ofpreviously agreed terms, we are vigorously defending against the specific allegations and the fact that the activities in question were conducted several years ago and are not ongoing, as well as the settlement discussions to date and resolution of a similar enforcement proceeding that has recently been concluded in California, weaction. We do not believe the resolution of this threatened enforcement proceedingmatter will be material to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity.

In addition,July 2017, we were informed in late July 2017 that the New Hampshire Office of the Attorney General (NHOAG) is contemplating bringing a civil action in connection with a legacy environmental issue at a closed facility in New Hampshire owned and previously operated by New England Metal Recycling LLC (NEMR), an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary. This matter had been formally referred to the New Hampshire Office of Attorney GeneralNHOAG and relates to subsurface automotive shredder residue (ASR) located at the site that we discovered and self-reported in response to findings from a routine inspection of the site by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) in May 2015. It appears that this subsurface ASR dates back to 2006 or before and may have resulted from the failure to complete a corrective action plan in 2006, although a former NEMR employee reported at the time that the work had been completed. In April 2017, NEMR received a letter of deficiency alleging violations of environmental requirements relating to the characterization and disposal of hazardous waste in connection with the subsurface ASR. We have commenced removal of a portion of the material and are continuing to workfinalizing agreement with the NHDES to prepare and implementon a remedial action plan for the remainder of the material. On June 15, 2018, the NHOAG sent a letter indicating their intent to

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

file a petition seeking civil penalties and injunctive relief in this matter. The letter included a draft petition and stated the NHOAG’s interest in beginning negotiations which may lead to a resolution of this matter. NEMR has entered into a consent decree with the NHOAG, acting on behalf of NHDES, to resolve the enforcement matter, including a civil penalty in the amount of $2.7 million and the schedule for completing the remaining remedial work.

In January 2018, the Company received a finding of violation letter from EPA with respect to alleged violations of environmental requirements stemming from refrigerant recovery management program inspections at 12 of our facilities in the New England and Pacific Northwest regions in July 2017 and November 2017. Except with respect to a minor and now corrected non-compliance matter at one facility, we believe that we have accrued forfully complied with the relevant regulations. Nevertheless, in December 2017 and prior to receipt of the EPA letter, we implemented improvements to our expected cost of such work.refrigerant recovery management program to further strengthen that program, including improvements to address concerns raised by EPA during the inspections. We expect to enter into settlementhave conferred with EPA regarding the alleged violations and are in negotiations with the Attorney General’s Office priorEPA to filing of any petition in the event they proceed with an enforcement case.settle this matter. Based on the nature of the specific allegationssettlement discussions to date and the fact that the activities in question were conducted over ten years ago, as well as our self-reporting of the matter and cooperationprogram improvements we have implemented or have proposed to date in pro-actively pursuing a remediation action plan,implement, we do not believe that the resolutionoutcome of this threatened enforcement proceedingmatter will be material to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity.

In February 2019, the Company received a letter sent on behalf of the District Attorneys for six counties in California notifying the Company of a joint investigation into the alleged mishandling of hazardous materials and hazardous waste and into the Company’s disposal practices, as well as alleged water pollution violations, at various Pick-n-Pull locations within California and requesting a meeting to discuss the alleged violations. Due to the Company’s commitment to compliance with environmental requirements we are implementing additional compliance measures. Based on these additional actions and the initial discussions with the District Attorneys’ offices, we expect to negotiate a settlement of this matter that will address the concerns raised in this joint investigation. There has been no discussion to date of potential monetary sanctions.

In July 2019, the Company received a Notice of Violation (NOV) from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) with respect to alleged violations of a BAAQMD rule identified through testing conducted following the installation of additional emission controls at one of our facilities in Oakland, California. Prior testing and all previously known industry data had indicated the facility was in compliance with this BAAQMD rule. Upon receipt of the emerging testing data, the Company responded appropriately by submitting applications to the BAAQMD for a Title V Major Source air permit in October 2018 and to install additional emission control equipment in July 2019. These pro-active actions and permitting efforts were expected to preclude enforcement associated with the new emissions information. However, during the course of its review of the permit applications, BAAQMD determined that formal resolution of the NOV is warranted because current emissions exceed thresholds set in the BAAQMD rule. BAAQMD and the Company have agreed on the terms of a Compliance and Settlement Agreement (CSA) to cover the period pending installation of the additional emissions controls. The CSA provides for the payment of a civil penalty in the amount of $400,000, a suspended payment in the amount of $100,000 to be forgiven in the event the Company completes the compliance work by the agreed deadline and the purchase by the Company of certain emission reduction credits.

In addition, based on its evaluation of data requested during a June 2019 inspection, EPA issued a NOV in January 2020 alleging the same BAAQMD rule violation discussed above and also alleging violations of Title V Major Source permitting requirements. The Company maintains that our timely filing of a Title V Major Source permit application as noted above constitutes compliance with Title V Major Source rules and that EPA’s Title V non-compliance allegations are erroneous. The Company has conveyed that position to EPA and has provided EPA with documentation requested by EPA confirming our position. The Company also has requested that the alleged BAAQMD rule violation be addressed solely through the CSA with BAAQMD and that federal “overfiling” is unnecessary and inappropriate in the circumstances. Based on the discussions to date, we do not believe the outcome of this matter will be material to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information about our executive officers is incorporated by reference from Part III, Item 10 of this annual report.

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Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.



PART II


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

Our Class A common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol SCHN. There were 192159 holders of record of Class A common stock on October 20, 2017.2020. Our Class A common stock has been trading since November 16, 1993. The following table sets forth the high and low trading stock prices reported on NASDAQ and the dividends paid per share for the periods indicated.

 Fiscal 2017
 High Price Low Price Dividends Per Share
First Quarter$30.33
 $17.30
 $0.1875
Second Quarter$30.60
 $22.55
 $0.1875
Third Quarter$25.00
 $17.50
 $0.1875
Fourth Quarter$27.70
 $18.65
 $0.1875
      
 Fiscal 2016
 High Price Low Price Dividends Per Share
First Quarter$17.81
 $12.64
 $0.1875
Second Quarter$16.93
 $11.70
 $0.1875
Third Quarter$21.57
 $14.49
 $0.1875
Fourth Quarter$20.65
 $14.83
 $0.1875

Our Class B common stock is not publicly traded. There was one holder of record of Class B common stock on October 20, 2017.
2020. Our Class B common stock is not publicly traded.

We declared our 106th consecutive quarterly dividend in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The payment of future dividends is subject to approval by our Board of Directors and continued compliance with the terms of our credit agreement. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of this report for further discussion of our credit agreement.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Pursuant to a share repurchase program as amended in 2001, 2006 and 2006,2008, we were authorized to repurchase up to 6nine million shares of our Class A common stock when management deems such repurchases to be appropriate. In November 2008,We may repurchase our Boardcommon stock for a variety of Directors approved an increasereasons, such as to optimize our capital structure and to offset dilution related to share-based compensation arrangements. We consider several factors in determining whether to make share repurchases including, among other factors, our cash needs, the shares authorized for repurchase by 3 million, to 9 million. Asavailability of funding, our future business plans and the beginning of fiscal 2015, we had repurchased approximately 6.9 million sharesmarket price of our Class A common stock under the program. stock. We repurchased approximately 68527 thousand shares for a total of $1 million and 203 thousand shares for a total of $3$13 million in open-market transactions in fiscal 20152019, and 2016, respectively. We did not repurchase any approximately 53 thousandshares for a total of $0.9 millionin open-market transactions in fiscal 2017.2020. No share repurchases occurred in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. As of August 31, 2017,2020, there were approximately 1.8 million 706 thousandshares available for repurchase under the program.

The share repurchase program does not require us to acquire any specific number of shares, and we may suspend, extend or terminate the program at any time without prior notice and the program may be executed through open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or utilizing Rule 10b5-1 programs. We evaluate long- and short-range forecasts as well as anticipated sources and uses of cash before determining the course of action that would best enhance shareholder value.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

See Note 1413 - Share-Based Compensation in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for information regarding securities authorized for issuance under share-based compensation plans.


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Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


Performance Graph

The following graph and related information compares cumulative total shareholder return on our Class A common stock for the five-year period from September 1, 20122015 through August 31, 2017,2020, with the cumulative total return for the same period of (i) the S&P 500 Steel Index and (ii) the S&P Steel Index and (iii) the NASDAQ Composite600 Metals & Mining Index. These comparisons assume an investment of $100 at the commencement of the five-year period and that all dividends are reinvested. The stock performance outlined in the performance graph below is not necessarily indicative of our future performance, and we do not endorse any predictions as to future stock performance.

 

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

Schnitzer Steel Industries(1)

 

$

100

 

 

$

113

 

 

$

168

 

 

$

169

 

 

$

146

 

 

$

136

 

S&P 500 Steel

 

$

100

 

 

$

112

 

 

$

127

 

 

$

144

 

 

$

113

 

 

$

105

 

S&P 600 Metals & Mining

 

$

100

 

 

$

101

 

 

$

134

 

 

$

139

 

 

$

91

 

 

$

90

 


 Year Ended August 31,
 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Schnitzer Steel Industries(1)
$100
 $94
 $106
 $69
 $78
 $116
NASDAQ100
 119
 153
 162
 179
 223
S&P 500100
 119
 149
 149
 168
 195
S&P Steel Index100
 99
 125
 97
 108
 123
_____________________________

(1)

(1)

Because we operate in two distinct but related businesses,of the composition of our major product categories, we have no direct market peer issuers.


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Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial and other data for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2017.2020. The selected consolidated financial and other data presented below should be read in conjunction with Management'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations set forth in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

Year ended August 31,

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

2016

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

1,712,343

 

 

$

2,132,781

 

 

$

2,364,715

 

 

$

1,687,591

 

 

$

1,352,543

 

Operating income (loss)(1)

 

$

6,854

 

 

$

83,865

 

 

$

148,988

 

 

$

56,013

 

 

$

(7,842

)

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

$

(2,105

)

 

$

58,570

 

 

$

159,443

 

 

$

47,368

 

 

$

(16,240

)

(Loss) income from discontinued operations,

   net of tax

 

$

(95

)

 

$

(248

)

 

$

346

 

 

$

(390

)

 

$

(1,348

)

Net (loss) income attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

(4,145

)

 

$

56,345

 

 

$

156,451

 

 

$

44,511

 

 

$

(19,409

)

(Loss) income per share from continuing operations

   attributable to SSI shareholders (diluted)

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

2.01

 

 

$

5.46

 

 

$

1.60

 

 

$

(0.66

)

Net (loss) income per share attributable to SSI shareholders (diluted)

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

2.00

 

 

$

5.47

 

 

$

1.58

 

 

$

(0.71

)

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.75

 

OTHER DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales volumes (in thousands)(2):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMR recycled ferrous metal (LT)(3)

 

 

3,372

 

 

 

3,740

 

 

 

3,708

 

 

 

3,145

 

 

 

2,899

 

AMR recycled nonferrous metal (pounds)

 

 

497,508

 

 

 

608,294

 

 

 

571,705

 

 

 

540,791

 

 

 

473,737

 

CSS finished steel products (ST)

 

 

505

 

 

 

478

 

 

 

519

 

 

 

496

 

 

 

488

 

Average net selling price(2)(4):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMR recycled ferrous metal (per LT)

 

$

236

 

 

$

289

 

 

$

317

 

 

$

242

 

 

$

193

 

AMR recycled nonferrous metal (per pound)

 

$

0.55

 

 

$

0.59

 

 

$

0.72

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

$

0.60

 

CSS finished steel products (per ST)

 

$

630

 

 

$

713

 

 

$

666

 

 

$

534

 

 

$

522

 

 

 

August 31,

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

2016

 

BALANCE SHEET DATA (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

1,229,927

 

 

$

1,160,746

 

 

$

1,104,817

 

 

$

933,755

 

 

$

891,429

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

$

102,235

 

 

$

103,775

 

 

$

106,237

 

 

$

144,403

 

 

$

184,144

 

 Year Ended August 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:         
(in thousands, except per share and dividend data)        
Revenues$1,687,591
 $1,352,543
 $1,915,399
 $2,534,926
 $2,616,792
Operating income (loss)(1)
$56,013
 $(7,842) $(195,529) $24,364
 $(323,178)
Income (loss) from continuing operations$47,368
 $(16,240) $(187,849) $12,400
 $(275,781)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax(2)
$(390) $(1,348) $(7,227) $(2,809) $(4,242)
Net income (loss) attributable to SSI$44,511
 $(19,409) $(197,009) $5,924
 $(281,442)
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI (diluted)$1.60
 $(0.66) $(7.03) $0.32
 $(10.40)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI (diluted)$1.58
 $(0.71) $(7.29) $0.22
 $(10.56)
Dividends declared per common share$0.750
 $0.750
 $0.750
 $0.750
 $0.750
OTHER DATA:         
Sales volumes (in thousands)(3):
         
AMR recycled ferrous metal (tons)(4)
3,145
 2,899
 3,186
 3,591
 3,666
AMR recycled nonferrous metal (pounds)540,791
 473,737
 539,850
 563,530
 528,846
CSS finished steel products (tons)496
 488
 540
 533
 488
Average net selling price(3)(5):
         
AMR recycled ferrous metal (per ton)$242
 $193
 $264
 $347
 $351
AMR recycled nonferrous metal (per pound)$0.63
 $0.60
 $0.74
 $0.82
 $0.89
CSS finished steel products (per ton)$534
 $522
 $639
 $677
 $680
          
 August 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
BALANCE SHEET DATA (in thousands):         
Total assets$933,755
 $891,429
 $962,299
 $1,355,210
 $1,405,512
Long-term debt, net of current maturities$144,403
 $184,144
 $227,572
 $318,842
 $372,663
_____________________________

(1)

(1)

Operating income in fiscal 20172020 includes other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net, of $(1)$6 million and a net gain from restructuring charges and other exit-related activities of less than $1$9 million. Operating loss in fiscal 2016 includes a goodwill impairment charge of $9 million, other asset impairment charges of $21 million, and restructuring charges and other exit-relatedexit-related activities of $7 million. Operating loss in fiscal 2015 includes a goodwill impairment chargeEach of $141 million, other asset impairment charges of $45 million, and restructuring charges and other exit-related activities of $13 million. Operating income in fiscal 2014 includes other asset impairment charges ofwere $1 million or less in each of fiscal 2019, 2018, and restructuring charges and other exit-related activities of $7 million. Operating loss in fiscal 2013 includes a goodwill impairment charge of $321 million, other asset impairment charges of $13 million and restructuring charges and other exit-related activities of $8 million.2017.

(2)

(2)In fiscal 2015, the Company ceased operations at seven auto parts stores, six of which qualified for discontinued operations reporting and whose results have been removed from other data for all periods presented, as applicable. In fiscal 2014, the Company also released an environmental liability of $1 million associated with operations disposed in fiscal 2010. See Note 8 - Discontinued Operations in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further discussion.
(3)

Tons for recycled ferrous metal are long tons (2,240LT (Long Ton, which is equivalent to 2,240 pounds) and for finished steel products are short tons (2,000ST (Short Ton, which is equivalent to 2,000 pounds).

(3)

(4)

The Company sold to external customers or delivered to its steel mill an aggregate of 3,954 thousand, 4,319 thousand, 4,299 thousand, 3,628 thousand, 3,289 thousand, 3,708 thousand, 4,309 thousand, and 4,5063,289 thousand tons of ferrous recycled scrap metal in fiscal 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013,2016, respectively. Company-wide ferrous volumes include total ferrous sales volumes for AMR, ferrous tons sold externally by CSS, and ferrous tons delivered by CSS'sCSS’s metals recycling operations to its steel mill, net of inter-segment eliminations.

(4)

(5)

In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company reportsCompany’s revenues that include amounts billed to customers for freight to customers;freight; however, average net selling prices are shown net of amounts billed for freight.


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Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


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

This section includes a discussion of our operations for the three fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016,2020 and 2015.2019. The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our financial condition and results of operations and financial condition.operations. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto in Part II, Item 8 of this report and the Selected Financial Data contained in Part II, Item 6 of this report.


For discussion of our results of operations for fiscal year 2018 including comparison to fiscal 2019 refer to Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2019, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 24, 2019.

Business

We are

Founded in 1906, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (“SSI”), an Oregon corporation, is one of North America’s largest recyclers of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal, including end-of-life vehicles, and a manufacturer of finished steel products.

Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, our

Our internal organizational and reporting structure supportedincludes two operating and reportable segments: the Auto and Metals Recycling ("AMR"(“AMR”) business and the Steel Manufacturing Business ("SMB"). In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, in accordance with our plan announced in June 2017, we modified our internal organizational and reporting structure to combine our steel manufacturing operations, which had been reported as our SMB segment, with our Oregon metals recycling operations, which had been reported within our AMR segment, forming a new division named Cascade Steel and Scrap ("CSS"(“CSS”). The Oregon metals recycling operations include our shredding and export facilities in Portland, Oregon, and also include four metals recycling feeder yard operations located in Oregon and Southern Washington and one metals recycling joint venture ownership interest. The Oregon metals recycling operations source substantially all of the scrap raw material needs of our steel manufacturing operations. This change in organizational structure is intended to enhance our flexibility, generate internal synergies, and enable us to more effectively adjust to market changes across our recycling and steel manufacturing operations. We began reporting on this new segment structure in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 as reflected in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The segment data for the comparable periods presented has been recast to conform to the current period presentation for all activities of the reorganized segments. Recasting this historical information did not have an impact on the consolidated financial performance of SSI for any of the periods presented.

business.

We use segment operating income to measure our segment performance. Restructuring chargesWe do not allocate corporate interest income and expense, income taxes and other exit-related activities are not allocatedincome and expense to segment operating income because we do not include this information in our measurement of the segments’ performance. Expensesegments. Certain expenses related to shared services that support operational activities and transactions isare allocated from Corporate to the segments. Unallocated Corporate expense consists primarily of expense for management and certain administrative services that benefit both segments. In addition, we do not allocate certain items to segment operating income because management does not include the information in its measurement of the performance of the segments. Such unallocated items include restructuring charges and other exit-related activities, charges (net of recoveries) related to legacy environmental matters and provisions for certain legal matters. Because of the unallocated income and expense, the operating income of each segment does not reflect the operating income the segment would report as a stand-alone business. The results of discontinued operations are excluded from segment operating income and are presented separately, net of tax, from the results of ongoing operations for all periods presented.

In April 2020, we announced our intention to modify our internal organizational and reporting structure to a functionally based, integrated model. We will consolidate our operations, sales, services and other functional capabilities at an enterprise level. This change in structure is intended to result in a more agile organization and solidify recent productivity improvement and cost reduction initiatives. We expect to complete this transition in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 resulting in a single operating and reportable segment.

See Note 18 - Segment Information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further information regarding our current reportable segments, including a discussion of the primary activities of each reportable segment, total assets by reportable segment, operating results from continuing operations by reportable segment, revenues from external customers and concentration of sales to foreign countries.

Our results of operations depend in large part on the demand and prices for recycled metal in foreign and domestic markets and on the supply of raw materials, including end-of-life vehicles, available to be processed at our facilities. We respond to changes in selling prices for processed metal by seeking to adjust purchase prices for unprocessed scrap metal in order to manage the impact on our operating income. We believe we generally benefit from sustained periods of stable or rising recycled scrap metal selling prices, which allow us to better maintain or increase both operating income and unprocessed scrap metal flow into our facilities. When recycled scrap metal selling prices decline, either sharply or for a sustained period, our operating margins typically compress.

Our deep water port facilities on both the East and West Coasts of the United StatesU.S. (in Everett, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island; Oakland, California; Tacoma, Washington; and Portland, Oregon) and access to public deep water port facilities (in Kapolei, Hawaii;Hawaii and Salinas, Puerto Rico) allow us to efficiently meet the global demand for recycled ferrous metal by shippingenabling us to ship bulk cargoes to steel manufacturers located in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and North America, Central America and South America. Our exports of nonferrous recycled metal are shipped in containers through various public docks to specialty steelmakers, foundries, aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers, copper refineries and smelters, brass and bronze ingot manufacturers, and wire and cable producers, wholesalers, and other recycled metal processors globally. We also transport both ferrous and nonferrous metals by truck, rail and barge in order to transfer scrap metal between our facilities for further processing, to load shipments at our export facilities, and to meet regional domestic demand.

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Our results of operations also depend on the demand and prices for our finished steel products, the manufacture of which uses internally sourced ferrous recycled scrap metal as the primary feedstock, as well as other raw materials. Our steel mill in Oregon sells to industrial customers primarily in North America.

Our quarterly operating results fluctuate based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, changes in market conditions for ferrous and nonferrous recycled metal and finished steel products, the supply of scrap metal in our domestic markets, and varying demand for used auto parts from our self-service retail stores. TheseCertain of these factors are influenced, to a degree, by the impact of seasonal changes including severe weather conditions, which can impact the timing of shipments and inhibit construction activity utilizing our products, scrap metal collection at our facilities and production levels in our yards, and retail admissions and parts sales at our auto parts stores.


28 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017



profitability on sales of our products and, in certain cases, impede or restrict our ability to sell to certain export markets or require us to direct our sales to alternative market destinations, which can cause our quarterly operating results to fluctuate. For further information regarding the potential impact of changing conditions in global markets including the impact of sanctions and tariffs, quotas and other trade actions and import restrictions on our business and results of operations, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report.

Strategic Priorities

As we continue to closely monitor economic conditions, we remain focused on the following core strategies and plans to meet our business goals and objectives:

Long-term expansion of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal supply and processing, sales volumes and operating margins;

Long-term expansion of ferrous scrap metal supply and processing, sales volumes and operating margins;

Technology investments and process improvements to increase the separation and recovery of recycled materials from our shredding process and to expand product optionality;

Use of our seven deep water ports and ground-based logistics network to directly access customers domestically and internationally to meet demand for our products wherever it is greatest;

Development of new products and expansion of recycling services and capabilities to reach a broader market, enhance customer value and increase operating margins;

Further optimization of our integrated operating platform to maximize opportunities for synergies, cost efficiencies and volumes;

Productivity and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure the safety of our employees, increase operating efficiency and effectiveness, advance sustainable business practices, improve natural resource stewardship, and reduce operating expense;

Continuous improvement initiatives to increase production efficiency, enhance effectiveness in our commercial activities and reduce operating expense;

Use of our seven deep water ports and ground-based logistics network to directly access customers domestically and internationally to meet demand for our products wherever it is greatest;

Technology and process improvement investments to increase the separation and recovery of recycled materials from our shredding process and to generate more value-added products;

Further optimization of our integrated recycling and steel manufacturing operating platforms to maximize opportunities for synergies, cost efficiencies and volumes; and

Increase market share through initiatives to maximize volumes and through selective partnerships, alliances and acquisitions.

Our auto parts stores are key suppliers to our metal recycling facilities, and we look to enhance the geographic proximity of operations among those facilities. We have a recycling presence in the Northwestern U.S., in Northern California and in the Northeastern U.S., near our export facilities in Tacoma, Washington, Portland, Oregon, Oakland, California and Everett, Massachusetts, which enhances our access to regional supplies of scrap metal and end-of-life vehicles.
In fiscal 2015, we initiated and implemented restructuring initiatives consisting of idling underutilized metals recycling assets, including a shredder in Johnston, Rhode Island and another shredder in Surrey, British Columbia, and closing seven auto parts stores at AMR to more closely align our business to market conditions. Additional cost savings and productivity improvement initiatives, including adjustments to our operating capacity through additional facility closures, were identified and initiated in fiscal 2016. Facility closures in fiscal 2016 included a small shredding facility in Concord, New Hampshire. Six of the auto parts stores closed in fiscal 2015 qualified for discontinued operations reporting beginning in fiscal 2015. See Note 8 - Discontinued Operations and Note 10 - Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Activities in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Key economic factors and trends affecting the industries in which we operate

We sell recycled metals to the global steel industry for the production of finished steel. Our financial results largely depend on supply of raw materials in the U.S. and Western Canada and demand for recycled metal in foreign and domestic markets and for finished steel products in the Western U.S. Demand for most of our products is cyclical in nature and Western Canada.sensitive to changes in general economic conditions. The timing and magnitude of the economic cycles in the industries in which our products are used, including global steel manufacturing and nonresidential and infrastructure construction in the U.S., are difficult to predict. Global economic conditions, including impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic discussed below in this section, changes in supply and demand conditions, the strength of the U.S. dollar, and the availability and price of raw material alternatives, and trade actions such as tariffs affect market prices for and sales volumes of recycled ferrous and nonferrous metal in global markets and steel products in the Western U.S. and Western Canada and can have a significant impact on the results of operations for our reportable segments.

Commencing

In fiscal 2020, operating results at AMR decreased significantly compared to fiscal 2019 as weaker market conditions resulted in declining commodity prices and lower sales prices and volumes for our recycled metal products compared to the prior year. AMR experienced operating margin compression in fiscal 20122020 as declining average net selling prices for our recycled metal products outpaced the reduction in purchase costs for raw materials. Market conditions for recycled metals weakened entering fiscal 2020 due to softer demand for finished steel globally at the time and spanning throughstructural changes to the market for certain recycled nonferrous products resulting primarily from Chinese import restrictions and tariffs. Market selling prices for ferrous recycled metal declined by approximately $60 per ton, or approximately 20%, between the beginning of August 2019 and October 2019, before recovering moderately during the remainder of the first half of fiscal 2016, our markets were adversely impacted by a slowdown of2020. Global economic activity globally. The macroeconomic uncertainty, combined with global steel-making overproduction and a strengtheningconditions deteriorated significantly beginning in March 2020 in large part due to the impacts of the U.S. dollar had resultedCOVID-19 pandemic resulting in deterioratingweaker market conditions for global steel manufacturers and volatile pricing swings. The weak price environment for recycled metals in fiscal 2015 and the first half of fiscal 2016 was exacerbated by a decline in iron ore prices, a raw material used in steel-making blast furnaces which compete with EAF mills that use ferrous scrap metal as their primary feedstock. Low-priced steel billets which use iron ore as their primary raw material, and which are direct substitutes for ferrous scrap metal in the manufacture of finished steel, also contributed to lower scrap metal demand and prices during these years. The low economic growth in the U.S. and the lower scrap metal price environment contributed to constrained scrap flows in the domestic supply markets which led to significantly lower margins in our AMR business during fiscal 2015 and the first half of fiscal 2016 before prices and margins recovered during the second half of fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2017, the combination of improved U.S. and global economic growth and lower Chinese steel exports driven by higher domestic demand and reductions in less efficient steel-making capacity contributed to improved demand andproducts. Market selling prices for ferrous recycled scrap metal positively impacting our operating results.


29declined by approximately $70 per ton, or approximately 25%, in March

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Our operating results in fiscal 2017 benefited from improved market conditions, increased sales diversification, improved supply volumes, expanded nonferrous metal recovery, and additional benefits from our multi-year cost reduction and productivity improvement measures compared to the prior two years.

2020. The highersharply declining price environment for scrap metal during fiscal 2017 togetherin combination with benefits from commercial initiativeseconomic and other restrictions on suppliers relating to improve supply channels and an improved trend in U.S. economic conditions led to an increase inCOVID-19 severely constricted the supply of scrap metal in our domestic market, including end-of-life vehicles, which resulted in significantly lower processed volumes and a substantial adverse impact on operating margins and overall operating results at AMR. Market selling prices for ferrous recycled metal began to recover in May 2020 and continued to improve through the end of fiscal 2020, resulting in higher processedstronger demand for our products in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to the prior quarter.

In fiscal 2019, market conditions for recycled metals weakened primarily due to slower global economic growth and the effects of tariffs and other regulatory measures, resulting in lower average net selling prices for our ferrous and nonferrous recycled metal products and lower ferrous export sales volumes compared to fiscal 2016. The higher price environment also positively impacted2018. Operating results at AMR in fiscal 2019 decreased significantly compared to fiscal 2018 as a result of operating margin compression from the spread between directdecline in average net selling prices for our recycled metal products which outpaced the reduction in purchase costs and selling prices offor raw materials. Domestic ferrous recycled metalsales volumes in fiscal 2019 increased compared to the prior year.year, reflecting strong demand in the U.S. market particularly during the first half of fiscal 2019, partially offsetting the adverse impact of the weaker ferrous export market conditions and lower average net selling prices. Nonferrous average net selling prices in fiscal 2019 decreased significantly compared to fiscal 2018 primarily reflecting reduced demand for nonferrous products globally, as well as the continued impact of Chinese import restrictions and tariffs on certain nonferrous products put into place starting in the second half of fiscal 2018.

In fiscal 2020, CSS was impacted by an overall lower price environment for finished steel products compared to the prior year and, partially due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced sales of ferrous recycled scrap metal. The effects of COVID-19 did not have a significant impact on sales volumes for our finished steel products as demand in West Coast construction markets remained steady.

In fiscal 2019, CSS benefited from reduced pressure from steel imports and higher net selling prices for finished steel products particularly during the first quarter of fiscal 2019, resulting in higher finished steel margins in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018. However, these benefits were more than offset by lower finished steel and recycled metal sales volumes and increased steel-making consumables costs compared to fiscal 2018, resulting in lower operating results at CSS year-over-year.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”)

In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. The outbreak resulted in governments around the world implementing stringent measures to help control the spread of the virus, followed by phased regulations and guidelines for reopening communities and economies. In addition, governments and central banks in several parts of the world have enacted fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to counteract the impacts of COVID-19. For example, on March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed and enacted into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, a $2 trillion economic relief bill aimed at supporting individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic and economic downturn. See “Income Taxes” within Results of Operations below in this Item 7 for discussion of the impact of the CARES Act on our accounting for income taxes.

We are a company operating in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Consistent with federal guidelines and with state and local orders to date, we have continued to operate across our footprint throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring the health and welfare of our employees, and all who visit our sites, is our top priority and we are following all U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local health department guidelines. Further, we implemented infection control measures at all our sites and put in place restrictions on travel and in-person meetings and other physical distancing measures. Notwithstanding our continued operations, COVID-19 has negatively impacted and may have further unfavorable impacts on our financial performance, operations, supply chain and flows of raw materials, transportation and logistics networks and customers. Due in large part to the impacts of and response to the spread of COVID-19, global economic conditions declined sharply during the third quarter of fiscal 2020, resulting in historic unemployment levels, rapid changes in supply and demand in certain industry sectors, businesses switching to remote work or ceasing operations, and consumers eliminating, restricting or redirecting spending. The economic downturn adversely affected demand for our products and contributed to weaker supply and demand conditions affecting prices and volumes in the markets for our products, services and raw materials. Global economic conditions partially recovered during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, resulting in improved demand for our products compared to the third quarter. During fiscal 2020, in particular the third quarter, our operations, margins and results were adversely impacted by lower sales volumes of recycled metals driven by severely constrained supplies of scrap metal including end-of-life vehicles, leading to lower processed volumes at our recycling facilities. We also experienced significant decreases in selling prices for our recycled metal products, softer demand, supply chain disruptions, reduced availability of shipping containers, and other logistics constraints.

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While we expect the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position, the current level of uncertainty over the economic and operational impacts of COVID-19 means the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. For further discussion of the risks related to this matter, refer to Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A of this report.

Executive Overview of Financial Results

We generated consolidated revenues of $1.7 billion in fiscal 2017, an increase2020, a decrease of 25%20% from the $1.4$2.1 billion of consolidated revenues generated in fiscal 2016,2019, primarily due to improved market conditions for recycled metals in the domestic and export markets resulting in highersignificantly lower average net selling prices for our ferrous, nonferrous and increasedfinished steel products, and reduced ferrous and nonferrous sales volumes compared to the prior year. These decreases were driven by weaker market conditions for recycled metals and steel products compared to the prior year including benefits from increasedas a result of the sharp decline in global economic conditions during the third quarter of fiscal 2020 primarily due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Market selling prices for ferrous recycled metal declined sharply by approximately $70 per ton, or approximately 25%, in March 2020, before gradually recovering through the end of the fiscal year. In fiscal 2020, the average net selling prices for ferrous and nonferrous recycled metal at AMR were 18% and 7% lower, respectively, compared to the prior year. Steel revenues in fiscal 2020 decreased by 8% compared to the prior year reflecting the impact of lower average net selling prices for our finished steel products partially offset by higher finished steel sales diversification.

volumes compared to the prior year.

Consolidated operating income was $56$7 millionin fiscal 2020, compared to $84 million in fiscal 2017, compared to consolidated operating loss of $8 million in fiscal 2016.2019. Adjusted consolidated operating income was $27 million in fiscal 2017 was $54 million,2020, compared to $28$89 million in the prior year. Adjusted results in fiscal 2017 exclude net recoveries on previously impaired assets of $1 million, a net gain from restructuring and exit-related activities of less than $1 million, and recoveries related to the resale or modification of previously contracted shipments of $1 million. Adjusted results in fiscal 2016 exclude the impact of a goodwill impairment charge of $9 million, other asset impairment charges of $21 million, restructuring charges and other exit-related activities of $7 million, and recoveries related to the resale or modification of previously contracted shipments of $1 million.2019. See the reconciliation of adjusted consolidated operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this Item 7.

Operating

AMR reported operating income in fiscal 2020 of $34 million, compared to $96 million in the prior year period. The decrease in AMR operating results in fiscal 2017 benefited2020 was primarily the result of operating margin compression from betterthe decline in average net selling prices for our ferrous and nonferrous products which outpaced the reduction in purchase costs for raw materials. AMR’s fiscal 2020 operating margins and overall operating results were adversely impacted by periods of sharply declining commodity prices and reduced scrap metal supply flows due to weaker market conditions increased sales diversification,for recycled metals, including during the third quarter of fiscal 2020 in large part due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.Market selling prices for ferrous recycled metal began to recover in May 2020 and continued to improve through the end of fiscal 2020, resulting in stronger demand for our products and improved scrap metal supply volumes, expanded nonferrous metal recovery, and additionalflows in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to the prior quarter. The adverse effects of the market conditions on AMR’s operating results in fiscal 2020 were partially offset by benefits from cost savingsproductivity and productivity improvementrestructuring initiatives implemented during the year.

CSS reported operating income of $23 million in fiscal 2020, compared to fiscal 2016. The higher$32 million in the prior year, with the decrease primarily reflecting the impact of the lower price environment for scrap metal in fiscal 2017 together with benefits from commercial initiatives to improve supply channels and an improved trend in U.S. economic conditions also led to an increase in the supply of scrap metal, including end-of-life vehicles, resulting in higher processed volumes and improved operating results, primarily at AMR, compared to the prior year. The stronger price environment also positively impacted the spread between direct purchase costs andFinished steel average net selling prices of ferrous recycled metal at AMR, with the metal spread forin fiscal 2017 expanding by approximately 10%2020 declined $83 per ton, or 12%, compared to the prior year. Operating results in fiscal 2016year, the adverse effects of which were adversely impactedpartially offset by a lower price environment which included sharp declines in commodity selling prices during the first half of fiscal 2016 resulting in an unfavorable impact from average inventory accounting during the year. This compares to a favorable impact from average inventory accounting in fiscal 2017 which, relative to performance benefits from other drivers, was not a major contributor to the improvement in operating results year over year. CSS's operating results improved, with operating income of just over $5 million for fiscal 2017, compared to just under $5 million for the prior year. CSS's operating results included a net recovery on previously impaired assets of $1 million in fiscal 2017, compared to asset impairments of $4 million in fiscal 2016. The benefits to CSS from higher finished steel selling prices and sales volumes in fiscal 2017 were more than offset by continued pressureand benefits from low-priced imports andproductivity initiatives compared to the adverse impact of the downtime and costs associated with major equipment upgrades at our steel mill during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Operating results in fiscal 2016 were also adversely impacted by a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $9 million in a reporting unit within AMR and non-cash other asset impairment charges of $21 million primarily at AMR. See Results of Operations, Asset Impairment Charges (Recoveries), net in this Item 7 for further details on asset impairment charges.
prior year.

Consolidated selling, general and administrative ("(“SG&A"&A”) expense in fiscal 2017 increased2020 decreased by $23$4 million, or 15%2%, compared to the prior year primarily driven by lower employee-related expenses as a result of cost savings initiatives and reduced travel resulting from restrictions due to higher employee-related expenses, including an increase in incentive compensation accruals resulting from improved financial performance, other expenses related to higher volumes, and increased environmental liabilities. This increase wasCOVID-19, partially offset by incremental benefits from cost savingshigher legacy and productivity improvement measures. SG&A expense in fiscal 2016 included a $6 million benefit from an insurance reimbursement.

In recent years, we implemented a number of cost reduction and productivity improvement measures to more closely align our business to market conditions. The combined benefit of the measures initiated since the beginning of fiscal 2015 represents a targeted annual improvement to operating performance of approximately $95 million. In fiscal 2017, we achieved the full $95 million in combined benefits related to these measures, compared to $78 million and $28 million of benefits in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. In total, we have achieved approximately $160 million in combined annual benefits to operating performance since announcing the initial phase of these cost savings and productivity initiatives at the end of fiscal 2012. Charges incurred in connection with the foregoing initiatives are discussed in Results of Operations, Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Activities in this Item 7.

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other environmental-related expenses.

Net income from continuing operations attributable to SSI in fiscal 2017 was $45 million, or $1.60 per diluted share, compared to net loss from continuing operations attributable to SSI of $18shareholders in fiscal 2020 was $(4) million, or $(0.66)$(0.15) per diluted share, compared to income of $57 million, or $2.01 per diluted share, in the prior year. Adjusted net income from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders in fiscal 20172020 was $43$12 million, or $1.53$0.43 per diluted share, compared to $19$61 million, or $0.69 $2.16per diluted share, in the prior year. See the reconciliation of adjusted net (loss) income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders and adjusted diluted (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this Item 7.

The following items further highlight selected liquidity and capital structure metrics:

Net cash provided by operating activities of $125 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $145 million in the prior year;

Net cash provided by operating activities of $100 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $99 million in the prior year;

Debt of $104 million as of August 31, 2020, compared to $105 million as of the prior year-end;

Debt of $145 million as of August 31, 2017, compared to $193 million as of the prior year-end; and

Debt, net of cash, of $87 million as of August 31, 2020, compared to $93 million as of the prior year-end (see the reconciliation of debt, net of cash, in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this Item 7).

Debt, net of cash, of $138 million as of August 31, 2017, compared to $166 million as of the prior year-end (see the reconciliation of debt, net of cash, in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this Item 7).


31

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Results of Operations

 

 

For the Year Ended August 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Increase / (Decrease)

 

($ in thousands)

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020 vs 2019

 

 

2019 vs 2018

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auto and Metals Recycling

 

$

1,307,812

 

 

$

1,684,977

 

 

$

1,908,966

 

 

 

(22

)%

 

 

(12

)%

Cascade Steel and Scrap

 

 

413,257

 

 

 

459,416

 

 

 

480,641

 

 

 

(10

)%

 

 

(4

)%

Intercompany revenue eliminations(1)

 

 

(8,726

)

 

 

(11,612

)

 

 

(24,892

)

 

 

(25

)%

 

 

(53

)%

Total revenues

 

 

1,712,343

 

 

 

2,132,781

 

 

 

2,364,715

 

 

 

(20

)%

 

 

(10

)%

Cost of goods sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auto and Metals Recycling

 

 

1,138,063

 

 

 

1,458,212

 

 

 

1,607,628

 

 

 

(22

)%

 

 

(9

)%

Cascade Steel and Scrap

 

 

374,512

 

 

 

412,209

 

 

 

427,459

 

 

 

(9

)%

 

 

(4

)%

Intercompany cost of goods sold eliminations(1)

 

 

(8,850

)

 

 

(11,886

)

 

 

(24,602

)

 

 

(26

)%

 

 

(52

)%

Total cost of goods sold

 

 

1,503,725

 

 

 

1,858,535

 

 

 

2,010,485

 

 

 

(19

)%

 

 

(8

)%

Selling, general and administrative expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auto and Metals Recycling

 

 

130,006

 

 

 

130,920

 

 

 

133,044

 

 

 

(1

)%

 

 

(2

)%

Cascade Steel and Scrap

 

 

16,302

 

 

 

16,499

 

 

 

17,044

 

 

 

(1

)%

 

 

(3

)%

Corporate(2)

 

 

41,568

 

 

 

43,986

 

 

 

58,789

 

 

 

(5

)%

 

 

(25

)%

Total selling, general and administrative

   expense

 

 

187,876

 

 

 

191,405

 

 

 

208,877

 

 

 

(2

)%

 

 

(8

)%

(Income) loss from joint ventures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auto and Metals Recycling

 

 

(294

)

 

 

(209

)

 

 

107

 

 

 

41

%

 

NM

 

Cascade Steel and Scrap

 

 

(540

)

 

 

(1,243

)

 

 

(2,060

)

 

 

(57

)%

 

 

(40

)%

Total income from joint ventures

 

 

(834

)

 

 

(1,452

)

 

 

(1,953

)

 

 

(43

)%

 

 

(26

)%

Asset impairment charges (recoveries), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auto and Metals Recycling

 

 

5,599

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

(933

)

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Cascade Steel and Scrap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(88

)

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Corporate

 

 

130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Total asset impairment charges (recoveries), net

 

 

5,729

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

(1,021

)

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auto and Metals Recycling

 

 

34,438

 

 

 

95,991

 

 

 

169,120

 

 

 

(64

)%

 

 

(43

)%

Cascade Steel and Scrap

 

 

22,983

 

 

 

31,951

 

 

 

38,286

 

 

 

(28

)%

 

 

(17

)%

Segment operating income

 

 

57,421

 

 

 

127,942

 

 

 

207,406

 

 

 

(55

)%

 

 

(38

)%

Restructuring (charges) recoveries and other

   exit-related activities(3)

 

 

(8,993

)

 

 

(365

)

 

 

661

 

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Corporate expense(2)

 

 

(41,699

)

 

 

(43,986

)

 

 

(58,789

)

 

 

(5

)%

 

 

(25

)%

Change in intercompany profit elimination(4)

 

 

125

 

 

 

274

 

 

 

(290

)

 

 

(54

)%

 

NM

 

Total operating income

 

 

6,854

 

 

$

83,865

 

 

$

148,988

 

 

 

(92

)%

 

 

(44

)%

 For the Year Ended August 31,
       % Increase / (Decrease)
($ in thousands)2017 2016 2015 2017 vs 2016 2016 vs 2015
Revenues:         
Auto and Metals Recycling$1,363,618
 $1,060,592
 $1,513,315
 29 % (30)%
Cascade Steel and Scrap339,620
 304,032
 435,113
 12 % (30)%
Intercompany revenue eliminations(1)
(15,647) (12,081) (33,029) 30 % (63)%
Total revenues1,687,591
 1,352,543
 1,915,399
 25 % (29)%
Cost of goods sold:         
Auto and Metals Recycling1,158,154
 905,863
 1,372,456
 28 % (34)%
Cascade Steel and Scrap322,013
 283,006
 402,374
 14 % (30)%
Intercompany cost of goods sold eliminations(1)
(15,659) (12,881) (32,152) 22 % (60)%
Total cost of goods sold1,464,508
 1,175,988
 1,742,678
 25 % (33)%
Selling, general and administrative expense:         
Auto and Metals Recycling116,461
 106,691
 122,279
 9 % (13)%
Cascade Steel and Scrap14,321
 12,571
 12,998
 14 % (3)%
Corporate(2)
40,788
 29,646
 35,315
 38 % (16)%
Total selling, general and administrative expense171,570
 148,908
 170,592
 15 % (13)%
(Income) from joint ventures:         
Auto and Metals Recycling(2,218) (386) (696) 475 % (45)%
Cascade Steel and Scrap(1,456) (433) (794) 236 % (45)%
Total (income) from joint ventures(3,674) (819) (1,490) 349 % (45)%
Goodwill impairment charges:         
Auto and Metals Recycling
 8,845
 141,021
 NM
 (94)%
Other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net:         
Auto and Metals Recycling(184) 16,411
 44,374
 NM
 (63)%
Cascade Steel and Scrap(533) 4,192
 
 NM
 NM
Corporate
 79
 745
 NM
 (89)%
Total other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net(717) 20,682
 45,119
 NM
 (54)%
Operating income (loss):         
Auto and Metals Recycling91,405
 23,168
 (166,119) 295 % (114)%
Cascade Steel and Scrap5,275
 4,696
 20,535
 12 % (77)%
Segment operating income (loss)96,680
 27,864
 (145,584) 247 % (119)%
Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities(3)
109
 (6,781) (13,008) NM
 (48)%
Corporate expense(2)
(40,788) (29,725) (36,060) 37 % (18)%
Change in intercompany profit elimination(4)
12
 800
 (877) (99)% NM
Total operating income (loss)$56,013
 $(7,842) $(195,529) NM
 (96)%
_____________________________ 

NM = Not Meaningful

meaningful

(1)

(1)AMR sells a small portion

Intercompany sales of its recycled ferrous metal to CSSare at prices that approximate local market rates. These intercompany revenues and cost of goods sold are eliminated in consolidation.

(2)

(2)

Corporate expense consists primarily of unallocated expenses for management and certain administrative services that benefit both reportable segments.

(3)

(3)

Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities consist of expense for severance, contract termination and other restructuring costs that management does not include in its measurement of the performance of the reportable segments. Other exit-related activities consist of asset impairments and accelerated depreciation, net of gains on exit-related disposals, related to site closures.

(4)

(4)

Intercompany profits are not recognized until the finished products are sold to third parties; therefore, intercompany profit is eliminated while the products remain in inventory.


32

38 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 20172020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.



Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


We operate our business across two reportable segments: AMR and CSS. Additional financial information relating to these reportable segments is contained in Note 18 - Segment Information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Auto and Metals Recycling (AMR)

 

 

For the Year Ended August 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Increase / (Decrease)

 

($ in thousands, except for prices)

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020 vs 2019

 

 

2019 vs 2018

 

Ferrous revenues

 

$

825,316

 

 

$

1,123,180

 

 

$

1,288,287

 

 

 

(27

)%

 

 

(13

)%

Nonferrous revenues

 

 

360,308

 

 

 

430,361

 

 

 

481,777

 

 

 

(16

)%

 

 

(11

)%

Retail and other revenues

 

 

122,188

 

 

 

131,436

 

 

 

138,902

 

 

 

(7

)%

 

 

(5

)%

Total segment revenues

 

 

1,307,812

 

 

 

1,684,977

 

 

 

1,908,966

 

 

 

(22

)%

 

 

(12

)%

Cost of goods sold

 

 

1,138,063

 

 

 

1,458,212

 

 

 

1,607,628

 

 

 

(22

)%

 

 

(9

)%

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

 

130,006

 

 

 

130,920

 

 

 

133,044

 

 

 

(1

)%

 

 

(2

)%

(Income) loss from joint ventures

 

 

(294

)

 

 

(209

)

 

 

107

 

 

 

41

%

 

NM

 

Asset impairment charges (recoveries), net

 

 

5,599

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

(933

)

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Segment operating income

 

$

34,438

 

 

$

95,991

 

 

$

169,120

 

 

 

(64

)%

 

 

(43

)%

Average recycled ferrous metal sales prices ($/LT):(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

 

$

219

 

 

$

272

 

 

$

291

 

 

 

(19

)%

 

 

(7

)%

Foreign

 

$

241

 

 

$

295

 

 

$

328

 

 

 

(18

)%

 

 

(10

)%

Average

 

$

236

 

 

$

289

 

 

$

317

 

 

 

(18

)%

 

 

(9

)%

Ferrous sales volume (LT, in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

 

 

993

 

 

 

1,265

 

 

 

1,085

 

 

 

(22

)%

 

 

17

%

Foreign

 

 

2,379

 

 

 

2,475

 

 

 

2,623

 

 

 

(4

)%

 

 

(6

)%

Total ferrous sales volume (LT, in thousands)

 

 

3,372

 

 

 

3,740

 

 

 

3,708

 

 

 

(10

)%

 

 

1

%

Average nonferrous sales price ($/pound)(1)(2)

 

$

0.55

 

 

$

0.59

 

 

$

0.72

 

 

 

(7

)%

 

 

(18

)%

Nonferrous sales volumes (pounds, in thousands)(2)

 

 

497,508

 

 

 

608,294

 

 

 

571,705

 

 

 

(18

)%

 

 

6

%

Cars purchased (in thousands)(3)

 

 

316

 

 

 

386

 

 

 

424

 

 

 

(18

)%

 

 

(9

)%

Number of auto parts stores at period end

 

 

50

 

 

 

51

 

 

 

52

 

 

 

(2

)%

 

 

(2

)%

 For the Year Ended August 31,
       % Increase / (Decrease)
($ in thousands, except for prices)2017 2016 2015 2017 vs 2016 2016 vs 2015
Ferrous revenues$843,222
 $625,517
 $934,057
 35% (33)%
Nonferrous revenues394,977
 330,351
 449,815
 20% (27)%
Retail and other revenues125,419
 104,724
 129,443
 20% (19)%
Total segment revenues1,363,618
 1,060,592
 1,513,315
 29% (30)%
Cost of goods sold1,158,154
 905,863
 1,372,456
 28% (34)%
Selling, general and administrative expense116,461
 106,691
 122,279
 9% (13)%
(Income) from joint ventures(2,218) (386) (696) 475% (45)%
Goodwill impairment charges
 8,845
 141,021
 NM
 (94)%
Other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net(184) 16,411
 44,374
 NM
 (63)%
Segment operating income (loss)$91,405
 $23,168

$(166,119) 295% NM
Average recycled ferrous metal sales prices ($/LT):(1)
         
Domestic$236
 $188
 $261
 26% (28)%
Foreign$244
 $196
 $265
 24% (26)%
Average$242
 $193
 $264
 25% (27)%
Ferrous sales volume (LT, in thousands):         
Domestic948
 859
 1,003
 10% (14)%
Foreign2,197
 2,040
 2,183
 8% (7)%
Total ferrous sales volume (LT, in thousands)3,145
 2,899
 3,186
 9% (9)%
Average nonferrous sales price ($/pound)(1)(2)
$0.63
 $0.60
 $0.74
 5% (19)%
Nonferrous sales volumes (pounds, in thousands)(2)
540,791
 473,737
 539,850
 14% (12)%
Cars purchased (in thousands)(3)
411
 319
 337
 29% (5)%
Number of auto parts stores at period end53
 52
 55
 2% (5)%
Outbound freight included in cost of goods sold$97,400
 $77,477
 $110,789
 26% (30)%
_____________________________

LT = Long Ton, which is equivalent to 2,240 pounds

NM = Not meaningful

(1)

(1)

Price information is shown after netting the cost of freight incurred to deliver the product to the customer.

(2)

(2)

Average sales price and volume information excludes platinum group metals ("PGMs"(“PGMs”) in catalytic converters.

(3)

(3)

Cars purchased by auto parts stores only.

Fiscal 2017 compared with fiscal 2016

AMR Segment Revenues

Revenues in fiscal 2017 increased2020 decreased by 29%22% compared to fiscal 2016 primarily due to improved market conditions for recycled metals in the domestic and export markets resulting in higher average net selling prices and increased sales volumes compared to the prior year, including benefits from increased sales diversification. Average net selling prices for shipments of ferrous scrap metal in fiscal 2017 increased by 25% compared to the prior year. Ferrous sales volumes in fiscal 2017 also increased by 9% compared to the prior year due to higher export and domestic shipments in fiscal 2017. Additionally, nonferrous sales volumes in fiscal 2017 were higher by 14% compared to the prior year, and nonferrous average net selling prices were higher by 5%.


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Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


AMR Segment Operating Income
Operating income for fiscal 2017 was $91 million, compared to $23 million in fiscal 2016. Adjusted operating income in fiscal 2017 was $90 million, compared to $48 million in the prior year. See the reconciliation of AMR adjusted operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this Item 7.
Operating results in fiscal 2017 benefited from better market conditions, increased sales diversification, improved supply volumes, expanded nonferrous metal recovery, and additional benefits from cost savings and productivity improvement initiatives compared to fiscal 2016. The higher price environment for scrap metal in fiscal 2017 together with benefits from commercial initiatives to improve supply channels and an improved trend in U.S. economic conditions also led to an increase in the supply of scrap metal, including end-of-life vehicles, resulting in higher processed volumes compared to the prior year. The stronger price environment also positively impacted the spread between direct purchase costs and selling prices of ferrous recycled metal at AMR, with the metal spread for fiscal 2017 expanding by approximately 10% compared to the prior year. Operating results in fiscal 2016 were adversely impacted by a lower price environment which included sharp declines in commodity selling prices during the first half of fiscal 2016 resulting in an unfavorable impact from average inventory accounting during the year. This compares to a favorable impact from average inventory accounting in fiscal 2017 which, relative to performance benefits from other drivers, was not a major contributor to the improvement in AMR's operating results year over year.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to our reporting units. The impairment test resulted in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $9 million at a reporting unit within AMR. We also recorded non-cash impairment charges and accelerated depreciation on certain long-lived and other assets at AMR of $16 million primarily related to certain regional metals recycling operations and used auto parts store locations and certain previously-idled recycling equipment assets. See Results of Operations, Asset Impairment Charges (Recoveries), net in this Item 7 for further details on asset impairment charges.
AMR SG&A expense in fiscal 2017 increased by $10 million, or 9%, compared to the prior year primarily due to higher employee-related expenses, including an increase in incentive compensation accruals resulting from improved financial performance, other expenses related to higher volumes, and increased environmental liabilities. This increase was partially offset by incremental benefits from cost savings and productivity improvement measures to reduce direct costs of production and SG&A expense. AMR operating results in fiscal 2017 were positively impacted by $11 million of incremental benefits from these measures.
AMR's results of operations do not include operating results from discontinued operations. See Note 8 – Discontinued Operations in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.
Fiscal 2016 compared with fiscal 2015
AMR Segment Revenues
The 33% decrease in ferrous revenues and 27% decrease in nonferrous revenues in fiscal 2016 were2019 primarily due to significantly lower average net selling prices for our ferrous and nonferrous products, and reduced sales volumes when compared to fiscal 2019. The decrease was driven by weaker market conditions for recycled metals when compared to the prior year, including as a result of the sharp decline in global economic conditions during the third quarter of fiscal 2020 due in large part to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonferrous revenues in fiscal 2020 decreased by 16% compared to the prior year, as average net selling prices decreased by 7% compared to fiscal 2019, primarily reflecting structural changes to the market for certain recycled nonferrous products resulting primarily from Chinese import restrictions and tariffs.

39 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

AMR Segment Operating Income

Operating income for fiscal 2020 was $34 million, compared to $96 million in fiscal 2019. The decrease in AMR operating results in fiscal 2020 was primarily the result of operating margin compression from the decline in average net selling prices for our ferrous and nonferrous products which outpaced the reduction in purchase costs for raw materials. AMR’s fiscal 2020 operating margins and overall operating results were adversely impacted by periods of sharply declining commodity prices experienced during the first and third quarters of fiscal 2020, due to weaker market conditions for recycled metals. Market conditions partially recovered during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, resulting in a moderate improvement in sales volumes and net selling prices for our ferrous and nonferrous products compared to the third quarter and an increase in scrap metal as well as reduced salessupply flows.

Ferrous metal spreads at AMR in fiscal 2020 and average net selling prices for its nonferrous joint products that are recovered from the shredding process, comprising primarily zorba, declined by approximately 16% and 11%, respectively, compared to the prior year. The lower price environment in combination with the impact of economic slowdowns and other restrictions on suppliers relating to COVID-19 also severely constricted the supply of scrap metal including end-of-life vehicles, primarily in the third quarter, which resulted in lower processed volumes compared to the prior year. After experiencing sharp declines in the first half of fiscal 2016, netThe lower average ferrous and nonferrous selling prices for shipmentsin fiscal 2020 also reflected the effects of ferrous scrap metal increased significantly during the third quarter of fiscal 2016, primarily due to improved demand, before decreasing in the fourth quartertariffs and returning to the levels seen at the beginning of the fiscal year. Overallother regulatory measures on demand for recycled metals in our end-markets wasexport markets, the weaker thanprice environment for recycled metals in our domestic markets, and reduced demand for nonferrous products globally. The adverse effects of the market conditions on AMR’s operating results in fiscal 2020 were partially offset by positive contributions from increased sales revenues from higher priced PGM products compared to the prior year and benefits from productivity and restructuring initiatives implemented subsequent to the prior year. AMR SG&A expense in fiscal 2020 decreased by $1 million, or 1%, compared to the end of the prior year primarily due to continued low global economic growth, the relative strength of the U.S. dollarlower employee-related and the impact of lower iron ore prices during most of the fiscal year. This resulted in significantly lower average net selling prices for ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal and reduced sales volumesadvertising expenses, partially offset by higher charges related to environmental matters. Operating results at AMR in fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year.

AMR Segment Operating Income (Loss)
Operating income for fiscal 2016 was $23 million , compared to operating loss of $1662019 included $20 million in the prior year. Adjusted operating income in fiscal 2016positive contributions from a limited-duration contract, which was $48 million, which excludes a goodwill impairment charge of $9 million, other asset impairment charges of $16 million and benefits from contract settlements of $1 million. Adjusted operating income in fiscal 2015 was $26 million, which excludes a goodwill impairment charge of $141 million, other asset impairment charges of $44 million and the impact of reselling or modifying the terms of certain previously contracted bulk ferrous shipments of $7 million. See the reconciliation of AMR adjusted operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measuressubstantially complete at the end of this Item 7.
Operating results during fiscal 20162019, and 2015 were adversely impacted by the lower price environment which included sharp declines in commodity selling prices during the first halfhad provided a high margin source of each year and asset impairment charges recorded in each year. Operating results in the second half of fiscal 2016 benefited from an increase in ferrous average net selling prices after experiencing sharp declines during the first half of the fiscal year which resulted in the adverse impact from average inventory accounting in fiscal 2016 being significantly less than the adverse impact in fiscal 2015. Operating results in fiscal 2016 also benefited from cost savings and productivity improvement measures initiated in fiscal 2015, and further expanded in fiscal 2016, to reduce direct costs of production and SG&A expense. Excluding the adverse impact of asset impairment charges, these benefits contributed to higher

34 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


operating margins per ferrous ton sold at AMR compared to fiscal 2015 despite lower average net selling prices and sales volumes. SG&A expense in fiscal 2016 decreased by $16 million, or 13%, compared to fiscal 2015 primarily resulting from reduced employee-related expenses.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to our reporting units. The impairment test resulted in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $9 million at a reporting unit within the AMR operating segment. We also recorded non-cash impairment charges and accelerated depreciation on certain long-lived and other assets at AMR of $16 million primarily related to certain regional metals recycling operations and used auto parts store locations and certain recycling equipment assets which were previously idled.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill which resulted in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $141 million. We also recorded non-cash impairment charges and accelerated depreciation on certain long-lived and other assets at AMR of $44 million primarily in connection with certain strategic actions we undertook to improve our operating performance which included reducing shredding capacity and closing auto parts stores.
supply.

Cascade Steel and Scrap (CSS)

 

 

For the Year Ended August 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Increase / (Decrease)

 

($ in thousands, except price)

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2020 vs 2019

 

 

2019 vs 2018

 

Steel revenues(1)

 

$

336,980

 

 

$

367,956

 

 

$

367,560

 

 

 

 

(8

)%

 

 

%

Recycling revenues(2)

 

 

76,277

 

 

 

91,460

 

 

 

113,081

 

 

 

 

(17

)%

 

 

(19

)%

Total segment revenues

 

 

413,257

 

 

 

459,416

 

 

 

480,641

 

 

 

 

(10

)%

 

 

(4

)%

Cost of goods sold

 

 

374,512

 

 

 

412,209

 

 

 

427,459

 

 

 

 

(9

)%

 

 

(4

)%

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

 

16,302

 

 

 

16,499

 

 

 

17,044

 

 

 

 

(1

)%

 

 

(3

)%

Income from joint ventures

 

 

(540

)

 

 

(1,243

)

 

 

(2,060

)

 

 

 

(57

)%

 

 

(40

)%

Asset impairment recoveries, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(88

)

 

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Segment operating income

 

$

22,983

 

 

$

31,951

 

 

$

38,286

 

 

 

 

(28

)%

 

 

(17

)%

Finished steel average sales price ($/ST)(3)

 

$

630

 

 

$

713

 

 

$

666

 

 

 

 

(12

)%

 

 

7

%

Finished steel products sold (ST, in thousands)

 

 

505

 

 

 

478

 

 

 

519

 

 

 

 

6

%

 

 

(8

)%

Rolling mill utilization(4)

 

 

86

%

 

 

88

%

 

 

88

%

 

 

 

(2

)%

 

 

%

  For the Year Ended August 31,
        % Increase / (Decrease)
($ in thousands, except for price) 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs 2016 2016 vs 2015
Steel revenues(1)
 $280,767
 $269,905
 $375,037
 4% (28)%
Recycling revenues(2)
 58,853
 34,127
 60,076
 72% (43)%
Total segment revenues 339,620
 304,032
 435,113
 12% (30)%
Cost of goods sold 322,013
 283,006
 402,374
 14% (30)%
Selling, general and administrative expense 14,321
 12,571
 12,998
 14% (3)%
(Income) from joint ventures (1,456) (433) (794) 236% (45)%
Other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net (533) 4,192
 
 NM
 NM
Segment operating income $5,275
 $4,696
 $20,535
 12% (77)%
Finished steel average sales price ($/ST)(3)
 $534
 $522
 $639
 2% (18)%
Finished steel products sold (ST, in thousands) 496
 488
 540
 2% (10)%
Rolling mill utilization(4)
 83% 63% 73% 32% (14)%
_____________________________

ST = Short Ton, which is equivalent to 2,000 pounds

(1)

(1)

Steel revenues include primarily sales of finished steel products, semi-finished goods (billets) and manufacturing scrap.

(2)

(2)

Recycling revenues include primarily sales of ferrous and nonferrous recycled scrap metal to export markets.

(3)

(3)

Price information is shown after netting the cost of freight incurred to deliver the product to the customer.

(4)

(4)

Rolling mill utilization for fiscal 2017 is based on effective annual production capacity under current conditions of 580 thousand tons of finished steel products, reflecting a decrease in the effective finished steel production capacity resulting from the decommissioning of the older rolling mill during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.products.

Fiscal 2017 compared with fiscal 2016

CSS Segment Revenues

Revenues in fiscal 2017 increased2020 decreased by $36$46 million, or 12%10%, compared to fiscal 20162019 primarily due to increased export sales of ferrous recycled scrap metal, higherreflecting lower average net selling prices for our finished steel products reflectingand, partially due to the impactimpacts of higher steel-making raw material costs, and higherthe COVID-19 pandemic, decreased sales of ferrous recycled scrap metal, partially offset by increased finished steel sales volumes. Sales volumes for our finished steel products in fiscal 2020 were not significantly impacted by the effects of COVID-19 primarily due to strongersteady demand in the West Coast construction markets.

CSS Segment Operating Income
Operating income for fiscal 2017 was just over $5 million, compared to operating income of just under $5 million in the prior year. Adjusted operating income in fiscal 2017 was $5 million, compared to adjusted operating income of $9 million in fiscal 2016. Adjusted results in fiscal 2017 exclude a The higher average net recovery on previously impaired assets of $1 million. Adjusted results in fiscal 2016 exclude other asset impairment charges of $4 million. See the reconciliation of CSS adjusted operating income in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this Item 7.

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Operating results in fiscal 2017 benefited from stronger demandselling prices for our finished steel products in the West Coast markets duringprior year reflected the fourth quarterimpacts of reduced pressure from steel imports and improvedhigher steel-making raw material costs at the time.

40 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

CSS Segment Operating Income

Operating income for fiscal 2020 was $23 million, compared to operating income of $32 million in the prior year. Decreased operating results in fiscal 2020 primarily reflected the impact of the lower price environment for finished steel compared to the prior year and decreased sales of ferrous recycled scrap metal compared to fiscal 2019, partially due to the weaker market conditions for ferrous and nonferrous recycled scrap metalmetals as a result of the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finished steel average net selling prices in fiscal 2020 declined 12% compared to the export markets. The benefits fromprior year, the improved conditionsadverse effects of which were partially offset by continued pressurereduced raw material purchase prices and other input costs and the benefits from low-priced imports and costs ofproductivity initiatives compared to the prior year.

Corporate

Corporate SG&A expense decreased by $2 million, associatedor 5%, compared to the prior year primarily due to lower employee-related expenses as a result of reduced incentive compensation accruals and cost savings initiatives, and reduced travel resulting from restrictions due to COVID-19, partially offset by increased charges related to legacy environmental matters.

Productivity Initiatives and Restructuring Charges

In fiscal 2020, we implemented productivity initiatives aimed at further reducing our annual operating expenses at Corporate, AMR and CSS, mainly through reductions in non-trade procurement spend, including outside and professional services, lower employee-related expenses and other non-headcount measures. We targeted $15 million in realized benefits in fiscal 2020 from these additional initiatives, and we exceeded this target with achievement of approximately $18 million of benefits in fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2019, we also implemented productivity initiatives aimed at delivering $35 million in annual benefits primarily through a major equipment upgrade atcombination of production cost efficiencies and reductions in SG&A expense. We achieved approximately $30 million in benefits as a result of these initiatives in fiscal 2019 and achieved the full run rate of benefits in fiscal 2020.

In April 2020, we announced our steel millintention to modify our internal organizational and reporting structure to a functionally based, integrated model. This change in structure is intended to result in a more agile organization and solidify recent productivity improvement and cost reduction initiatives. We expect to complete this transition in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Operating results for both2021.

During fiscal years were adversely impacted by selling prices for finished steel products falling faster than cost of goods sold, primarily during the first half of each year, resulting in compressed operating margins. Operating results in fiscal 2016 were adversely affected by impairment charges of $2 million on steel mill supplies inventory and $2 million on an investment in a metals recycling joint venture. Fiscal 2017 operating results included a net recovery on previously impaired assets of $1 million consisting primarily of a gain on the sale of a previously impaired metals recycling joint venture investment.

Fiscal 2016 compared with fiscal 2015
CSS Segment Revenues
Revenues decreased by $131 million, or 30%, for fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to reduced average selling prices and sales volumes for our finished steel products driven by increased competition from lower-priced imports of finished steel products and the impact on selling prices of reduced steel-making raw material costs primarily during the first half of fiscal 2016. Finished steel sales volumes improved in the second half of fiscal 2016 compared to the first half of the fiscal year primarily due to the impact of seasonally stronger construction activity, but remained lower than levels achieved in fiscal 2015. Weaker demand in the export markets for ferrous and nonferrous recycled scrap metal contributed to reduced recycled metal revenues compared to the prior year.
CSS Segment Operating Income
Operating income for fiscal 2016 was $5 million, a decrease of $16 million compared to $21 million in the prior year. Adjusted operating income in fiscal 2016, excluding other asset impairment charges of $4 million, was $9 million, compared to adjusted operating income of $21 million in fiscal 2015. See the reconciliation of CSS adjusted operating income in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this Item 7.
The year-over-year reduction in operating results was primarily due to the declining price environment for our finished steel products during the first half of fiscal 2016 which led to selling prices falling faster than cost of goods sold. Additionally, finished steel sales volumes decreased primarily due to increased competition from imported steel products. The rolling mill utilization rate decreased primarily due to lower sales volumes compared to the prior year and the optimization of inventory levels.

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Asset Impairment Charges (Recoveries), net
During the periods presented,2020, we recorded non-cash impairment charges and accelerated depreciation on certain long-lived and other assets, as well as recoveries on certain previously impaired assets. The following asset impairment charges and subsequent recoveries, excluding goodwill impairment charges, were recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
 Year Ended August 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Reported within other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net:     
Auto and Metals Recycling     
Long-lived assets$
 $7,336
 $41,676
Accelerated depreciation
 6,208
 
Investments in joint ventures860
 
 
Assets held for sale(1,044) 1,659
 2,558
Other assets
 1,208
 140
Total Auto and Metals Recycling(184) 16,411
 44,374
Cascade Steel and Scrap     
Accelerated depreciation401
 
 
Investments in joint ventures(934) 1,968
 
Supplies inventory
 2,224
 
Total Cascade Steel and Scrap(533) 4,192
 
Corporate - Other assets
 79
 745
 (717) 20,682
 45,119
Reported within restructuring charges and other exit-related activities:     
Long-lived assets
 468
 
Accelerated depreciation96
 630
 3,836
Supplies inventory
 1,047
 
Other assets62
 35
 
Exit-related gains(565) (1,337) 
 (407) 843
 3,836
Reported within discontinued operations:     
Long-lived assets
 673
 2,666
Accelerated depreciation
 274
 
 
 947
 2,666
Total$(1,124) $22,472
 $51,621
Corporate
Corporate expense is comprised almost entirely of unallocated SG&A expense for management and certain administrative services that benefit both reportable segments. Corporate SG&A expense was $41 million, $30 million and $35 million for the fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The higher level of expense for fiscal 2017 is due to an increase in incentive compensation accruals resulting from improved financial performance and the inclusion of a $6 million benefit from an insurance reimbursement in fiscal 2016.

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Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Activities
Consolidated operating results in fiscal 2017 also included a net benefit fromincurred aggregate restructuring charges and other exit-related activitiescosts of less thanapproximately $9 million in connection with these initiatives, comprising severance costs of $2 million, costs associated with a lease contract termination of $1 million compared to chargesand professional services costs of $7 million in fiscal 2016 and $13 million in fiscal 2015. Additional$6 million. The substantial majority of the restructuring charges and other exit-related activities of less than $1 million were included in the results of discontinued operations in fiscal 2017, compared to charges of $1 million for fiscal 2016 and $4 million for fiscal 2015. Restructuring charges consisted of severance, contract termination and other restructuring costs. Other exit-related activities of less than $1 million in fiscal 2017 included a gain recorded in connection with the disposition of business assets related to the elimination of a metals recycling feeder yard operation, resulting in a net benefit from restructuring charges and other exit-related activities for the period. Other exit-related activities of $2 million and $7 million in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, consisted of asset impairments and accelerated depreciation of assets in connection with the closure of certain operations, net of gains on exit-related disposals. The charges incurred during the periods presented primarily pertain to restructuring initiatives announced in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 and expanded in subsequent periods (the "Q2'15 Plan"). Consolidated operating results for the periods presented also reflect benefits from cost reduction and productivity improvement measures initiated prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2015 and an immaterial amount of associated costs.
Since the beginning of fiscal 2015, we have initiated and implemented a number of additional cost reduction and productivity improvement measures with a combined targeted annual benefit of approximately $95 million. These initiatives included those announced in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 ( the "Q1'15 Plan") followed by further cost-saving and exit-related measures as part of the Q2'15 Plan targeting a combined benefit to annual operating performance of approximately $60 million, subsequently increased by $5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we expanded the Q2'15 Plan initiatives by an additional $30 million.
The cost reduction and productivity improvements associated with the Q1'15 Plan were driven by a combination of revenue drivers and production and SG&A cost reduction initiatives with a targeted aggregate annual improvement of $14 million, which was achieved in fiscal 2016. The improvements to performance associated with the Q2'15 Plan included two components. The first component reflected strategic actions initiated in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 consisting of idling shredding equipment and closing seven auto parts stores at AMR to align our business to market conditions, targeting a benefit to annual operating performance of approximately $18 million, of which approximately one-third was from reduced depreciation expense. As part of the second component of the Q2'15 Plan, in April 2015, we initiated measures, and also announced the integration of the former Metals Recycling Business and Auto Parts Business into the combined AMR platform, in order to achieve operational synergies and further reduce our annual operating expenses, primarily SG&A expense, by approximately $28 million through personnel reductions, eliminating organizational layers, consolidating shared service functions and reducing other administrative costs. We expanded the Q2'15 Plan and target by initiating measures primarily in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2016 with an additional $35 million in expected benefits primarily through further reductions in personnel, savings from procurement activities, streamlining of administrative and supporting services functions, and adjustments to our operating capacity through additional facility closures, with approximately two-thirds of the target coming from a reduction in SG&A expense and the rest from a reduction in production costs primarily at AMR. In fiscal 2017, we achieved the approximately $95 million in combined benefits related to these measures, compared to $78 million and $28 million of benefitsinitiatives were recognized in fiscal 20162020 and 2015, respectively.
In total, we have achieved approximately $160 million in combined annual benefit to operating performance since announcing the first cost savings and productivity initiatives at the end of fiscal 2012, which includes approximately $95 million of the benefits described above.

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Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities incurred in connection with cost reduction and productivity improvement plans for the last three fiscal years ended August 31 were comprised of the following (in thousands):
  
 2017 2016 2015
 All Other Plans Q2’15 Plan Total Charges All Other Plans Q2’15 Plan Total Charges All Other Plans Q2’15 Plan Total Charges
Restructuring charges:                 
Severance costs$
 $(24) $(24) $
 $4,915
 $4,915
 $391
 $5,330
 $5,721
Contract termination costs255
 139
 394
 311
 796
 1,107
 377
 1,245
 1,622
Other restructuring costs
 
 
 
 
 
 1,223
 2,048
 3,271
Total restructuring charges255
 115
 370
 311
 5,711
 6,022
 1,991
 8,623
 10,614
Other exit-related activities:                 
Asset impairments and accelerated depreciation
 158
 158
 
 3,127
 3,127
 
 6,502
 6,502
Gains on exit-related disposals
 (565) (565) 
 (1,337) (1,337) 
 
 
Total other exit-related activities
 (407) (407) 
 1,790
 1,790
 
 6,502
 6,502
Total restructuring charges and exit-related activities$255
 $(292) $(37) $311
 $7,501
 $7,812
 $1,991
 $15,125
 $17,116
                  
Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities included in continuing operations $(109)     $6,781
     $13,008
Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities included in discontinued operations $72
     $1,031
     $4,108
We do not include restructuring charges and other exit-related activities in the measurement of the performance of our reportable segments. The significant majority of restructuring charges requirerequired us to make cash payments.
See Note 10 - Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Activities in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.
Other

Income netTaxes

 

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

$

(1,939

)

 

$

76,240

 

 

$

141,853

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

$

(166

)

 

$

(17,670

)

 

$

17,590

 

Effective tax rate

 

 

(8.6

)%

 

 

23.2

%

 

 

(12.4

)%

Other income, net was $1 million, $1 million and $4 million for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The change between fiscal 2015 and 2016 was primarily due to changes in foreign currency gains and losses on transactions denominated in Canadian dollars. For more information about our foreign currency transactions, see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $8 million, $9 million and $9 million for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The impact on fiscal 2017 interest expense of reduced average borrowings under our bank credit facilities compared to fiscal 2016 was offset by higher interest rates. The impact on fiscal 2016 interest expense of reduced average borrowings compared to fiscal 2015 was offset by higher interest rates and the write-off of debt issuance costs of $1 million. For more information about our outstanding debt balances, see Note 7 – Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit
 Year Ended August 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes$48,690
 $(15,505) $(200,464)
Income tax (expense) benefit$(1,322) $(735) $12,615
Effective tax rate2.7% (4.7)% 6.3%
Income tax (expense) benefit from continuing operations was $(1) million, $(1) million and $13 million for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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Our effective tax rate from continuing operations infor fiscal 20172020 was an expense of 2.7%8.6%, whichcompared to 23.2% for fiscal 2019. Our effective tax rate from continuing operations for fiscal 2020 was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%21%, and reflective of income tax expense on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations, primarily due to our full valuation allowance positionsthe partially offsetting impacts of individually immaterial permanent differences from non-deductible expenses and federal incomeresearch and development credits, the effects of unrecognized tax refund claims, partially offset by increases in deferred tax liabilities from indefinite-lived assets in all jurisdictions. The valuation allowances onbenefits and the aggregate impact of state taxes.

We assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis through an analysis of potential sources of future taxable income, including prior year taxable income available to absorb a carryback of tax losses, reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies, and forecasts of taxable income. We consider all negative and positive evidence, including the weight of the evidence, to determine if valuation allowances against deferred tax assets are therequired. We continue to maintain valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets related to certain jurisdictions as a result of negative objective evidence, including the effects of historical losses in ourthese tax jurisdictions, outweighing positive objective and subjective evidence, indicating that it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that the associated tax benefit will not be realized.

Our effective tax rate from continuing operations in fiscal 2016 was an expense of 4.7%, which was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%. The effective tax rate was reduced for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and the aggregate impact of foreign income taxed at different rates. Those reductions were partially offset by the realization of deductible foreign investment basis for tax purposes. Our income tax expense is comprised primarily of the increase in deferred tax liabilities from indefinite-lived assets plus certain state cash tax expenses. The increase in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was recognized as a result of negative evidence, including recent losses in all tax jurisdictions, outweighing the more subjective positive evidence, indicating that it is more likely than not that the associated tax benefit will not be realized.
Our effective tax rate from continuing operations in fiscal 2015 was a benefit of 6.3%, which was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%. The effective tax rate was reduced by 33% for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and the aggregate impact of excluding foreign income taxed at different rates. Those expenses were partially offset by the recognition of a $13 million benefit related to the realization of deductible foreign investment basis for tax purposes. The increase in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was recognized as a result of negative evidence, including recent losses in all tax jurisdictions, outweighing the more subjective positive evidence, indicating that it is more likely than not that the associated tax benefit will not be realized.
Realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income in the associated tax jurisdictions in future years to benefit from the reversal of net deductible temporary differences and from the utilization of net operating losses. We will continue to regularly assess the realizability of deferred tax assets. Changes in historical earnings performance and future earnings projections, among other factors, may cause us to adjust our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, which would impact our results of operations in the period we determine that these factors have changed. It is reasonably possible that sufficient positive evidence required

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CARES Act

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed and enacted into law the CARES Act, which contains several income tax provisions, as well as other measures, aimed at assisting businesses impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other provisions, the CARES Act removes certain limitations on utilization of net operating losses (“NOLs”) and allows for carrybacks of certain past and future NOLs. We applied the NOL carryback provisions of the CARES Act to releaseour NOL for fiscal 2020, which resulted in the reclassification of a portion$11 million NOL deferred income tax asset to refundable income taxes and recognition of a $1 million income tax benefit in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. We do not anticipate the other income tax provisions of the CARES Act to have a material impact on our valuation allowance within the next twelve months may result in a reduction to the valuation allowance, which could be material.

financial statements.

See Note 1514 - Income Taxes in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further discussion.

Discontinued Operations
In fiscal 2015, we ceased operations at seven auto parts stores, six of which qualified for discontinued operations reporting. The operations of the six qualifying stores had previously been reported within the AMR reportable segment. In fiscal 2016 and 2015, we recorded impairment charges and accelerated depreciation of $1 million and $3 million, respectively, on the long-lived assets of discontinued auto parts stores. Impaired assets in fiscal 2016 consisted primarily of capital lease assets associated with the buildings on two leased properties.
The results of discontinued operations were comprised of the following (in thousands):
 Year Ended August 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Revenues$
 $
 $8,263
      
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes$(390) $(1,348) $(7,227)
Income tax benefit
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax$(390) $(1,348) $(7,227)

See Note 8 - Discontinued Operations in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further discussion.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

Sources and Uses of Cash

We had cash balances of $7$18 million and $27$12 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. Cash balances are intended to be used primarily for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases, investments and acquisitions. We use excess cash on hand to reduce amounts outstanding under our credit facilities. As of August 31, 2017,2020, debt was $145$104 million, compared to $193$105 million as of August 31, 2016,2019, and debt, net of cash, was $138$87 millionas of August 31, 2020 compared to $166$93 million as of August 31, 2016 (refer to2019 (see the reconciliation of debt, net of cash, in Non-GAAP Financial Measures below). Debt, netat the end of cash, decreased by $28 million primarily as a result of the positive cash flows generated by operating activities.

this Item 7).

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 20172020 was $100$125 million, compared to $99 million in fiscal 2016 and $145 million in fiscal 2015.

Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2017 primarily benefited from improved operating performance compared to the prior year. 2019.

Sources of cash in fiscal 20172020 included a $33$39 million increase in accounts payable primarily due to higher raw material purchase prices and the timing of payments, and a $12 million increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities due to increases in incentive compensation accruals resulting from improved financial performance. Uses of cash in fiscal 2017 included a $22 million increase in inventory due to higher raw material purchase prices, higher volumes on hand and the impact of timing of purchases and sales, and a $36 million increase in accounts receivable primarily due to increases in recycled metal selling prices and sales volumes, and the timing of sales and collections.

Sources of cash in fiscal 2016 included a $28 million decrease in inventories due to the impact of lower raw material prices and timing of purchases and sales, a $6 million decrease in refundable income taxes due to collection of tax refunds, and a $6 million insurance reimbursement. Uses of cash included a $11 million increase in accounts receivable due to the timing of sales and collections. A significant amount of cash generated by operating activities in fiscal 2015 and 2016 stemmed from a reduction in net working capital primarily as a result of the declining price environment for ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal and finished steel and to a lesser extent lower inventory volumes, as well as positive operating performance.
Sources of cash in fiscal 2015 included a $56 million decrease in accounts receivable primarily due to the timing of sales and collections and a $69 million decrease in inventories due to the impacts of decreasing raw materials prices and timing of purchases and sales. Uses of cash included a $36 million decrease in accounts payable due to lower raw material purchase prices and the timing of purchases and sales and a $13 million increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities due to increased incentive compensation liabilities and deferred payroll taxes as permitted under the CARES Act. Uses of cash in fiscal 2020 included an $8 million decrease in accounts payable primarily due to lower raw material purchase prices and the timing of payments.

Sources of cash other than from earnings in fiscal 2019 included a $33 million decrease in inventories due to lower raw material purchase prices and timing of payments and sales and a $9 million decrease in accounts receivable due to lower selling prices and the timing of sales and collections. Uses of cash in fiscal 2019 included a $19 million decrease in accrued payroll and related liabilities primarily due to incentive compensation payments made in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, and a $17 million decrease in accounts payable primarily due to lower raw material purchase prices and the timing of payments.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2017 2020 was $45$79 million, compared to $30$90 million in fiscal 2016 and $28 million in fiscal 2015.

2019.

Cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 20152020 included $45 million, $35 million and $32 million, respectively, in capital expenditures of $82 million to upgrade our equipment and infrastructure and for additional investments in nonferrous processing technologies and environmental and safety-related assets. For all fiscal years presented,assets, compared to $95 million in the prior year. The significant majority of capital expenditures were associated with projects at AMR.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 20172020 was $75$41 million, compared with $65 $47 million in fiscal 20162019.

Uses of cash in both fiscal 2020 and $1192019 included $21 million for the payment of dividends and $1 million and $13 million, respectively, for share repurchases. Uses of cash in fiscal 2015.

Cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 20152020 also included $20$8 million for cash dividends in each fiscal year and $48 million, $36 million and $91 million, respectively, in net repayments of debt. Referdebt, compared to $4 million in the prior year (refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.

41at the end of this Item 7). Additionally, during the third quarter of fiscal 2020, we borrowed an incremental $250 million under our credit facilities in order to increase our cash position and preserve financial flexibility in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. We repaid the $250 million of additional borrowings in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

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Debt

Following is a summary of our outstanding balances and availability on credit facilities and long-term debt, exclusive of capitalfinance lease obligations (in thousands):

 

 

Outstanding as of

August 31, 2020

 

 

Remaining

Availability

 

Bank secured revolving credit facilities(1)

 

$

90,000

 

 

$

611,489

 

Other debt obligations

 

$

6,911

 

 

N/A

 

  Outstanding as of 8/31/2017 Remaining Availability
Bank secured revolving credit facilities(1)
 $140,000
 $197,040
Other debt obligations $706
 N/A
_____________________________

(1)

(1)

Remaining availability is net of $10 million of outstanding stand-by letters of credit as of August 31, 2017.2020.

Our senior secured revolving credit facilities, which provide for revolving loans of $335$700 million and C$15 million, mature in April 2021August 2023 pursuant to a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. InterestThe $700 million credit facility includes a $50 million sublimit for letters of credit, a $25 million sublimit for swingline loans and a $50 million sublimit for multicurrency borrowings. As of August 31, 2020, interest rates on outstanding indebtedness under the credit agreement arewere based, at our option, on either the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"(“LIBOR”), or (or the Canadian equivalent for C$ loans), plus a spread of between 1.75%1.25% and 2.75%3.50%, with the amount of the spread based on a pricing grid tied to our ratio of consolidated funded debt to EBITDA (as defined by the Company’s leverage ratio,credit agreement), or the greater of (a) the prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, or (c) the daily rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.75%, in each case, plus a spread of between zero0.00% and 1.00%2.50% based on a pricing grid tied to the Company's leverageour consolidated funded debt to EBITDA ratio. In addition, commitment fees are payable on the unused portion of the credit facilities at rates between 0.20% and 0.40%0.50% based on a pricing grid tied to our leverage ratio.

ratio of consolidated funded debt to EBITDA.

On June 30, 2020, in large part due to the uncertainties resulting from the effects of COVID-19, we entered into an amendment to our existing credit agreementwith Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. The principal changes to the existing credit agreement effected by the amendment are (i) the reduction of the consolidated fixed charge coverage from a minimum ratio of 1.50 to 1.00 to a minimum ratio of 1.20 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending August 31, 2020, and to a minimum ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarters ending November 30, 2020, February 28, 2021 and May 31, 2021, and (ii) the introduction of a minimum consolidated asset coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00 for each of the fiscal quarters ending August 31, 2020 through May 31, 2021. The amendment further provides for revisions to the definition of LIBOR to include a 0.50% floor and mechanics by which the parties may replace the benchmark interest rate used in the agreement from LIBOR to one or more rates based on the secured overnight financing rate administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

We had borrowings outstanding under theour credit facilities of $140$90 million and $180$97 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on amounts outstanding under this facilityour credit facilities was 3.48%4.59% and 3.01%3.78% as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively.

We use the credit facilities to fund working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases, investments and acquisitions. TheOur credit agreement contains various representations and warranties, events of default and financial and other customary covenants which limit (subject to certain exceptions) our ability to, among other things, incur or suffer to exist certain liens, make investments, incur or guaranty additional indebtedness, enter into consolidations, mergers, acquisitions, and sales of assets, make distributions and other restricted payments, change the nature of our business, engage in transactions with affiliates and enter into restrictive agreements, including agreements that restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions. The financial covenants under the credit agreement include (a) a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, defined as the four-quarter rolling sum of consolidated adjusted EBITDA less defined maintenance capital expenditures and certain environmental expenditures divided by consolidated fixed charges;charges, (b) a consolidated leverage ratio, defined as consolidated funded indebtedness divided by the sum of consolidated net worth and consolidated funded indebtedness;indebtedness, and (c) a consolidated asset coverage ratio, defined as the consolidated asset value of eligible assetsvalues divided by the consolidated funded indebtedness.

As of August 31, 2017, 2020, we were in compliance with the financial covenants under theour credit agreement. The consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio was required to be no less than 1.501.20 to 1.00 and was 3.162.17 to 1.00 as of August 31, 2017.2020. The consolidated leverage ratio was required to be no more than 0.55 to 1.00 and was 0.220.14 to 1.00 as of August 31, 2017.2020. The consolidated asset coverage ratio was required to be no less than 1.00 to 1.00 and was 1.802.71 to 1.00 as of August 31, 2017.2020.

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The Company's

Our obligations under theour credit agreement are guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries. The credit facilities and the related guarantees are secured by senior first priority liens on certain of our and our subsidiaries’ assets, including equipment, inventory and accounts receivable.

While we currently expect to remain in compliance with the financial covenants under the credit agreement, there can be no assurances that we willmay not be able to do so in the event market conditions, COVID-19 or other negative factors which adverselyhave a significant adverse impact on our results of operations and financial position lead to a trend of consolidated net losses.position. If we do not maintain compliance with our financial covenants and are unable to obtain an amendment or waiver from our lenders, a breach of a financial covenant would constitute an event of default and allow the lenders to exercise remedies under the agreements, the most severe of which is the termination of the credit facility under our committed bank credit agreement and acceleration of the amounts owed under the agreement. In such case, we would be required to evaluate available alternatives and take appropriate steps to obtain alternative funds. There can be no assurancesWe cannot assure that any such alternative funds, if sought, could be obtained or, if obtained, would be adequate or on acceptable terms.

As

Other debt obligations primarily relate to an equipment purchase, the contract consideration for which includes an obligation to make future monthly payments to the vendor in the form of August 31, 2016, we had $8 million of tax-exempt economic development revenue bonds outstanding with the State of Oregon and scheduled to mature in January 2021. In August 2016, we exercised our option to redeem the bonds prior to maturity. We repaid the bonds in full in September 2016. Thelicensing fees. For accounting purposes, such obligation is reportedtreated as a current liability within short-term borrowings aspartial financing of August 31, 2016the purchase price by the equipment vendor. Monthly payments commence when the equipment is placed in service and continue for a period of four years thereafter. We impute interest on this obligation at a rate of 4.25% reflecting the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the $8 million repayment is reported asestimated rate that would be recorded in a cash outflow from financing activities for the year ended August 31, 2017 on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.


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market transaction with similar terms.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures totaled $45$82 million $35 million and $32 for fiscal 2020, compared to $95 million for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.2019. Capital expenditures in each of these yearsfiscal 2020 and 2019 were primarily to upgrade our equipment, facilities and infrastructure, and for additional investments in nonferrous processing technologies and environmental and safety-related projects.assets. We currently plan to invest in the range of $55 millionup to $70$125 million in capital expenditures in fiscal 2018, an increase from the expenditures made2021, including approximately $65 million for investments in fiscal 2017 and 2016 primarily due to increased equipment replacement and upgrades, further investment ingrowth, including new nonferrous processing technologies and environmentalto support volume initiatives and other growth projects, using cash generated from operations and available credit facilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused some delays in construction activities and equipment deliveries related to our capital projects, including delays in obtaining permits from government agencies, resulting in the deferral of certain capital expenditures to fiscal 2021. Given the continually evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the extent to which forecasted capital expenditures could be further deferred is uncertain.

Environmental Compliance

Building on our commitment to recycling and operating our business in an environmentally responsible manner, we continue to invest in facilities that improve our environmental presence in the communities in which we operate. As part of our capital expenditures discussed in the prior paragraph, we invested $17 million, $14$10 million and $10$36 million for environmentalenvironmental projects in fiscal 2017, 20162020 and 2015,2019, respectively. We plan to invest up to $20in the range of $24 million inof our planned capital expenditures for environmental projects in fiscal 2018.2021. These projects include investments in storm water systems and equipment to ensure ongoing compliance with air quality and other environmental regulations.

We have been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) as one of the potentially responsible parties that own or operate or formerly owned or operated sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor Superfund site (“the Site”(the “Site”). See Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for a discussion of this matter.matter, as well as other legacy environmental loss contingencies. We believe it is not possible to reasonably estimate the amount or range of costs which we are likely to or which it is reasonably possible that we will incur in connection with the Site, although such costs could be material to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. We have insurance policies that we believe will provide reimbursement for costs we incur for defense, remediation and mitigation for natural resource damages claims in connection with the Site, although there are no assurances that those policies will cover all of the costs which we may incur. Significant cash outflows in the future related to the Site could reduce the amounts available for borrowing that could otherwise be used for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases, investments and acquisitions and could result in our failure to maintain compliance with certain covenants in our debt agreements, and could adversely impact our liquidity.

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Dividends

On July 31, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a dividend for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 of $0.1875 per common share, which equates to an annual cash dividend of $0.75 per common share. Dividends of $0.75 per common share, totaling $21 million, were declared and paid during fiscal 2020.

On October 20, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a dividend for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 of $0.1875 per common share payable November 16, 2020 to shareholders of record on November 2, 2020.

Share Repurchase Program

Pursuant to our amended share repurchase program as amended in 2001, 2006 and 2008,we were authorized to repurchase up to nine million shares of our Class A common stock. As of August 31, 2020, we have existing authorization to repurchase up to approximately 1.8 milliona remaining 706 thousand shares of our Class A common stock when we deem such repurchases to be appropriate. We evaluate long-may repurchase our common stock for a variety of reasons, such as to optimize our capital structure and short-range forecasts as well as anticipated sourcesto offset dilution related to share-based compensation arrangements. We consider several factors in determining whether to make share repurchases including, among other factors, our cash needs, the availability of funding, our future business plans and usesthe market price of cash before determining the course of action in our share repurchase program.stock. As of the beginning of fiscal 2015,2019, we had repurchased approximately 6.97.7 million shares of our Class A common stock under the program. We repurchased approximately 68 527 thousand shares for a total of $1$13 million in open-market transactions in fiscal 2019, and 203approximately 53 thousand shares for a total of $3$0.9 million in open-market transactions in fiscal 2015 and 2016, respectively. We did not repurchase any shares in fiscal 2017.

2020.

Assessment of Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

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

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None requiring disclosure pursuant to Item 303 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


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Contractual Obligations and Commitments

We have certain contractual obligations to make future payments. The following table summarizes these future obligations as of August 31, 20172020 (in thousands):

 

 

Payment Due by Period

 

 

 

 

2021

 

 

 

2022

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2025

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

Totals

 

Contractual Obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit facilities(1)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

90,000

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

90,000

 

Interest payments on credit facilities(2)

 

 

4,133

 

 

 

4,133

 

 

 

4,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,320

 

Other debt, including interest(3)

 

 

1,122

 

 

 

1,872

 

 

 

1,872

 

 

 

1,872

 

 

 

822

 

 

 

156

 

 

 

7,716

 

Finance leases, including interest

 

 

1,837

 

 

 

1,768

 

 

 

1,694

 

 

 

1,410

 

 

 

656

 

 

 

1,778

 

 

 

9,143

 

Operating leases(4)

 

 

24,223

 

 

 

23,292

 

 

 

22,810

 

 

 

18,619

 

 

 

13,212

 

 

 

72,064

 

 

 

174,220

 

Purchase obligations(5)

 

 

78,094

 

 

 

3,961

 

 

 

2,648

 

 

 

2,630

 

 

 

1,730

 

 

 

2,489

 

 

 

91,552

 

Other(6)

 

 

221

 

 

 

353

 

 

 

348

 

 

 

344

 

 

 

339

 

 

 

5,409

 

 

 

7,014

 

Total

 

$

109,630

 

 

$

35,379

 

 

$

123,426

 

 

$

24,875

 

 

$

16,759

 

 

$

81,896

 

 

$

391,965

 

 Payment Due by Period
 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total
Contractual Obligations             
Long-term debt(1)
$41
 $153
 $92
 $140,050
 $53
 $317
 $140,706
Interest payments on long-term debt(2)
4,904
 4,914
 4,900
 3,135
 26
 61
 17,940
Capital leases, including interest1,169
 1,043
 1,022
 885
 753
 1,824
 6,696
Operating leases19,572
 16,824
 13,333
 7,894
 5,317
 22,410
 85,350
Purchase obligations(3)
73,230
 15,143
 14,985
 3,591
 2,067
 5,600
 114,616
Other(4)
217
 314
 311
 308
 305
 3,325
 4,780
Total$99,133
 $38,391
 $34,643
 $155,863
 $8,521
 $33,537
 $370,088
_____________________________

(1)

(1)Long-term debt represents

Credit facilities include the principal amountsamount of allborrowings outstanding long-term debt, maturities ofunder bank secured revolving credit facilities, which extend to 2027.mature in August 2023.

(2)

(2)

Interest payments on long-term debtcredit facilities are based on interest rates in effect as of August 31, 2017.2020. As contractual interest rates and the amount of debt outstanding is variable in certain cases, actual cash payments may differ from the estimates provided.

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(3)

Other debt obligations primarily relate to an equipment purchase, the contract consideration for which includes an obligation to make future monthly payments to the vendor in the form of licensing fees. For accounting purposes, such obligation is treated as a partial financing of the purchase price by the equipment vendor. Monthly payments commence when the equipment is placed in service and continue for a period of four years thereafter.

(4)

Operating lease payments reflect those embedded in the measurement of our operating lease liabilities and, thus, include future lease payments for the remaining non-cancellable period of the lease together with periods covered by renewal (or termination) options which we are reasonably certain to exercise (or not to exercise).

(5)

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, including purchases of inventory items to be sold in the ordinary course of business.agreement.

(6)

(4)

Other contractual obligations consist of pension funding obligations and other accrued liabilities.

We maintain stand-by letters of credit to provide support for certain obligations, including workers’ compensation and performance bonds. At August 31, 2017,2020, we had $10 million outstanding under these arrangements.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make certain judgments, estimates, and assumptions regarding uncertainties that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions and judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain at the time the estimate is made, if different estimates reasonably could have been used, or if changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur could materially impact our consolidated financial statements. We deem critical accounting policies to be those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations. Because of the uncertainty inherent in these matters, actual results could differ from the estimates we use in applying the critical accounting policies. We are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different amounts being reported.

Our critical accounting estimates include those related to goodwill,inventories, long-lived assets, leases, goodwill, environmental costs, and income taxes.

Inventories

Our inventories accounting for business combinationsconsist of processed and revenue recognition.

Goodwill
We evaluate goodwill for impairment annuallyunprocessed scrap metal (ferrous, nonferrous, and uponmixed nonferrous recovered joint products arising from the occurrence of certain triggering events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be impaired. Impairment of goodwill is testedmanufacturing process), semi-finished steel products (billets), finished steel products (primarily rebar, wire rod, and merchant bar), used and salvaged vehicles, and supplies. Inventories are stated at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a ‘component’).
When testing goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existencelower of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not thatcost and net realizable value. We consider estimated future selling prices when determining the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to perform a qualitative assessment and determine that an impairment is more likely than not, we are then required to perform the quantitative impairment test, otherwise no further analysis is required. We also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test.
As of the beginning of the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we early-adopted an accounting standard update that revises the quantitative goodwill impairment test with no impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Under the revised guidance, we apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

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We estimate the fair value of the reporting units using an income approach based on the present value of expected future cash flows utilizing a market-based weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) determined separately for each reporting unit. To estimate the present value of the cash flows that extend beyond the final year of the discounted cash flow model, we employ a terminal value technique, whereby we use estimated operating cash flows minus capital expenditures, adjust for changes in working capital requirements in the final year of the model, and then discount these estimated cash flows by the WACC to establish the terminal value.
The determination of fair value using the income approach requires judgment and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions about expected future cash flows derived from internal forecasts and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions. Critical assumptions primarily include revenue growth rates driven by future commodity prices and volume expectations, operating margins, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, tax rates, terminal growth rates, discount rates, benefits associated with a taxable transaction and synergistic benefits available to market participants.
We also use a market approach based on earnings multiple data and our Company’s market capitalization to corroborate our reporting units’ valuations. We reconcile the Company’s market capitalization to the aggregated estimated fairnet realizable value of our reporting units,inventory. As we generally sell our recycled ferrous metal under contracts that provide for shipment within 30 to 60 days after the price is agreed, we utilize the selling prices under committed contracts and sales orders for determining the estimated net realizable value of quantities on hand that will be shipped under these contracts and sales orders.

The accounting process we use to record ferrous scrap metal quantities relies on significant estimates. With respect to estimating the quantities of unprocessed ferrous scrap metal inventory that are moved into production, we rely on weighed quantities of the processed ferrous material, adjusted for estimated metal recoveries and yields that are based on historical trends and other judgments by management. Actual recoveries and yields can vary depending on product quality, moisture content and source of the unprocessed metal. The Company’s estimates are intended to reasonably reflect the quantities of unprocessed ferrous scrap metal that are used in the production of processed ferrous metal. To assist in validating the reasonableness of these estimates, we periodically review shrink factors and perform monthly physical inventories. Due to the inherent nature of our scrap metal inventories, including considerationvariations in product density, holding period and production processes utilized to manufacture the products, physical inventories will not necessarily detect all variances for scrap metal inventory such that estimates of quantities are required. To mitigate this risk, we further adjust our ferrous physical inventories when the volume of a control premium representingcommodity is low and a physical inventory count is deemed to more accurately estimate the estimated amount a market participant would pay to obtain a controlling interest.

As a result of the inherent uncertainty associated with forming the estimates described above, actual results could differ from those estimates. Future events and changing market conditions may impact our assumptions as to future revenue and operating margin growth rates, market-based WACC, and other factors that may result in changes in our estimates of the reporting units' fair value. Although we believe the assumptions used in testing our reporting units’ goodwill for impairment are reasonable, declines in market conditions from current levels, a trend of weaker than anticipated financial performance for the reporting unit with allocated goodwill, a decline in our share price from current levels for a sustained period of time, or an increase in the market-based WACC, among other factors, could significantly impact our impairment analysis and may result in future goodwill impairment charges that, if incurred, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we performed the annual goodwill impairment test as of July 1, 2017. As of the testing date, the balance of the Company's goodwill of $167 million was carried by a single reporting unit within the AMR operating segment. We elected to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances led to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. As a result of the qualitative assessment, we concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value as of the testing date and, therefore, no further impairment testing was required.
remaining volume.

Long-Lived Assets

We test long-lived tangible and intangible assets for impairment at the asset group level, which is determined based on the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. Operating lease right-of-use assets are considered long-lived assets subject to this impairment testing. For our metals recycling operations reported within AMR, an asset group is generally comprisedconsists of the regional shredding and export operation along with surrounding feeder yards. For regions with no shredding and export operations, each metals recycling yard is an asset group. For our auto parts operations, generally each auto parts store is an asset group. The combined steel manufacturing and metals recycling operations within CSS are a single asset group. Prior to their combination into CSS in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, our steel manufacturing operations and Oregon metals recycling operations were distinct asset groups. We test our asset groups for impairment when certain triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset group may be impaired. If the carrying value of the asset group is not recoverable because it exceeds the estimate of

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future undiscounted cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group, an impairment loss is recognized by the amount the carrying value exceeds its fair value, if any. The impairment loss is allocated to the long-lived assets of the group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts of those assets, except that the loss allocated to an individual long-lived asset of the group shall not reduce the carrying amount of that asset below its fair value. Fair value is determined using one or more of the income, market or cost approaches, depending on the nature of the asset group. Determination of fair value is considered a critical accounting estimate.

Leases

We determine whether an arrangement contains a lease at inception by assessing whether the Company receives the right to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the economic benefit from use of the underlying asset. Lease classification, measurement, and recognition are determined at lease commencement, which is the date the underlying asset is available for use by the Company. The accounting classification of a lease is based on whether the arrangement is effectively a financed purchase of the underlying asset (finance lease) or not (operating lease). Leases that, at lease commencement, have a non-cancellable lease term of 12 months or less and do not include an option to either purchase the underlying asset or renew the lease beyond 12 months that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise are classified as short-term leases and are not recognized on the balance sheet.

For leases other than short-term leases, we recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities based primarily on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at lease commencement. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use the underlying asset during the lease term, while lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make future lease payments. The lease term is the non-cancellable period of the lease, together with periods covered by renewal (or termination) options which the Company is reasonably certain to exercise (or not to exercise). Determination of the lease term is considered a critical accounting estimate. Lease payments are discounted to present value using the costCompany’s incremental borrowing rate, unless the discount rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate for each lease is the estimated rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow the aggregate lease payments on a collateralized basis over the lease term. Estimation of the incremental borrowing rate is considered a critical accounting estimate as it requires judgment by management and market approaches.

With respectreflects an assessment of the Company’s credit standing to individual long-livedderive an implied secured credit rating and corresponding yield curve. The Company used the incremental borrowing rate to recognize all operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities as of the new lease accounting standard application date. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are subject to remeasurement after lease commencement when certain events or changes in circumstances may meritarise, such as a change in the estimated useful liveslease term due to reassessment of whether the Company is reasonably certain to exercise a renewal or salvage valuestermination option.

For operating leases, lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, the lease right-of-use asset is amortized on a straight-line basis and interest expense is recognized on the lease liability using the effective interest rate method. Many of the assets,Company’s real property leases contain variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, which are accounted for prospectivelyincluded in the measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability using the index or rate at lease commencement, or with respect to the Company’s transition to the new lease accounting standard the index or rate at the application date. Subsequent changes in variable lease payments are recorded as variable lease expenses during the period in which they are incurred. The Company elected a practical expedient to not separate lease and related non-lease components for accounting purposes and, thus, costs related to such non-lease components are disclosed as lease expense. Payments for short-term leases are recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Goodwill

We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually on July 1 and upon the occurrence of change. For such assets,certain triggering events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate that the useful lifefair value of goodwill may be impaired. Impairment of goodwill is shortened based on our current planstested at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to disposeas a ‘component’).

When testing goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or abandoncircumstances leads to a determination that it is more-likely-than-not that the asset beforeestimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to perform a qualitative assessment and determine that an impairment is more-likely-than-not, we are then required to perform the endquantitative impairment test, otherwise no further analysis is required. We also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. When performing the quantitative impairment test, we apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its original useful life and depreciation is accelerated beginning whenfair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that determination is made.


45reporting unit.

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Table

We estimate the fair value of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.a reporting unit using an income approach based on the present value of expected future cash flows utilizing a market-based weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) determined separately for the reporting unit. To estimate the present value of the cash flows that extend beyond the final year in the discounted cash flow analysis, we employ a terminal value technique, whereby we use estimated operating cash flows minus capital expenditures, adjust for changes in working capital requirements in the final year of the analysis, and then discount these estimated cash flows by the WACC to establish the terminal value.

The determination of fair value using the income approach requires judgment and involves the use of estimates and assumptions about expected future cash flows derived from internal forecasts and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions. Assumptions primarily include revenue growth rates driven by future ferrous and nonferrous commodity price and sales volume expectations, gross margins, selling, general and administrative expense relative to total revenues, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, discount rate (WACC), tax rate, terminal growth rate, benefits associated with a taxable transaction and synergistic benefits available to market participants.

We also use a market approach based on earnings multiple data and our Company’s market capitalization to corroborate our reporting units’ valuations. We reconcile the Company’s market capitalization to the aggregated estimated fair value of all reporting units, including consideration of a control premium representing the estimated amount a market participant would pay to obtain a controlling interest in the Company.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we performed the annual goodwill impairment test as of July 1, 2020. As of the testing date, the balance of our goodwill was $169 million, and all but $1 million of such balance was carried by a single reporting unit within AMR. We had last performed the quantitative impairment test of goodwill carried by this reporting unit in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 using a measurement date of February 1, 2016. Based on the changes in market conditions related to the general economy and the metals recycling industry and the increase in the carrying amount of the reporting unit since the last quantitative impairment test, we elected not to perform the qualitative assessment for the reporting unit and, instead, proceeded directly to the quantitative impairment test. For the reporting unit within AMR subject to the quantitative impairment test, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount by approximately 29% as of July 1, 2020. The projections used in the income approach for the reporting unit took into consideration the impact of current market conditions for ferrous and nonferrous recycled metals, the cost of obtaining adequate supply flows of scrap metal including end-of-life vehicles, and recent trends in retail auto parts sales. The projections assumed a limited recovery of operating margins from current levels over a multi-year period. The WACC used in the income approach valuation for the reporting unit was 11.1%, and the terminal growth rate used was 2.0%. Assuming all other components of the fair value estimate were held constant, an increase in the WACC of 228 basis points or more or weaker than anticipated improvements in operating margins could have resulted in a failure of the quantitative impairment test for the reporting unit. See Note 7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further detail.

As a result of the inherent uncertainty associated with forming the estimates described above, actual results could differ from those estimates. Future events and changing market conditions may impact our assumptions as to future revenue and operating margin growth, WACC and other factors that may result in changes in our estimates of the reporting units’ fair value. Although we believe the assumptions used in testing our reporting units’ goodwill for impairment are reasonable, a lack of recovery or further deterioration in market conditions from current levels, a trend of weaker than anticipated financial performance for the reporting unit with allocated goodwill, a decline in our share price from current levels for a sustained period of time, or an increase in the WACC, among other factors, could significantly impact our impairment analysis and may result in future goodwill impairment charges that, if incurred, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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Environmental Costs

We operate in industries that inherently possess environmental risks. To manage these risks, we employ both our own environmental staff and outside consultants. Environmental staffmanagement and finance personnel meet regularly to discuss environmental risks. We estimate future costs for known environmental remediation requirements and accrue for them on an undiscounted basis when it is probable that we have incurred a liability and the related costs can be reasonably estimated but the timing of incurring the estimated costs is unknown. The regulatory and government management of these projects is complex, which is one of the primary factors that make it difficult to assess the cost of potential and future remediation. When only a wide range of estimated amounts can be reasonably established and no other amount within the range is better than any other, the low end of the range is recorded in the financial statements. If further developments or resolution of an environmental matter result in facts and circumstances that are significantly different than the assumptions used to develop these liabilities, the accrual for environmental remediation could be materially understated or overstated. Adjustments to these liabilities are made when additional information becomes available that affects the estimated costs to study or remediate any environmental issues or when expenditures for which accruals are established are made. The factors we consider in the recognition and measurement of environmental liabilities include:

Current regulations, both at the time the liability is established and during the course of the investigation or remediation process, which specify standards for acceptable remediation;

Current regulations, both at the time the liability is established and during the course of the investigation or remediation process, which specify standards for acceptable remediation;

Information about the site which becomes available as the site is studied and remediated;

Information about the site which becomes available as the site is studied and remediated;

The professional judgment of senior level internal staff and outside consultants, who take into account similar, recent instances of environmental remediation issues, and studies of our sites, among other considerations;

The professional judgment of senior level internal staff, who take into account similar, recent instances of environmental remediation issues, and studies of our sites, among other considerations;

Available technologies that can be used for remediation; and

Available technologies that can be used for remediation;

The number and financial condition of other potentially responsible parties and the extent of their responsibility for the costs of study and remediation.

The number and financial condition of other potentially responsible parties and the extent of their responsibility for the costs of study and remediation.

Our accrued environmental liabilities as of August 31, 20172020 included $1$4 million related to third party investigation costs for the Portland Harbor Superfund site. Because the final remedial actions have not yet been designed and there has not been a determination of the total cost of the investigations, the remediation that will be required, the amount of natural resource damages or howof the allocation among the potentially responsible parties of costs of the ongoing investigations, and any remedy andremedial action costs or natural resource damages, will be allocated among the PRPs, we believe it is not possible to reasonably estimate the amount or range of costs which we are likely or which it is reasonably possible that we may incur in connection with the Site, although such costs could be material to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. Therefore, no additional amounts have been accrued. Further, we have been notified that we are or may be a potentially responsible party at sites other than Portland Harbor which are currently or formerly owned or operated by us or at other sites where we may have responsibility for such costs due to past disposal or other activities. See Contingencies“ContingenciesEnvironmentalEnvironmental” in Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Inventories
Our inventories consist

Income Taxes

Valuation Allowances

We assess the realizability of processedour deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis through an analysis of potential sources of future taxable income, including prior year taxable income available to absorb a carryback of tax losses, reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies, and unprocessed scrap metal (ferrous, nonferrous,forecasts of taxable income. We consider all negative and nonferrous recovered joint product arising frompositive evidence, including the manufacturing process), semi-finished steel products (billets), finished steel products (primarily rebar, merchant barweight of the evidence, to determine if valuation allowances against deferred tax assets are required. Due to the significant judgment involved, realizability of our deferred tax assets is considered a critical accounting estimate. In fiscal 2018, we released valuation allowances against certain U.S. federal and wire rod), usedstate and salvaged vehicles, and supplies. Inventories are statedCanadian deferred tax assets resulting in discrete tax benefits totaling $37 million. The release of these valuation allowances was the result of sufficient positive evidence at the lowertime, including cumulative income in recent years and projections of cost or market.future taxable income based primarily on our improved financial performance, that it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. We consider estimated future selling prices when determining the estimated net realizable value for our inventory. As we generally sell our recycled ferrous metal under contracts that provide for shipment within 30continue to 60 days after the price is agreed, we utilize the selling prices under committed contractsmaintain valuation allowances against certain state, Canadian and sales orders for determining the estimated market price of quantities on hand.

The accounting process we use to record metal quantities relies on significant estimates. With respect to unprocessed metal inventory, we rely on weighed quantities that are reduced by estimated amounts that are moved into production. These estimates utilize estimated recoveries and yields that are based on historical trends. Over time, these estimates are reasonably good indicators of what is ultimately produced; however, actual recoveries and yields can vary depending on product quality, moisture content and source of the unprocessed metal. If ultimate recoveries and yields are significantly different than estimated, the value of our inventory could be materially overstated or understated. To assist in validating the reasonableness of these estimates, we periodically review shrink factors and perform monthly physical inventory estimates. However, due to variations in product density, holding period and production processes utilized to manufacture the product, physical inventories will not necessarily detect all variances. To mitigate this risk, we adjust the ferrous physical inventories when the volume of a commodity is low and a physical inventory count can more accurately estimate the remaining volume.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when we have a contract or purchase order from a customer with a fixed or determinable price, the title and risk of loss transfer to the buyer and collectibility is reasonably assured. Title for both metal and finished steel products transfers based on contract terms. A significant portion of our ferrous export sales of recycled metal are made with letters of credit, reducing

46Puerto Rican deferred tax assets.

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credit risk. However, domestic recycled ferrous metal sales, nonferrous sales and sales of finished steel are generally made on open account. Nonferrous export sales typically require a deposit prior to shipment. All sales made on open account are evaluated for collectibility prior to revenue recognition. Additionally, when contractual terms support revenue recognition based on transfer of title and risk of loss we recognize revenues on partially loaded shipments, which requires an estimate of the product weight involved in any partial shipments at period end. Retail revenues are recognized when customers pay for parts. Historically, there have been very few sales returns and adjustments that impact the ultimate collection of revenues; therefore, no material provisions have been made when the sale is recognized. We present taxes assessed by governmental authorities collected from customers on a net basis. Therefore, the taxes are excluded from revenue and are shown as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets until remitted. See the discussion on credit risk contained in Item 7A of this report.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

For a description of

We have not identified any recent accounting pronouncements that mayare expected to have ana material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows see Note 3 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

upon adoption.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Debt, net of cash

Debt, net of cash is the difference between (i) the sum of long-term debt and short-term borrowings (i.e., total debt) and (ii) cash and cash equivalents. We believe that debt, net of cash is a useful measure for investors because, as cash and cash equivalents can be used, among other things, to repay indebtedness, netting this against total debt is a useful measure of our leverage.

The following is a reconciliation of debt, net of cash (in thousands):

 

 

August 31, 2020

 

 

August 31, 2019

 

 

August 31, 2018

 

Short-term borrowings

 

$

2,184

 

 

$

1,321

 

 

$

1,139

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

 

102,235

 

 

 

103,775

 

 

 

106,237

 

Total debt

 

 

104,419

 

 

 

105,096

 

 

 

107,376

 

Less cash and cash equivalents

 

 

17,887

 

 

 

12,377

 

 

 

4,723

 

Total debt, net of cash

 

$

86,532

 

 

$

92,719

 

 

$

102,653

 

 August 31, 2017 August 31, 2016 August 31, 2015
Short-term borrowings$721
 $8,374
 $584
Long-term debt, net of current maturities144,403
 184,144
 227,572
Total debt145,124
 192,518
 228,156
Less: cash and cash equivalents7,287
 26,819
 22,755
Total debt, net of cash$137,837
 $165,699
 $205,401

Net borrowings (repayment)(repayments) of debt

Net borrowings (repayment)(repayments) of debt is the sum of borrowings from long-term debt and repayments of long-term debt, proceeds from line of credit, and repayment of line of credit.debt. We present this amount as the net change in our borrowings (repayments) for the period because we believe it is useful for investors as a meaningful presentation of the change in debt.

The following is a reconciliation of net borrowings (repayments) of debt (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal 2020

 

 

Fiscal 2019

 

 

Fiscal 2018

 

Borrowings from long-term debt

 

$

690,162

 

 

$

431,048

 

 

$

515,480

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

 

(698,492

)

 

 

(435,353

)

 

 

(556,456

)

Net borrowings (repayments) of debt

 

$

(8,330

)

 

$

(4,305

)

 

$

(40,976

)

 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2015
Borrowings from long-term debt$433,336
 $152,311
 $140,536
Proceeds from line of credit
 135,500
 266,500
Repayment of long-term debt(481,757) (187,951) (231,103)
Repayment of line of credit
 (135,500) (266,500)
Net repayments of debt$(48,421) $(35,640) $(90,567)

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Adjusted consolidated operating income, (loss), adjusted AMR operating income, (loss), adjusted CSS operating income, adjusted Corporate expense, adjusted net (loss) income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders, and adjusted diluted (loss) earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI

shareholders

Management believes that providing these non-GAAP financial measures adds a meaningful presentation of our results from business operations excluding adjustments for goodwill impairment charges, other asset impairment charges net of recoveries, restructuring charges and other exit-related activities, asset impairment charges (net of recoveries), charges for legacy environmental matters (net of recoveries), business development costs not related to ongoing operations, charges related to the settlement of a wage and hour class action lawsuit, recoveries related to the resale or modification of previously contracted shipments, the non-cash write-off of debt issuance costs, and income tax (benefit) expense (benefit) associated withallocated to these adjustments, items which are not related to underlying business operational performance, and improves the period-to-period comparability of our results from business operations. Adjusted operating results in fiscal 2015 excluded the impact from the resale or modification of the terms, each at significantly lower prices due to sharp decline in selling prices, of certain previously contracted bulk shipments for delivery during fiscal 2015. Recoveries resulting from settlements with the original contract parties, which began in fiscal 2016, are reported within SG&A expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are also excluded from the measures.

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The following is a reconciliation of adjusted consolidated operating income, (loss), adjusted AMR operating income, (loss), and adjusted CSS operating income and adjusted Corporate expense (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal 2020

 

 

Fiscal 2019

 

 

Fiscal 2018

 

Consolidated operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

6,854

 

 

$

83,865

 

 

$

148,988

 

Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities

 

 

8,993

 

 

 

365

 

 

 

(661

)

Asset impairment charges (recoveries), net

 

 

5,729

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

(1,021

)

Charges for legacy environmental matters, net(1)

 

 

4,097

 

 

 

2,419

 

 

 

7,268

 

Business development costs

 

 

1,619

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charges related to the settlement of a wage and hour class action lawsuit

 

 

73

 

 

 

2,330

 

 

 

 

Recoveries related to the resale or modification of previously contracted shipments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(417

)

Adjusted

 

$

27,365

 

 

$

89,042

 

 

$

154,157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMR operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

34,438

 

 

$

95,991

 

 

$

169,120

 

Asset impairment charges (recoveries), net

 

 

5,599

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

(933

)

Charges for legacy environmental matters, net(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,586

 

Recoveries related to the resale or modification of previously contracted shipments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(417

)

Adjusted

 

$

40,037

 

 

$

96,054

 

 

$

169,356

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CSS operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

22,983

 

 

$

31,951

 

 

$

38,286

 

Asset impairment recoveries, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(88

)

Adjusted

 

$

22,983

 

 

$

31,951

 

 

$

38,198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

41,699

 

 

$

43,986

 

 

$

58,789

 

Asset impairment (charges) recoveries, net

 

 

(130

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charges for legacy environmental matters, net(1)

 

 

(4,097

)

 

 

(2,419

)

 

 

(5,682

)

Business development costs

 

 

(1,619

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charges related to the settlement of a wage and hour class action lawsuit

 

 

(73

)

 

 

(2,330

)

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

$

35,780

 

 

$

39,237

 

 

$

53,107

 

(1)

Legal and environmental charges for legacy environmental matters (net of recoveries). Legacy environmental matters include charges (net of recoveries) related to the Portland Harbor Superfund site and to other legacy environmental loss contingencies. See Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies, “Portland Harbor” and “Other Legacy Environmental Loss Contingencies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2015
Consolidated operating income (loss):     
As reported$56,013
 $(7,842) $(195,529)
Goodwill impairment charges
 8,845
 141,021
Other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net(717) 20,682
 45,119
Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities(109) 6,781
 13,008
Resale or modification of previously contracted shipments, net of recoveries(1,144) (694) 6,928
Adjusted$54,043
 $27,772
 $10,547
      
AMR operating income (loss):     
As reported$91,405
 $23,168
 $(166,119)
Goodwill impairment charges
 8,845
 141,021
Other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net(184) 16,411
 44,374
Resale or modification of previously contracted shipments, net of recoveries(1,144) (694) 6,928
Adjusted$90,077
 $47,730
 $26,204
      
CSS operating income (loss):     
As reported$5,275
 $4,696
 $20,535
Other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net(533) 4,192
 
Adjusted$4,742
 $8,888
 $20,535

48

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The following is a reconciliation of adjusted net (loss) income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders and adjusted diluted (loss) earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

Fiscal 2020

 

 

Fiscal 2019

 

 

Fiscal 2018

 

Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

(4,050

)

 

$

56,593

 

 

$

156,105

 

Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities

 

 

8,993

 

 

 

365

 

 

 

(661

)

Asset impairment charges (recoveries), net

 

 

5,729

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

(1,021

)

Charges for legacy environmental matters, net(1)

 

 

4,097

 

 

 

2,419

 

 

 

7,268

 

Business development costs

 

 

1,619

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charges related to the settlement of a wage and hour class action lawsuit

 

 

73

 

 

 

2,330

 

 

 

 

Recoveries related to the resale or modification of previously contracted shipments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(417

)

Income tax (benefit) expense allocated to adjustments(2)

 

 

(4,494

)

 

 

(794

)

 

 

34

 

Adjusted

 

$

11,967

 

 

$

60,976

 

 

$

161,308

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

2.01

 

 

$

5.46

 

Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities, per share

 

 

0.32

 

 

 

0.01

 

 

 

(0.02

)

Asset impairment charges (recoveries), net, per share

 

 

0.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.04

)

Charges for legacy environmental matters, net, per share(1)

 

 

0.15

 

 

 

0.09

 

 

 

0.25

 

Business development costs, per share

 

 

0.06

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charge related to the settlement of a wage and hour class action lawsuit, per share

 

 

 

 

 

0.08

 

 

 

 

Recoveries related to the resale or modification of previously contracted

   shipments, per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

Income tax (benefit) expense allocated to adjustments, per share(2)

 

 

(0.16

)

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

 

Adjusted

 

$

0.43

 

 

$

2.16

 

 

$

5.64

 

 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2015
Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI:     
As reported$44,901
 $(18,061) $(189,782)
Goodwill impairment charges
 8,845
 141,021
Other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net(717) 20,682
 45,119
Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities(109) 6,781
 13,008
Resale or modification of previously contracted shipments, net of recoveries(1,144) (694) 6,928
Non-cash write-off of debt issuance costs
 768
 
Income tax expense (benefit) allocated to adjustments(1)

 529
 (12,703)
Adjusted$42,931
 $18,850
 $3,591
      
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI:    
As reported$1.60
 $(0.66) $(7.03)
Goodwill impairment charges, per share
 0.32
 5.22
Other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net, per share(0.03) 0.76
 1.67
Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities, per share
 0.25
 0.48
Resale or modification of certain previously contracted shipments, net of recoveries, per share(0.04) (0.03) 0.26
Non-cash write-off of debt issuance costs, per share
 0.03
 
Income tax expense (benefit) allocated to adjustments, per share(1)

 0.02
 (0.47)
Adjusted$1.53
 $0.69
 $0.13
 ___________________________

(1)

Legal and environmental charges for legacy environmental matters (net of recoveries). Legacy environmental matters include charges (net of recoveries) related to the Portland Harbor Superfund site and to other legacy environmental loss contingencies. See Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies, “Portland Harbor” and “Other Legacy Environmental Loss Contingencies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

(1)

(2)

Income

The income tax allocated to the aggregate adjustments reconciling reported and adjusted net (loss) income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders and diluted (loss) earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders is determined based on a tax provision calculated with and without the adjustments.

We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures allow for a better understanding of our operating and financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures. Although we find these non-GAAP financial measures useful in evaluating the performance of our business, our reliance on these measures is limited because the adjustments often have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Therefore, we typically use these adjusted amounts in conjunction with our U.S. GAAP results to address these limitations.


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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to commodity price risk, mainly associated with variations in the market price for ferrous and nonferrous metals, including scrap metal, finished steel products, autobodiesauto bodies and other commodities. The timing and magnitude of industry cycles are difficult to predict and are impacted by general economic conditions. We respond to increases and decreases in forward selling prices by adjusting purchase prices. We actively manage our exposure to commodity price risk and monitor the actual and expected spread between forward selling prices and purchase costs and processing and shipping expense. Sales contracts are based on prices negotiated with our customers, and generally orders are placed 30 to 60 days ahead of shipment date. However, financial results may be negatively impacted when forward selling prices fall more quickly than we can adjust purchase prices or when customers fail to meet their contractual obligations. We assess the net realizable value of inventory (“NRV”) each quarter based upon contractedcommitted contracts and sales orders and estimated future selling prices. Based on contracted sales and estimates of future selling prices,For our uncommitted inventories, a 10% decrease in the selling price of inventory would not have had a material NRV impact on any of our reportable segments as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016.

2019.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk associated with changes in interest rates related to our debt obligations. Our revolving credit facility is subject to variable interest rates and therefore have exposure to changes in interest rates. If market interest rates had changed 10% from actual interest rate levels in fiscal 20172020 or 2016,2019, the effect on our interest expense and net income would not have been material.

Credit Risk

Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that might occur as a result of non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations to take delivery of scrap metal and finished steel products and to make financial settlements of these obligations, or to provide sufficient quantities of scrap metal or payment to settle advances, loans and other contractual receivables in connection with demolition and scrap extraction projects. We manage our exposure to credit risk through a variety of methods, including shipping ferrous scrap metal exports under letters of credit, collection of deposits prior to shipment for certain nonferrous export customers, establishment of credit limits for certain sales on open terms, credit insurance and designation of collateral and financial guarantees securing advances, loans and other contractual receivables.

We ship nearly As a result of COVID-19, we have experienced reductions in the availability of credit insurance that we have historically used to cover a portion of our recycled metal and finished steel sales to domestic customers, which reduced availability may increase our exposure to customer credit risk.

Historically, we have shipped almost all of our large shipments of ferrous bulk salesscrap metal to foreign customers under contracts supported by letters of credit issued or confirmed by banks it deemsdeemed creditworthy. The letters of credit ensure payment by the customer. As we generally sell export recycled ferrous metal under contracts or orders that generally provide for shipment within 30 to 60 days after the price is agreed, our customers typically do not have difficulty obtaining letters of credit from their banks in periods of rising ferrous prices, as the value of the letters of credit are collateralized by the value of the inventory on the ship. However, in periods of significantly declining prices, our customers may not be able to obtain letters of credit for the full sales value of the inventory to be shipped.

As of August 31, 20172020 and 2016, 33%2019, 40% and 34%32%, respectively, of our trade accounts receivable balance were covered by letters of credit. Of the remaining balance, 88%98% and 94%96% was less than 60 days past due as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk, mainly associated with sales transactions and related accounts receivable denominated in the U.S. Dollar by our Canadian subsidiary with a functional currency of the Canadian Dollar. In certain instances, we may use derivatives to manage some portion of this risk. As of August 31, 2017,2020 and 2019, we did not have any derivative contracts.




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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The 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 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.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that relate to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that the receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorization of the Company’s management and directors; and 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 Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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

Management of the Company assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting using the criteria established inInternal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)(“COSO”). Based on its assessment, management determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of August 31, 2017.

2020.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report, also audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2017,2020, as stated in their report included herein.


Tamara L. Lundgren

Richard D. Peach

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Senior

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief of Corporate OperationsStrategy Officer

October 24, 201722, 2020

October 24, 201722, 2020



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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


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


In our opinion,

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidatedstatements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as ofAugust 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, and the resultsrelated consolidated statements of their operations, of comprehensive (loss) income, of equity and theirof cash flows for each of the three years in the period endedAugust31, 20172020, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2020 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the indexappearing under Item 15(a)(2)presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidatedfinancial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2017,2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the CommitteeCOSO.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases as of Sponsoring OrganizationsSeptember 1, 2019 and the manner in which it accounts for revenue from contracts with customers as of the Treadway Commission (COSO). September 1, 2018.

Basis for Opinions

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

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

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


Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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

55 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.


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



Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Volume of Ferrous Metal Inventory

As described in Notes 2 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s processed and unprocessed scrap metal inventory was $63 million as of August 31, 2020, which includes processed and unprocessed ferrous metal inventory, among other types of inventory. The accounting process the Company uses to record ferrous scrap metal quantities relies on significant estimates. With respect to estimating the quantities of unprocessed ferrous scrap metal inventory that are moved into production, management relies on weighed quantities of the processed ferrous material, adjusted for estimated metal recoveries and yields that are based on historical trends and other judgments by management. Actual recoveries and yields can vary depending on product quality, moisture content and the source of the unprocessed metal. The Company’s estimates are intended to reasonably reflect the quantities of unprocessed ferrous scrap metal that are used in the production of processed ferrous metal. To assist in validating the reasonableness of these estimates, management periodically reviews shrink factors and performs monthly physical inventories. Due to the inherent nature of the Company’s scrap metal inventories, including variations in product density, holding period and production processes utilized to manufacture the products, physical inventories will not necessarily detect all variances for scrap metal inventory such that estimates of quantities are required. To mitigate this risk, the Company further adjusts its ferrous physical inventories when the volume of a commodity is low and a physical inventory count is deemed to more accurately estimate the remaining volume.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the volume of ferrous metal inventory is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management in the estimation of metal recoveries and yields specific to ferrous metal inventory volumes, and (ii) significant auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing our audit procedures and in evaluating audit evidence related to the estimates made by management.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the estimation of metal recoveries and yields specific to ferrous metal inventory volumes. These procedures also included, among others, testing inventory quantities received, assessing the reasonableness of management’s estimated yields by comparing them to actual yields of ultimate inventory recoveries, testing ferrous metal inventory shipments including the volume ultimately recovered, observing management’s physical inventory counts, assessing rollforward activity between the time of the inventory counts and year-end, and considering whether evidence obtained in other areas of the audit is consistent with management’s estimates related to ferrous metal inventory volumes.

Goodwill Impairment Assessment - Reporting Unit within Auto and Metals Recycling (“AMR”) Operating Segment

As described in Notes 2 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s goodwill balance was $170 million as of August 31, 2020, and all but $1 million of such balance was carried by a single reporting unit within AMR. Management evaluates goodwill for impairment annually on July 1 and upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be impaired. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level. The quantitative impairment test entails estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing it to the reporting unit’s carrying amount. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, management performed the annual goodwill impairment test as of July 1, 2020. Management estimated the fair value of the reporting unit within AMR using an income approach based on the present value of expected future cash flows, including terminal value, utilizing a market-based weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) assessed specifically for the reporting unit. The determination of fair value involves the use of estimates and assumptions, including revenue growth rates driven by future ferrous and nonferrous commodity price and sales volume expectations, gross margins, selling, general and administrative expense relative to total revenues, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, discount rate (WACC), tax rate, terminal growth rate, benefits associated with a taxable transaction and synergistic benefits available to market participants.

56/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Portland, Oregon    
October 24, 2017






52 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017

2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Table

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill impairment assessment of a reporting unit within AMR is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when estimating the fair value of the reporting unit; (ii) significant auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to the WACC, expected ferrous metal selling prices and sales volumes, gross margins, and selling, general and administrative costs relative to total revenues; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill impairment assessment, including controls over the valuation of the reporting unit within AMR. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimate, evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow model, testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the model, and evaluating the significant assumptions used by management related to the WACC, expected ferrous metal selling prices and sales volumes, gross margins, and selling, general and administrative costs relative to total revenues. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to the expected ferrous metal selling prices and sales volumes, gross margins, and selling, general and administrative costs relative to total revenues involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering the current and past performance of the reporting unit, the consistency with external market and industry data, and whether these assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the Company’s discounted cash flow model and the WACC assumption.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Portland, Oregon

October 22, 2020

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1976, which includes periods before the Company became subject to SEC reporting requirements.

57 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Currency – U.S. Dollar)

 

 

August 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

17,887

 

 

$

12,377

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

139,147

 

 

 

145,617

 

Inventories

 

 

157,269

 

 

 

187,320

 

Refundable income taxes

 

 

18,253

 

 

 

5,867

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

30,075

 

 

 

115,107

 

Total current assets

 

 

362,631

 

 

 

466,288

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

487,004

 

 

 

456,400

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

140,584

 

 

 

 

Investments in joint ventures

 

 

10,057

 

 

 

10,276

 

Goodwill

 

 

169,627

 

 

 

169,237

 

Intangibles, net

 

 

4,585

 

 

 

4,482

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

27,152

 

 

 

28,850

 

Other assets

 

 

28,287

 

 

 

25,213

 

Total assets

 

$

1,229,927

 

 

$

1,160,746

 

Liabilities and Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings

 

$

2,184

 

 

$

1,321

 

Accounts payable

 

 

106,676

 

 

 

110,297

 

Accrued payroll and related liabilities

 

 

41,436

 

 

 

27,547

 

Environmental liabilities

 

 

6,302

 

 

 

6,030

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

19,760

 

 

 

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

47,306

 

 

 

123,035

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

223,664

 

 

 

268,230

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

38,292

 

 

 

25,466

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

 

102,235

 

 

 

103,775

 

Environmental liabilities, net of current portion

 

 

47,162

 

 

 

45,769

 

Operating lease liabilities, net of current maturities

 

 

125,001

 

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

13,137

 

 

 

16,210

 

Total liabilities

 

 

549,491

 

 

 

459,450

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (“SSI”) shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock – 20,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized, NaN issued

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

Class A common stock – 75,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized,

   26,899 and 26,464 shares issued and outstanding

 

 

26,899

 

 

 

26,464

 

Class B common stock – 25,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized,

   200 and 200 shares issued and outstanding

 

 

200

 

 

 

200

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

36,616

 

 

 

33,700

 

Retained earnings

 

 

649,863

 

 

 

675,363

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(36,871

)

 

 

(38,763

)

Total SSI shareholders’ equity

 

 

676,707

 

 

 

696,964

 

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

3,729

 

 

 

4,332

 

Total equity

 

 

680,436

 

 

 

701,296

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

1,229,927

 

 

$

1,160,746

 

 August 31,
 2017 2016
Assets   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$7,287
 $26,819
Accounts receivable, net138,998
 113,952
Inventories166,942
 132,972
Refundable income taxes2,366
 1,254
Prepaid expenses and other current assets22,357
 24,809
Total current assets337,950
 299,806
Property, plant and equipment, net390,629
 392,820
Investments in joint ventures11,204
 13,616
Goodwill167,835
 166,847
Intangibles, net4,424
 4,931
Other assets21,713
 13,409
Total assets$933,755
 $891,429
Liabilities and Equity   
Current liabilities:   
Short-term borrowings$721
 $8,374
Accounts payable94,674
 58,439
Accrued payroll and related liabilities41,593
 29,116
Environmental liabilities2,007
 1,967
Accrued income taxes9
 
Other accrued liabilities37,256
 35,758
Total current liabilities176,260
 133,654
Deferred income taxes19,147
 16,682
Long-term debt, net of current maturities144,403
 184,144
Environmental liabilities, net of current portion46,391
 44,383
Other long-term liabilities10,061
 11,134
Total liabilities396,262
 389,997
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
 
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (“SSI”) shareholders’ equity:   
Preferred stock – 20,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized, none issued
 
Class A common stock – 75,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized,   
26,859 and 26,482 shares issued and outstanding26,859
 26,482
Class B common stock – 25,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized,   
200 and 306 shares issued and outstanding200
 306
Additional paid-in capital38,050
 30,948
Retained earnings503,770
 480,100
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(35,293) (40,115)
Total SSI shareholders’ equity533,586
 497,721
Noncontrolling interests3,907
 3,711
Total equity537,493
 501,432
Total liabilities and equity$933,755
 $891,429




SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(inIn thousands, except per share amounts)

(Currency – U.S. Dollar)

 

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Revenues

 

$

1,712,343

 

 

$

2,132,781

 

 

$

2,364,715

 

Operating expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

 

1,503,725

 

 

 

1,858,535

 

 

 

2,010,485

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

187,876

 

 

 

191,405

 

 

 

208,877

 

(Income) from joint ventures

 

 

(834

)

 

 

(1,452

)

 

 

(1,953

)

Asset impairment charges (recoveries), net

 

 

5,729

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

(1,021

)

Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities

 

 

8,993

 

 

 

365

 

 

 

(661

)

Operating income

 

 

6,854

 

 

 

83,865

 

 

 

148,988

 

Interest expense

 

 

(8,669

)

 

 

(8,266

)

 

 

(8,983

)

Other (expense) income, net

 

 

(124

)

 

 

641

 

 

 

1,848

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

 

(1,939

)

 

 

76,240

 

 

 

141,853

 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 

 

(166

)

 

 

(17,670

)

 

 

17,590

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

 

(2,105

)

 

 

58,570

 

 

 

159,443

 

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(95

)

 

 

(248

)

 

 

346

 

Net (loss) income

 

 

(2,200

)

 

 

58,322

 

 

 

159,789

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

(1,945

)

 

 

(1,977

)

 

 

(3,338

)

Net (loss) income attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

(4,145

)

 

$

56,345

 

 

$

156,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income per share attributable to SSI shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income per share from continuing operations

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

2.06

 

 

$

5.65

 

Net (loss) income per share

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

2.05

 

 

$

5.66

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income per share from continuing operations

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

2.01

 

 

$

5.46

 

Net (loss) income per share

 

$

(0.15

)

 

$

2.00

 

 

$

5.47

 

Weighted average number of common shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

27,672

 

 

 

27,527

 

 

 

27,645

 

Diluted

 

 

27,672

 

 

 

28,222

 

 

 

28,589

 

 Year Ended August 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Revenues$1,687,591
 $1,352,543
 $1,915,399
Operating expense:     
Cost of goods sold1,464,508
 1,175,988
 1,742,678
Selling, general and administrative171,570
 148,908
 170,592
(Income) from joint ventures(3,674) (819) (1,490)
Goodwill impairment charges
 8,845
 141,021
Other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net(717) 20,682
 45,119
Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities(109) 6,781
 13,008
Operating income (loss)56,013
 (7,842) (195,529)
Interest expense(8,081) (8,889) (9,191)
Other income, net758
 1,226
 4,256
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes48,690
 (15,505) (200,464)
Income tax (expense) benefit(1,322) (735) 12,615
Income (loss) from continuing operations47,368
 (16,240) (187,849)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax(390) (1,348) (7,227)
Net income (loss)46,978
 (17,588) (195,076)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(2,467) (1,821) (1,933)
Net income (loss) attributable to SSI$44,511
 $(19,409) $(197,009)
      
Net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI:     
Basic:     
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI$1.63
 $(0.66) $(7.03)
Loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to SSI(0.01) (0.05) (0.27)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI(1)
$1.62
 $(0.71) $(7.29)
Diluted:     
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI$1.60
 $(0.66) $(7.03)
Loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to SSI(0.01) (0.05) (0.27)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI(1)
$1.58
 $(0.71) $(7.29)
Weighted average number of common shares:     
Basic27,537
 27,229
 27,010
Diluted28,141
 27,229
 27,010
Dividends declared per common share$0.750
 $0.750
 $0.750
 ____________________________
(1)May not foot due to rounding.

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



54

59 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 20172020





SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Currency – U.S. Dollar)

 

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(2,200

)

 

$

58,322

 

 

$

159,789

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

1,505

 

 

 

(1,560

)

 

 

(2,301

)

Pension obligations, net

 

 

387

 

 

 

34

 

 

 

357

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

 

1,892

 

 

 

(1,526

)

 

 

(1,944

)

Comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(308

)

 

 

56,796

 

 

 

157,845

 

Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

(1,945

)

 

 

(1,977

)

 

 

(3,338

)

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

(2,253

)

 

$

54,819

 

 

$

154,507

 

(in thousands)

 Year Ended August 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net income (loss)$46,978
 $(17,588) $(195,076)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Foreign currency translation adjustments2,711
 (530) (23,346)
Cash flow hedges, net
 240
 (298)
Pension obligations, net2,111
 (1,303) (2,237)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax4,822
 (1,593) (25,881)
Comprehensive income (loss)51,800
 (19,181) (220,957)
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(2,467) (1,821) (1,933)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to SSI$49,333
 $(21,002) $(222,890)

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.





55

60 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 20172020





SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Currency – U.S. Dollar)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

Total SSI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

Class B

 

 

Paid-in

 

 

Retained

 

 

Comprehensive

 

 

Shareholders’

 

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Capital

 

 

Earnings

 

 

Loss

 

 

Equity

 

 

Interests

 

 

Equity

 

Balance as of September 1, 2017

 

 

26,859

 

 

$

26,859

 

 

 

200

 

 

$

200

 

 

$

38,050

 

 

$

503,770

 

 

$

(35,293

)

 

$

533,586

 

 

$

3,907

 

 

$

537,493

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

156,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

156,451

 

 

 

3,338

 

 

 

159,789

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,944

)

 

 

(1,944

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,944

)

Reclassification of stranded tax effects of the Tax Act(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

517

 

 

 

 

 

 

517

 

 

 

 

 

 

517

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,796

)

 

 

(2,796

)

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(183

)

 

 

 

 

 

(183

)

 

 

(417

)

 

 

(600

)

Share repurchases

 

 

(516

)

 

 

(516

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16,845

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(17,361

)

 

 

 

 

 

(17,361

)

Restricted stock withheld for taxes

 

 

(103

)

 

 

(103

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,979

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,082

)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,082

)

Issuance of restricted stock

 

 

262

 

 

 

262

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(262

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,965

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,965

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,965

 

Dividends ($0.75 per common share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(20,871

)

 

 

 

 

 

(20,871

)

 

 

 

 

 

(20,871

)

Balance as of August 31, 2018

 

 

26,502

 

 

 

26,502

 

 

 

200

 

 

 

200

 

 

 

36,929

 

 

 

639,684

 

 

 

(37,237

)

 

 

666,078

 

 

 

4,032

 

 

 

670,110

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56,345

 

 

 

 

 

 

56,345

 

 

 

1,977

 

 

 

58,322

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,526

)

 

 

(1,526

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,526

)

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,677

)

 

 

(1,677

)

Share repurchases

 

 

(527

)

 

 

(527

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12,556

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13,083

)

 

 

 

 

 

(13,083

)

Restricted stock withheld for taxes

 

 

(278

)

 

 

(278

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,206

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,484

)

 

 

 

 

 

(7,484

)

Issuance of restricted stock

 

 

767

 

 

 

767

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(767

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,300

 

Dividends ($0.75 per common share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(20,666

)

 

 

 

 

 

(20,666

)

 

 

 

 

 

(20,666

)

Balance as of August 31, 2019

 

 

26,464

 

 

 

26,464

 

 

 

200

 

 

 

200

 

 

 

33,700

 

 

 

675,363

 

 

 

(38,763

)

 

 

696,964

 

 

 

4,332

 

 

 

701,296

 

Cumulative effect on adoption of new

    accounting guidance for leases, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(463

)

 

 

 

 

 

(463

)

 

 

 

 

 

(463

)

Balance as of September 1, 2019

 

 

26,464

 

 

 

26,464

 

 

 

200

 

 

 

200

 

 

 

33,700

 

 

 

674,900

 

 

 

(38,763

)

 

 

696,501

 

 

 

4,332

 

 

 

700,833

 

Net (loss) income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,145

)

 

 

 

 

 

(4,145

)

 

 

1,945

 

 

 

(2,200

)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,892

 

 

 

1,892

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,892

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,548

)

 

 

(2,548

)

Share repurchases

 

 

(53

)

 

 

(53

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(861

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(914

)

 

 

 

 

 

(914

)

Issuance of restricted stock

 

 

762

 

 

 

762

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(762

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted stock withheld for taxes

 

 

(274

)

 

 

(274

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,571

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,845

)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,845

)

Share-based compensation cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,110

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,110

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,110

 

Dividends ($0.75 per common share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(20,892

)

 

 

 

 

 

(20,892

)

 

 

 

 

 

(20,892

)

Balance as of August 31, 2020

 

 

26,899

 

 

$

26,899

 

 

 

200

 

 

$

200

 

 

$

36,616

 

 

$

649,863

 

 

$

(36,871

)

 

$

676,707

 

 

$

3,729

 

 

$

680,436

 

(in thousands)

(1)

Refers to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed and enacted into law December 22, 2017.

 Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total SSI
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
Class A Class B 
Shares Amount Shares Amount 
Balance as of August 31, 201426,384
 $26,384
 306
 $306
 $19,164
 $737,571
 $(12,641) $770,784
 $5,193
 $775,977
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 (197,009) 
 (197,009) 1,933
 (195,076)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 (25,881) (25,881) 
 (25,881)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (3,110) (3,110)
Share repurchases(68) (68) 
 
 (1,279) 
 
 (1,347) 
 (1,347)
Restricted stock withheld for taxes(92) (92) 
 
 (1,905) 
 
 (1,997) 
 (1,997)
Issuance of restricted stock250
 250
 
 
 (250) 
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 10,481
 
 
 10,481
 
 10,481
Cash dividends
 
 
 
 
 (20,496) 
 (20,496) 
 (20,496)
Balance as of August 31, 201526,474
 26,474
 306
 306
 26,211
 520,066
 (38,522) 534,535
 4,016
 538,551
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 (19,409) 
 (19,409) 1,821
 (17,588)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 (1,593) (1,593) 
 (1,593)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (2,126) (2,126)
Share repurchases(203) (203) 
 
 (3,276) 
 
 (3,479) 
 (3,479)
Restricted stock withheld for taxes(132) (132) 
 
 (2,081) 
 
 (2,213) 
 (2,213)
Issuance of restricted stock343
 343
 
 
 (343) 
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 10,437
 
 
 10,437
 
 10,437
Cash dividends
 
 
 
 
 (20,557) 
 (20,557) 
 (20,557)
Balance as of August 31, 201626,482
 26,482
 306
 306
 30,948
 480,100
 (40,115) 497,721
 3,711
 501,432
Net income
 
 
 
 
 44,511
 
 44,511
 2,467
 46,978
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 4,822
 4,822
 
 4,822
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (2,271) (2,271)
Conversion of common stock106
 106
 (106) (106) 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock withheld for taxes(148) (148) 
 
 (3,326) 
 
 (3,474) 
 (3,474)
Issuance of restricted stock419
 419
 
 
 (419) 
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 10,847
 
 
 10,847
 
 10,847
Cash dividends
 
 
 
 
 (20,841) 
 (20,841) 
 (20,841)
Balance as of August 31, 201726,859
 $26,859
 200
 $200
 $38,050
 $503,770
 $(35,293) $533,586
 $3,907
 $537,493


See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


56

61 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 20172020





SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Currency – U.S. Dollar)

 

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(2,200

)

 

$

58,322

 

 

$

159,789

 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset impairment charges (recoveries), net

 

 

5,729

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

(1,021

)

Exit-related asset impairments (gains)

 

 

971

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

(1,000

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

58,173

 

 

 

53,336

 

 

 

49,672

 

Inventory write-downs

 

 

 

 

 

775

 

 

 

38

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

15,096

 

 

 

14,613

 

 

 

(37,995

)

Undistributed equity in earnings of joint ventures

 

 

(834

)

 

 

(1,452

)

 

 

(1,953

)

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

10,033

 

 

 

17,300

 

 

 

18,965

 

Loss (gain) on the disposal of assets, net

 

 

530

 

 

 

(1,545

)

 

 

56

 

Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss, net

 

 

(67

)

 

 

148

 

 

 

(104

)

Bad debt expense, net

 

 

66

 

 

 

74

 

 

 

323

 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

(2,252

)

 

 

9,478

 

 

 

(44,941

)

Inventories

 

 

39,226

 

 

 

33,466

 

 

 

(24,280

)

Income taxes

 

 

(15,433

)

 

 

(1,158

)

 

 

(1,755

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

63

 

 

 

(859

)

 

 

(109

)

Other long-term assets

 

 

(216

)

 

 

1,167

 

 

 

(1,620

)

Operating lease assets and liabilities

 

 

334

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

(7,971

)

 

 

(17,068

)

 

 

26,049

 

Accrued payroll and related liabilities

 

 

13,465

 

 

 

(19,117

)

 

 

4,889

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

7,148

 

 

 

(3,560

)

 

 

6,066

 

Environmental liabilities

 

 

1,602

 

 

 

(2,476

)

 

 

3,053

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

134

 

 

 

518

 

 

 

4,404

 

Distributed equity in earnings of joint ventures

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

2,692

 

 

 

1,150

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

124,597

 

 

 

144,740

 

 

 

159,676

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(82,005

)

 

 

(94,613

)

 

 

(77,626

)

Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

(1,553

)

 

 

(2,300

)

Joint venture receipts, net

 

 

 

 

 

641

 

 

 

11

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

1,290

 

 

 

4,070

 

 

 

6,517

 

Deposit on land option

 

 

1,860

 

 

 

1,890

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(78,855

)

 

 

(89,565

)

 

 

(73,398

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings from long-term debt

 

 

690,162

 

 

 

431,048

 

 

 

515,480

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

 

(698,492

)

 

 

(435,353

)

 

 

(556,456

)

Payment of debt issuance costs

 

 

(1,983

)

 

 

(102

)

 

 

(2,590

)

Repurchase of Class A common stock

 

 

(914

)

 

 

(13,083

)

 

 

(17,361

)

Taxes paid related to net share settlement of share-based payment awards

 

 

(5,845

)

 

 

(7,484

)

 

 

(3,082

)

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

 

(2,548

)

 

 

(1,677

)

 

 

(2,796

)

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(600

)

Dividends paid

 

 

(20,884

)

 

 

(20,615

)

 

 

(20,736

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(40,504

)

 

 

(47,266

)

 

 

(88,141

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

272

 

 

 

(255

)

 

 

(701

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

5,510

 

 

 

7,654

 

 

 

(2,564

)

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of year

 

 

12,377

 

 

 

4,723

 

 

 

7,287

 

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of year

 

$

17,887

 

 

$

12,377

 

 

$

4,723

 

(in thousands)
 Year Ended August 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income (loss)$46,978
 $(17,588) $(195,076)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:     
Goodwill impairment charges
 8,845
 141,021
Other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net(717) 20,682
 45,119
Exit-related (gains), asset impairments and accelerated depreciation, net(407) 1,790
 6,502
Depreciation and amortization49,840
 54,630
 67,936
Inventory write-downs
 710
 3,031
Deferred income taxes2,278
 507
 (1,988)
Undistributed equity in earnings of joint ventures(3,674) (819) (1,490)
Share-based compensation expense10,847
 10,437
 10,481
Loss (gain) on the disposal of assets448
 (465) (2,875)
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss, net361
 (109) (1,909)
Bad debt expense (recoveries), net126
 131
 (264)
Write-off of debt issuance costs
 768
 
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
 
 (343)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:     
Accounts receivable(36,195) (10,693) 55,600
Inventories(22,207) 27,504
 69,256
Income taxes(1,086) 5,861
 (5,846)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(1,704) (1,864) 2,403
Other long-term assets537
 266
 1,064
Accounts payable33,062
 (763) (35,638)
Accrued payroll and related liabilities12,389
 3,633
 (6,330)
Other accrued liabilities5,073
 (4,362) (2,710)
Environmental liabilities1,884
 (451) (702)
Other long-term liabilities(1,101) 30
 (3,384)
Distributed equity in earnings of joint ventures3,638
 560
 770
Net cash provided by operating activities100,370
 99,240
 144,628
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Capital expenditures(44,940) (34,571) (32,297)
Purchase of cost method investment(6,017) 
 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
 (150)
Joint venture receipts (payments), net405
 (11) (1)
Proceeds from sale of assets5,158
 4,106
 4,270
Net cash used in investing activities(45,394) (30,476) (28,178)
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Borrowings from long-term debt433,336
 152,311
 140,536
Repayment of long-term debt(481,757) (187,951) (231,103)
Proceeds from line of credit
 135,500
 266,500
Repayment of line of credit
 (135,500) (266,500)
Payment of debt issuance costs(112) (1,011) (978)
Repurchase of Class A common stock
 (3,479) (1,347)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of share-based payment arrangements(3,474) (2,213) (1,997)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
 
 343
Distributions to noncontrolling interests(2,271) (2,126) (3,110)
Contingent consideration paid relating to business acquisitions
 
 (759)
Dividends paid(20,396) (20,444) (20,336)
Net cash used in financing activities(74,674) (64,913) (118,751)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash166
 213
 (616)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(19,532) 4,064
 (2,917)
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of year26,819
 22,755
 25,672
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of year$7,287
 $26,819
 $22,755

57 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017



 Year Ended August 31,
 2017 2016 2015
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:     
Cash paid (received) during the year for:     
Interest$7,016
 $6,077
 $7,138
Income taxes paid (refunds received), net$148
 $(5,691) $(1,866)
Schedule of noncash investing and financing transactions:     
Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in current liabilities$11,082
 $8,268
 $6,086

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


58

62 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 20172020





SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)

(In thousands)

(Currency – U.S. Dollar)

 

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

5,503

 

 

$

6,191

 

 

$

8,113

 

Income taxes, net

 

$

478

 

 

$

3,527

 

 

$

17,203

 

Schedule of noncash investing and financing transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in liabilities

 

$

27,319

 

 

$

17,191

 

 

$

18,768

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

63 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020



Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 - Nature of Operations

Founded in 1906, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (the “Company”), an Oregon corporation, is one of North America’s largest recyclers of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal, including end-of-life vehicles, and a manufacturer of finished steel products.

Prior Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, together, are referred to as the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company'sCompany.

The Company’s internal organizational and reporting structure supported twoincludes 2 operating and reportable segments: the Auto and Metals Recycling ("AMR"(“AMR”) business and the Steel Manufacturing Business ("SMB"). In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, in accordance with its plan announced in June 2017, the Company modified its internal organizational and reporting structure to combine its steel manufacturing operations, which had been reported as the SMB segment, with its Oregon metals recycling operations, which had been reported within the AMR segment, forming a new division named Cascade Steel and Scrap ("CSS"(“CSS”). This resulted in a realignment of how the Chief Executive Officer, who is considered the Company's chief operating decision maker, reviews performance business.

AMR acquires and makes decisions on resource allocation. The Company began reporting on this new segment structure in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 as reflected in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The segment data for the comparable periods presented has been recast to conform to the current period presentation for all activities of the reorganized segments. Recasting this historical information did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial performance for any of the periods presented.

AMR buys and processesrecycles ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal for sale to foreign and domestic steelmetal producers, or their representativesprocessors and brokers, and procures salvaged vehicles and sells serviceable used auto parts from these vehicles through a network of self-service auto parts stores. These auto parts stores also supply the Company'sCompany’s shredding facilities with autobodiesauto bodies that are processed into saleable recycled scrap metal.

CSS operates a steel mini-mill that produces a range of finished steel long products using ferrous recycled scrap metal and other raw materials. CSS'sCSS’s steel mill obtains substantially all of its scrap metal raw material requirements from its integrated metals recycling and joint venture operations.

CSS’s metals recycling operations also sell recycled metal to external customers primarily in export markets.

Refer to Note 18 – Segment Information for financial information on the Company’s reportable segments.

As of August 31, 2017,2020, all of the Company’s facilities were located in the United States ("(“U.S.") and its territories and Canada.

In April 2020, the Company announced its intention to modify its internal organizational and reporting structure to a functionally based, integrated model. The Company will consolidate its operations, sales, services and other functional capabilities at an enterprise level. The Company expects to complete this transition in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 resulting in a single operating and reportable segment.

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the CompanySchnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. and its majority-owned and wholly-owned subsidiaries. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in joint ventures over which the Company has significant influence but does not have effective control. The cost method of accounting is used for investments in entities over which the Company is not able to exercise significant influence. All significant intercompany account balances, transactions, profits and losses have been eliminated. All transactions and relationships with potential variable interest entities are evaluated to determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of the entities, therefore requiring consolidation. The Company does not have any variable interest entities requiring consolidation.

Discontinued Operations

Accounting Changes

As of the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company adopted an accounting standards update, initially issued in February 2016, that requires a lessee to recognize a lease liability and a lease right-of-use asset on its balance sheet for all leases greater than 12 months, including those classified as operating leases. The resultsupdate supersedes the previous lease accounting standard. The Company adopted the new lease accounting standard using the modified retrospective transition method, whereby it applied the new requirements by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of discontinued operationsretained earnings as of September 1, 2019. Such cumulative-effect adjustment for the Company was not material. Adoption using the modified retrospective transition method did not have an impact on any prior period earnings of the Company, and no comparative prior periods were adjusted for the new guidance. The Company elected a package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new lease accounting standard, which among other things, permit carrying forward the historical lease classification. The Company also elected the practical expedient exempting short-term leases from balance sheet recognition, whereby payments for such leases are recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In addition, the Company elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components, which the Company elected to apply to all classes of underlying assets. Adoption of the new standard resulted in recognition of $126 million and $128 million of operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities, respectively, as of September 1, 2019, which are presented separately, netas separate line items on the balance sheet. Operating lease right-of-use assets are considered long-lived assets subject to existing long-lived asset impairment guidance. Adoption also resulted in the reclassification of tax,the Company’s capital lease assets and obligations as finance lease right-of-use assets and liabilities as of September 1, 2019, with such reclassification having no impact on the carrying amounts or financial statement line items within which the leases are reported. See Note 5 - Leases for the disclosures required under the new standard.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company adopted an accounting standards update initially issued in May 2014 that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The Company adopted the accounting standard using the modified retrospective approach and recorded 0 cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of September 1, 2018. The Company identified certain scrap purchase and sale arrangements for which it recognized revenue for the gross amount of consideration it expected to be entitled to from the resultscustomer (as principal) under the previous revenue guidance, but for which under the new revenue standard it recognizes revenue as the net amount of ongoing operations for all periods presented.consideration that it expects to retain after paying the scrap metal supplier (as agent). The expenses includedforegoing change in the resultsclassification of discontinued operations are the direct operating expenses incurredcost of scrap metal purchased under such arrangements has the effect of reducing the amount of revenue and cost of goods sold reported in the financial statements, while having no impact on net income. If the Company had continued using the accounting guidance in effect before the adoption of the new revenue accounting standard, its consolidated revenues for fiscal 2019 would have been higher by approximately $28 million, or 1%, and its consolidated cost of goods sold would have been higher by the disposed components that may be reasonably segregated fromsame amount. No other line items in the costsconsolidated financial statements were materially impacted by adoption of the ongoing operations of the Company. Asset impairments relatednew requirements. Fiscal 2018 amounts and disclosures continue to be reported in accordance with guidance in effect prior to the disposed components are also included in the resultsdate of discontinued operations.adoption. See Note 811 - Discontinued Operations andRevenue for the Asset Impairment Charges (Recoveries), net section of this Note for further detail.

disclosures required under the new standard.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term securities that are not restricted by third parties and have an original maturity date of 90 days or less. Included in accounts payable are book overdrafts representing outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit of $21$20 million and $3$27 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively.


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Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts receivable represent amounts primarily due from customers on product and other sales. These accounts receivable, which are reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts, are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company extends credit to customers under contracts containing customary and explicit payment terms, and payment is generally required within 30 to 60 days of shipment. Nonferrous export sales typically require a deposit prior to shipment. Historically, almost all of the Company’s ferrous export sales have been made with letters of credit. Ferrous metal sales, nonferrous metal sales and finished steel sales to domestic customers are generally made on open account, and a portion of these sales are covered by credit insurance.

The Company evaluates the collectabilitycollectibility of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors, including whether sales were made pursuant to letters of credit or credit insurance is in place. In cases where management is aware of circumstances that may impair a customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, management records a specific allowance against amounts due and reduces the receivable to the amount the Company believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company maintains an allowance that considers the total receivables outstanding, historical collection rates and economic trends. Accounts are written off when all efforts to collect have been exhausted. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $2 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019.

Also included in accounts receivable are short-term advances to scrap metal suppliers used as a mechanism to acquire unprocessed scrap metal. The advances are generally repaid with scrap metal, as opposed to cash. Repayments of advances with scrap metal are treated as noncash operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and totaled $9 million, $15 million and $15 million for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Inventories

The Company’s inventories consist of processed and unprocessed scrap metal (ferrous, nonferrous, and mixed nonferrous recovered joint productproducts arising from the manufacturing process), semi-finished steel products (billets), finished steel products (primarily rebar, wire rod, and merchant bar), used and salvaged vehicles, and supplies. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.and net realizable value. The Company determines the cost of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal inventories using the average cost method and capitalizes substantially all direct processing costs and yard costs into inventory. The Company allocates material and production costs to joint products using the gross margin method. AMR determines the cost of used and salvaged vehicle inventory at its auto parts stores, which is reported within finished goods, based on the average price the Company pays for a vehicle and capitalizes the vehicle cost and substantially all production costs into inventory. CSS determines the cost of its semi-finished and finished steel product inventories based on average costs and capitalizes all direct and indirect costs of manufacturing into inventory. Indirect costs of manufacturing include general plant costs, maintenance and yard costs. The Company determines the cost of the substantial majority of its supplies inventory using the average cost method and reduces the carrying value for losses due to obsolescence. The Company considers estimated future selling prices when determining the estimated net realizable value of its inventory. As the Company generally sells its export recycled ferrous metal under contracts that provide for shipment within 30 to 60 days after the price is agreed, it utilizes the selling prices under committed contracts and sales orders for determining the estimated market pricenet realizable value of quantities on hand that will be shipped under these contracts and sales orders.

The accounting process the Company uses to record ferrous scrap metal quantities relies on significant estimates. With respect to estimating the quantities of unprocessed ferrous scrap metal inventory that are moved into production, management relies on weighed quantities of the processed ferrous material, adjusted for estimated metal recoveries and yields that are based on historical trends and other judgments by management. Actual recoveries and yields can vary depending on product quality, moisture content and the source of the unprocessed metal. The Company’s estimates are intended to reasonably reflect the quantities of unprocessed ferrous scrap metal that are used in the production of processed ferrous metal. To assist in validating the reasonableness of these estimates, management periodically reviews shrink factors and performs periodicmonthly physical inventories to verify the quantity of inventory on hand.inventories. Due to the inherent nature of the Company'sCompany’s scrap metal inventories, including variations in product density, holding period and production processes utilized to manufacture the products, physical inventories will not necessarily detect all variances for scrap metal inventory such that estimates of quantities are required. To mitigate this risk, the Company further adjusts its ferrous physical inventories when the volume of a commodity is low and a physical inventory count canis deemed to more accurately estimate the remaining volume.

Leases

The Company enters into leases to obtain access to real property, machinery and equipment assets. Most of the Company’s lease obligations relate to real property leases for AMR operating sites, including the substantial majority of its auto parts stores, and for the Company’s administrative offices. The Company determines whether an arrangement contains a lease at inception by assessing whether it receives the right to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the economic benefit from use of the underlying asset. Lease classification, measurement, and recognition are determined at lease commencement, which is the date the underlying asset is available for use by the Company. The accounting classification of a lease is based on whether the arrangement is effectively a financed purchase of the underlying asset (finance lease) or not (operating lease). Leases that, at lease commencement, have a non-cancellable lease term of 12 months or less and do not include an option to either purchase the underlying asset or renew the lease beyond 12 months that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise are classified as short-term leases and are not recognized on the balance sheet.

For leases other than short-term leases, the Company recognizes right-of-use assets and lease liabilities based primarily on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at lease commencement. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use the underlying asset during the lease term, while lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make future lease payments. The lease term is the non-cancellable period of the lease, together with periods covered by renewal (or termination) options which the Company is reasonably certain to exercise (or not to exercise). Lease payments are discounted to present value using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate, unless the discount rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate for each lease is the estimated rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow the aggregate lease payments on a collateralized basis over the lease term. Estimation of the incremental borrowing rate requires judgment by management and reflects an assessment of the Company’s credit standing to derive an implied secured credit rating and corresponding yield curve. The Company used the incremental borrowing rate to recognize all operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities as of the new lease accounting standard application date. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are subject to remeasurement after lease commencement when certain events or changes in circumstances arise, such as a change in the lease term due to reassessment of whether the Company is reasonably certain to exercise a renewal or termination option.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For operating leases, lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, the lease right-of-use asset is amortized on a straight-line basis and interest expense is recognized on the lease liability using the effective interest rate method. Many of the Company’s real property leases contain variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, which are included in the measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability using the index or rate at lease commencement, or with respect to the Company’s transition to the new lease accounting standard the index or rate at the application date. Subsequent changes in variable lease payments are recorded as variable lease expenses during the period in which they are incurred. The Company elected a practical expedient to not separate lease and related non-lease components for accounting purposes and, thus, costs related to such non-lease components are disclosed as lease expense. Payments for short-term leases are recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See Note 5 - Leases for further detail.

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized, while routine repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Interest related to the construction of qualifying assets is capitalized as part of the construction costs and was not material to any of the periods presented. When assets are retired or sold, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and resulting gains or losses are generally included in operating expense. Gains and losses from sales of assets related to an exit activity are reported within restructuring charges and other exit-related activities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Upon idling an asset, depreciation continues to be recorded. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term.

As of August 31, 2017,2020, the useful lives used for depreciation and amortization were as follows:

Useful Life

(in years)

Useful Life
(In Years)

Machinery and equipment

3 to 40

Land improvements

3 to 35

Buildings and leasehold improvements

5 to 40

Office equipment and other software licenses

3 to 2010

Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) systems

6 to 17


60 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017



August 31, 2020 and 2019, and consisted primarily of deposits on capital projects, prepaid insurance, prepaid services and prepaid property taxes.

Other Assets

The Company’s other assets, exclusive of prepaid expenses and assets relating to certain retirement plans, consist primarily of spare parts, an equity investment, receivables from insurers, a cost method investment, debt issuance costs, capitalized implementation costs for cloud computing arrangements, and notes and other contractual receivables from suppliers, and assets held for sale.receivables. Other assets are reported within either prepaid expenses and other current assets or other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their expected use either during or beyond the current operating cycle of one year from the reporting date.

See Note 12 – Employee Benefits for further detail on the Company’s assets relating to retirement plans.

The Company invested $6 million in the equity of a privately-held waste and recycling entity in fiscal 2017. The equity investment does not have a readily determinable fair value and, therefore, is carried at cost and adjusted for impairments and observable price changes. The investment is presented as part of the AMR reportable segment and reported within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying value of the investment was$6 million as of August 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company has not recorded any impairments or upward or downward adjustments to the carrying value of the investment since its acquisition.

Receivables from insurers represent the portion of insured losses expected to be recovered from the Company’s insurance carriers. The receivable is recorded at an amount not to exceed the recorded loss and only if the terms of legally enforceable insurance contracts support that the insurance recovery will not be disputed and is deemed collectible.

During fiscal 2017, the Company invested $6 Receivables from insurers totaled $5 million in a privately-held waste and recycling entity. The Company's influence over the operating and financial policies of the entity is not significant and, thus, the investment is accounted for under the cost method. Under the cost method, the investment is carried at cost and adjusted only for other-than-temporary impairments, certain distributions, and additional investments. The investment is presented$89 million as part of AMR and reported within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company does not hold any other cost-method investments. As of August 31, 2017,2020 and 2019, respectively, with the Company had not identified any events or changesdecrease in circumstances that may havefiscal 2020 resulting primarily from full payment by the Company’s insurers of settlements for lawsuits arising from a significant adverse effect on the fair value2016 motor vehicle collision. See “Contingencies – Other” in Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies for further discussion of the investment or indicators of other-than-temporary impairment.this matter.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Debt issuance costs consist primarily of costs incurred by the Company to enter into or modify its credit facilities. The Company reports deferred debt issuance costs within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortizes them to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the contractual term of the arrangement.

The Company’s cloud computing arrangements primarily comprise hosting arrangements which are service contracts, whereby the Company gains remote access to use enterprise software hosted by the vendor or another third party on an as-needed basis for a period of time in exchange for a subscription fee. Subscription fees are usually prepaid and recorded in expense over the period that the Company has access to use the software. Implementation costs for cloud computing arrangements are capitalized if certain criteria are met and consist of internal and external costs directly attributable to developing and configuring cloud computing software for its intended use. Amortization of capitalized implementation costs is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the cloud computing arrangement, which is the non-cancellable period of the agreement, together with periods covered by renewal options which the Company is reasonably certain to exercise.

Notes and other contractual receivables from suppliers consist primarily of advances to entities in the business of extracting scrap metal through demolition and other activities.activities, as well as receivables from counterparties to sales of equipment assets and to legal settlements. Repayment of these advances to suppliers is in either cash or scrap metal. The Company performs periodic reviews of its notes and other contractual receivables from suppliers to identify credit risks and to assess the overall collectabilitycollectibility of the receivables, which typically involves consideration of the value of collateral which in the case of advances to suppliers is generally in the form of scrap metal extracted from demolition and construction projects. A note or other contractual receivable from a supplier is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the agreement. Once a note or other contractual receivable from a supplier has been identified as impaired, it is measured based on the present value of payments expected to be received, discounted at the receivable’s contractual interest rate, or for arrangements that are solely dependent on collateral for repayment, the estimated fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell. If the carrying value of the receivable exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment is recorded for the difference.

An asset is classified as held for sale upon meeting criteria specified in the accounting standards. An asset classified as held for sale is measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell with no further adjustments for depreciation. An impairment loss is recognized for any initial or subsequent write-down of the asset to its fair value less cost to sell. The Company generally determines fair value using Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy consisting of information provided by brokers and other external sources along with management’s own assumptions. See the Asset Impairment Charges (Recoveries), net section of this Note below for tabular presentation of impairment charges recorded by the Company on assets held for sale during the periods presented. In fiscal 2017, the Company sold equipment assets that had been classified as held for sale prior to being fully impaired in fiscal 2015. The Company recorded a gain on the sale of $1 million in fiscal 2017, which is reported within other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company did not have any assets held for sale as of August 31, 2017. As of August 31, 2016, the Company reported less than $1 million of assets held for sale within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Long-Lived Assets

The Company tests long-lived tangible and intangible assets for impairment at the asset group level, which is determined based on the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. Operating lease right-of-use assets are considered long-lived assets subject to this impairment testing. For the Company'sCompany’s metals recycling operations reported within AMR, an asset group is generally comprisedconsists of the regional shredding and export operation along with surrounding feeder yards. For regions with no shredding and export operations, each metals recycling yard is an asset group. For the Company'sCompany’s auto parts operations, generally each auto parts store is an asset group. The combined steel manufacturing and metals recycling operations within CSS are a single asset group. Prior to their combination into CSS in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company's steel manufacturing operations and Oregon metals recycling operations were distinct asset groups. The Company tests its asset groups for impairment when certain triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset group may be impaired. If the carrying value of the asset group is not recoverable because it exceeds the Company’s estimate of future undiscounted cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group, an impairment loss is recognized by the amount the carrying value exceeds its fair value, if any. The impairment loss is allocated to the long-lived assets of the group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts of those assets, except that the loss allocated to an individual long-lived asset of the group shall not reduce the carrying amount of that asset below its fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using one or more of the income, market or cost and market approaches.

During fiscal 2016 and 2015,approaches, depending on the Company recorded impairment charges on long-livednature of the asset groups associated with certain regional metals recycling operations and retail auto parts store locations.
group.

With respect to individual long-lived assets, changes in circumstances may merit a change in the estimated useful lives or salvage values of the assets, which are accounted for prospectively in the period of change. For such assets, the useful life is shortened based on the Company's currentCompany’s plans to dispose of or abandon the asset before the end of its original useful life and depreciation is accelerated beginning when that determination is made. During fiscal 2017, the Company recognized accelerated depreciation primarily due to shortening the useful lives of idled and decommissioned machinery and equipment assets. During fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized accelerated depreciation due to shortened useful lives in connection with site closures and idled equipment.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

See the Asset Impairment Charges (Recoveries), net section of this Note for tabular presentation of long-lived

Long-lived asset impairment charges and accelerated depreciation. Long-lived asset impairment charges(recoveries) and accelerated depreciation are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations within (1) other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net;net and (2) restructuring charges and other exit-related activities if related to a site closure not qualifying for discontinued operations reporting; or (3) loss from discontinued operations, ifclosure. During fiscal 2020, the Company reported $6 million of such items within asset impairment charges (recoveries), net, comprising primarily $2 million related to a componentabandonment of obsolete machinery and equipment assets, $2 million related to impairment of two auto parts stores and $2 million related to accelerated depreciation due to the shortening of the Company qualifying for discontinued operations reporting.

useful lives of certain metals recovery assets, each in the AMR reportable segment.

Investments in Joint Ventures

As of August 31, 2017,2020, the Company had four2 50%-owned joint venture interests which were accounted for under the equity method of accounting. ThreeNaN of the joint venture interests areis presented as part of AMR operations, and one1 interest is presented as part of CSS operations. The joint ventures sellventure within CSS sells recycled scrap metal to AMR and toother operations within CSS at prices that approximate local market rates, which produces intercompany profit. This intercompany profit is eliminated while the products remain in inventory and is not recognized until the finished products are sold to third parties. As of August 31, 2017,2020, the Company’s investments in equity method joint ventures have generated $9$8 million in cumulative undistributed earnings.

A loss in value of an investment in a joint venture is recognized when the decline is other than temporary. Management considers all available evidence to evaluate the realizable value of its investments including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the joint venture business, and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Once management determines that an other-than-temporary impairment exists, the investment is written down to its fair value, which establishes a new cost basis. The Company determines fair value using Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy using an income approach based on a discounted cash flow analysis.

During fiscal 2017 and 2016,2018, the Company recorded impairment charges of $1 million and $2 million, respectively, related to its investments in joint ventures, which are reported within other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During fiscal 2017, one of the Company's joint venture interests sold real estate resulting in recognition of a $6 million gain by the joint venture, $3 million of which is attributable to the Company's investment. The Company's share of the gain is reported within (income) loss from joint ventures in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Also during fiscal 2017, the Company sold onedeclassified 2 of its 50% joint venture interests from equity method classification as a result of the agreed-upon dissolution of the joint venture entities. The joint venture interests had previously been presented as part of CSS operations, resulting in recognition of a $1 million gain on the sale. The gain represents a recovery of impairments recorded against the investment in prior years and is reported within other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net.

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Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


AMR operations. See Note 17 - Related Party Transactions for further detail on transactions with joint ventures.
Asset Impairment Charges (Recoveries), net
The following asset impairment charges and subsequent recoveries, excluding goodwill impairment charges discussed below in this Note, were recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
 Year Ended August 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Reported within other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net:     
Auto and Metals Recycling     
Long-lived assets$
 $7,336
 $41,676
Accelerated depreciation
 6,208
 
Investments in joint ventures860
 
 
Assets held for sale(1,044) 1,659
 2,558
Other assets
 1,208
 140
Total Auto and Metals Recycling(184) 16,411
 44,374
Cascade Steel and Scrap     
Accelerated depreciation401
 
 
Investments in joint ventures(934) 1,968
 
Supplies inventory
 2,224
 
Total Cascade Steel and Scrap(533) 4,192
 
Corporate - Other assets
 79
 745
 (717) 20,682
 45,119
Reported within restructuring charges and other exit-related activities:     
Long-lived assets
 468
 
Accelerated depreciation96
 630
 3,836
Supplies inventory
 1,047
 
Other assets62
 35
 
Exit-related gains(565) (1,337) 
 (407) 843
 3,836
Reported within discontinued operations:     
Long-lived assets
 673
 2,666
Accelerated depreciation
 274
 
 
 947
 2,666
Total$(1,124) $22,472
 $51,621

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net

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


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an impairment is more likely than not,more-likely-than-not, the Company is then required to perform the quantitative impairment test, otherwise no further analysis is required. The Company also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test.

Under When performing the accounting guidance in effect for the Company prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2017, in the first step of the two-step quantitative impairment test, the fair value of a reporting unit was compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeded its fair value, the second step of the impairment test was performed for purposes of measuring the impairment. In the second step, the fair value of the reporting unit was allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit to determine an implied goodwill value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeded the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss was recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
As of the beginning of the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted an accounting standard update that eliminates the second step of the two-step goodwill impairment test with no impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Under the revised guidance, the Company applies a one-step quantitative test and records the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit'sunit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The new guidance does not amend the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment.

When the Company is required to performperforms a quantitative goodwill impairment test, it estimates the fair value of itsthe reporting unitsunit using an income approach based on the present value of expected future cash flows, including terminal value, utilizing a market-based weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) determined separately for eachthe reporting unit. The determination of fair value involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including revenue growth rates driven by future ferrous and nonferrous commodity pricesprice and sales volume expectations, operatinggross margins, selling, general and administrative expense relative to total revenues, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, discount rate (WACC), tax rates,rate, terminal growth rates, discount rates,rate, benefits associated with a taxable transaction and synergistic benefits available to market participants. In addition, to corroborate the reporting units’ valuation, the Company uses a market approach based on earnings multiple data and a reconciliation of the Company’s estimate of the aggregate fair value of theall reporting units to the Company’s market capitalization, including consideration of a control premium. See Note 6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net for further detail including the recognition ofThe Company did 0t record goodwill impairment charges in any of $9 million and $141 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.the periods presented.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. If the Company believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise, no further testing is required. The Company did not record impairment charges on indefinite-lived intangible assets in any of the periods presented.

See Note 7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net for further detail.

Business Acquisitions

The Company recognizes the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. Contingent purchase consideration is recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Within one year from the date of acquisition, the Company may update the value allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the resulting goodwill balance as a result of information received regarding the valuation of such assets and liabilities that was not available at the time of purchase. Measuring assets and liabilities at fair value requires the Company to determine the price that would be paid by a third party market participant based on the highest and best use of the assets or interests acquired. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

The Company acquired certain assets of an auto recycling business in northern California in fiscal 2019 and certain assets of a metals recycling business in Columbus, Georgia in fiscal 2018. These acquisitions were not material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Pro forma operating results for these acquisitions are not presented, since the aggregate results would not be significantly different than reported results. There were no business acquisitions in fiscal 2020. See Note 7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net for further detail.

Restructuring Charges

and Other Exit-Related Activities

Restructuring charges consist of severance, contract termination and other restructuring-related costs. A liability for severance costs is typically recognized when the plan of termination has been communicated to the affected employees and is measured at its fair value at the communication date. Contract termination costs consist primarily of costs that will continue to be incurred under operating leases for their remaining terms without economic benefit to the Company. A liability for contract termination costs is recognized at the date the Company ceases using the rights conveyed by the lease contract and is measured at its fair value, which is determined based on the remaining contractual lease rentals reduced by estimated sublease rentals. A liability foror other restructuring-related costs is measured at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred. See Note 10 - Restructuring ChargesExit-related activities consist of asset impairments in connection with closure of certain operations and Other Exit-Related Activities for further detail.

sites, net of gains on exit-related disposals.

Accrued Workers’ Compensation Costs

The Company is self-insured for the significant majority of workers’ compensation claims with exposure limited by various stop-loss insurance policies. The Company estimates the costs of workers’ compensation claims based on the nature of the injury incurred and on guidelines established by the applicable state. An accrual is recorded based upon the amount of unpaid claims as of the balance sheet date. Accrued amounts recorded for individual claims are reviewed periodically as treatment progresses and adjusted to reflect additional information that becomes available. The estimated cost of claims incurred but not reported is included in the accrual. The Company accrued $10$8 million for the estimated cost of unpaid workers’ compensation claims as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, which are included in other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


64 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


$4 million as of August 31, 2020 and 2019 included in other current assets.

Environmental Liabilities

The Company estimates future costs for known environmental remediation requirements and accrues for them on an undiscounted basis when it is probable that the Company has incurred a liability and the related costs can be reasonably estimated but the timing of incurring the estimated costs is unknown. The Company considers various factors when estimating its environmental liabilities. Adjustments to the liabilities are recorded to selling, general and administrative expense and madein the Consolidated Statements of Operations when additional information becomes available that affects the estimated costs to study or remediate any environmental issues or when expenditures are made for which liabilities were established. Legal costs incurred in connection with environmental contingencies are expensed as incurred.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

When only a wide range of estimated amounts can be reasonably established and no other amount within the range is a better estimate than another, the low end of the range is recorded in the financial statements. In a number of cases, it is possible that the Company may receive reimbursement through insurance or from other potentially responsiblethird parties for a site.site or matter. In these situations, recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recognized when realization of the claim for recovery is either realized or realizable.deemed probable. The amounts recorded for environmental liabilities are reviewed periodically as site assessment and remediation progresses at individual sites or for particular matters and adjusted to reflect additional information that becomes available. Due to evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third party contributions, the subjective nature of the assumptions used and other factors, amounts accrued could vary significantly from amounts paid. See “Contingencies – Environmental” in Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies for further detail.

Loss Contingencies

The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and contingencies in addition to those related to environmental liabilities discussed above in this Note, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. The Company accrues for estimated losses if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. The Company uses judgment and evaluates whether a loss contingency arising from litigation or an unasserted claim should be disclosed or recorded. The outcome of legal proceedings and other contingencies is inherently uncertain and often difficult to estimate. As of August 31, 2017 and 2016, accruals forAccrued legal contingencies net of corresponding receivables from insurers were not material.

are reported within other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See “Contingencies – Other” in Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies for further detail.

Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and debt. The Company uses the market approach to value its financial assets and liabilities, determined using available market information. The net carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. For long-term debt, which is primarily at variable interest rates, fair value is estimated using observable inputs (Level 2) and approximates its carrying value.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. Classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are described as follows:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the determination of the fair value of the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the determination of the fair value of the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are significant to the determination of the fair value of the asset or liability.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are significant to the determination of the fair value of the asset or liability.

When developing the fair value measurements, the Company uses quoted market prices whenever available or seeks to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when quoted market prices are not available.


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Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Derivatives

The Company records derivative instruments in prepaid expenses and other current assets or other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, and changes in the fair value are either recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) or net income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, as applicable, depending on the nature of the underlying exposure, whether the derivative has been designated as a hedge and, if designated as a hedge, the extent to which the hedge is effective. Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss are reclassified to earnings in the period in which earnings are impacted by the hedged items, in the period that the hedged transaction is deemed no longer likely to occur, or in the period that the derivative is terminated. For cash flow hedges, a formal assessment is made, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, to determine whether the derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items and whether those derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods. To the extent the hedge is determined to be ineffective, the ineffective portion is immediately recognized in earnings. When available, quoted market prices or prices obtained through external sources are used to measure a derivative instrument’s fair value. The fair value of these instruments is a function of underlying forward commodity prices or foreign currency exchange rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of the contracts. Cash flows from derivatives are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in a manner consistent with the underlying transactions. See Note 12 - Derivative Financial Instruments for further detail.

Derivative contracts for commodities used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases and normal sales. Contracts that qualify as normal purchases or normal sales are not marked-to-market. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

Assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations in Canada are translated into U.S. dollars at the period-end exchange rate, revenues and expenses of these operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the period, and cash flows of these operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the cash flows. Translation adjustments are not included in determining net income (loss) for the period, but are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss,income, a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are generated from the effects of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are generally included in determining net income (loss) for the period. The Company reports these gains and losses within other (expense) income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses were not material for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015.

2020, 2019 or 2018.

Common Stock

Each share of Class A and Class B common stock is entitled to one vote. Additionally, each share of Class B common stock may be converted to one1 share of Class A common stock. As such, the Company reserves one1 share of Class A common stock for each share of Class B common stock outstanding. There are currently no meaningful distinctions between the rights of holders of Class A shares and Class B shares.

Share Repurchases

The Company accounts for the repurchase of stock at par value. All shares repurchased are deemed retired. Upon retirement of the shares, the Company records the difference between the weighted average cost of such shares and the par value of the stock as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital, with the excess recorded to retained earnings when additional paid-in capital is not sufficient.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue upon satisfying its promises to transfer goods or services to customers under the terms of its contracts. Nearly all of these promises, referred to as performance obligations, consist of the transfer of physical goods, including ferrous and nonferrous recycled scrap metal, auto bodies, auto parts, and finished steel products, to customers. These performance obligations are satisfied at the point in time the Company transfers control of the goods to the customer, which in nearly all cases is when it has a contract or purchase order from a customer with a fixed or determinable price,title to and risk of loss of the goods transfer to the customer. The timing of transfer of title and risk of loss transfer to the buyer, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Title for both recycled scrap metal and finished steel products transfers based ondictated by customary or explicitly stated contract terms. Nearly all of the Company’s ferrous export sales are made with letters of credit, reducing credit risk. However, ferrous domestic sales, nonferrous sales and sales of finished steel products are generally made on open account. Nonferrous export sales typically require a deposit prior to shipment. All sales made on open account are evaluated for collectability prior to revenue recognition. Additionally,For example, the Company recognizes revenue on partially loaded bulk shipments of ferrous recycled scrap metal when contractual terms support revenue recognition based on transfer of title and risk of loss. The Company reports revenue netsignificant majority of the payments madeCompany’s sales involve transfer of control to the suppliercustomer, and thus revenue recognition, before delivery to the customer’s destination; for example, upon release of scrap metalthe goods to the shipper. The Company’s bill-and-hold arrangements involve transfer of control to the customer when the supplier,goods have been segregated from other inventory at the Company’s facility and not the Company, is responsibleare ready for fulfillment, including the acceptability of the products purchased byphysical transfer to the customer. Retail auto parts revenueShipping and handling activities that occur after a customer has obtained control of a good are accounted for as fulfillment costs rather than an additional promise in a contract. As such, shipping and handling consideration (freight revenue) is recognized when control of the goods transfers to the customer, paysand freight expense is accrued to cost of goods sold when the related revenue is recognized.

In certain regional markets, the Company enters into contracts whereby it arranges for, or brokers, the transfer of scrap material between scrap suppliers and end customers. For transactions in which the Company obtains substantive control of the scrap material before the goods are transferred to the end customer, for example by arranging for the part. Historically, there haveprocessing or warehousing of the material, the Company recognizes revenue equal to the gross amount of the consideration it expects to receive from the customer (as principal). Alternatively, for transactions in which the Company does not obtain substantive control of the scrap material before the product is transferred to the end customer, the Company recognizes revenue equal to the net amount of the consideration it expects to retain after paying the supplier for the purchase of the scrap material (as agent). The Company is the agent in the transaction for the substantial majority of brokerage arrangements.

Nearly all of the Company’s sales contracts reflect market pricing at the time the contract is executed, are one year or less, and generally provide for shipment within 30 to 60 days after the price has been agreed upon with the customer. The Company’s retail auto parts sales are at listed prices and are recognized at the point of sale.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company recognizes revenue based on contractually stated selling prices and quantities shipped, net of sales tax, and adjusted for estimated claims and discounts. Claims are customary in the recycled scrap metal industry and arise from variances in the quantity or quality of delivered products. Revenue adjustments may be required if the settlement of claims exceeds original estimates. Discounts offered to certain finished steel customers qualify as variable consideration as the discounts are contingent upon future events. Variable consideration arising from discounts is recognized upon the transfer of finished steel products to customers based upon either the expected value or the most likely amount and was not material for each of the years ended August 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company experiences very few sales returns and, adjustments that impact the ultimate collection of revenues; therefore, no material provisions for returns have been made when sales are


66 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table recognized. During each of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


recognized. The Company presents taxes assessed by governmental authorities collected from customers on a net basis. Therefore, the taxes are excluded from revenuesyears ended August 31, 2020 and are shown as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until remitted.
Freight Costs
The Company classifies shipping and handling costs billed2019, revenue adjustments related to customers as revenue and the related costs incurred as a component of cost of goods sold.
performance obligations that were satisfied in previous periods were not material.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs when incurred. Advertising expense was $6$5 million in fiscal 2017,2020 and $5$6 million in each of fiscal 20162019 and 2015.

2018.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company estimates grant-date fair value of stock-based compensation awards based on the market closing price of the underlying Class A common stock on the date of grant, except for performance share awards with atotal shareholder return (“TSR”) market performance metric for which the Company estimates fair value using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. The Company recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions with employees and non-employee directorsexpense for all awards, net of estimated forfeitures, over the vesting period, with the cost measuredrequisite service period. Compensation expense is based on the grant-date fair value as described above, except for performance share awards with a non-market return on capital employed (“ROCE") performance metric. For these awards compensation expense is based on the probable outcome of achieving the specified performance conditions.The Company reassesses whether achievement of the equity instruments issued, net of an estimated forfeiture rate.ROCE performance metric is probable at each reporting date. See Note 1413 - Share-Based Compensation for further detail.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. This requires the recognition of taxes currently payable or refundable and the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that are recognized in one reporting period on the Consolidated Financial Statements but in a different reporting period on the tax returns. Tax credits are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense in the year the credit arises. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will not be realized. The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis through an analysis of potential sources of future taxable income, including prior year taxable income available to absorb a carryback of tax losses, reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies, and forecasts of taxable income. The Company considers all negative and positive evidence, including the weight of the evidence, to determine if valuation allowances against deferred tax assets are required. Tax benefits arising from uncertain tax positions are recognized when it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant tax authorities. The amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. See Note 1514 - Income Taxes for further detail.

Net (Loss) Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic net (loss) income (loss) per share attributable to SSI shareholders is computed by dividing net (loss) income (loss) attributable to SSI shareholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the periodsperiod presented including vested deferred stock units (“DSUs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) meeting certain criteria. Diluted net (loss) income (loss) per share attributable to SSI shareholders is computed by dividing net (loss) income (loss) attributable to SSI shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, assuming dilution. Potentially dilutive common shares include the assumed exercise of stock options and assumed vesting of performance share, DSURSU and RSUDSU awards using the treasury stock method. Certain of the Company’s stock optionsperformance share and RSU and performance share awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) income (loss) per share attributable to SSI shareholders because they were antidilutive; however, certain of these RSUperformance share and performance shareRSU awards could be dilutive in the future. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is deducted from (loss) income (loss) from continuing operations to arrive at (loss) income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders for the purpose of calculating (loss) income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI. Loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to SSI is presented separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.shareholders. See Note 16 - Net (Loss) Income (Loss) Per Share for further detail.

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. 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 revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Examples include revenue recognition; the allowance for doubtful accounts; estimates of contingencies, including environmental liabilities and other legal liabilities; goodwill, long-lived asset and indefinite-lived intangible asset valuation; valuation of equity method and cost method investments; valuation of certain share-based awards; other asset valuation; inventory measurement and valuation; pension plan assumptions; and the assessment of the valuation of deferred income taxes and income tax contingencies. Actual results may differ from estimated amounts.


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Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and notes and other contractual receivables from suppliers.receivables. The majority of cash and cash equivalents is maintained with major financial institutions. Balances with these and certain other institutions exceeded the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured amount of $250,000$250 thousand as of August 31, 2017.2020. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up the Company’s customer base. The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits, credit insurance, letters of credit or other collateral, cash deposits and monitoring procedures. The Company is exposed to a residual credit risk with respect to open letters of credit by virtue of the possibility of the failure of a bank providing a letter of credit. The Company had $48$58 million and $40 $49 million of open letters of credit as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively.

Note 3 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, an accounting standard update was issued that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The update will supersede the existing standard for recognizing revenue. Additional updates have been issued since May 2014 amending aspects of the initial update and providing implementation guidance. The guidance is applicable to all contracts with customers regardless of industry-specific or transaction-specific fact patterns. Further, the guidance requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Upon becoming effective, an entity may adopt the standard either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application.

The Company isdoes not expect its adoption in the processfuture of examining its current revenue streams and significant contracts with customers under the requirements of the new standard and, based on the progress of this examination to date, does not believe the standardany recently issued accounting pronouncements will have a material impact on its financial position, net income or cash flows. The Company is currently examining certain scrap metal purchase and sale arrangements to determine if it is the principal or the agent in the transaction under the new guidance, the outcome of which could result in a different classification of the cost of scrap metal purchased compared to the Company's treatment under the existing revenue standard. The Company is also analyzing the expanded disclosure requirements under the new standard, the method of adoption, and potential changes to its accounting policies, processes, systems and internal controls that may be required to support the new standard.

In January 2016, an accounting standard update was issued that amends certain aspects of the reporting model for financial instruments. Most prominent among the amendments is the requirement for equity investments, with certain exceptions including those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. An entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values, such as certain cost method investments, at cost minus impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes. The amendments also require a qualitative assessment to identify impairment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In February 2016, an accounting standard was issued that will supersede the existing lease standard and requiring a lessee to recognize a lease liability and a lease asset on its balance sheet for all leases, including those classified as operating leases under the existing lease standard. The update also expands the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding leases. This standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2020, including interim periods within that fiscal year. This standard will be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is in the process of identifying its population of leases within the scope of the new accounting standard and documenting salient lease terms to support the initial and subsequent measurement of lease liabilities and lease assets. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures.
In March 2016, an accounting standard update was issued that amends several aspects of the accounting for share-based payments, including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, and classification within the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company does not expect adoption to have an immediate material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In August 2016, an accounting standard update was issued that addresses how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. Among the cash flow matters addressed in the update are payments for costs related to debt prepayments or extinguishments, payments related to settlement of certain types of debt instruments, payments of contingent

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


consideration made after a business combination, proceeds from insurance claims and corporate-owned life insurance policies, and distributions received from equity method investees, among others. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period, and all of the amendments must be adopted together in the same period. The amendments will be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented, unless impracticable for specific cash flow matters, in which case the amendments would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated statement of cash flows.
In October 2016, an accounting standard update was issued that amends the existing guidance on the accounting for the income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current accounting standards prohibit the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The amendments in the update require that entities recognize the income tax effects of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The amendments do not change accounting standards for the pre-tax effects of an intra-entity asset transfer under accounting standards applicable to consolidation, or for an intra-entity transfer of inventory. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted in the first interim period of a fiscal year. The amendments will be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In March 2017, an accounting standard update was issued that modifies the presentation requirements for net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost within an entity's income statement. The amendments in the update require that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The amendments also require the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. Additionally, only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization, when applicable. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Aspects of the update affecting income statement presentation must be applied retrospectively, while aspects affecting the capitalization of the service cost component in assets must be applied prospectively on and after the effective date. The Company is evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Note 4 - Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following as of August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

Processed and unprocessed scrap metal

 

$

63,058

 

 

$

81,313

 

Semi-finished goods

 

 

6,909

 

 

 

8,712

 

Finished goods

 

 

44,476

 

 

 

53,796

 

Supplies

 

 

42,826

 

 

 

43,499

 

Inventories

 

$

157,269

 

 

$

187,320

 

 2017 2016
Processed and unprocessed scrap metal$88,441
 $49,061
Semi-finished goods (billets)3,243
 8,320
Finished goods40,462
 40,646
Supplies34,796
 34,945
Inventories$166,942
 $132,972


69

74 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 5 - Leases

The Company’s operating leases for real property underlying its auto parts stores, metals recycling facilities, and administrative offices generally have non-cancellable lease terms of 5 to 10 years, and the significant majority, but not all, contain multiple renewal options for a further 5 to 20 years. Renewal options which the Company is reasonably certain to exercise are included in the measurement of lease term. The Company’s finance leases and other operating leases involve primarily transportation equipment assets, have non-cancellable lease terms of less than 10 years and usually do not include renewal options.

The Company’s fiscal 2020 total lease cost was $28 million, consisting primarily of operating lease expense of $23 million and short-term lease expense of $4 million. The other components of the Company’s total lease cost for fiscal 2020, including finance lease amortization and interest expense, variable lease expense and sublease income, were not material both individually and in aggregate. The substantial majority of the Company’s total lease cost for fiscal 2020 is presented within cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Rent expense was $27 million for each of fiscal 2019 and 2018.

Finance lease-related assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):


 

 

Balance Sheet Classification

 

August 31, 2020

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance lease right-of-use assets(1)

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

6,274

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance lease liabilities - current

 

Short-term borrowings

 

$

1,341

 

Finance lease liabilities - non-current

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

 

6,167

 

Total finance lease liabilities

 

 

 

$

7,508

 

(1)

Presented net of accumulated amortization of $1 million as of August 31, 2020.

The weighted average remaining lease terms and weighted average discount rates for the Company’s leases were as follows:

 

 

August 31, 2020

 

 

 

Weighted Average

Remaining Lease

Term (Years)

 

 

Weighted Average

Discount Rate

 

Operating leases

 

 

10.2

 

 

 

3.37

%

Finance leases

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

8.22

%

Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year as of August 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending August 31,

 

Finance Leases

 

 

Operating Leases

 

2021

 

$

1,837

 

 

$

24,223

 

2022

 

 

1,768

 

 

 

23,292

 

2023

 

 

1,694

 

 

 

22,810

 

2024

 

 

1,410

 

 

 

18,619

 

2025

 

 

656

 

 

 

13,212

 

Thereafter

 

 

1,778

 

 

 

72,064

 

Total lease payments

 

 

9,143

 

 

 

174,220

 

Less amounts representing interest

 

 

(1,635

)

 

 

(29,459

)

Total lease liabilities

 

 

7,508

 

 

 

144,761

 

Less current maturities

 

 

(1,341

)

 

 

(19,760

)

Lease liabilities, net of current maturities

 

$

6,167

 

 

$

125,001

 

Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity related to leases are as follows (in thousands):

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Fiscal 2020

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Operating cash flows for operating leases

 

$

22,225

 

Operating cash flows for finance leases

 

$

628

 

Financing cash flows for finance leases

 

$

1,336

 

Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets(1):

 

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

$

34,586

 

Finance leases

 

$

1,230

 

(1)

Amounts include new leases and adjustments to lease balances as a result of remeasurement.

As a result of adopting the new lease accounting guidance on September 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method, the Company is required to present future minimum lease commitments for capital leases and operating leases that were previously disclosed in the Company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and accounted for under previous lease guidance.

Principal payments on capital lease obligations during the next five fiscal years and thereafter as of August 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending August 31,

 

Capital Lease

Obligations

 

2020

 

$

1,917

 

2021

 

 

1,799

 

2022

 

 

1,751

 

2023

 

 

1,622

 

2024

 

 

1,346

 

Thereafter

 

 

1,694

 

Total

 

 

10,129

 

Amounts representing interest

 

 

(2,355

)

Total less interest

 

$

7,774

 

The table below sets forth the Company’s future minimum obligations under non-cancellable operating leases as of August 31, 2019 (in thousands):

Year Ending August 31,

 

Operating

Leases

 

2020

 

$

21,286

 

2021

 

 

15,301

 

2022

 

 

12,488

 

2023

 

 

10,419

 

2024

 

 

5,035

 

Thereafter

 

 

16,095

 

Total

 

$

80,624

 

76 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 5 –6 - Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following as of August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

Machinery and equipment

 

$

746,845

 

 

$

697,746

 

Land and improvements

 

 

295,575

 

 

 

283,348

 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

 

 

138,380

 

 

 

112,244

 

Office equipment and other software licenses

 

 

44,103

 

 

 

43,960

 

ERP systems

 

 

17,760

 

 

 

17,760

 

Construction in progress

 

 

55,964

 

 

 

67,375

 

Property, plant and equipment, gross

 

 

1,298,627

 

 

 

1,222,433

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

 

(811,623

)

 

 

(766,033

)

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

487,004

 

 

$

456,400

 

 2017 2016
Machinery and equipment$683,364
 $659,641
Land and improvements260,854
 245,266
Buildings and leasehold improvements111,077
 104,121
Office equipment48,517
 49,924
ERP systems17,884
 17,735
Construction in progress25,427
 31,098
Property, plant and equipment, gross1,147,123
 1,107,785
Less: accumulated depreciation(756,494) (714,965)
Property, plant and equipment, net$390,629
 $392,820

Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment, which includes amortization expense for finance lease right-of-use assets under capital leases,, was $49$57 million, $53 million $53 millionand $66$49 million for the years ended August 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019, and 2015,2018, respectively. Depreciation expenseSee Note 5 – Leases for additional disclosures of $1 million was reported within discontinued operations for the year ended August 31, 2015. No depreciation expense was reported within discontinued operations for the years ended August 31, 2017 and 2016.

finance leases.

Note 6 –7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net

Acquisition of Goodwill

In the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company acquired certain assets of an auto recycling business in northern California for $2 million. The acquisition qualified as a business combination under the accounting guidance and resulted in the recognition of $2 million of goodwill during the second quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company allocated the acquired goodwill to the reporting unit within the AMR operating segment which carries nearly all of the Company’s goodwill.

Goodwill Impairment Test

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually on July 1 and upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be impaired. In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, management identified the combination of a significant further weakening in market conditions at such time, continued constrained supply of raw materials due to the lower price environment which negatively impacted volumes, the planned idling or closure of certain production facilities and retail stores, the Company’s financial performance and a decline in the Company’s market capitalization during the first half of fiscal 2015 as a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to its reporting units, which resulted in impairment of the remaining carrying amount of a reporting unit's goodwill totaling $141 million. The impairment charge is reported within the results of AMR in this report.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, management identified the combination of sustained weak market conditions at such time, including the adverse effects of lower commodity selling prices and the constraining impact of the lower price environment on the supply of raw materials which negatively impacted volumes, the Company’s financial performance and a decline in the Company’s market capitalization at such time as a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to its reporting units, which resulted in impairment of the entire carrying amount of goodwill allocated to a reporting unit within AMR totaling $9 million.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017,2020, the Company performed the annual goodwill impairment test as of July 1, 2017.2020. As of the testing date, the balance of the Company'sCompany’s goodwill was $169 million, and all but $1 million of $167 millionsuch balance was carried by a single reporting unit within AMR. The Company had last performed the quantitative impairment test of goodwill carried by this reporting unit in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 using a measurement date of February 1, 2016. Based on the changes in market conditions related to the general economy and the metals recycling industry and the increase in the carrying amount of the reporting unit since the last quantitative impairment test, the Company elected not to first assessperform the qualitative factorsassessment for the reporting unit and, instead, proceeded directly to determine whether the existencequantitative impairment test. The quantitative impairment test entails estimating the fair value of events or circumstances ledthe reporting unit and comparing it to the reporting unit’s carrying amount. The Company records the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, if any, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

The Company estimated the fair value of the reporting unit within AMR carrying $168 million of goodwill as of July 1, 2020, using an income approach based on the present value of expected future cash flows, including terminal value, utilizing a market-based WACC assessed specifically for the reporting unit. The determination that it was more likely than not thatof fair value involves the use of estimates and assumptions, including revenue growth rates driven by future ferrous and nonferrous commodity price and sales volume expectations, gross margins, selling, general and administrative expense relative to total revenues, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, discount rate (WACC), tax rate, terminal growth rate, benefits associated with a taxable transaction and synergistic benefits available to market participants. In addition, to corroborate the reporting unit’s valuation, the Company used a market approach based on earnings multiple data and a reconciliation of the Company’s estimate of the aggregate fair value of all reporting units to the Company’s market capitalization, including consideration of a control premium.

For the reporting unit within AMR subject to the quantitative impairment test, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was less thanexceeded its carrying amount. Asamount by approximately 29% as of July 1, 2020. The projections used in the income approach for the reporting unit took into consideration the impact of current market conditions for ferrous and nonferrous recycled metals, the cost of obtaining adequate supply flows of scrap metal including end-of-life vehicles, and recent trends in retail auto parts sales. The projections assumed a resultlimited

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

recovery of operating margins from current levels over a multi-year period. The WACC used in the qualitative assessment, the Company concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value ofincome approach valuation for the reporting unit was less11.1%, and the terminal growth rate used was 2.0%. Assuming all other components of the fair value estimate were held constant, an increase in the WACC of 228 basis points or more or weaker than anticipated improvements in operating margins could have resulted in a failure of the quantitative impairment test for the reporting unit.

The Company reconciled its carryingmarket capitalization to the aggregated estimated fair value of all reporting units, including consideration of a control premium representing the estimated amount a market participant would pay to obtain a controlling interest in the Company. The implied control premium resulting from the difference between (i) the Company's market capitalization (based on the average trading price of the Company's Class A common stock for the two-week period ended July 1, 2020) increased by the estimated fair value of noncontrolling interests and (ii) the higher aggregated estimated fair value of all reporting units was within the historical range of average and mean premiums observed for historical transactions within the steel-making, scrap processing and metals industries. The Company identified specific reconciling items, including market participant synergies, tax amortization benefits and benefits from in-process technology investments, which supported the implied control premium as of the testing date and, therefore, no further impairment testing was required.

July 1, 2020.

The gross changeschange in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended August 31, 20172020 and 2016 were2019 was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Goodwill

 

Balance as of September 1, 2018

 

$

168,065

 

Acquisition

 

 

1,575

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

(403

)

Balance as of August 31, 2019

 

 

169,237

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

390

 

Balance as of August 31, 2020

 

$

169,627

 

 AMR
Balance as of August 31, 2015$175,676
Foreign currency translation adjustment16
Goodwill impairment charge(8,845)
Balance as of August 31, 2016166,847
Foreign currency translation adjustment988
Balance as of August 31, 2017$167,835

Accumulated goodwill impairment charges were $471 million as of August 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016.

2018.

Other Intangible Assets, net

The following table presents the Company’s other intangible assets as of August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

 

Gross

Carrying

Amount

 

 

Accumulated

Amortization

 

 

Net

 

 

Gross

Carrying

Amount

 

 

Accumulated

Amortization

 

 

Net

 

Covenants not to compete

 

$

7,032

 

 

$

(3,528

)

 

$

3,504

 

 

$

5,746

 

 

$

(2,862

)

 

$

2,884

 

Other intangible assets subject to amortization(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

771

 

 

 

(254

)

 

 

517

 

Indefinite-lived intangibles(2)

 

 

1,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,081

 

 

 

1,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,081

 

Total

 

$

8,113

 

 

$

(3,528

)

 

$

4,585

 

 

$

7,598

 

 

$

(3,116

)

 

$

4,482

 

 2017 2016
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Covenants not to compete$6,094
 $(3,140) $2,954
 $6,145
 $(2,791) $3,354
Other intangible assets subject to amortization(1)
1,162
 (773) 389
 1,162
 (666) 496
Indefinite-lived intangibles(2)
1,081
 
 1,081
 1,081
 
 1,081
Total$8,337
 $(3,913) $4,424
 $8,388
 $(3,457) $4,931
_____________________________

(1)

(1)

Other intangible assets subject to amortization includeas of August 31, 2019 related to leasehold interests permits and licenses.were reclassified to operating lease right-of-use assets on adoption of the new lease accounting guidance as of September 1, 2019.

(2)

(2)

Indefinite-lived intangibles include trade names, permits and licenses, and real property options.licenses.

78 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020



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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Total intangible asset amortization expense was $1 million $1 million and $2 million forin each of the years ended August 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015, respectively. Amortization expense of less than $1 million was reported within discontinued operations for the year ended August 31, 2015. No amortization expense was reported within discontinued operations for the years ended August 31, 2017 and 2016. Impairments2018. There were 0 impairments of intangible assets were immaterialrecognized for allthe periods presented.

The estimated amortization expense, based on current intangible asset balances, during the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):

Years Ending August 31,

 

Estimated

Amortization

Expense

 

2021

 

$

763

 

2022

 

 

763

 

2023

 

 

458

 

2024

 

 

409

 

2025

 

 

249

 

Thereafter

 

 

862

 

Total

 

$

3,504

 

Years Ending August 31, 
Estimated
Amortization
Expense
2018 $456
2019 303
2020 274
2021 274
2022 273
Thereafter 1,763
     Total $3,343

Note 78 - Debt

Debt consisted of the following as of August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

Bank revolving credit facilities, interest primarily at LIBOR plus a spread

 

$

90,000

 

 

$

96,835

 

Finance lease liabilities(1)

 

 

7,508

 

 

 

7,774

 

Other debt obligations

 

 

6,911

 

 

 

487

 

Total debt

 

 

104,419

 

 

 

105,096

 

Less current maturities

 

 

(2,184

)

 

 

(1,321

)

Debt, net of current maturities

 

$

102,235

 

 

$

103,775

 

(1)

Prior to adoption of the new lease accounting guidance as of September 1, 2019, the Company’s finance lease liabilities were classified as capital lease obligations.The Company’s capital lease obligations as of August 31, 2019 are presented in this line item.

 2017 2016
Bank revolving credit facilities, interest at LIBOR plus a spread$140,000
 $180,000
Tax-exempt economic development revenue bonds due January 2021, redeemed and repaid in full in September 2016
 7,700
Capital lease obligations due through February 20284,418
 4,053
Other debt obligations706
 765
Total debt145,124
 192,518
Less current maturities(721) (8,374)
Debt, net of current maturities$144,403
 $184,144

The Company'sCompany’s senior secured revolving credit facilities, which provide for revolving loans of $335$700 million and C$15 million, mature in April 2021August 2023 pursuant to a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. Subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement, the Company may request that the commitments under the U.S.The $700 million credit facility be increased by an aggregate amount not exceeding $100includes a $50 million if certain conditions are met including pre-approval by the lenderssublimit for letters of credit, a $25 million sublimit for swingline loans and achievement of certain pro forma financial results.a $50 million sublimit for multicurrency borrowings. As of August 31, 2017 and 2016, borrowings outstanding


71 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


under the credit facilities were $140 million and $180 million, respectively. The weighted average2020, interest rate on amounts outstanding under the credit facilities was 3.48% and 3.01% as of August 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Interest rates on outstanding indebtedness under the credit agreement arewere based, at the Company’s option, on either the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"(“LIBOR”), or (or the Canadian equivalent for C$ loans), plus a spread of between 1.75%1.25% and 2.75%3.50%, with the amount of the spread based on a pricing grid tied to the Company’s leverage ratio but no less than 2.50% forof consolidated funded debt to EBITDA (as defined by the fiscal quarters ended May 31, 2016, August 31, 2016 and November 30, 2016,credit agreement), or the greater of (a) the prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or (c) the daily rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.75%, in each case, plus a spread of between zero0.00% and 1.00%2.50% based on a pricing grid tied to the Company's leverageCompany’s consolidated funded debt to EBITDA ratio. In addition, commitment fees are payable on the unused portion of the credit facilities at rates between 0.20% and 0.40%0.50% based on a pricing grid tied to the Company’s leverage ratio.ratio of consolidated funded debt to EBITDA.

On June 30, 2020, in large part due to the uncertainties resulting from the effects of Coronavirus Disease (“COVID-19”), the Company entered into an amendment to the existing credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. The principal changes to the existing credit agreement effected by the amendment are (i) the reduction of the consolidated fixed charge coverage from a minimum ratio of 1.50 to 1.00 to a minimum ratio of 1.20 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending August 31, 2020, and to a minimum ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarters ending November 30, 2020, February 28, 2021 and May 31, 2021, and (ii) the introduction of a minimum consolidated asset coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00 for each of the fiscal quarters ending August 31, 2020 through May 31, 2021. The amendment further provides for revisions to the definition of LIBOR to include a 0.50% floor and mechanics by which the parties may replace the benchmark interest rate used in the agreement from LIBOR to one or more rates based on the secured overnight financing rate administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

79 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of August 31, 2020 and 2019, borrowings outstanding under the credit facilities were $90 million and $97 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on amounts outstanding under the credit facilities was 4.59% and 3.78% as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The Company’s credit agreement contains certain customary covenants, including covenants that limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to enter into certain types of transactions. FinancialThe financial covenants under the credit agreement include covenants requiring maintenance of(a) a minimumconsolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, defined as the four-quarter rolling sum of consolidated EBITDA less defined maintenance capital expenditures and certain environmental expenditures divided by consolidated fixed charges, (b) a maximumconsolidated leverage ratio, defined as consolidated funded indebtedness divided by the sum of consolidated net worth and consolidated funded indebtedness, and (c) a minimumconsolidated asset coverage ratio.ratio, defined as consolidated asset values divided by consolidated funded indebtedness. The Company’s obligations under the credit agreement are guaranteed by substantially all of its subsidiaries. The credit facilities and the related guarantees are secured by senior first priority liens on certain of the Company'sCompany’s and its subsidiaries’ assets, including equipment, inventory and accounts receivable.

As

Other debt obligations primarily relate to an equipment purchase, the contract consideration for which includes an obligation to make future monthly payments to the vendor in the form of August 31, 2016,licensing fees. For accounting purposes, such obligation is treated as a partial financing of the Company had $8 millionpurchase price by the equipment vendor. Monthly payments commence when the equipment is placed in service and continue for a period of tax-exempt economic development revenue bonds outstanding with the State of Oregon and scheduled to mature in January 2021. In August 2016, the Company exercised its option to redeem the bonds prior to maturity.four years thereafter. The Company repaidimputes interest on this obligation at a rate of 4.25% reflecting the bondsestimated rate that would be recorded in full in September 2016. The obligation is reported as a current liability within short-term borrowings as of August 31, 2016 on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the $8 million repayment is reported as a cash outflow from financing activities for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

market transaction with similar terms.

Principal payments on long-termthe Company’s bank revolving credit facilities and other debt and capital lease obligations during the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending August 31,

 

Credit Facilities

 

 

Other Debt Obligations

 

2021

 

$

 

 

$

843

 

2022

 

 

 

 

 

1,639

 

2023

 

 

90,000

 

 

 

1,710

 

2024

 

 

 

 

 

1,785

 

2025

 

 

 

 

 

802

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

 

 

132

 

Total

 

$

90,000

 

 

$

6,911

 

Year Ending August 31, 
Long-Term
Debt
 
Capital
Lease
Obligations
 Total
2018 $41
 $1,169
 $1,210
2019 153
 1,043
 1,196
2020 92
 1,022
 1,114
2021 140,050
 885
 140,935
2022 53
 753
 806
Thereafter 317
 1,824
 2,141
Total 140,706
 6,696
 147,402
Amounts representing interest and executory costs 
 (2,278) (2,278)
Total less interest $140,706
 $4,418
 $145,124

See Note 5 - Leases for additional disclosures of finance lease obligations, including payments during the next five fiscal years and thereafter. The Company maintains stand-by letters of credit to provide for certain obligations including workers’ compensation and performance bonds. The Company had $10 million outstanding under these arrangements as of August 31, 20172020 and $16 million as of August 31, 2016.

The Company also had an unsecured, uncommitted $25 million credit line with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that expired on April 1, 2016.

Note 8 - Discontinued Operations
In fiscal 2015, the Company ceased operations at seven auto parts stores, six of which qualified for discontinued operations reporting. The operations of the six qualifying stores had previously been reported within the AMR segment. In fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded impairment charges and accelerated depreciation of $1 million and $3 million , respectively, on the long-lived assets of discontinued auto parts stores. Impaired assets in fiscal 2016 consisted primarily of capital lease assets associated with the buildings on two leased properties.

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Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Operating results of discontinued operations were comprised of the following for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):
 2017 2016 2015
Revenues$
 $
 $8,263
      
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes$(390) $(1,348) $(7,227)
Income tax expense
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax$(390) $(1,348) $(7,227)

2019.

Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments
The Company leases a portion of its capital equipment and certain of its facilities under leases that expire at various dates through fiscal 2047. The majority of the Company's facility lease agreements include renewal options and rent escalation clauses. Rent expense was $25 million, $24 million and $26 million for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The table below sets forth the Company’s future minimum obligations under non-cancelable operating leases as of August 31, 2017 (in thousands):
Year Ending August 31, 
Operating
Leases
2018 $19,572
2019 16,824
2020 13,333
2021 7,894
2022 5,317
Thereafter 22,410
Total $85,350

Contingencies – Environmental

Changes in the Company’s environmental liabilities for the years ended August 31, 20172020 and 20162019 were as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of

September 1, 2018

 

 

Liabilities

Established

(Released), Net

 

 

Payments and

Other

 

 

Ending Balance

August 31, 2019

 

 

Liabilities

Established

(Released), Net

 

 

Payments and

Other

 

 

Ending Balance

August 31, 2020

 

 

Short-Term

 

 

Long-Term

 

$

53,832

 

 

$

1,302

 

 

$

(3,335

)

 

$

51,799

 

 

$

5,713

 

 

$

(4,048

)

 

$

53,464

 

 

$

6,302

 

 

$

47,162

 

80 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Balance 8/31/2015 Liabilities Established
(Released),
Net
 Payments and Other Ending Balance 8/31/2016 
Liabilities Established
(Released),
Net
 Payments and Other 
Ending
Balance 8/31/2017
 Short-Term Long-Term
$46,793
 $480
 $(923) $46,350
 $2,560
 $(512) $48,398
 $2,007
 $46,391

Recycling Operations

As of August 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s recycling operations had environmental liabilities of $53 million and $52 million, respectively, for the potential remediation of locations where it has conducted business or has environmental liabilities from historical or recent activities. The liabilities relate to the investigation and potential future remediation of contaminated sediments and riverbanks, soil contamination, groundwater contamination, storm water runoff issues and other natural resource damages. Except for Portland Harbor

and certain liabilities discussed under Other Legacy Environmental Loss Contingencies immediately below, such liabilities were not individually material at any site.

Portland Harbor

In December 2000, the Company was notified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) that it is one of the potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) that own or operate or formerly owned or operated sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor Superfund site (the “Site”). The precise nature and extent of any cleanup of any specific areas within the Site, the parties to be involved, the timing of any specific remedial action and the allocation of the costs for any cleanup among responsible parties have not yet been determined. The process of site investigation, remedy selection, identification of additional PRPs and allocation of costs has been underway for a number of years, but significant uncertainties remain. It is unclear to what extent the Company will be liable for environmental costs or natural resource damage claims or third party contribution or damage claims with respect to the Site.

While the Company participated in certain preliminary Site study efforts, it was not party to the consent order entered into by the EPA with certain other PRPs, referred to as the “Lower Willamette Group” (“LWG”), for a remedial investigation/feasibility study (“RI/FS”). During fiscal 2007, the Company and certain other parties agreed to an interim settlement with the LWG under which the Company made a cash contribution to the LWG RI/FS. The LWG has indicated that it had incurred over $115$155 million in investigation-related costs over an approximately 1018 year period working on the RI/FS. Following submittal of draft RI and FS documents which the EPA largely rejected, the EPA took over the RI/FS process.


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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The Company has joined with approximately 100 other PRPs, including the LWG members, in a voluntary process to establish an allocation of costs at the Site, including the costs incurred by the LWG in the RI/FS process. The LWG members have also commenced federal court litigation, which has been stayed, seeking to bring additional parties into the allocation process.

In January 2008, the Portland Harbor Natural Resource Damages Trustee Council (“Trustees”Trustee Council”) for Portland Harbor invited the Company and other PRPs to participate in funding and implementing the Natural Resource Injury Assessment for the Site. Following meetings among the TrusteesTrustee Council and the PRPs, a funding and participation agreement wasagreements were negotiated under which the participating PRPs, including the Company, agreed to fund the first phase of the three-phase natural resource damage assessment. ThePhase 1, which included the development of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Plan (“AP”) and implementation of several early studies, was substantially completed in 2010. In December 2017, the Company joined with other participating PRPs in thatagreeing to fund Phase I agreement and paid a portion of those costs. The Company did not participate in funding the second phase2 of the natural resource damage assessment.

A formerassessment, which includes the implementation of the AP to develop information sufficient to facilitate early settlements between the Trustee Council and Phase 2 participants and the identification of restoration projects to be funded by the settlements. In late May 2018, the Trustee Council published notice of its intent to proceed with Phase 3, which will involve the full implementation of the AP and the final injury and damage determination. The Company is proceeding with the process established by the Trustee Council regarding early settlements under Phase 2. It is uncertain whether the Company will enter into an early settlement for natural resource damages or what costs it may incur in any such early settlement.

On January 30, 2017, one of the Trustees, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, which withdrew from the council in 2009, filed a suit on January 30, 2017 against approximately 30 parties, including the Company, seeking reimbursement of certain past and future response costs in connection with remedial action at the Site and recovery of assessment costs related to natural resources damages from releases at and from the Site to the Multnomah Channel and the Lower Columbia River. The parties filed various motions to dismiss or stay this suit, and in August 2019, the court issued an order denying the motions to dismiss and staying the action. The Company intends to defend against suchthe claims in this suit and does not have sufficient information to determine the likelihood of a loss in this matter or to estimate the amount of damages being sought or the amount of such damages that could be allocated to the Company.

Estimates of the cost of remedial action for the cleanup of the in-river portion of the Site have varied widely in various drafts of the FS and in the EPA’s final FS issued in June 2016 have varied widely,ranging from approximately $170 million to over $2.5 billion (net present value), depending on the remedyremedial alternative and a number of other factors. In addition,comments submitted to the EPA, the Company and certain other stakeholders have identified a number of serious concerns regarding the EPA'sEPA’s risk and remedial alternatives assessments, and the EPA's cost estimates, scheduling assumptions and conclusions regarding the feasibility effectiveness and assignmenteffectiveness of remediation technologies, including that the EPA’s FS was based on data that are more than a decade old and may not accurately represent site or background conditions.technologies.

81 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In January 2017, the EPA issued a Record of Decision (“ROD”) that identified the selected remedy for the Site. The selected remedy is a modified version of one of the alternative remedies evaluated in the EPA’s FS that expands the scope of the cleanup and has an estimated cost which is significantly more than the Proposed Plan identified by the EPA in the final FS.was expanded to include additional work at a greater cost. The EPA has estimated the total cost of the selected remedy at $1.7 billion with a net present value cost of $1.05 billion (at a 7% discount rate) and an estimated construction period of 13 years following completion of the remedial designs. In the ROD, the EPA stated that the cost estimate is an order-of-magnitude engineering estimate that is expected to be within +50% to -30% of the actual project cost and that changes in the cost elements are likely to occur as a result of new information and data collected during the engineering design. The Company has identified a number of concerns regarding the EPA's estimated costremedy described in the ROD, which is based on data that is more than a decade old, and the EPA’s estimates for the costs and time required forto implement the selected remedy. Because of ongoing questions regarding cost-effectivenesscost effectiveness, technical feasibility, and other concerns, such as technical feasibility,the use of stale data and the need for new baseline data, it is uncertain whether the ROD will be implemented as issued. In addition, the ROD doesdid not determine or allocate the responsibility for remediation costs.

costs among the PRPs.

In the ROD, the EPA acknowledged that much of the assumptionsdata used in preparing the ROD was more than a decade old and would need to estimate costs for the selected remedy were developed based on the existing data and will be finalized duringupdated with a new round of “baseline” sampling to be conducted prior to the remedial design after design level data to refine the baseline conditions are obtained. Moreover,phase. Accordingly, the ROD provides only Site-wide cost estimates and does not provide sufficient detail or ranges of certainty and finality to estimate costsprovided for specific sediment management areas. Accordingly, the EPA has indicated and the Company anticipates that additional pre-remedial design investigative work such as newand baseline sampling and monitoring, willto be conducted in order to provide a re-baselinebaseline of current conditions and delineateddelineate particular remedial actions for specific areas within the Site. This re-baselining will need to occuradditional sampling was required prior to proceeding with the next phase in the process which is the remedial design. The remedial design phase is an engineering phase during which additional technical information and data will beare collected, identified and incorporated into technical drawings and specifications developed for the subsequent remedial action. TheMoreover, the ROD provided only Site-wide cost estimates and did not provide sufficient detail to estimate costs for specific sediment management areas within the Site. Following issuance of the ROD, EPA is seekingproposed that the PRPs, or a subgroup of PRPs, perform the additional investigative work identified in the ROD under a new coalition ofconsent order.

In December 2017, the Company and 3 other PRPs to perform the re-baselining and remedial design activities. The Company is considering whether to become a party toentered into a new Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent with EPA to perform such pre-remedial design investigative activities, if an acceptable consent order can be finalized.investigation and baseline sampling over a two-year period. The Company does not believeestimated that its share of the costs of performing such work would be material,approximately $2 million, which it accrued in fiscal 2018. Such costs were fully covered by existing insurance coverage and, thus, the Company also recorded an insurance receivable for $2 million in fiscal 2018, resulting in no net impact to the Company’s consolidated results of operations.

The pre-remedial design investigation and baseline sampling work has been completed, and the Company believesreport evaluating the data was submitted to EPA on June 17, 2019. The evaluation report concludes that Site conditions have improved substantially since the data forming the basis of the ROD was collected over a decade ago. The analysis contained in the report has significant implications for remedial design and remedial action at the Site. EPA has reviewed the report, finding with a few limited corrections that the data is of suitable quality and generally acceptable and stating that such data will be used, in addition to existing and forthcoming design-level data, to inform implementation of the ROD. However, EPA did not agree that the data or the analysis warrants a change to the remedy at this time and reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with remedial design. The Company and other PRPs disagree with EPA’s position on use of the more recent data and will continue to pursue limited, but critical, changes to the selected remedy for the Site during the remedial design phase.

EPA encouraged PRPs to step forward (individually or in groups) to enter into consent agreements to perform remedial design covering the entire Site and proposed dividing the Site into 8 to 10 subareas for remedial design. Certain PRPs have since executed consent agreements for remedial design work covering a little more than half of the remedial action areas at the Site. Because of EPA’s refusal to date to modify the remedy to reflect the most current data on Site conditions and because of concerns with the terms of the consent agreement, the Company elected not to enter into a consent agreement for remedial design with respect to any of the subareas at the Site. On March 26, 2020, EPA issued a unilateral administrative order (UAO) to the Company and MMGL, LLC (“MMGL”), an unaffiliated company, for the remedial design work in the portion of one of the EPA identified subareas within the Site designated as the River Mile 3.5 East Project Area. Following a conference with the Company to discuss the UAO and written comments submitted by the Company, EPA made limited modifications to the UAO and issued an amendment to the UAO on April 27, 2020 with an effective date of May 4, 2020. As required by the UAO, the Company notified EPA of its intent to comply with the UAO on the effective date while reserving all of its sufficient cause defenses. Failure to comply with a UAO, without sufficient cause, could subject the Company to significant penalties or treble damages. Pursuant to the optimized remedial design timeline set forth in the UAO, EPA’s expected schedule for completion of the remedial design work is four years. EPA has estimated the cost of the work at approximately $4 million. The Company has agreed with the other respondent to the UAO, MMGL, that the Company will lead the performance and be responsible for a portion of the costs of the work for remedial design under the UAO and also entered into an agreement with another PRP pursuant to which such other PRP has agreed to fund a portion of the costs of such work. These agreements are not an allocation of liability or claims associated with the Site as between the respondents or with respect to any third party. The Company estimated that its share of the costs of performing such work under the UAO would be allocableapproximately $3 million, which it recorded to environmental liabilities and that they would be reimbursable underselling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated financial statements in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company has insurance policies discussed below.that it believes will provide reimbursement for costs it incurs for remedial design, but not for any penalties. The

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Remediation

Company also expects to pursue in the future allocation or contribution from other PRPs for a portion of such remedial design costs. An asset relating to recovery of such costs is recognized upon meeting certain accounting requirements, which had not yet been met as of the end of fiscal 2020.

The Company’s environmental liabilities as of August 31, 2020 and 2019 include $4 million and $1 million, respectively, relating to Portland Harbor.

Except for certain early action projects in which the Company is not involved, remediation activities are not expected to commence for a number of yearsyears. Moreover, remediation activities at the Site are expected to be sequenced, and the order and timing of such sequencing has not been determined. In addition, as discussed above, responsibility for implementing and funding the remedy will be determined in a separate allocation process. While an allocation process, which is currently underway as discussed above, the EPA's ROD has raised questions and uncertainty as to when and how that allocation process will proceed.on-going. The Company would not expectexpects the next major stage of the allocation process to proceed until after additional pre-remedialin parallel with the remedial design data is collected.

process.

Because the final remedial actions have not yet been designed and there has not been a determination of the specific remediation actions that will be required, the amount of natural resource damages or howof the allocation among the PRPs of costs of the investigations, and any remedy andremedial action costs or natural resource damages, will be allocated among the PRPs, the Company believes it is not possible to reasonably estimate the amount or range of costs which it is likely to or which it is


74 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


reasonably possible that it will incur in connection with the Site, although such costs could be material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. Among the facts currently being developed are detailed information on the history of ownership of and the nature of the uses of and activities and operations performed on each property within the Site, which are factors that will play a substantial role in determining the allocation of investigation and remedy costs among the PRPs.

The Company has insurance policies that it believes will provide reimbursement for costs it incurs for defense, remediationremedial design, remedial action and mitigation for natural resource damages claims in connection with the Site. Most of these policies jointly insure the Company and MMGL, as the successor to a former subsidiary of the Company. The Company and MMGL have negotiated the settlement with certain insurers of claims against them related to the Site, although there is no assurance that thosecontinue to seek settlements with other insurers and formed a Qualified Settlement Fund (“QSF”) which became operative in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 to hold such settlement amounts until funds are needed to pay or reimburse costs incurred by the Company and MMGL in connection with the Site. These insurance policies willand the funds in the QSF may not cover all of the costs which the Company may incur. The QSF is an unconsolidated variable interest entity (“VIE”) with no primary beneficiary. Two parties unrelated to each other, one appointed by the Company previously recorded a liability for its estimatedand one appointed by MMGL, share equally the power to direct the activities of the costsVIE that most significantly impact its economic performance. The Company’s appointee to co-manage the VIE is an executive officer of the investigationCompany. Neither MMGL nor its appointee to co-manage the VIE is a related party of $1 million.

the Company for the purpose of the primary beneficiary assessment or otherwise.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is separately providing oversight of voluntary investigations and source control activities by the Company involving the Company’s sites adjacent to the Portland Harbor which are focused on controlling any current “uplands” releases of contaminants into the Willamette River. No liabilities have been established in connection with these investigations because the extent of contamination (if any) and the Company’s responsibility for the contamination (if any) have not yet been determined.

Recycling Operations
As of August 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's auto and metals recycling operations had environmental liabilities of $48 million and $46 million, respectively, for the potential remediation of locations where it has conducted business or has environmental liabilities from historical or recent activities. The liabilities relate to the investigation and potential future remediation of soil contamination, groundwater contamination, storm water runoff issues and other natural resource damages and were not individually material at any site.
Steel Manufacturing Operations
The Company's steel manufacturing operations had no environmental liabilities as of August 31, 2017 and 2016.
The steel mill's electric arc furnace generates dust (“EAF dust”) that is classified as hazardous waste by the EPA because of its zinc and lead content. As a result, the Company captures the EAF dust and ships it in specialized rail cars to a firm that applies a treatment that allows the EAF dust to be delisted as hazardous waste.
The Company's steel mill has an operating permit issued under Title V of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which governs certain air quality standards. The permit is based upon an annual production capacity of 950 thousand tons. The permit was first issued in 1998 and has since been renewed through February 1, 2018.

Other Legacy Environmental Loss Contingencies

The Company’s environmental loss contingencies as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, other than Portland Harbor, include actual or possible investigation and cleanup costs from historical contamination at sites currently or formerly owned or formerly operated by the Company or at other sites where the Company may have responsibility for such costs due to past disposal or other activities ("(“legacy environmental loss contingencies"contingencies”). These legacy environmental loss contingencies relate to the potential remediation of waterways and soil and groundwater contamination and may also involve natural resource damages, governmental fines and penalties and claims by third parties for personal injury and property damage. The Company has been notified that it is or may be a potentially responsible party at certain of these sites, and investigation and cleanup activities are ongoing or may be required in the future. The Company recognizes a liability for such matters when the loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. WhereWhen investigation and cleanup activities are ongoing or where the Company has not yet been identified as having responsibility or the contamination has not yet been identified, it is reasonably possible that the Company may need to recognize additional liabilities in connection with such sites but the Company cannot currently reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss absent additional information or developments. Such additional liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, may have a material adverse effect on the Company'sCompany’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

During fiscal 2018, the Company accrued $4 million in expense at its Corporate division for the estimated costs related to remediation of shredder residue disposed of in or around the 1970s at third party sites located near each other. Investigation activities have been conducted under oversight of the applicable state regulatory agency. As of August 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had $4 million

83 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

accrued for this matter. It is reasonably possible that the Company may recognize additional liabilities in connection with this matter at the time such losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company currently estimates a range of reasonably possible losses related to this matter in excess of current accruals at between 0 and $28 million based on a range of remedial alternatives and subject to development and approval by regulators of a specific remedy implementation plan. However, subsequent to the development of those remedial alternatives, the Company performed additional investigative activities under new state requirements that has the potential to impact the required remedial actions and associated cost estimates pending further analysis and discussion by the Company and regulators. The Company is investigating whether a portion or all of the current and future losses related to this matter, if incurred, are covered by existing insurance coverage or may be offset by contributions from other responsible parties.

In addition, the Company’s loss contingencies as of August 31, 2020 and 2019 include $8 million for the estimated costs related to remediation of soil and groundwater conditions, including penalties in the amount of $2.7 million, in connection with a closed facility owned and previously operated by an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary. Investigation activities have been conducted under the oversight of the applicable state regulatory agency, and the Company has also been working with local officials with respect to the protection of public water supplies. It is reasonably possible that the Company may recognize additional liabilities in connection with this matter at the time such additional losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. However, the Company cannot reasonably estimate at this time the possible additional loss or range of possible additional losses associated with this matter pending completion of on-going studies and determination of remediation plans. As part of its activities relating to the protection of public water supplies, the Company has agreed to reimburse the municipality for certain studies and plans, and it is reasonably possible that it may incur additional liabilities and costs in the future, including for wellhead treatment, which in the case of costs for installation of wellhead treatment, if incurred, could be in the range of $10 million to $13 million.

Steel Manufacturing Operations

The Company’s steel manufacturing operations had 0 known environmental liabilities as of August 31, 2020 and 2019.

The steel mill’s electric arc furnace generates dust (“EAF dust”) that is classified as hazardous waste by the EPA because of its zinc and lead content. As a result, the Company captures the EAF dust and ships it in specialized rail cars to firms that apply treatments that allow for the ultimate disposal of the EAF dust.

The Company’s steel mill has an operating permit issued under Title V of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which governs certain air quality standards. The permit is based on an annual production capacity of approximately 950 thousand tons. The Company’s permit was first issued in 1998 and has since been renewed multiple times, most recently in April 2020 extending the permit through April 1, 2025.

Summary - Environmental Contingencies

Other

With respect to environmental contingencies other than the Portland Harbor Superfund site and legacy environmental loss contingencies,the Other Legacy Environmental Loss Contingencies, which are discussed separately above, management currently believes that adequate provision has been made for the potential impact of these issues and that the ultimate outcomes will not have a material adverse effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as a whole.its environmental contingencies. Historically, the amounts the Company has ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material in any given period.


75 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


period, but there can be no assurance that such amounts paid will not be material in the future.

Contingencies - Other

Schnitzer Southeast, LLC (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, “SSE”), an SSE employee, the Company and one of the Company’s insurance carriers had been named as defendants in 5 separate wrongful death lawsuits filed in the State of Georgia arising from an accident in 2016 in Alabama involving a tractor trailer driven by the SSE employee and owned by SSE. In fiscal 2019, the Company settled 3 of the five lawsuits for a total of $35 million. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company settled the 2 remaining lawsuits for a total of $68 million. The aggregate settlement amount of $103 million was substantially covered by insurance, resulting in no net impact to the Company’s consolidated results of operations. As of August 31, 2019, the Company had accrued loss contingencies and offsetting insurance receivables related to the lawsuits totaling $83 million. The full amount accrued as of August 31, 2019 was paid by the Company’s insurers in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. There are 0 further contingencies in relation to this matter.

In addition to legal proceedings relating to the contingencies described above, the Company is a party to various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. The Company recognizes a liability for such matters when the loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Legal proceedings include those arising from accidents involving Company-owned vehicles, including Company tractor trailers. In some instances, such accidents and the related litigation involve accidents that have resulted in third party fatalities. It is reasonably possible that the Company may recognize additional losses in connection with such lawsuits at the time such losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Such losses may be material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company believes that such losses, if incurred, will be substantially covered by existing insurance coverage. The Company does not anticipate that the resolution of such legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business, after taking into consideration expected insurance recoveries, will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.


Note 10 - Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Activities
The Company has implemented a number of restructuring initiatives designed to reduce operating expenses and improve profitability and to achieve further integration and synergistic cost efficiencies in its operating platform. The restructuring charges incurred by the Company during the periods presented pertain primarily to the plan announced in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 and expanded in subsequent periods (the "Q2'15 Plan").
At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company commenced additional restructuring and exit-related initiatives by undertaking strategic actions consisting of idling underutilized assets at AMR and initiating the closure of seven auto parts stores to align the Company's business to market conditions. The Company expanded these initiatives in April 2015 and also announced the integration of the former Metals Recycling Business and Auto Parts Business into the combined AMR platform in order to achieve operational synergies and reduce the Company's annual operating expenses, primarily selling, general and administrative expenses, through headcount reductions, reducing organizational layers, consolidating shared service functions and other non-headcount measures. Additional cost savings and productivity improvement initiatives, including additional reductions in personnel, savings from procurement activities, streamlining of administrative and supporting services functions, and adjustments to its operating capacity through facility closures, were identified and initiated in subsequent periods. Collectively, these initiatives are referred to as the Q2'15 Plan.
The Company incurred restructuring charges of less than $1 million, $6 million and $11 million in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Charges relating to these initiatives were substantially complete by the end of fiscal 2017. However, the Company may incur additional restructuring charges after fiscal 2017 as a result of remeasuring lease contract termination liabilities to reflect changes in contractual lease rentals and sublease rentals that are not currently estimable.
In addition to the restructuring charges recorded related to these initiatives, the Company recognized a net gain from other exit-related activities of less than $1 million during fiscal 2017, primarily related to a gain recorded in connection with the disposition of business assets related to the elimination of a metals recycling feeder yard operation. Other exit-related activities in fiscal 2016 also included $1 million in gains recorded in connection with the disposition of business assets leading to the elimination of certain auto and metals recycling operations. The Company incurred charges associated with other exit-related activities of $2 million and $7 million in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, consisting primarily of asset impairments and accelerated depreciation of assets in connection with site closures.

76

84 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 10 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Restructuring chargesaccumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows as of August 31, 2020, 2019 and other exit-related activities were comprised of the following2018 (in thousands):

 

 

Foreign Currency

Translation

Adjustments

 

 

Pension Obligations,

net

 

 

Total

 

Balance as of September 1, 2017

 

$

(31,828

)

 

$

(3,465

)

 

$

(35,293

)

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

 

 

(2,301

)

 

 

64

 

 

 

(2,237

)

Income tax benefit

 

 

0

 

 

 

172

 

 

 

172

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications,

   net of tax

 

 

(2,301

)

 

 

236

 

 

 

(2,065

)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

0

 

 

 

536

 

 

 

536

 

Income tax benefit

 

 

0

 

 

 

(415

)

 

 

(415

)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss,

   net of tax

 

 

0

 

 

 

121

 

 

 

121

 

Net periodic other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(2,301

)

 

 

357

 

 

 

(1,944

)

Balance as of August 31, 2018

 

 

(34,129

)

 

 

(3,108

)

 

 

(37,237

)

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

 

 

(1,560

)

 

 

(326

)

 

 

(1,886

)

Income tax benefit

 

 

0

 

 

 

65

 

 

 

65

 

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net

   of tax

 

 

(1,560

)

 

 

(261

)

 

 

(1,821

)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

0

 

 

 

369

 

 

 

369

 

Income tax benefit

 

 

0

 

 

 

(74

)

 

 

(74

)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss,

   net of tax

 

 

0

 

 

 

295

 

 

 

295

 

Net periodic other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(1,560

)

 

 

34

 

 

 

(1,526

)

Balance as of August 31, 2019

 

 

(35,689

)

 

 

(3,074

)

 

 

(38,763

)

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 

 

1,505

 

 

 

190

 

 

 

1,695

 

Income tax expense

 

 

0

 

 

 

(42

)

 

 

(42

)

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net

   of tax

 

 

1,505

 

 

 

148

 

 

 

1,653

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

0

 

 

 

309

 

 

 

309

 

Income tax benefit

 

 

0

 

 

 

(70

)

 

 

(70

)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss,

   net of tax

 

 

0

 

 

 

239

 

 

 

239

 

Net periodic other comprehensive income

 

 

1,505

 

 

 

387

 

 

 

1,892

 

Balance as of August 31, 2020

 

$

(34,184

)

 

$

(2,687

)

 

$

(36,871

)

  
 2017 2016 2015
 All Other Plans Q2’15 Plan Total Charges All Other Plans Q2’15 Plan Total Charges All Other Plans Q2’15 Plan Total Charges
Restructuring charges:                 
Severance costs$
 $(24) $(24) $
 $4,915
 $4,915
 $391
 $5,330
 $5,721
Contract termination costs255
 139
 394
 311
 796
 1,107
 377
 1,245
 1,622
Other restructuring costs
 
 
 
 
 
 1,223
 2,048
 3,271
Total restructuring charges255
 115
 370
 311
 5,711
 6,022
 1,991
 8,623
 10,614
Other exit-related activities:                 
Asset impairments and accelerated depreciation
 158
 158
 
 3,127
 3,127
 
 6,502
 6,502
Gains on exit-related disposals
 (565) (565) 
 (1,337) (1,337) 
 
 
Total other exit-related activities
 (407) (407) 
 1,790
 1,790
 
 6,502
 6,502
Total restructuring charges and other exit-related activities$255
 $(292) $(37) $311
 $7,501
 $7,812
 $1,991
 $15,125
 $17,116
                  
Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities included in continuing operations $(109)     $6,781
     $13,008
Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities included in discontinued operations $72
     $1,031
     $4,108
  

Q2’15 Plan
Total restructuring charges to date$14,449
Total expected restructuring charges$14,480
The following illustrates

In the reconciliationsecond quarter of fiscal 2018, the restructuring liability by major type of costCompany adopted an accounting standard update that allowed for a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the yearsTax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) enacted on December 22, 2017. Reclassifications from AOCI to retained earnings for stranded tax effects during the year ended August 31, 20172018, both individually and 2016 (in thousands):

 Q2’15 Plan
 Balance 8/31/2015 Charges Payments and Other Balance 8/31/2016 Charges Payments and Other Balance 8/31/2017
Severance costs$1,226
 $4,915
 $(5,223) $918
 $(24) $(859) $35
Contract termination costs1,320
 796
 (957) 1,159
 139
 (409) 889
Other restructuring costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total$2,546
 $5,711
 $(6,180) $2,077
 $115
 $(1,268) $924

 
Total Charges to Date(1)
 
Total Expected Charges(1)
Severance costs$10,251
 $10,251
Contract termination costs2,149
 2,180
Other restructuring costs2,049
 2,049
Total$14,449
 $14,480
___________________________
(1)Total charges to date and total expected charges by major type of cost reflect amounts related to the Q2'15 Plan only. Remaining charges related to prior plans are not expected to be material.

77in the aggregate, were not material.

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings, both individually and in the aggregate, were not material to the impacted captions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in all periods presented.

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2020


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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11 - Revenue

Disaggregation of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Restructuring chargesRevenues

The table below illustrates the Company’s revenues disaggregated by major product and other exit-related activities bysales destination for each reportable segment were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

 

 

AMR

 

 

CSS

 

 

Intercompany

Revenue Eliminations

 

 

Total

 

Major product information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ferrous revenues

 

$

825,316

 

 

$

44,041

 

 

$

(6,867

)

 

$

862,490

 

Nonferrous revenues

 

 

360,308

 

 

 

31,849

 

 

 

(1,859

)

 

 

390,298

 

Steel revenues(1)

 

 

0

 

 

 

336,980

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

336,980

 

Retail and other revenues

 

 

122,188

 

 

 

387

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

122,575

 

Total revenues

 

$

1,307,812

 

 

$

413,257

 

 

$

(8,726

)

 

$

1,712,343

 

Revenues based on sales destination:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign

 

$

820,379

 

 

$

90,406

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

910,785

 

Domestic

 

 

487,433

 

 

 

322,851

 

 

 

(8,726

)

 

 

801,558

 

Total revenues

 

$

1,307,812

 

 

$

413,257

 

 

$

(8,726

)

 

$

1,712,343

 

 

 

Year Ended August 31, 2019

 

 

 

AMR

 

 

CSS

 

 

Intercompany

Revenue Eliminations

 

 

Total

 

Major product information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ferrous revenues

 

$

1,123,180

 

 

$

51,963

 

 

$

(10,424

)

 

$

1,164,719

 

Nonferrous revenues

 

 

430,361

 

 

 

38,809

 

 

 

(1,147

)

 

 

468,023

 

Steel revenues(1)

 

 

0

 

 

 

367,956

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

367,956

 

Retail and other revenues

 

 

131,436

 

 

 

688

 

 

 

(41

)

 

 

132,083

 

Total revenues

 

$

1,684,977

 

 

$

459,416

 

 

$

(11,612

)

 

$

2,132,781

 

Revenues based on sales destination:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign

 

$

1,047,546

 

 

$

93,531

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

1,141,077

 

Domestic

 

 

637,431

 

 

 

365,885

 

 

 

(11,612

)

 

 

991,704

 

Total revenues

 

$

1,684,977

 

 

$

459,416

 

 

$

(11,612

)

 

$

2,132,781

 

 Fiscal 2017 Charges Fiscal 2016 Charges Fiscal 2015 Charges 
Total Charges to Date(2)
 
Total Expected Charges(2)
Restructuring charges:         
AMR and CSS(1)
$250
 $4,995
 $6,944
 $9,488
 $9,504
Unallocated (Corporate)48
 943
 2,228
 3,226
 3,226
Discontinued operations72
 84
 1,442
 1,735
 1,750
Total restructuring charges370
 6,022
 10,614
 14,449
 $14,480
Other exit-related activities:         
Asset impairments and accelerated depreciation:         
AMR158
 2,180
 3,836
 4,272
  
Discontinued operations
 947
 2,666
 3,613
  
Total asset impairments and accelerated depreciation158
 3,127
 6,502
 7,885
  
Gains on exit-related disposals:         
AMR(565) (1,337) 
 (1,902)  
Total gains on exit-related disposals(565) (1,337) 
 (1,902)  
Total exit-related activities(407) 1,790
 6,502
 5,983
  
Total restructuring charges and other exit-related activities$(37) $7,812
 $17,116
 $20,432
  
___________________________

(1)

(1)CSS's

Steel revenues include primarily sales of finished steel products, semi-finished goods (billets) and manufacturing operations, formerly the SMB reportable segment, did not incur restructuring charges during the periods presented. CSS's metals recycling operations, formerly part of the AMR reportable segment, incurred an immaterial amount of restructuring charges during the periods presented. Therefore, the Company presents restructuring charges related to AMR and CSS on a combined basis.scrap.

(2)Total charges to date and total expected charges by reportable segment and discontinued operations reflect amounts related to the Q2'15 Plan only. Remaining charges related to prior plans are not expected to be material.

Receivables from Contracts with Customers

The revenue accounting standard defines a receivable as an entity’s right to consideration that is unconditional, meaning that only the passage of time is required before payment is due. As of August 31, 2020 and 2019, receivables from contracts with customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, totaled $135 millionand $142 million, respectively, representing 97% of total accounts receivable reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of each reporting date.

Contract Liabilities

Contract consideration received from a customer prior to revenue recognition is recorded as a contract liability and is recognized as revenue when the Company does not allocate restructuring charges and other exit-related activities tosatisfies the segments' operating results because management does not include this information in its measurementrelated performance obligation under the terms of the contract. The Company’s contract liabilities consist almost entirely of customer deposits for recycled scrap metal sales contracts, which are reported within accounts payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and totaled $8 millionand $3 million as of August 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Unsatisfied performance obligations reflected in these contract liabilities relate to contracts with original expected durations of one year or less and, therefore, are not disclosed. During the operating segments.



78fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the Company reclassified $3 million in customer deposits as of August 31, 2019 to revenues as a result of satisfying performance obligations during the year. During the fiscal year ended

86 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


August 31, 2018 to revenues as a result of satisfying performance obligations during the year.

Note 11 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows as of August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Pension Obligations, net Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges Total
Balance as of August 31, 2014$(10,663) $(2,036) $58
 $(12,641)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(23,346) (2,874) (5,310) (31,530)
Income tax benefit
 260
 428
 688
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax(23,346) (2,614) (4,882) (30,842)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 575
 4,923
 5,498
Income tax benefit
 (198) (339) (537)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 377
 4,584
 4,961
Net periodic other comprehensive loss(23,346) (2,237) (298) (25,881)
Balance as of August 31, 2015(34,009) (4,273) (240) (38,522)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications(530) (2,139) 
 (2,669)
Income tax benefit
 167
 
 167
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax(530) (1,972) 
 (2,502)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 688
 312
 1,000
Income tax benefit
 (19) (72) (91)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 669
 240
 909
Net periodic other comprehensive income (loss)(530) (1,303) 240
 (1,593)
Balance as of August 31, 2016(34,539) (5,576) 
 (40,115)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications2,711
 1,477
 
 4,188
Income tax expense
 (194) 
 (194)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax2,711
 1,283
 
 3,994
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 851
 
 851
Income tax benefit
 (23) 
 (23)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 828
 
 828
Net periodic other comprehensive income2,711
 2,111
 
 4,822
Balance as of August 31, 2017$(31,828) $(3,465) $
 $(35,293)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss, both individually and in the aggregate, were immaterial to the impacted captions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in all periods presented.


79 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017



Note 12 – Derivative Financial Instruments

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Management
To manage exposure to foreign exchange rate risk, the Company has entered into foreign currency forward contracts to stabilize the U.S. dollar amount of the transaction at settlement. Prior to fiscal 2016, the Company entered into a series of foreign currency exchange forward contracts to sell U.S. dollars in order to hedge a portion of its exposure to fluctuating rates of exchange on anticipated U.S. dollar-denominated sales by its Canadian subsidiary with a functional currency of the Canadian dollar. The Company did not have any foreign currency exchange forward contracts as of August 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of contracts that expired during fiscal 2016 were immaterial. Accordingly, the results of foreign currency exchange forward contracts for fiscal 2017 and 2016 are excluded from the tabular disclosures below.
The following table summarizes the results of foreign currency exchange derivatives for the year ended August 31, 2015 (in thousands):
 Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in
 Fiscal 2015
 Other Comprehensive Income Revenues - Effective Portion Other Income (Expense), net
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts - designated as cash flow hedges$(5,310) $(4,923) $216
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts - not designated as cash flow hedges
 
 (87)
There was no hedge ineffectiveness with respect to the foreign currency exchange cash flow hedges for the period presented.

Note 13 - Employee Benefits

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have or contribute to qualified and nonqualified retirement plans covering substantially all employees. These plans include a defined benefit pension plan, a supplemental executive retirement benefit plan (“SERBP”), multiemployer pension plans and defined contribution plans.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefit Plan

The Company maintains a qualified defined benefit pension plan for certain nonunion employees. Effective June 30, 2006, the Company froze this plan and ceased accruing further benefits for employee service. The Company reflects the funded status of the defined benefit pension plan as a net asset or liability in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in its funded status are recognized in comprehensive income (loss).income. The Company amortizes as a component of net periodic pension benefit cost a portion of the net gain or loss reported within accumulated other comprehensive loss if the beginning-of-year net gain or loss exceeds 5% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market value of plan assets. Net periodic pension benefit cost was not material for each of the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.presented in this report. The fair value of plan assets was $16$21 million and $15$20 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively, and the projected benefit obligation was $13$18 million and $15$17 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. The plan was fully funded with the plan assets exceeding the projected benefit obligation by $3$4 million and $1$3 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. PlanUnder the fair value hierarchy, plan assets were comprised entirely of Level 1 and Level 2 investments as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019. Level 1 investments are valued based on quoted market prices of identical securities in the principal market. NoLevel 2 investments are corporate bonds valued at the yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. NaN significant contributions are expected to be made to the defined benefit pension plan in the future; however, changes in the discount rate or actual investment returns that are lower than the long-term expected return on plan assets could result in the need for the Company to make additional contributions. The assumed discount rate used to calculate the projected benefit obligations obligation was 3.68%2.38% and 3.22%2.83% as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. The Company estimates future annual benefit payments to be between $1 million and $2$4 million per year.


80 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The Company also has a nonqualified SERBP for certain executives. A restricted trust fund has been established with assets invested in life insurance policies that can be used for plan benefits, although the fund is subject to claims of the Company’s general creditors. The trust fund is included in other assets, the current portion of the pension liability is included in other accrued liabilities, and the noncurrent portion of the pension liability is included in other long-term liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The trust fund was valued at $3 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016.$4 million as of August 31, 2019. The trust fund assets’ gains and losses are included in other income, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The benefit obligation and the unfunded amount were $4$5 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019. Net periodic pension cost under the SERBP was not material forfor each of the years ended August 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015.

2018.

Because the defined benefit pension plan and the SERBP are not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements, other disclosures required by U.S. GAAP have been omitted.

Multiemployer Pension Plans

The Company contributes to 14 multiemployer pension plans in accordance with its collective bargaining agreements. Multiemployer pension plans are defined benefit plans sponsored by multiple employers in accordance with one or more collective bargaining agreements. The plans are jointly managed by trustees that include representatives from both management and labor unions. Contributions to the plans are made based upon a fixed rate per hour worked and are agreed to by contributing employers and the unions in collective bargaining. Benefit levels are set by a joint board of trustees based on the advice of an independent actuary regarding the level of benefits that agreed-upon contributions can be expected to support. To the extent that the pension obligation of other participating employers is unfunded, the Company may be required to make additional contributions in the future to fund these obligations.

One of the multiemployer plans that the Company contributes to is the Steelworkers Western Independent Shops Pension Plan (“WISPP”,WISPP,” EIN 90-0169564, Plan No. 001) benefiting the union employees of the Company'sCompany’s steel manufacturing operations, which are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that will expire on March 31, 2019.2022. As of October 1, 2016,2019, the WISPP was certified by the plan’s actuaries as being in the Green Zone, as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The Company contributed $3 million to the WISPP for each of the years ended August 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015.2018. These contributions represented more than 5% of total contributions to the WISPP for each year.

87 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In 2004, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) approved a seven-year extension of the period over which the WISPP may amortize unfunded liabilities, conditioned upon maintenance of certain minimum funding levels. In 2014, the WISPP obtained relief from the specified funding requirements from the IRS, which requires that the WISPP meet a minimum funded percentage on each valuation date and achieve a funded percentage of 100% as of October 1, 2029. Based on the most recent actuarial valuation for the WISPP, as of October 1, 2016, the funded percentage (based on the ratio of the market value of assets to the accumulated benefits liability (present value of accrued benefits) using the valuation method prescribed by the IRS) was 76.4%, which satisfiesIRS satisfied the minimum funded percentage requirements of the IRS.

requirement.

Company contributions to all of the multiemployer plans were $4$6 million for each of the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 2020 and 2015.

2019, and $5 million for the year ended August 31, 2018.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company has several defined contribution plans covering certain employees. Company contributions to the defined contribution plans totaled $3$4 million for each of the years ended August 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015.2018.

Note 13 - Share-Based Compensation

The Company’s 1993 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “SIP”), was established to provide for the grant of stock-based compensation awards to its employees, consultants and directors. The SIP authorizes the grant of restricted shares, restricted stock units, performance-based awards including performance share awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights and other stock-based awards. The SIP is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”). There are 12.2 million shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under the SIP, of which 2.7 million were available for future grants as of August 31, 2020. Share-based compensation expense recognized in cost of goods sold or selling, general and administrative expense, as applicable, was $10 million, $17 million and $19 million for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)

During the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Compensation Committee granted 470,917, 261,642 and 252,865 RSUs, respectively, to the Company’s key employees under the SIP. RSUs generally vest 20% per year over five years commencing October 31 of the year after grant. Each RSU entitles the recipient to receive 1 share of Class A common stock upon vesting.

The estimated fair value of an RSU is based on the market closing price of the underlying Class A common stock on the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair value of RSUs granted was $14.88, $27.61 and $26.60 per unit for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The total estimated fair value of RSUs granted during each of the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $7 million. For RSUs granted in the year ended August 31, 2020, the compensation expense associated with these RSUs is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards, net of forfeitures, which for participants who were retirement eligible as of the grant date or who will become retirement eligible during the five-year term of the award is the longer of two years or the period ending on the date retirement eligibility is achieved. For the awards granted in the years ended August 31, 2019 and 2018, RSU compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period of the award, net of estimated forfeitures, or to the date retirement eligibility is achieved (if before the end of the service period).RSU compensation expense was $4 million, $6 million and $7 million for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

A summary of the Company’s RSU activity for the year ended August 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

 

Number of

Units

(in thousands)

 

 

Weighted Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

 

Outstanding as of August 31, 2019

 

 

798

 

 

$

24.14

 

Granted

 

 

471

 

 

$

14.88

 

Vested

 

 

(268

)

 

$

22.91

 

Forfeited

 

 

(15

)

 

$

21.63

 

Outstanding as of August 31, 2020

 

 

986

 

 

$

20.10

 


81

The total fair value of RSUs which vested, based on the market closing price of the underlying Class A common stock on the vesting date, was $6 million, $7 million and $8 million for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of August 31, 2020, total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested RSUs amounted to $10 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of three years.

88 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Table

Performance Share Awards

The SIP authorizes performance-based awards to certain employees subject to certain conditions and restrictions. Vesting is subject to both the continued employment of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.the participant with the Company and the achievement of certain performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. A participant generally must be employed by the Company on October 31 following the end of the performance period to receive an award payout. However, adjusted awards will be paid if employment terminates earlier on account of a qualifying employment termination event such as death, disability, retirement, termination without cause after the first year of the performance period or a sale of the Company or the reportable segments for which the participant works.

The Compensation Committee determined that performance share awards granted in fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018 comprise two separate and distinct awards with different vesting conditions. Awards vest if the threshold level under the specified metric is met at the end of the approximately three-year performance period. The award performance metrics were the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) relative to a designated peer group and the Company’s return on capital employed (“ROCE”). Awards share payouts depend on the extent to which the performance goals have been achieved. The number of shares that a participant receives is equal to the award granted multiplied by a payout factor, which ranges from a threshold of 50% to a maximum of 200%. The TSR award stipulates certain limitations to the payout in the event the payout reaches a defined ceiling level or the Company’s TSR is negative.

The Company estimates the fair value of TSR awards using a Monte-Carlo simulation model utilizing several key assumptions, including the following for TSR awards granted during the fiscal years ended August 31:

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Expected share price volatility (SSI)

 

 

38.9

%

 

 

42.5

%

 

 

44.3

%

Expected share price volatility (Peer group)

 

 

44.5

%

 

 

51.4

%

 

 

55.4

%

Expected correlation to peer group companies

 

 

34.3

%

 

 

35.6

%

 

 

35.4

%

Risk-free rate of return

 

 

1.58

%

 

 

2.89

%

 

 

1.79

%

The compensation expense for the TSR awards based on the grant-date fair value, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the requisite service period (or to the date a qualifying employment termination event entitles the recipient to a prorated award, if before the end of the service period), regardless of whether the market condition has been or will be satisfied. Compensation expense for TSR awards was $3 million, $4 million and $3 million for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The fair value of the ROCE awards granted is based on the market closing price of the underlying Class A common stock on the grant date. The Company accrues compensation cost for ROCE awards based on the probable outcome of achieving specified performance conditions, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period (or to the date a qualifying employment termination event entitles the recipient to a prorated award, if before the end of the service period). The Company reassesses whether achievement of the ROCE performance conditions is probable at each reporting date.If it is probable that the actual performance results will exceed the stated target performance conditions, the Company accrues additional compensation cost for the additional performance shares to be awarded. If, upon reassessment, it is no longer probable that the actual performance results will exceed the stated target performance conditions, or that it is no longer probable that the target performance conditions will be achieved, the Company reverses any recognized compensation cost for shares no longer probable of being issued. If the performance conditions are not achieved at the end of the service period, all related compensation cost previously recognized is reversed. Compensation expense for ROCE awards and other performance share awards with a non-market performance metric granted prior to fiscal 2018 was $2 million, $6 million and $8 million for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

During the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Compensation Committee granted a total of 337,770 (165,834 TSR and 171,936 ROCE), 254,620 (123,812 TSR and 130,808 ROCE) and 246,161 (119,763 TSR and 126,398 ROCE) performance share awards, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of performance share awards granted was $21.32, $28.37 and $27.32 for the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

89 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A summary of the Company’s performance-based awards activity for the year ended August 31, 2020 is as follows:


 

 

Number of

Awards

(in thousands)

 

 

Weighted Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

 

Outstanding as of August 31, 2019

 

 

773

 

 

$

25.49

 

Granted

 

 

338

 

 

$

21.32

 

Performance achievement(1)

 

 

199

 

 

$

20.84

 

Vested

 

 

(485

)

 

$

21.24

 

Forfeited

 

 

(27

)

 

$

24.11

 

Outstanding as of August 31, 2020

 

 

798

 

 

 

25.19

 

(1)

Reflects the net number of awards achieved above target levels based on actual performance measured at the end of the performance period.

The total fair value of performance share awards which vested, based on the market closing price of the Company’s Class A common stock on the vesting date, was $10 million and $13 million for the years ended August 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. NaN performance shares vested in fiscal year 2018. As of August 31, 2020, total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested performance share awards amounted to $6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of two years.    

Deferred Stock Units (“DSUs”)

The Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (“DSU Plan”) provides for the issuance of DSUs to non-employee directors to be granted under the DSU Plan. Each DSU gives the director the right to receive 1 share of Class A common stock at a future date. Immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders, each non-employee director will receive DSUs which will become fully vested on the day before the next annual meeting, subject to continued service on the Board. The compensation expense associated with the DSUs granted is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards.

The Company will issue Class A common stock to a director pursuant to vested DSUs in a lump sum in January of the first year after the director ceases to be a director of the Company, subject to the right of the director to elect an installment payment program under the DSU Plan.

DSUs granted during the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 totaled 41,592 shares, 31,218 shares and 21,806 shares, respectively. The compensation expense associated with DSUs and the total value of shares vested during each of the years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, as well as the unrecognized compensation expense as of August 31, 2020, were not material.

Note 14 - Income Taxes

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes was as follows for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):


 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

United States

 

$

(5,649

)

 

$

69,476

 

 

$

131,518

 

Foreign

 

 

3,710

 

 

 

6,764

 

 

 

10,335

 

Total

 

$

(1,939

)

 

$

76,240

 

 

$

141,853

 

90 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations consisted of the following for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

(15,778

)

 

$

2,690

 

 

$

19,511

 

State

 

 

329

 

 

 

315

 

 

 

894

 

Foreign

 

 

519

 

 

 

52

 

 

 

 

Total current tax (benefit) expense

 

 

(14,930

)

 

 

3,057

 

 

 

20,405

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

 

12,292

 

 

 

12,930

 

 

 

(5,700

)

State

 

 

1,338

 

 

 

794

 

 

 

(1,962

)

Foreign

 

 

1,466

 

 

 

889

 

 

 

(30,333

)

Total deferred tax expense (benefit)

 

 

15,096

 

 

 

14,613

 

 

 

(37,995

)

Total income tax expense (benefit)

 

$

166

 

 

$

17,670

 

 

$

(17,590

)

A reconciliation of the difference between the federal statutory rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended August 31 is as follows:

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

Federal statutory rate

 

 

21.0

%

 

 

21.0

%

 

 

25.7

%

State taxes, net of credits

 

 

(57.9

)

 

 

1.2

 

 

 

0.4

 

Foreign income taxed at different rates

 

 

(11.6

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

(0.5

)

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

 

 

(24.5

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

(35.8

)

Federal rate change

 

 

71.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4.9

)

Non-deductible officers’ compensation

 

 

(46.9

)

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

1.6

 

Other non-deductible expenses

 

 

(66.0

)

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

(0.6

)

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

21.1

 

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(0.6

)

Research and development credits

 

 

99.3

 

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(0.6

)

Tax return to provision adjustment

 

 

89.2

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits

 

 

(97.3

)

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

3.4

 

Interest income

 

 

9.0

 

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(0.2

)

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 

 

3.0

 

 

 

(1.2

)

 

 

(0.3

)

Other

 

 

(18.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

 

 

(8.6

)%

 

 

23.2

%

 

 

(12.4

)%

Effective Tax Rate

The Company’s effective tax rate from continuing operations for fiscal 2020 was an expense of 8.6%, compared to 23.2% for fiscal 2019. The reconciling differences between the Company’s effective tax rate from continuing operations for fiscal 2020 and the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% are exaggerated due to the Company’s near-break-even pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $2 million for fiscal 2020, despite none of the reconciling differences being individually material. The Company’s effective tax rate from continuing operations for fiscal 2020 was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate, and reflective of income tax expense on a pre-tax loss from continuing operations, primarily due to the partially offsetting impacts of individually immaterial permanent differences from non-deductible expenses and research and development credits, the effects of unrecognized tax benefits and the aggregate impact of state taxes.

The Company reported a tax benefit on pre-tax income for fiscal 2018 primarily due to the release of valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets, resulting in recognition of discrete tax benefits totaling $37 million in fiscal 2018, and the impact of the Tax Act enacted into law on December 22, 2017.

91 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed and enacted into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, which contains several income tax provisions, as well as other measures, aimed at assisting businesses impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other provisions, the CARES Act removes certain limitations on utilization of net operating losses (“NOLs”) and allows for carrybacks of certain past and future NOLs. The Company applied the NOL carryback provisions of the CARES Act to its NOL for fiscal 2020, which resulted in the reclassification of a $11 million NOL deferred income tax asset to refundable income taxes and recognition of a $1 million income tax benefit in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company does not anticipate the other income tax provisions of the CARES Act to have a material impact on its financial statements.

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities comprised the following as of August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

$

22,676

 

 

$

 

Amortizable goodwill and other intangibles

 

 

17,455

 

 

 

22,646

 

Employee benefit accruals

 

 

9,246

 

 

 

6,289

 

Net operating loss carryforwards

 

 

8,484

 

 

 

7,122

 

Environmental liabilities

 

 

7,938

 

 

 

7,164

 

State credit carryforwards

 

 

7,933

 

 

 

8,202

 

Federal credit carryforwards

 

 

5,116

 

 

 

 

Inventory valuation methods

 

 

2,865

 

 

 

1,748

 

Other

 

 

7,074

 

 

 

6,405

 

Valuation allowances

 

 

(16,933

)

 

 

(16,436

)

Total deferred tax assets

 

 

71,854

 

 

 

43,140

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated depreciation and other basis differences

 

 

39,596

 

 

 

30,716

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

21,104

 

 

 

 

Investment in operating partnerships

 

 

14,703

 

 

 

6,777

 

Uncertain tax positions

 

 

4,936

 

 

 

 

Prepaid expense acceleration

 

 

2,655

 

 

 

2,263

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

 

82,994

 

 

 

39,756

 

Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets

 

$

(11,140

)

 

$

3,384

 

As of August 31, 2020, foreign operating loss carryforwards were $19 million, which expire if not used between 2023 and 2039. Federal and state credit carryforwards will expire if not used between 2020 and 2041.

Valuation Allowances

The Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis through an analysis of potential sources of future taxable income, including prior year taxable income available to absorb a carryback of tax losses, reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies, and forecasts of taxable income. The Company considers all negative and positive evidence, including the weight of the evidence, to determine if valuation allowances against deferred tax assets are required. In fiscal 2018, the Company released valuation allowances against certain U.S. federal and state and Canadian deferred tax assets resulting in discrete tax benefits totaling $37 million. The release of these valuation allowances was the result of sufficient positive evidence at the time, including cumulative income in the Company’s U.S. and Canadian tax jurisdictions in recent years and projections of future taxable income based primarily on the Company's improved financial performance, that it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. The Company continues to maintain valuation allowances against certain state, Canadian and all Puerto Rican deferred tax assets. Canadian deferred tax assets against which the Company continues to maintain a valuation allowance relate to indefinite-lived assets.

92 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s reserve for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

Unrecognized tax benefits, as of the beginning of the year

 

$

5,410

 

 

$

5,054

 

 

$

5,548

 

Additions (reductions) for tax positions of prior years

 

 

1,368

 

 

 

(151

)

 

 

171

 

Additions for tax positions of the current year

 

 

852

 

 

 

507

 

 

 

596

 

Reduction attributable to federal tax reform

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

(1,261

)

Reductions for lapse of statutes

 

 

(174

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits, as of the end of the year

 

$

7,456

 

 

$

5,410

 

 

$

5,054

 

The Company does not anticipate any material changes to the reserve in the next 12 months. The recognized amounts of tax-related penalties and interest were not material for all periods presented.

The Company files federal and state income tax returns in the U.S. and foreign tax returns in Puerto Rico and Canada. For U.S. federal income tax returns, fiscal years 2013 to 2019 remain subject to examination under the statute of limitations.

Note 14 – Share-Based Compensation

The Company’s 1993 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, (“15 - Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Activities

On January 8, 2020, subsequent to the Plan”) was established for its employees, consultants and directors. There are 12.2 million sharesend of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under the Plan, of which 4.3 million are available for future grants as of August 31, 2017. Share-based compensation expense was $11 million, $10 million and $10 million for the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units
The Plan provides for the issuance of RSUs. The estimated fair value of the RSUs is based on the market closing price of the underlying Class A common stock on the date of grant. The compensation expense associated with RSUs is recognized over the respective requisite service period of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures.
During the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Compensation Committee granted 314,862 RSUs, 361,131 RSUs and 287,180 RSUs, respectively, to its key employees, officers and employee directors under the Plan. The RSUs generally vest 20% per year over five years commencing October 31 of the year after grant. In addition, in the first quarter of fiscal 20162020, the Compensation Committee granted 48,163 RSUs with a two-year vesting termCompany committed to certain restructuring initiatives aimed at further reducing its annual operating expenses, primarily selling, general and no retirement-eligibility provisions underadministrative, at Corporate, AMR and CSS, primarily through reductions in non-trade procurement spend, including outside and professional services, lower employee-related expenses and other non-headcount measures. Additionally, the SIP. The estimated fair value of the RSUs granted during the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $7 million, $7 million and $6 million, respectively.
A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit activity is as follows:
 
Number of
Shares
(in thousands)
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Fair Value(1)
Outstanding as of August 31, 2014389
 $33.97
  
Granted287
 $22.58
  
Vested(151) $35.96
 $20.34
Forfeited(40) $26.59
  
Outstanding as of August 31, 2015485
 $27.21
  
Granted409
 $18.28
  
Vested(145) $30.86
 $16.36
Forfeited(14) $22.61
  
Outstanding as of August 31, 2016735
 $21.59
  
Granted315
 $20.95
  
Vested(218) $22.94
 $23.50
Forfeited
 $23.55
  
Outstanding as of August 31, 2017832
 $21.00
  
 ____________________________
(1)Amounts represent the weighted average value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date that the restricted stock units vested.
The Company recognized compensation expense associated with RSUs of $6 million, $6 million and $7 million for the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of August 31, 2017, total unrecognized compensationincurred professional service costs related to unvested RSUs amountedthe transition of its internal organizational and reporting structure to $7 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years.
Performance Share Awards
The Plan authorizes performance-based awards to certain employees subject to certain conditions and restrictions. A participant generally must be employed byfunctionally based, integrated model. During fiscal 2020, the Company on October 31 following the endincurred aggregate restructuring charges and other exit-related costs of approximately $9 million in connection with these initiatives, comprising severance costs of $2 million, costs associated with a lease contract termination of $1 million and professional services costs of $6 million. The substantial majority of the performance period to receive an award payout, although adjusted awards will be paid if employment terminates earlier on account of death, disability, retirement, termination without cause after the first year of the performance period or a sale of the Company or the reportable segments for which the participant works. Awards will be paid in Class A common stock as soon as practicable after October 31 following the end of the performance period.

82 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The Company accrues compensation cost for performance share awards 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 achieved. The Company reassesses whether achievement of the performance conditions are probable at each reporting date. If it is probable that the actual performance results will exceed the stated target performance conditions, the Company accrues additional compensation cost for the additional performance shares to be awarded. If, upon reassessment, it is no longer probable that the actual performance results will exceed the stated target performance conditions, or that it is no longer probable that the target performance condition will be achieved, the Company reverses any recognized compensation cost for shares no longer probable of being issued. If the performance conditions are not achieved at the end of the service period, all related compensation cost previously recognized is reversed.
Fiscal 2015 – 2016 Performance Share Awards
The Compensation Committee approved performance-based awards under the Plan with a grant date of November 25, 2014. The performance targets are based on the Company's EBITDA (weighted at 50%) and return on equity (weighted at 50%) for the two years of the performance period, with award payouts ranging from a threshold of 50% to a maximum of 200% for each portion of the awards.
Fiscal 2016 – 2018 (November) Performance Share Awards
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Compensation Committee approved performance-based awards under the Plan with a grant date of November 9, 2015. The 201,702 performance share awards granted by the Compensation Committee are comprised of two separate and distinct awards with different vesting conditions.
The Compensation Committee granted 99,860 of the performance share awards based on a relative Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") metric over a performance period spanning November 9, 2015 to August 31, 2018. Award share payouts range from a threshold of 50% to a maximum of 200% based on the relative ranking of the Company's TSR among a designated peer group of 16 companies. The TSR award stipulates certain limitations to the payout in the event the payout reaches a defined ceiling level or the Company's TSR is negative. The TSR awards contain a market condition and, therefore, once the award recipients complete the requisite service period, the related compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value is not changed, regardless of whether the market condition has been satisfied. The estimated fair value of the TSR awards at the date of grant was $2 million. The Company estimated the fair value of the TSR awards using a Monte-Carlo simulation model utilizing several key assumptions including expected Company and peer company share price volatility, correlation coefficients between peers, the risk-free rate of return, the expected dividend yield and other award design features.
The remaining 101,842 performance share awards have a three-year performance period consisting of the Company’s fiscal 2016, 2017 and 2018. The performance targets are based on the Company's cash flow return on investment (“CFROI”) over the three-year performance period, with award payouts ranging from a threshold of 50% to a maximum of 200%. The fair value of the awards granted was based on the market closing price of the underlying Class A common stock on the grant date and totaled $2 million.
Fiscal 2016 – 2018 (April) Performance Share Awards
In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Compensation Committee approved the second half of the fiscal 2016 performance-based awards with a grant date of April 27, 2016. The Compensation Committee granted 152,221 performance share awards consisting of 73,546 TSR awards and 78,675 CFROI awards to the Company's key employees and officers under the Plan with terms substantially similar to the awards granted in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, as described above in this Note, except that the performance period for the TSR awards started on April 27, 2016 and for the CFROI awards on March 1, 2016. The estimated fair value of each of the TSR awards and CFROI awards at the date of grant was $2 million.
Fiscal 2017 – 2019 (November) Performance Share Awards
In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Compensation Committee approved performance-based awards under the Plan with a grant date of November 1, 2016. The 134,899 performance share awards granted by the Compensation Committee are comprised of two separate and distinct awards with different vesting conditions.
The Compensation Committee granted 65,506 performance share awards based on a relative TSR metric over a performance period spanning November 1, 2016 to August 31, 2019. Award share payouts range from a threshold of 50% to a maximum of 200% based on the relative ranking of the Company's TSR among a designated peer group of 16 companies. The TSR award stipulates certain limitations to the payout in the event the payout reaches a defined ceiling level or the Company's TSR is negative. The TSR awards contain a market condition and, therefore, once the award recipients complete the requisite service period, the related compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value is not changed, regardless of whether the market condition has been satisfied. The estimated fair value of the TSR awards at the date of grant was $2 million. The Company estimated the fair value of the TSR awards using a Monte-Carlo simulation model utilizing several key assumptions including expected Company

83 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


and peer company share price volatility, correlation coefficients between peers, the risk-free rate of return, the expected dividend yield and other award design features.
The remaining 69,393 performance share awards have a three-year performance period consisting of the Company’s fiscal 2017, 2018 and 2019. The performance targets are based on the Company's cash flow return on investment ("CFROI") over the three-year performance period, with award payouts ranging from a threshold of 50% to a maximum of 200%. The fair value of the awards granted was based on the market closing price of the underlying Class A common stock on the grant date and totaled $2 million.
Fiscal 2017 – 2019 (April) Performance Share Awards
In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the Compensation Committee approved the second half of the fiscal 2017 performance-based awards with a grant date of April 27, 2017. The Compensation Committee granted 167,358 performance share awards consisting of 81,262 TSR awards and 86,096 CFROI awards to the Company's key employees and officers under the Plan with terms substantially similar to the awards granted in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, as described above in this Note, except that the performance period for the TSR awards started on April 27, 2017, and the performance period for the CFROI awards started on March 1, 2017. The estimated fair value of each of these TSR awards and CFROI awards at the date of grant was $2 million.
A summary of the Company’s performance-based awards activity is as follows:
 
Number of
Shares
(in thousands)
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Fair Value(1)
Outstanding as of August 31, 2014623
 $27.93
  
Granted269
 $24.02
  
Vested(98) $26.27
 $23.60
Forfeited(159) $26.36
  
Outstanding as of August 31, 2015635
 $26.92
  
Granted364
 $19.19
  
Vested(194) $28.82
 $16.86
Forfeited(210) $28.48
  
Outstanding as of August 31, 2016595
 $21.02
  
Granted302
 $21.52
  
Vested(163) $24.02
 $24.15
Forfeited(83) $24.02
  
Outstanding as of August 31, 2017651
 $20.12
  
_____________________________
(1)Amounts represent the weighted average value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date that the performance share awards vested.

Compensation expense associated with performance-based awards was calculated using management’s current estimate of the expected level of achievement of the performance targets under the Plan. Compensation expense for anticipated awards based on the Company’s financial performance was $3 million, $4 million and $2 million for the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of August 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation costsrestructuring charges related to non-vested performance shares amounted to $7 million, which is expected to bethese initiatives were recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.
Deferred Stock Units
The Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (“DSU Plan”) provides for the issuance of DSUs to non-employee directors to be granted under the Plan. Each DSU gives the director the right to receive one share of Class A common stock at a future date. Immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders, each non-employee director will receive DSUs which will become fully vested on the day before the next annual meeting, subject to continued service on the Board. The compensation expense associated with the DSUs granted is recognized over the respective requisite service period of the awards.
The Company will issue Class A common stock to a director pursuant to vested DSUs in a lump sum in January of the first year after the director ceases to be a director of the Company, subject to the right of the director to elect an installment payment program under the DSU Plan.

84 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


DSUs granted during the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 totaled 42,771 shares, 57,780 shares and 48,590 shares, respectively. The compensation expense associated with DSUs and the total value of shares vested during each of the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, as well as the unrecognized compensation expense as of August 31, 2017, were not material.
Stock Options
No options were granted in fiscal 2017, 2016,2020 and 2015, and all of the options outstanding during the periods presented had expired as of August 31, 2017. Compensation expense associated with stock options, the total proceeds received from option exercises and the tax benefits realized from options exercised was zero for the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information is as follows:
 
Options
(in thousands)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)(1)
Outstanding as of August 31, 2014526
 $32.25
 2.2 $335
Granted
 $
    
Exercised
 $
    
Canceled(122) $24.95
    
Outstanding as of August 31, 2015404
 $34.46
 1.3 $
Granted
 $
    
Exercised
 $
    
Canceled(182) $34.11
    
Outstanding as of August 31, 2016222
 $34.75
 1.0 $
Granted
 $
    
Exercised
 $
    
Canceled(222) $34.75
    
Outstanding as of August 31, 2017
 $
 
 $
 ____________________________
(1)Amounts represent the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of the Company’s stock on the last trading day of the corresponding fiscal year, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options.


85 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 15 – Income Taxes
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes was as follows for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):
 2017 2016 2015
United States$43,871
 $(4,303) $(113,084)
Foreign4,819
 (11,202) (87,380)
Total$48,690
 $(15,505) $(200,464)
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations consisted of the following for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):
 2017 2016 2015
Current:     
Federal$(1,130) $23
 $(11,275)
State190
 180
 (84)
Foreign(16) 25
 732
Total current tax expense (benefit)$(956) $228
 $(10,627)
Deferred:     
Federal$2,046
 $502
 $(4,752)
State232
 54
 2,805
Foreign
 (49) (41)
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)2,278
 507
 (1,988)
Total income tax expense (benefit)$1,322
 $735
 $(12,615)

A reconciliation of the difference between the federal statutory rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended August 31 is as follows:
 2017 2016 2015
Federal statutory rate35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State taxes, net of credits1.8
 1.3
 1.1
Foreign income taxed at different rates(1.9) (12.0) (7.7)
Non-deductible officers’ compensation2.2
 (2.0) (0.1)
Noncontrolling interests(1.8) 4.1
 0.3
Research and development credits(1.5) 2.4
 0.3
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets(31.2) (59.0) (25.2)
Unrecognized tax benefits1.3
 (3.6) (0.6)
Non-deductible goodwill
 (0.9) (2.5)
Realized foreign investment basis(0.9) 29.4
 6.3
Other(0.3) 0.6
 (0.6)
Effective tax rate2.7 % (4.7)% 6.3 %
The Company's effective tax rate from continuing operations in fiscal 2017 was an expense of 2.7%, which was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily duerequired us to the Company's full valuation allowance positions and federal income tax refund claims, partially offset by increases in deferred tax liabilities from indefinite-lived assets in all jurisdictions. The valuation allowances on the Company's deferred tax assets are the result of negative objective evidence, including the effects of historical losses in our tax jurisdictions, outweighing positive objective and subjective evidence, indicating that it is more likely than not that the associated tax benefit will not be realized.

86 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The Company's effective tax rate from continuing operations in fiscal 2016 was an expense of 4.7%, which was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%. The effective tax rate was reduced for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and the aggregate impact of foreign income taxed at different rates. Those reductions were partially offset by the realization of deductible foreign investment basis for tax purposes. The Company’s income tax expense is comprised primarily of the increase in deferred tax liabilities from indefinite-lived assets plus certain statemake cash tax expenses. The increase in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was recognized as a result of negative evidence, including recent losses in all tax jurisdictions, outweighing the more subjective positive evidence, indicating that it is more likely than not that the associated tax benefit will not be realized. Realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income in the associated tax jurisdictions in future years to benefit from the reversal of net deductible temporary differences and from the utilization of net operating losses.
The Company's effective tax rate from continuing operations in fiscal 2015 was a benefit of 6.3% which was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%. The effective tax rate was reduced by 33% for valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and the aggregate impact of excluding foreign income taxed at different rates. Those expenses were partially offset by the recognition of a $13 million benefit related to the realization of deductible foreign investment basis for tax purposes. The increase in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was recognized as a result of negative evidence, including recent losses in all tax jurisdictions, outweighing the more subjective positive evidence, indicating that it is more likely than not that the associated tax benefit will not be realized.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities were comprised of the following as of August 31 (in thousands):
 2017 2016
Deferred tax assets:   
Environmental liabilities$11,187
 $11,048
Employee benefit accruals13,692
 12,620
State income tax and other7,608
 8,518
Net operating loss carryforwards9,243
 19,723
State credit carryforwards6,678
 6,352
Inventory valuation methods690
 
Amortizable goodwill and other intangibles41,793
 47,023
Valuation allowances(70,374) (86,917)
Total deferred tax assets$20,517
 $18,367
Deferred tax liabilities:   
Accelerated depreciation and other basis differences$37,096
 $32,528
Prepaid expense acceleration2,568
 2,402
Inventory valuation methods
 119
Total deferred tax liabilities39,664
 35,049
Net deferred tax liability$19,147
 $16,682
As of August 31, 2017, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $12 million, which will expire if not used by 2036. Foreign operating loss carryforwards were $27 million, which expire if not used between 2024 and 2037. State credit carryforwards will expire if not used between 2018 and 2025.

87 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s reserve for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):
 2017 2016 2015
Unrecognized tax benefits, as of the beginning of the year$4,724
 $3,970
 $2,780
Additions for tax positions of prior years
 
 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(120) (56) 
Additions for tax positions of the current year944
 810
 1,571
Settlements with tax authorities
 
 (381)
Unrecognized tax benefits, as of the end of the year$5,548
 $4,724
 $3,970
The Company does not anticipate any material changes to the reserve in the next 12 months. Reserves pertaining to positions claimed on the fiscal year 2013 through 2017 tax returns would result in net operating loss offsets in the event the positions were successfully challenged. Pursuant to FASB's Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, the reserves are netted against deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $2 million of its currently remaining unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized by the end of fiscal 2018 as a result of a lapse of the statute of limitations.
The recognized amounts of tax-related penalties and interest were not material for all periods presented.
The Company files federal and state income tax returns in the U.S. and foreign tax returns in Puerto Rico and Canada. For U.S. federal income tax returns, fiscal years 2013 to 2016 remain subject to examination under the statute of limitations.

payments.

Note 16 - Net (Loss) Income (Loss) Per Share

The following table sets forth the information used to compute basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI shareholders for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

$

(2,105

)

 

$

58,570

 

 

$

159,443

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

(1,945

)

 

 

(1,977

)

 

 

(3,338

)

(Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders

 

 

(4,050

)

 

 

56,593

 

 

 

156,105

 

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(95

)

 

 

(248

)

 

 

346

 

Net (loss) income attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

(4,145

)

 

$

56,345

 

 

$

156,451

 

Computation of shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic

 

 

27,672

 

 

 

27,527

 

 

 

27,645

 

Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive performance

   share, RSU and DSU awards

 

 

 

 

 

695

 

 

 

944

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

 

 

27,672

 

 

 

28,222

 

 

 

28,589

 

 2017 2016 2015
Income (loss) from continuing operations$47,368
 $(16,240) $(187,849)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(2,467) (1,821) (1,933)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI44,901
 (18,061) (189,782)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax(390) (1,348) (7,227)
Net income (loss) attributable to SSI$44,511
 $(19,409) $(197,009)
Computation of shares:     
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic27,537
 27,229
 27,010
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive performance share, RSU and DSU awards604
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted28,141
 27,229
 27,010

Common stock equivalent shares of 251,899, 1,016,745629,223, 92,873 and 1,018,85862,019 were considered antidilutive and were excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) income (loss) per share attributable to SSI shareholders for the years ended August 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively.


Note 17 - Related Party Transactions

The Company purchases recycled metal from its joint venture operations at prices that approximate fair market value. These purchases totaled $14$11 million $12, $15 million and $22$16 million for the years ended August 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively.


88

93 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


2020


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Thomas D. Klauer, Jr., who had been President of the Company’s former Auto Parts Business prior to his retirement on January 5, 2015, is the sole shareholder of a corporation that is the 25% minority partner in a partnership in which the Company is the 75% partner and which operates five self-service stores in Northern California. Mr. Klauer’s 25% share of the profits of this partnership, through the date of his retirement, totaled $1 million for the year ended August 31, 2015. The partnership leases properties from entities in which Mr. Klauer has ownership interests under agreements that expire in December 2020 with options to renew the leases, upon expiration, for multiple periods. The rent paid by the partnership to the entities in which Mr. Klauer has ownership interests, through the date of his retirement, was less than $1 million for the year ended August 31, 2015.
Certain members of the Schnitzer family own significant interests in, or are related to owners of, MMGL Corp (“MMGL,” formerly known as Schnitzer Investment Corp.), which is engaged in the real estate business and was a subsidiary of the Company prior to 1989. The Company and MMGL are involved in a cost sharing arrangement with respect to defense costs related to Portland Harbor. MMGL was considered a related party for financial reporting purposes prior to January 2015 due to the involvement of Kenneth M. Novack, a former member of the Company's board of directors, in the management of MMGL. As of January 2015, Mr. Novack was no longer a member of the Company's board of directors and, thus, MMGL ceased being a related party. As of August 31, 2014, $1 million was receivable from MMGL, which was paid in full in the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

Note 18 - Segment Information

The accounting standards for reporting information about operating segments define an operating segment as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses for which discrete financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company's internal organizational

AMR acquires and reporting structure supported two operating and reportable segments: the Auto and Metals Recycling ("AMR") business and the Steel Manufacturing Business ("SMB"). In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, in accordance with its plan announced in June 2017, the Company modified its internal organizational and reporting structure to combine its steel manufacturing operations, which had been reported as the SMB segment, with its Oregon metals recycling operations, which had been reported within the AMR segment, forming a new division named Cascade Steel and Scrap ("CSS"). This resulted in a realignment of how the Chief Executive Officer, who is considered the Company's chief operating decision maker, reviews performance and makes decisions on resource allocation. The Company began reporting on this new segment structure in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 as reflected in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The segment data for the comparable periods presented has been recast to conform to the current period presentation for all activities of the reorganized segments. Recasting this historical information did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial performance for any of the periods presented.

AMR buys and processesrecycles ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal for sale to foreign and domestic steelmetal producers, or their representativesprocessors and brokers, and procures salvaged vehicles and sells serviceable used auto parts from these vehicles through a network of self-service auto parts stores. These auto parts stores also supply the Company'sCompany’s shredding facilities with autobodiesauto bodies that are processed into saleable recycled scrap metal.

CSS operates a steel mini-mill that produces a range of finished steel long products using ferrous recycled scrap metal and other raw materials. CSS'sCSS’s steel mill obtains substantially all of its recycled scrap metal raw material requirements from its integrated metals recycling and joint venture operations.

CSS’s metals recycling operations also sell recycled metal to external customers primarily in export markets.

The Company holds noncontrolling ownership interests in joint ventures, which are either in the metals recycling business or are suppliers of unprocessed metal. The Company'sCompany’s allocable portion of the results of these joint ventures is reported within the segment results. ThreeAs of August 31, 2020, the Company had 2 50%-owned joint venture interests, are1 presented as part of AMR operations, and one interest is1 presented as part of CSS operations. The joint ventures sellventure within CSS sells recycled scrap metal to AMR and toother operations within CSS at prices that approximate local market rates, which produces intercompany profit. This intercompany profit is eliminated while the products remain in inventory and is not recognized until the finished products are sold to third parties.

During fiscal 2018, 2 of the Company’s 50% joint venture interests presented as part of AMR operations dissolved.

Intersegment sales from AMR to CSS are made at prices that approximate local market rates. These intercompany sales tend to produce intercompany profitsprofit which areis not recognized until the finished products are ultimately sold to third parties.


89 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The information provided below is obtained from internal information that is provided to the Company’s chief operating decision maker for the purpose of corporate management. The Company uses segment operating income to measure segment performance. The Company does not allocate corporate interest income and expense, income taxes and other income and expense to its reportable segments. Certain expenses related to shared services that support operational activities and transactions are allocated from Corporate to the segments. Unallocated Corporate expense consists primarily of expense for management and certain administrative services that benefit both reportable segments. In addition, the Company does not allocate certain items to segment operating income because management does not include the information in its measurement of the performance of the segments. Such unallocated items include restructuring charges and other exit-related activities, charges (net of recoveries) related to legacy environmental matters, and provisions for certain legal matters. Because of the unallocated income and expense, the operating income of each reportable segment does not reflect the operating income the reportable segment would report as a stand-alone business. In addition, the Company does not allocate restructuring charges and other exit-related activities to the segment operating income because management does not include this information in its measurement of the performance of the operating segments. The results of discontinued operations are excluded from segment operating income and are presented separately, net of tax, from the results of ongoing operations for all periods presented.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company modified its measurement of segment operating income to classify all legacy environmental charges within Corporate in order to align the measures with how the Chief Executive Officer, who is considered the Company’s chief operating decision maker, reviews performance and makes decisions on resource allocation. The change has been applied prospectively beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, and such legacy environmental charges incurred during the quarter are reported within the Corporate division. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded $1 million of legacy environmental charges to the Corporate division that, prior to the change, would have been classified within AMR. Legacy environmental charges reflected in AMR’s operating results prior to the change are not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements either individually or in the aggregate. Environmental charges are reported within selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

94 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following is a summary of the Company’s total assets as of August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

Total assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auto and Metals Recycling(1)

 

$

1,746,170

 

 

$

1,561,267

 

Cascade Steel and Scrap

 

 

793,305

 

 

 

769,930

 

Total segment assets

 

 

2,539,475

 

 

 

2,331,197

 

Corporate and eliminations(2)

 

 

(1,309,548

)

 

 

(1,170,451

)

Total assets

 

$

1,229,927

 

 

$

1,160,746

 

Property, plant and equipment, net(3)

 

$

487,004

 

 

$

456,400

 

 2017 2016
Total assets:   
Auto and Metals Recycling(1)
$1,298,757
 $1,186,949
Cascade Steel and Scrap696,269
 696,031
Total segment assets1,995,026
 1,882,980
Corporate and eliminations(2)
(1,061,271) (991,551)
Total assets$933,755
 $891,429
Property, plant and equipment, net (3)
$390,629
 $392,820
_____________________________

(1)

(1)

AMR total assets include $5$2 million and $6$3 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively, for investmentsinvestment in joint ventures. CSS total assets include $7$8 million and $8$7 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively, for investment in joint ventures.

(2)

(2)

The substantial majority of Corporate and eliminations total assets is comprisedconsist of Corporate intercompany payables to the Company'sCompany’s operating segments and intercompany eliminations.

(3)

(3)

Property, plant and equipment, net includes $17$16 million and $19$14 million as of August 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively, at ourthe Company’s Canadian locations.



90 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The table below illustrates the Company’s results from continuing operations by reportable segment for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

2020

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

AMR:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$

1,307,812

 

 

$

1,684,977

 

 

$

1,908,966

 

Less: Intersegment revenues

 

(7,634

)

 

 

(11,612

)

 

 

(24,892

)

AMR external customer revenues

 

1,300,178

 

 

 

1,673,365

 

 

 

1,884,074

 

CSS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

413,257

 

 

 

459,416

 

 

 

480,641

 

Less: Intersegment revenues

 

(1,092

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

CSS external customer revenues

 

412,165

 

 

 

459,416

 

 

 

480,641

 

Total revenues

$

1,712,343

 

 

$

2,132,781

 

 

$

2,364,715

 

Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMR

$

43,609

 

 

$

38,816

 

 

$

35,564

 

CSS

 

12,009

 

 

 

11,781

 

 

 

11,724

 

Segment depreciation and amortization

 

55,618

 

 

 

50,597

 

 

 

47,288

 

Corporate

 

2,555

 

 

 

2,739

 

 

 

2,384

 

Total depreciation and amortization

$

58,173

 

 

$

53,336

 

 

$

49,672

 

Capital expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMR

$

62,008

 

 

$

78,706

 

 

$

67,099

 

CSS

 

18,892

 

 

 

15,345

 

 

 

9,600

 

Segment capital expenditures

 

80,900

 

 

 

94,051

 

 

 

76,699

 

Corporate

 

1,105

 

 

 

562

 

 

 

927

 

Total capital expenditures

$

82,005

 

 

$

94,613

 

 

$

77,626

 

Reconciliation of the Company’s segment operating income

   to income from continuing operations before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMR(1)

$

34,438

 

 

$

95,991

 

 

$

169,120

 

CSS(2)

 

22,983

 

 

 

31,951

 

 

 

38,286

 

Segment operating income

 

57,421

 

 

 

127,942

 

 

 

207,406

 

Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities

 

(8,993

)

 

 

(365

)

 

 

661

 

Corporate and eliminations

 

(41,574

)

 

 

(43,712

)

 

 

(59,079

)

Operating income

 

6,854

 

 

 

83,865

 

 

 

148,988

 

Interest expense

 

(8,669

)

 

 

(8,266

)

 

 

(8,983

)

Other (expense) income, net

 

(124

)

 

 

641

 

 

 

1,848

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

$

(1,939

)

 

$

76,240

 

 

$

141,853

 

 2017 2016 2015
Auto and Metals Recycling:     
Revenues$1,363,618
 $1,060,592
 $1,513,315
Less: Intersegment revenues(15,647) (12,081) (33,029)
AMR external customer revenues1,347,971
 1,048,511
 1,480,286
Cascade Steel and Scrap:     
Revenues339,620
 304,032
 435,113
Total revenues$1,687,591
 $1,352,543
 $1,915,399
Depreciation and amortization:     
Auto and Metals Recycling$34,853
 $39,033
 $50,126
Cascade Steel and Scrap12,525
 13,052
 14,164
Segment depreciation and amortization47,378
 52,085
 64,290
Corporate2,462
 2,545
 2,825
Total depreciation and amortization$49,840
 $54,630
 $67,115
Capital expenditures:     
Auto and Metals Recycling$34,575
 $26,623
 $21,845
Cascade Steel and Scrap10,224
 7,044
 7,816
Segment capital expenditures44,799
 33,667
 29,661
Corporate141
 904
 2,636
Total capital expenditures$44,940
 $34,571
 $32,297
Reconciliation of the Company’s segment operating income (loss) to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:     
Auto and Metals Recycling(1)
$91,405
 $23,168
 $(166,119)
Cascade Steel and Scrap(2)
5,275
 4,696
 20,535
Segment operating income (loss)96,680
 27,864
 (145,584)
Restructuring charges and other exit-related activities109
 (6,781) (13,008)
Corporate and eliminations(40,776) (28,925) (36,937)
Operating income (loss)56,013
 (7,842) (195,529)
Interest expense(8,081) (8,889) (9,191)
Other income, net758
 1,226
 4,256
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes$48,690
 $(15,505) $(200,464)
_____________________________

(1)

(1)

AMR operating income (loss) includes $2less than $1 million, less than $1 million, and less than $(1) million in income (loss) from joint ventures accounted for by the equity method in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

95 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(2)

CSS operating income includes $1 million, $1 million, and $2 million in income from joint ventures accounted for by the equity method in fiscal 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively. AMR operating income (loss) includes a goodwill impairment charge of $9 million in fiscal 2016, and other asset impairment charges (recoveries), net of less than $(1) million, $16 million and $44 million in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(2)CSS operating income includes $1 million, less than $1 million and $1 million in income from joint ventures accounted for by the equity method in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. CSS operating income includes asset impairment charges (recoveries), net of $(1) million and $4 million in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively.


91 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


Table of Contents              SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The following revenues from external customers are presented by major product and based on the sales destination and by major product for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Major product information(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ferrous revenues

 

$

862,490

 

 

$

1,164,719

 

 

$

1,328,447

 

Nonferrous revenues

 

 

390,298

 

 

 

468,023

 

 

 

529,466

 

Steel revenues(2)

 

 

336,980

 

 

 

367,956

 

 

 

367,560

 

Retail and other revenues

 

 

122,575

 

 

 

132,083

 

 

 

139,242

 

Total revenues

 

$

1,712,343

 

 

$

2,132,781

 

 

$

2,364,715

 

Revenues based on sales destination:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign

 

$

910,785

 

 

$

1,141,077

 

 

$

1,354,460

 

Domestic

 

 

801,558

 

 

 

991,704

 

 

 

1,010,255

 

Total revenues

 

$

1,712,343

 

 

$

2,132,781

 

 

$

2,364,715

 

(1)

In fiscal 2019, the Company modified its categories of revenues from external customers by major product. The major product revenues for fiscal 2018 have been revised to conform to the current presentation, with such revisions being immaterial for the year.

(2)

Steel revenues include primarily sales of finished steel products, semi-finished goods (billets) and manufacturing scrap.

 2017 2016 2015
Revenues based on sales destination:     
Foreign$894,265
 $683,569
 $984,910
Domestic793,326
 668,974
 930,489
Total revenues from external customers$1,687,591
 $1,352,543
 $1,915,399
      
Major product information:     
Ferrous scrap metal$855,161
 $619,060
 $922,291
Nonferrous scrap metal425,989
 340,025
 488,036
Retail and other126,235
 123,553
 130,035
Finished steel products280,206
 269,355
 363,795
Semi-finished steel products
 550
 11,242
Total revenues from external customers$1,687,591
 $1,352,543
 $1,915,399

In fiscal 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015, there were2018, the Company had no external customerscustomer that accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues. Sales to customers located in foreign countries are a significant part of the Company’s business. The schedule below identifies those foreign countries to which the Company’s sales exceeded 10% of consolidated revenues in any of the last three years ended August 31 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2020

 

 

% of

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Revenue

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Revenue

 

Turkey

 

$

222,141

 

 

 

13

%

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

$

262,835

 

 

 

11

%

Bangladesh

 

$

197,391

 

 

 

12

%

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

China

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

$

255,097

 

 

 

11

%

 2017 
% of
Revenue
 2016 
% of
Revenue
 2015 
% of
Revenue
China$216,231
 13% $150,570
 11% $240,279
 13%
Turkey(1)
N/A
 N/A
 163,696
 12% 225,040
 12%
_____________________________
(1)N/A = Sales were less than the 10% threshold.


92

N/A = Sales were less than the 10% threshold.

96 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 20172020





Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

In the opinion of management, this unaudited quarterly financial summary includes all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods represented (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

Fiscal 2020

 

 

 

First

 

 

Second

 

 

Third

 

 

Fourth

 

Revenues

 

$

405,584

 

 

$

439,482

 

 

$

402,683

 

 

$

464,594

 

Cost of goods sold

 

$

364,760

 

 

$

380,520

 

 

$

356,217

 

 

$

402,228

 

Operating (loss) income

 

$

(7,910

)

 

$

7,691

 

 

$

(3,706

)

 

$

10,779

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

(7,023

)

 

$

3,882

 

 

$

(4,926

)

 

$

4,017

 

Basic (loss) income per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

(0.26

)

 

$

0.14

 

 

$

(0.18

)

 

$

0.14

 

Diluted (loss) income per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

(0.26

)

 

$

0.14

 

 

$

(0.18

)

 

$

0.14

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(6,565

)

 

$

4,504

 

 

$

(4,717

)

 

$

4,578

 

Net (loss) income attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

(6,995

)

 

$

3,883

 

 

$

(4,995

)

 

$

3,962

 

Basic net (loss) income per share attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

(0.25

)

 

$

0.14

 

 

$

(0.18

)

 

$

0.14

 

Diluted net (loss) income per share attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

(0.25

)

 

$

0.14

 

 

$

(0.18

)

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

Fiscal 2019

 

 

 

First

 

 

Second

 

 

Third

 

 

Fourth

 

Revenues

 

$

564,020

 

 

$

473,565

 

 

$

547,396

 

 

$

547,800

 

Cost of goods sold

 

$

490,132

 

 

$

414,688

 

 

$

474,598

 

 

$

479,117

 

Operating income

 

$

22,689

 

 

$

19,036

 

 

$

24,459

 

 

$

17,681

 

Income from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

16,260

 

 

$

13,030

 

 

$

15,682

 

 

$

11,621

 

Basic income per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

0.59

 

 

$

0.47

 

 

$

0.57

 

 

$

0.42

 

Diluted income per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

0.57

 

 

$

0.46

 

 

$

0.56

 

 

$

0.41

 

Net income

 

$

16,618

 

 

$

13,297

 

 

$

16,440

 

 

$

11,967

 

Net income attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

16,188

 

 

$

12,892

 

 

$

15,690

 

 

$

11,575

 

Basic net income per share attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

0.59

 

 

$

0.47

 

 

$

0.57

 

 

$

0.42

 

Diluted net income per share attributable to SSI shareholders

 

$

0.57

 

 

$

0.46

 

 

$

0.56

 

 

$

0.41

 

 Fiscal 2017
 First Second Third Fourth
Revenues$334,161
 $382,084
 $477,088
 $494,258
Cost of goods sold$295,892
 $326,804
 $411,109
 $430,703
Operating income$587
 $14,171
 $19,147
 $22,108
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax$(53) $(95) $(127) $(114)
Net income (loss) attributable to SSI$(1,326) $11,037
 $16,565
 $18,235
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI$(0.05) $0.40
 $0.60
 $0.66
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI$(0.05) $0.40
 $0.60
 $0.64
 
 Fiscal 2016
 First Second Third Fourth
Revenues$321,198
 $289,077
 $351,604
 $390,664
Cost of goods sold$284,854
 $259,670
 $294,738
 $336,726
Operating income (loss)$(4,028) $(37,076) $14,886
 $18,376
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax$(65) $(1,024) $(116) $(143)
Net income (loss) attributable to SSI$(5,296) $(41,245) $11,000
 $16,132
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI$(0.20) $(1.52) $0.40
 $0.59
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI$(0.20) $(1.52) $0.40
 $0.58
___________________________
The sum of quarterly amounts may not agree to the full-year equivalent due to rounding.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, operating results included a goodwill impairment charge of $9 million, other asset impairment charges of $18 million and restructuring charges and other exit-related activities of $5 million. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, operating results included other asset impairment charges of $2 million and an insurance reimbursement gain of $6 million.
See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net, Note 8 - Discontinued Operations, and Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies.

93

97 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017


2020



Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the Years Ended August 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015

2018

(In thousands)

Column A

 

Column B

 

 

Column C

 

 

Column D

 

 

Column E

 

Description

 

Balance at

Beginning

of Period

 

 

Charges to Cost

and Expenses

 

 

Deductions

 

 

Balance at

End of

Period

 

Fiscal 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

1,569

 

 

$

66

 

 

$

(42

)

 

$

1,593

 

Deferred tax valuation allowance

 

$

16,436

 

 

$

1,293

 

 

$

(796

)

 

$

16,933

 

Fiscal 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

2,586

 

 

$

74

 

 

$

(1,091

)

 

$

1,569

 

Deferred tax valuation allowance

 

$

16,484

 

 

$

472

 

 

$

(520

)

 

$

16,436

 

Fiscal 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

2,280

 

 

$

323

 

 

$

(17

)

 

$

2,586

 

Deferred tax valuation allowance

 

$

67,348

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

(50,864

)

 

$

16,484

 


Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
Description 
Balance at
beginning
of period
 
Charges to cost
and expenses
 Deductions 
Balance at
end of
period
Fiscal 2017        
Allowance for doubtful accounts $2,315
 $126
 $(161) $2,280
Deferred tax valuation allowance $86,917
 $690
 $(17,233) $70,374
Fiscal 2016        
Allowance for doubtful accounts $2,496
 $131
 $(312) $2,315
Deferred tax valuation allowance $78,304
 $8,613
 $
 $86,917
Fiscal 2015        
Allowance for doubtful accounts $2,720
 $(280) $56
 $2,496
Allowance for notes and other contractual receivables $7,602
 $
 $(7,602) $
Deferred tax valuation allowance $30,265
 $48,039
 $
 $78,304


94

98 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 20172020





ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has completed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.procedures as of August 31, 2020. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of August 31, 2017,2020, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is presented within Part II, Item 8 of this report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during its most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.



95

99 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 20172020





PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K regarding directors, and information required by Items 405, 407(c)(3), 407(d)(4) and 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K, will be included under “Election of Directors,”Directors” and “Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 20182021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I, Item 1 “Business – Executive Officers of the Registrant

NameAgeOffice
Tamara L. Lundgren60President and Chief Executive Officer
Richard D. Peach54Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief of Corporate Operations
Michael Henderson58Senior Vice President, Co-President, Auto and Metals Recycling, and Co-President, Cascade Steel and Scrap
Steven Heiskell48Senior Vice President and Co-President, Auto and Metals Recycling
Jeffrey Dyck54Senior Vice President and Co-President, Cascade Steel and Scrap
Peter Saba56Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Stefano Gaggini46Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer

Tamara L. Lundgren has been our President and Chief Executive Officer since December 2008. She joined the Company in September 2005 as Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer and held rolesCompany” of increasing responsibility, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining us, Ms. Lundgren was an investment banker and lawyer with 25 years of experience in the U.S. and Europe. She was a Managing Director in the Investment Banking Division of JPMorgan Chase, which she joined in 2001, and Deutsche Bank, which she joined in 1996. Earlier she was a partner in the Washington, DC law firm of Hogan Lovells (then Hogan & Hartson, LLP). Ms. Lundgren earned a B.A. degree from Wellesley College and a J.D. degree from the Northwestern University School of Law.
Richard D. Peach joined us in March 2007 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer in December 2007. In September 2016, in addition to his responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Peach assumed the role of Chief of Corporate Operations. Prior to joining us, Mr. Peach was the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President with the Western U.S. energy utility, PacifiCorp, from 2003 to 2006. From 1995 to 2002, he served in senior management positions with ScottishPower, the international energy company, including Group Controller, Managing Director of United Kingdom Customer Services and Director of Energy Supply Finance. Prior to joining ScottishPower, Mr. Peach was a senior manager with Coopers & Lybrand. Mr. Peach is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.
Michael Henderson joined us in April 2012 and served as Chief Operating Officer and President of the Metals Recycling Business, prior to his promotion to Co-President of the Auto and Metals Recycling business in April 2015, and then Co-President of the Cascade Steel and Scrap business in June 2017. Prior to joining Schnitzer, he was Eastern Region President for Sims Metal Management where he was responsible for 26 facilities, including four shredders and five port locations. He began his career with Naparano Iron & Metal and has more than 30 years in the scrap industry, including expertise in both the ferrous and nonferrous sides of the business.
Steven Heiskell joined us in August 2004 and served in a variety of capacities within our Auto Parts Business, including as Vice President Corporate Development, Chief Development Officer, General Manager and Vice President and Managing Director, prior to his promotion to Co-President of the Auto and Metals Recycling business in April 2015. Prior to joining us, Steven served in a variety of executive positions at Simpata, Inc., a venture capital backed internet startup in San Francisco, Enron, and BP/Amoco Oil.
Jeffrey Dyck joined the Steel Manufacturing Business in February 1994 and served in a variety of positions, including Manager of the Rolling Mills and Director of Operations of the Steel Manufacturing Business, before his promotion to President of SMB in June 2005, and then Co-President of the Cascade Steel and Scrap business in June 2017.

96 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.this Form 10-K 2017



Peter Saba joined us in July 2015 as Senior Vice President,permitted by General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. He is a member of the New York State, District of Columbia and U.S. Supreme Court Bar, not admitted in Oregon State. Prior to joining us, Peter was the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary for Centrus Energy Corp. (formerly, USEC, Inc.), a global energy company that enriches uranium for nuclear fuel, which he joined in 2008. USEC, Inc. filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in March 2014 and emerged from Chapter 11 as Centrus Energy Corp. on September 30, 2014. Over a 30-year career, Peter has worked in leading international law firms focusing on corporate and project finance, served as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at the Export-Import Bank of the United States and as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic and International Energy Policy at the U.S. Department of Energy, and taught international business transactions as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown Law School.
Stefano Gaggini joined us in July 2011 as Senior Manager of SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting and became Director of SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting in March 2012. He became Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer in December 2013. Prior to joining Schnitzer, Mr. Gaggini was a senior manager at KPMG LLP, where he served in various auditing roles since 1998 in the Portland, Oregon and Zurich, Switzerland offices. He is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Oregon.
Instruction G(3).

Code of Ethics

On April 27, 2017,26, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a revised Company’s Code of Conduct that is applicable to all of its directors and employees. It includes additional provisions that apply to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and persons performing similar functions (the “Senior Financial Officers”). This document is posted onunder the Corporate Governance pagecaption “Company – About Schnitzer – Ethics & Code of Conduct” on the Company’s internet website (www.schnitzersteel.com) and is available free of charge by calling the Company or submitting a request to ir@schn.com. The Company intends to satisfy its disclosure obligations with respect to any amendments to or waivers of the Code of Conduct for directors, executive officers or Senior Financial Officers by posting such information on its internet website set forth above rather than by filing a Form 8-K.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information

Information required by Items 402, 407(e)(4) and 407(e)(5) of Regulation S-K will be included under “Compensation of Executive Officers,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Director Compensation”, “Corporate Governance – Assessment of Compensation Risk” and “Compensation Committee Report” in the Company’s Proxy Statementthis Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to be filedour definitive proxy statement for its 2018our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.


to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management, as required by this Item 403 of Regulation S-K, will be included under “Voting Securities and Principal Shareholders” in the Company’s Proxy Statement12 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for its 2018our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference. Information with respect to securities authorized for issuancebe filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under equity compensation plans, as required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, will be included under “Compensation Plan Information” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.


Exchange Act.

The information

Information required by Items 404 and 407(a) of Regulation S-K will be included under “Certain Transactions” and “Corporate Governance – Director Independence” in the Company’s Proxy Statementthis Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for its 2018our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information regarding the Company’s principal accountant fees and services required by this Item 9(e) of Schedule 14A will be included under “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s Proxy Statement14 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for its 2018our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.


97to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.

100 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 20172020





PART IV


ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

      (a)

(a) 1

The following financial statementsdocuments are filed as part of this report:

The

FORM 10-K

PAGE NO.

1.

Financial Statements:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

55

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2020 and 2019

58

Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the Company’sthree years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

59

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for each of the three years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

60

Consolidated Statements of Equity for each of the three years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

61

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

62

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements the Notes thereto and the quarterly financial data (unaudited) are on pages 52 through 93 of this report.

64

2

2.


Financial Statement Schedules:

The following financial statement schedule is filed as part of this report:

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts is on page 94for each of this report.the three years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

98

All other schedules are omitted as the information is either not applicable or is not required.

3

3.


The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

Exhibits:

3.1


2006 Restated Articles of Incorporation (as corrected December 2, 2011) of the Registrant. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.

3.2


Restated Bylaws of the Registrant. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13,16, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.1

       4.1


Description of Registrant’s Securities.

     10.1

Lease Agreement, dated September 1, 1988, between Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, as amended, relating to the Portland Metals Recycling operation and which has terminated except for surviving indemnity obligations. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on September 24, 1993 (Commission File No. 33-69352), and incorporated herein by reference.reference (P).

10.2


Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated May 4, 2005, between Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to purchase by the Registrant of the Portland Metals Recycling operations real estate. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.3


Third Amended Shared Services Agreement, dated July 26, 2006, between the Registrant, Schnitzer Investment Corp. and Island Equipment Company, Inc. Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 28, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.4


Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 6, 2016 among Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., as the US Borrower, and Schnitzer Steel Canada Ltd., as a Canadian Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other Lenders party thereto. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 29, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.5


Security Agreement dated as of April 6, 2016 among Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., the other Grantor'sGrantor’s party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 29, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.

101 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


     10.6

10.6

General Security Agreement dated as of April 6, 2016 between Schnitzer Steel Canada Ltd. and Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 29, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.

*

10.7


First Amendment, dated as of August 24, 2018, to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 6, 2016 among Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., as the US Borrower, and Schnitzer Steel Canada Ltd., as a Canadian Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other Lenders party thereto. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 28, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.

     10.8

Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2020 among Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. as the US Borrower, and Schnitzer Steel Canada Ltd., as a Canadian Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other Lenders party thereto. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference.

   *10.9

Amended Executive Annual Bonus Plan. Filed as Appendix A to the Registrant’s Annual Proxy Report on Form DEF 14A filed on December 17, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.8

   *10.10


Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, effective September 1, 2006. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.9

   *10.11


1993 Stock Incentive Plan of the Registrant as Amended and Restated on November 7, 2013. Filed as Appendix A to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on December 18, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

   *10.12






98 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017




*10.10

Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for non-employee directors. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 28, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.11

   *10.13

Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 28, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.12

   *10.14

Summary Sheet for 20172020 Non-Employee Director Compensation. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant'sRegistrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2017,May 31, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.13

   *10.15

Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Bonus Plan of the Registrant effective January 1, 2009. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.14

   *10.16

Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement between the Registrant and executive officers other than Tamara L. Lundgren and used for agreements entered into prior to 2011. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 5, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.15

   *10.17

Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement between the Registrant and executive officers and used for agreements entered into between 2011 and 2014. Filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant'sRegistrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 29, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.16

   *10.18

Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement between the Registrant and executive officers and used for agreements entered into after 2014. Filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant'sRegistrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 27, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.17

   *10.19

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Tamara L. Lundgren dated October 29, 2008. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.18

   *10.20

Amendment No. 1 dated June 29, 2011 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Tamara L. Lundgren dated October 29, 2008. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.19

   *10.21

*10.20

   *10.22

Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement by and between the Registrant and Tamara L. Lundgren dated October 29, 2008. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

102 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


   *10.23

Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and certain officers used for agreements entered into prior to 2016. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 28, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.22

   *10.24

Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and certain officers used for agreements entered into after 2015. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 3, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.23

   *10.25

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and John D. Carter dated June 29, 2011. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.24

   *10.26

Amendment No. 1 dated November 6, 2012 to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and John D. Carter dated June 29, 2011. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.25

   *10.27


99 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017






*10.26
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for award to chief executive officer on October 28, 2015. Filed as Exhibit 10.110.25 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference.

   *10.28

Amendment No. 3, dated October 25, 2017, to the Amended and Restated Agreement for Services by and between the Registrant and John D. Carter dated June 29, 2011. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterquarterly period ended November 30, 20152017 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.27

   *10.29


Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted after fiscal 2012 through the first half of fiscal 2016. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.28

   *10.30


Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted after the first half of fiscal 2016.2016 through fiscal 2018. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.29

   *10.31


Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for award to certain employees on November 1, 2016.awards granted in fiscal 2019. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 20162018 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.30

   *10.32


Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in fiscal 2020. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference.

   *10.33

Form of Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in first half of fiscal 2016. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.31
Form of Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in second half of fiscal 2016. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.
*10.32
Form of Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in first half of fiscal 2017.2018. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 20162017 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.33

   *10.34


Form of Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in second half of fiscal 2017.2019. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 31, 2017November 30, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.34

   *10.35


Form of Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in fiscal 2020. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference.

   *10.36

Fiscal 20162019 Annual Performance Bonus Program for Tamara L. Lundgren. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 20152018 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.35

   *10.37


Amendment No. 1 to

Fiscal 20162020 Annual Performance Bonus Program for Tamara L. Lundgren. Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.36
Fiscal 2017 Annual Performance Bonus Program for Tamara L. Lundgren. Filed as Exhibit 10.310.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 20162019 and incorporated herein by reference.

21.1


23.1


24.1


31.1


31.2


103 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2020


     32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2


101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)


100 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017



*

101
The following financial information from Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2017, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document as of the date they were made and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were madefor any other purpose or at any other time.




101 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017



ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.



102

104 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 20172020





SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Dated: October 24, 201722, 2020

By:

/s/ RICHARD D. PEACH

Richard D. Peach

Senior

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief of Corporate OperationsStrategy Officer

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 on October 24, 201722, 2020 in the capacities indicated.

Signature

Title

SignatureTitle

Principal Executive Officer:

/s/ TAMARA L. LUNDGREN

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

Tamara L. Lundgren

Principal Financial Officer:

/s/ RICHARD D. PEACH

Senior

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief of Corporate OperationsStrategy Officer

Richard D. Peach

Principal Accounting Officer:

/s/ STEFANO GAGGINI

Vice President, Corporate ControllerDeputy Chief Financial Officer and PrincipalChief Accounting Officer

Stefano Gaggini

Directors:

*DAVID J. ANDERSON

Director

David J. Anderson
*JOHN D. CARTERDirector
John D. Carter

*WAYLAND R. HICKS

Director

Wayland R. Hicks

*RHONDA D. HUNTER

Director

Rhonda D. Hunter

*DAVID L. JAHNKE

Director

David L. Jahnke

*JUDITH A. JOHANSEN

Director

Judith A. Johansen

*WILLIAM D. LARSSON

Director

William D. Larsson

*MICHAEL SUTHERLIN

Director

Michael Sutherlin


*By:

/s/ RICHARD D. PEACH

Attorney-in-fact, Richard D. Peach

103

105 /Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017




SignatureTitle
*JUDITH A. JOHANSENDirector
Judith A. Johansen
*WILLIAM D. LARSSONDirector
William D. Larsson
*MICHAEL SUTHERLINDirector
Michael Sutherlin

*By:/s/ RICHARD D. PEACH
Attorney-in-fact, Richard D. Peach


104 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2017

2020