Q1 2025 Metallus Inc Earnings Call

Operator: Thank you for standing by.

Thank you for standing by my name is Carla and I will be your conference operator today.

Operator: My name is Carly and I will be your conference operator today.

Operator: At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to Metallus's first quarter 2025 conference call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise.

At this time I would like to welcome everyone to them. They tell us this first quarter 'twenty or 'twenty five conference call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question. During this time.

Operator: After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star 1 again. Thank you.

Press Star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad.

If you would like to withdraw your question Press Star one again.

Jennifer Beeman: I will now turn the call over to Jennifer Beeman. Please go ahead.

Thank you.

Speaker Change: I will now turn the call over to Jennifer Beeman. Please go ahead.

Jennifer Beeman: Good morning and welcome to Metallus's first quarter 2025 conference call. I'm Jennifer Beeman, Director of Communications and Investor Relations for Metallus.

Speaker Change: Good morning, and welcome to <unk> first quarter 2025 conference call I'm, Jennifer Beeman director of Communications and Investor Relations for hotels. Joining me today is Mike Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kris Westbrooks Executive Vice.

Jennifer Beeman: Joining me today is Mike Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Westbrooks, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Kevin Rakitic, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. You all should have received a copy of our press release, which was issued last night. During today's conference call, we may make forward-looking statements as defined by the SEC. Our actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied due to a variety of factors, which we describe in greater detail in yesterday's release. Please refer to our SEC filings, including our most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, and the list of factors included in our earnings release, all of which are available on the Metallus website.

Speaker Change: Evident and Chief financial Officer, and Kevin rack attached.

Speaker Change: Executive Vice President and Chief commercial Officer.

Speaker Change: You all should have received a copy of that press release, which was issued last night.

Speaker Change: During today's conference call, we may make forward looking statements as defined by the SEC.

Speaker Change: Actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied due to a variety of factors, which we describe in greater detail in yesterday's release.

Speaker Change: Please refer to our SEC filings, including our most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, and the list of factors included in our earnings release, all of which are available I'm Gonna tell us website.

Jennifer Beeman: Where non-GAAP financial information is referenced, additional details and reconciliations to its GAAP equivalent are also included in the earnings release.

Speaker Change: non-GAAP financial information is referenced additional details and reconciliations to its GAAP equivalent are also included in the earnings release.

Michael Williams: With that, I'd like to turn the call over to Mike. Mike? Good morning and we appreciate you joining us today. First, let me say that I am encouraged by the growing demand for domestic steel, and Metallus is well positioned to capitalize on this momentum. Our solid order book, strengthening spot pricing, and recent market share gains reflect the confidence our customers have in us and the resilience of our business strategy. Over the past several months, the trade environment has been widely discussed. We fully support the enforcement and expansion of steel tariffs. As longtime advocates, we believe these measures align with our commitment to fair trade and balancing excessive global overcapacity.

Mike Williams: With that I'd like to turn the call over to Mike Mike.

Mike Williams: Good morning, and we appreciate you joining us today.

Speaker Change: First let me say that I am encouraged by the growing demand for domestic steel.

Speaker Change: Mattel is well positioned to capitalize on this momentum.

Speaker Change: Our solid order book strengthening spot pricing and recent market share gains reflect the confidence our customers have in us and the resilience of our business strategy.

Speaker Change: Over the past several months the trade environment has been widely discussed.

Speaker Change: We fully support the enforcement and expansion of steel tariffs as.

Speaker Change: As long time advocates we believe these measures along with our commitment to fair trade and balancing access to global overcapacity.

Michael Williams: This evolving trade environment will help us meet the growing demand. for U.S. Produced Steel. As consumption of domestically produced steel increases, we are seeing a rise in our order bookings from new customers and existing customers. Consequently, our water backlog has increased approximately 50% from the same period a year ago. At the same time, we are mindful of the potential challenges posed by the current macroeconomic uncertainty. That said, we are well positioned as a US business with a strong balance sheet and continued focus on cost management. We remain focused on execution and the factors within our control in order to deliver value to our stakeholders.

Speaker Change: This evolving trade environment will help us meet the growing demand.

Speaker Change: For U S produced steel.

Speaker Change: Consumption of domestically produced steel increases we are seeing a rise in our order bookings from new customers and existing customers.

Speaker Change: Consequently, our order backlog has increased approximately 50% from the same period a year ago.

Speaker Change: At the same time, we are mindful of the potential challenges posed by the current macro-economic uncertainty. That said, we are well positioned as a U.S. business with a strong balance sheet and continued focus on cost management.

Speaker Change: We remain focused on execution and the factors within our control in order to deliver value to our stakeholders.

Michael Williams: Switching gears to safety, our mission is to be recognized as having the safest specialty metals operation in the world. In 2025, we plan to invest approximately $5 million to further strengthen our safety management system and upgrade equipment. I am pleased that our past safety investments are yielding results. To date, in 2025, we have seen a year-over-year improvement in all safety metrics. Two key areas of focus, lockout-tagout-tryout, and zero-incident planning are exceeding our target rates thanks to the commitment of our employees, continuous training, and supervisory oversight. We recently held our annual Iron Shield competition, which invites our employees and crews to submit innovative safety projects aimed at improving safety practices.

Speaker Change: switching gears to safety. Our mission is to be recognized as having the safest specialty metals operation in the world. In 2025, we plan to invest approximately $5 million to further strengthen our safety management system and upgrade equipment.

Speaker Change: I am pleased that our past safety investments are yielding results.

Speaker Change: Today in 2025, we have seen a year-over-year improvement in all safety metrics.

Speaker Change: Two key areas of focus, lock out, tag out, try out, and zero incident planning are exceeding our target rates thanks to the commitment of our employees, continuous training and supervisory

Speaker Change: We recently held our annual Iron Shield competition, which invites our employees and crews to submit innovative safety projects aimed at improving safety practices.

Michael Williams: In total, over 100 projects were submitted for consideration this year. The Faircrest Electric Arc Furnace Team earned the 2024 Metallus Iron Shield Award for establishing a hands-free EAF taphole lance process. significantly improving safety. Historically, manual lancing posed exposure to potential hazard. But the team collaborated with a third party to develop an automated system using a custom design mounting block. telescoping land, and push-button controls. This innovation has reduced exposure by over 80% with plans for further enhancements. Their dedication to safety and teamwork sets a new industry standard.

Speaker Change: In total, over a hundred projects were submitted for consideration this year.

Speaker Change: The Faircrest Electric Art Furnace Team earned the 2024 Metallus Iron Shield Award for establishing a hands-free E-A-F tap hole lance process.

Significantly Improving Safety [inaudible]

Historically, manual-lancing posed exposure to potential hazards.

Speaker Change: but the team collaborated with a third party to develop an automated system using a custom design mounting block, telescoping land, and push button controls.

Speaker Change: This innovation has reduced exposure by over 80% with plans for further enhancement.

Speaker Change: Their dedication to safety and teamwork set the new industry standard. Congratulations to the faircrest team.

Michael Williams: Congratulations to the Faircrest team.

Michael Williams: Moving to business results for the first quarter, overall shipments increased by 17% compared with the fourth quarter, driven by higher industrial, automotive, and energy shipments.

Speaker Change: Moving to business results for the first quarter, overall shipments increased by 17 percent compared with the fourth quarter, driven by higher industrial automotive and energy shipments.

Michael Williams: partially offset by lower aerospace and defense shipment. As a result of the higher shipments and lower manufacturing costs, our sequential profitability more than doubled. In the first quarter, our melt utilization improved sequentially by nine percentage points on strong end market demand. Although not yet to our targeted melt utilization rate, we expect further melt utilization improvement into the second quarter to support our strengthening quarter plan.

partially offset by lower aerospace and defense shipments.

Speaker Change: As a result of the higher shipments and lower manufacturing costs, our sequential profitability more than doubled.

Speaker Change: In the first quarter, our melt utilization improves sequentially by 9% points on strong and market demand.

Speaker Change: Although not yet to our targeted melt utilization rate, we expect further melt utilization improvement into the second quarter to support our strengthening quarter book. Lead times are currently ten weeks for SBQ bars and are seamless mechanical tubing products.

Michael Williams: Lead times are currently 10 weeks for our SBQ bars and our seamless mechanical tubing product.

Michael Williams: Turning to Specific Markets. shipments to our industrial customers increased by 33% sequentially, primarily driven by distributors replenishing their inventory, which helped offset weaker mining and agricultural markets. We've experienced steady distribution orders and shipments to date through April. which supported recent spot price increases for SBQ and Seamless Mechanical Tubing products. Chris will comment on the specifics of the spot price increases shortly. energy shipments improved 24% on a sequential basis. Despite a relatively flat rig count since the beginning of the year, our shipments to energy customers have been increasing as we gain share in certain product categories such as coupling stock, directly resulting from the displacement of imports.

Speaker Change: Turning to specific markets, shipments to our industrial customers increase by 33 percent sequentially, primarily driven by distributors replenishing their inventory, which helped the offset weaker mining and agricultural markets.

Speaker Change: We've experienced steady distribution orders and shipment to date through April .

Speaker Change: which supported recent spot price increases for SBQ and seamless mechanical tubing products. Chris will comment on the specifics of the spot price increases shortly.

Thank you.

Energy shipments improved 24% on a sequential basis.

Speaker Change: Despite a relatively flat rig count since the beginning of the year, our shipments to energy customers have been increasing as we gain share in certain product categories such as coupling stock, directly resulting from the displacement of imports.

Michael Williams: We are confident that we have the right programs and service packages in place to capitalize on opportunities in the energy market. Automotive shipments improved by 9% sequentially. The sequential increase in shipment is mostly driven by seasonality. The impact of tariffs on the automotive market remains uncertain in the foreseeable future, and to date, we have not experienced demand softening. However, we maintain close contact with our customers to monitor potential shifts in programs or emerging opportunities. As a reminder, Metallus benefits by participation on the highest running light truck and SUV automotive program. including internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

Speaker Change: We are confident that we have the right programs and service packages in place to capitalize on opportunities in the energy market.

Speaker Change: Automotive shipments improved by 9% sequentially. The sequential increase in shipment is mostly driven by seasonality.

Speaker Change: The impact of tariffs on the automotive market remains uncertain in the foreseeable future, and today we have not experienced demand softness.

Speaker Change: However, we maintain close contact with our customers to monitor potential system programs or emerging opportunities.

Speaker Change: As a reminder, Metallus benefits by participation on the highest running light truck in SUV automotive programs.

Speaker Change: including internal combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles, which gives us confidence to manage potential volatility in this market space.

Michael Williams: which gives us confidence to manage potential volatility in this market space.

Michael Williams: In the first quarter, key aerospace and defense customers had some production startup challenges, which resulted in a sequential decrease in aerospace and defense shipments. We expect higher aerospace and defense shipments as the industry works through these short-term supply chain challenges. We have indicated previously and market demand remains strong and we are confident in our long-term participation in this market. As we mentioned last quarter, we are expanding our participation in aerospace and defense by leveraging vacuum arc remelt steel combined with our unique downstream processing capability. In the first quarter, we saw significant orders for vacuum archery mouth from new and existing customers.

Speaker Change: In the first quarter, key aerospace and defense customers had some production startup challenges which resulted in a sequential decrease in aerospace and defense shipments. We expect higher aerospace and defense shipments as the industry works through these short term, supply chain challenges.

Speaker Change: as we have indicated previously and market demand remains strong, and we are confident in our long-term participation in this market.

Speaker Change: As we mentioned last quarter, we are expanding our participation in aerospace and defense by leveraging vacuum art remelt steel combined with our unique downstream processing capabilities.

Speaker Change: In the first quarter, we saw significant orders for vacuum arc remount from new and existing customers.

Michael Williams: We remain on track to hit our 2025 goal of approximately $30 million of revenue using outside VAR products combined with our rolling and piercing capabilities, and look forward to growing this business in the future. In the first quarter, we achieved another key milestone related to the installation of new assets to support the increasing demand for artillery shells. This project remains on schedule and we look forward to continuing to partner with the U.S. Army in ramping up the munitions production.

Speaker Change: We remain on track to hit our 2025 goal of approximately 30 million of revenue using outside our products combined with our rolling and piercing capabilities and look forward to growing this business in the future.

[inaudible]

Speaker Change: In the first quarter, we achieved another key milestone related to the installation of new asset to support the increasing demand for artillery shells.

Speaker Change: This project remains on schedule and we look forward to continuing to partner with the US Army in wrapping up the munitions production.

Michael Williams: Our capital allocation strategy remains unchanged, prioritizing strategic investments that drive long term profitable growth, along with our ongoing share repurchase.

Speaker Change: Our capital allocation strategy remains unchanged, prioritizing strategic investment that drive long-term profitable growth, along with our ongoing sharey purchase program.

Michael Williams: to summarize, there is uncertainty in the trade environment and macroeconomic land But we remain cautiously optimistic given our U.S.-based business model and participation in growing specialty metal programs. We will continue executing our business strategy while prioritizing safety, delivering outstanding customer service, and making strategic capital investments to further support sustainable profitability, generate strong cashflow, and create shareholder value.

Speaker Change: To summarize, there is uncertainty in the trade environment and macroeconomic landscape, but we remain cautiously optimistic, given our US-based business model and participation in growing specialty metal programs.

We will continue executing our business strategy while prioritizing safety.

Speaker Change: Delivering outstanding customer service and making strategic capital investments to further support sustainable profitability, generates strong cash flow, and creates shareholder

Chris Westbrooks: Now I'd like to turn the call over to Chris.

Chris Westbrooks: Thanks, Mike. Good morning, and thank you for joining our first quarter earnings call. I'm pleased that we started off the year with the sequential improvement in shipments, net sales and profitability. We continue to invest in the business while also maintaining a strong balance. From a financial results perspective, first quarter net sales totaled $280.5 million, a sequential increase of $40 million, or 17%. The increase in net sales is primarily driven by higher shipments of 22,700 tons, with increases across all end markets except aerospace and defense, or A&E for short. Although A&E shipments declined on a sequential basis during the first quarter, driven by customer startup delays, we expect shipments to A&E customers to increase during the second quarter and demand to remain strong for the foreseeable future.

Now I'd like to turn the call over to Chris.

Chris: Thanks, Mike. Good morning, and thank you for joining our first quarter earnings call. I'm pleased that we started off the year with the sequential improvement in shipments, net sales, and profitability. We continue to invest in the business while also maintaining a strong balance sheet.

Chris: From a financial results perspective, first quarter net sales totaled $280.5 million, a sequential increase of $40 million, or 17%.

Chris: The increase in net sales is primarily driven by higher shipments of 22,700 tons, which increases across all-in markets, except aerospace and defense, or A&D for short.

Chris: Although A&D shipments declined on a sequential basis during the first quarter, driven by customer startup delays, we expect shipments to A&D customers to increase during the second quarter and demand to remain strong for the foreseeable future.

Chris Westbrooks: Net income in the first quarter was $1.3 million, or $0.03 per diluted share. On an adjusted basis, net income for the quarter was $3.2 million, or $0.07 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA was $17.7 million in the first quarter, a sequential increase of $9.4 million. In addition to the previously discussed 17% increase in first quarter shipments, manufacturing costs declined by $12.5 million on a sequential basis. The improvement in manufacturing costs was driven by increased cost absorption on higher production volume, as well as lower planned annual maintenance shutdown costs. Additionally, the team continues to carefully manage their costs and drive operational efficiency.

Chris: Net income in the first quarter was $1.3 million or $3 cents per diluted share. On an adjusted basis, net income for the quarter was $3.2 million or $7 cents per diluted share.

Chris: Adjust the divta with $17.7 million in the first quarter, the sequential increase of $9.4 million.

Chris: In addition to the previously discussed 17% increased in first quarter shipments, manufacturing costs declined by $12.5 million on a sequential basis.

Chris: The improvement in manufacturing costs was driven by increased cost absorption on higher production volume as well as lower planned annual maintenance shutdown costs. Additionally, the team continues to carefully manage their costs and drive operational efficiencies.

Chris Westbrooks: Also contributing to the higher adjusted divisa was an increase in the raw material surcharge revenue per ton as a result of higher scrap and alloy prices. Partially offsetting these items was unfavorable price mix during the quarter, driven by a variety of factors, including lower base prices, as well as a higher mix of automotive and distribution shipments, combined with lower A&E shipments.

Chris: Also contributing to the higher adjustment of EBITDA was an increase in the raw material surcharge revenue per ton as a result of higher scrap and alloy prices.

Chris: Partially offsetting these items was unfavorable price mix during the quarter, driven by a variety of factors, including lower-based prices as well as a higher mix of automotive and distribution shipments combined with lower A&D shipments.

Chris Westbrooks: Now switching gears, the pension. In the first quarter, the company made $52.6 million of required pension contributions, of which the majority related to the U.S. bargaining.

Chris: Now switching gears the pensions. In the first quarter, the company made $52.6 million of required pension contributions of which the majority related to the U.S. bargaining plan.

Chris Westbrooks: During the month of April, we made $5.9 million of required pension contributions and estimate an additional $10 million of required contributions in the second half of 2025. Following this elevated level of required pension contributions in 2025, the company is estimating a significant reduction in future required contributions, subject to future investment performance, actuarial assumptions, and funding laws.

Chris: Following this elevated level of required pension contributions in 2025. The company is estimating a significant reduction in future required contributions subject to future investment performance actuarial assumptions and funding laws.

Chris Westbrooks: Overall, the net underfunded pension and post-retirement benefit liability totaled approximately $120 million as of March 31, 2025, a significant reduction from prior years. We continue to actively manage the pension and will provide further updates as available.

Chris: Overall, the net underfunded pension and post retirement benefit liabilities totaled approximately $120 million as of March 31, 2025, a significant reduction from prior years.

Chris: We continue to actively manage the pension will provide further updates as available.

Chris Westbrooks: Moving to cash flow. During the first quarter, operating cash flow was an outflow of $38.9 million, driven by the previously mentioned required pension contributions. As expected, working capital was a use of cash driven by significantly higher sales activity to start the year.

Chris: Moving to cash flow during the first quarter operating cash flow was an outflow of $38 9 million driven by the previously mentioned required pension contributions.

Chris: As expected working capital was a use of cash driven by significantly higher sales activity to start the year.

Chris Westbrooks: At the end of the first quarter, the company's cash and cash equivalents balance was $180.3 million, including $44.5 million of government-funded cash on hand for future investment.

Chris: At the end of the first quarter, the company's cash and cash equivalents balance was $183 million, including $44 $5 million of government funded cash on hand for future investments.

Chris Westbrooks: I'll provide further details on government funding and the related investments shortly. Capital expenditures totaled $27.5 million during the quarter, including approximately $14 million of CapEx that was supported by government funding. For the full year 2025, we continue to forecast approximately $125 million of CapEx consistent with previous guidance and inclusive of approximately $90 million of CapEx funded by the U.S. government.

Chris: I'll provide further details on government funding and the related investments shortly.

Chris: Capital expenditures totaled $27 $5 million during the quarter, including approximately $14 million of Capex that was supported by government funding.

Chris: For the full year 2025, we continue to forecast approximately $125 million of Capex consistent with previous guidance and inclusive of approximately $90 million of Capex funded by the U S government.

Chris Westbrooks: In terms of taxes, cash taxes are expected to be minimal in the second quarter. However, the second quarter effective tax rate will likely be more than the statutory rate as a result of the upcoming convertible note settlement, which I'll discuss shortly. As it relates to government funding, during the first quarter, the company received $11.9 million of cash from the government as part of the previously announced $99.75 million funding agreement in support of the U.S. Army's mission of increasing munitions production. The milestone which drove the first quarter government funding payment was the finalization of the permitting and asset design for the new roller furnace to be located at our Gambrinus facility.

Chris: In terms of taxes cash taxes are expected to be minimal in the second quarter.

Chris: However, the second quarter effective tax rate will likely be more than the statutory rate as a result of the upcoming convertible notes settlement, which I'll discuss shortly.

Chris: As it relates to the government funding during the first quarter. The company received $11 $9 million of cash from the government as part of the previously announced 90 $975 million funding agreements in support of the U S Army as mission of increasing munitions production.

Chris: The milestone, which drove the first quarter government funding payments was the finalization of the permitting and asset design for the new roller furnace to be located at our Gambrinus facility.

Chris Westbrooks: During the first quarter, the company also received an additional $1 million from JobsOhio as part of the previously announced $3.5 million grant. In April, the company received an additional $5.1 million in government funding upon the delivery of the inline saws to our Harrison facility, which will support the new automated grinding. To date, through the end of April, the company has received $71.5 million of government funding. Receipt of the remaining approximately $32 million of committed government funding is expected throughout 2025 and into 2026, as mutually agreed upon milestones are achieved. As a reminder, this funding will substantially pay for the new bloom reheat furnace at the company's Faircrest facility, as well as the other assets I just mentioned.

Chris: During the first quarter. The company also received an additional $1 million from jobs, Ohio as part of the previously announced $3 $5 million Grant.

Chris: In April the company received an additional $5 $1 million in government funding upon the delivery of the in line size to our Harrison facility, which will support the new automated grinding lines.

Chris: To date through the end of April the company has received $71 $5 million of government funding receipt of the remaining approximately $32 million of committed government funding is expected throughout 2025 and enter 2026 as mutually agreed upon milestones are achieved.

Chris: As a reminder, this funding will substantially pay for the new Bloom reheat furnace at the Companys Starcraft facility as well as the other assets I just mentioned.

Chris Westbrooks: Switching gears to shareholder return activities, in the first quarter, the company repurchased 395,000 shares of its common stock for $5.6 million. In April, the company repurchased 96,000 shares of its common stock for $1.2 million.

Chris: Switching gears to shareholder return activities in the first quarter the company repurchased 395000 shares of its common stock for $5 6 million.

Chris: In April the company repurchased 96000 shares of its common stock for $1 $2 million.

Chris Westbrooks: At the end of April, the company had a balance of $96 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization. As it relates to convertible notes, during the first quarter, we received a notice of conversion from the holder of the remaining $5.5 million of convertible notes. The final cash settlement amount will be calculated using a 50-day volume-weighted average stock price leading up to the June 16th settlement date. As of March 31st, 2025, the fair value of the outstanding convertible notes was $9.7 million. Similar to prior convertible note repurchases, the difference between the settlement amounts and principal amounts will be recognized as a loss on extinguishment of debt and will be excluded from adjusted evidences.

Chris: At the end of April the company had a balance of $96 million remaining under our share repurchase authorization.

Chris: As it relates to the convertible notes during the first quarter, we received a notice of conversion from the holder of the remaining $5 5 million of convertible notes.

Chris: The final cash settlement amounts will be calculated using a 50 day volume weighted average stock price leading up to the June 16th settlement date.

Chris: As of March 31, 2025, the fair value of the outstanding convertible notes was $9 $7 million.

Chris: Similar to prior convertible note repurchases the difference between the settlement amounts and principal amounts will be recognized as a loss on extinguishment of debt will be excluded from adjusted EBITDA.

Chris Westbrooks: Since the inception of common share repurchases in early 2022, combined with the convertible note repurchases to date, we've reduced diluted shares outstanding by a significant 23% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021.

Chris: Since the inception of common share repurchases in early 2022 combined with the convertible note repurchases to date, we've reduced diluted shares outstanding by a significant 23% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021.

Chris Westbrooks: following settlement of the convertible notes in June, the company will be debt free and well positioned for the future. Our balance sheet remains strong and is supported by a total liquidity of $432 million at the end of March.

Chris: Following settlement of the convertible notes in June the company will be debt free and well positioned for the future.

Our balance sheet remains strong and is supported by a total liquidity of $432 million at the end of March.

Chris Westbrooks: Turning now to the outlook, we anticipate second quarter adjusted to be higher than the first quarter. Commercially, second quarter shipments are expected to modestly increase on a sequential basis, primarily due to higher AMD shipments. Lead times currently extend to July for both bar and tube products. Additionally, as Mike mentioned, we recently implemented spot price increases on SPQ and seamless mechanical tube products not covered by annual pricing agreements, which is about 30% of our order book. Specifically, for SBQ spot orders effective April 28th, prices increased by $60 per ton for standard products and $120 per ton for thermally treated products.

Chris: Turning now to the outlook, we anticipate second quarter, adjusted EBITDA to be higher than the first quarter.

Chris: Commercially second quarter shipments are expected to modestly increase on a sequential basis, primarily due to higher A&D shipments.

Chris: Lead times currently extensive July for both bar and tube products.

Chris: Additionally, as Mike mentioned, we recently implemented spot price increases on SBU and seamless mechanical tube products not covered by annual pricing agreements, which is about 30% of our order book.

Chris: Specifically for SPG spot orders effective April 28th prices increased by $60 per ton for standard products and $120 per ton for thermally treated products.

Chris Westbrooks: For seamless mechanical tubing spot orders effective July 7th, prices will increase by $100. Operationally, melt utilization is expected to increase in the second quarter and result in better manufacturing cost absorption, driven by improved operational performance and supported by an increasing order book. the organization remains cost disciplined, carefully managing spending, also maintaining assets at optimal level. As we progress to the second quarter, we're encouraged by the increased level of increase in order activity from both new and existing customers. We're committed to our operating plan to ensure we deliver quality products to our customers, while also driving an increase in our profitability.

Chris: For seamless mechanical tubing spot orders effective July 7th prices will increase by $100 per ton.

Chris: Operationally melt utilization is expected to increase in the second quarter and result in better manufacturing cost absorption driven by improved operational performance and supported by an increasing order book.

Chris: The organization remains cost disciplined carefully managing spending while also maintaining assets at optimal levels.

Chris: As we progressed through the second quarter, we are encouraged by the increased level of inquiries and order activity from both new and existing customers.

Chris: We're committed to our operating plan to ensure we deliver quality products to our customers. While also driving an increase in our profitability.

Chris Westbrooks: As a U.S.-based metals producer with a strong balance sheet, we're well positioned for future success. Thanks to all of our employees, customers, and suppliers for their continued support.

Chris: As a U S based metals producer with a strong balance sheet, we are well positioned for future success.

Chris: Thanks to all of our employees customers and suppliers for their continued support.

Chris Westbrooks: To wrap up, thanks for your interest in Metallus, we'd now like to open the call for questions. I'd like to remind everyone, in order to ask a question, press star, then the number one on your telephone keypad. We'll pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster.

Chris: To wrap up thanks for your interest in metallic we'd now like to open the call for questions.

Chris: I would like to remind everyone in order to ask a question Press Star then the number one on your telephone keypad well pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster.

Samuel Mckinney: Your first question comes from Samuel McKinney with KeyBank Capital Markets. Hi, good morning. Morning, Sam. At 1Q25 shipments up about 17% sequentially, a strong figure well ahead of normal seasonality.

Samuel Mckinney: Your first question comes from Samuel Mckinney with Keybanc capital markets.

Samuel Mckinney: Hi, good morning.

Speaker Change: Good morning, Sam.

Speaker Change: At <unk> 25 shipments up about 17% sequentially, a strong figure well ahead of normal seasonality, we've been hearing a lot about pull forward demand to get ahead of tariffs. During this earnings cycle. I was curious if you could frame up how much of that volume boost has to do with that dynamic.

Michael Williams: We've been hearing a lot about pull-forward demand to get ahead of tariffs during this earnings cycle, and I was curious if you could frame up how much of that volume boost has to do with that dynamic. a very little actually because for Q1. Because most of those orders were placed in Q4. And the tariffs didn't really go into effect until April. So there was, and that shipment increase was very little, actually none, trying to hedge the tariff.

Speaker Change: A very little actually because for Q1.

Speaker Change: Because most of those orders were placed in Q4.

Speaker Change: The tariffs didn't really go into effect until April.

Speaker Change: So there was.

Speaker Change: And the shipment increase was very little actually non trying to hedge the tariffs.

Michael Williams: It really was market share gains that we achieved in negotiations for 2025 and increasing spot buys from distributors restocking their inventory after year end. Okay. That's helpful.

Speaker Change: It really was market share gains that we achieved in negotiations for 2025.

Speaker Change: And increasing spot buys from distributors restocking their inventory after year end.

Speaker Change: Okay.

Michael Williams: And then, Mike, you touched on this earlier, but I wanted to dig in more. I know the energy market has been heavily affected by imports, but you had solid volume momentum in the first quarter. Could you talk about what you're hearing from customers in that segment and what sort of cadence you're looking for in the month ahead? Yeah, I mean, our expectation is that the our energy product demand will continue to increase as that industry or in market is really trying to source domestically, because they have been historically heavy importers. There is still a little bit of inventory for an import overhang that in some of the you know, the Houston area.

Speaker Change: That's helpful and then Mike you touched on this earlier, but I wanted to dig in more.

Speaker Change: The energy market has been heavily affected by imports, but you had solid volume momentum in the first quarter could you talk about what you're hearing from customers in that segment and what sort of cadence you're looking for in the months ahead.

Speaker Change: Yes, I mean, our expectation is that the.

Speaker Change: Our energy products demand will continue to increase.

Speaker Change: Yes.

Speaker Change: And industry. Your end market is really trying to source domestically because they have been historically heavy importers.

Speaker Change: There is still a little bit of inventory foreign import overhang.

Speaker Change: Some of the.

Speaker Change: Yeah.

Speaker Change: The Houston area and that's getting worked off we continue to expect our order book demand from our energy customers and new customers to continue to increase.

Michael Williams: And as that's getting worked off, we continue to expect our order book demand from our energy customers and new customers to continue to increase. Okay, I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you, Sam. Again, if you would like to ask a question, please press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad.

Speaker Change: Okay I appreciate it thank you.

Speaker Change: Thank you soon.

Speaker Change: Again, if you would like to ask a question. Please press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad.

Dave Storms: Your next question comes from Dave Storms with Stonegate. Morning, guys. Morning.

Dave Storms: Your next question comes from Dave storms with Stonegate.

Speaker Change: Good morning, guys.

Speaker Change: Good morning.

Michael Williams: Within the A&D, are there additional details you can give us on the customer manufacturing startup challenges? Yeah, so you have a new facility that's been constructed and That facility going through the commissioning process ran into difficulties. I'm not going to get into the details, even though we're quite aware of the details because I don't want to speak for someone else. But as they overcome, they kind of rebooted their commissioning process. And our understanding is progress is being made. And, you know, later, later this year, we should start to see that new facility. begin to order.

Speaker Change: Within the A&D or there are additional details you can give us on the customer manufacturing startup challenges.

Speaker Change: Yes, so you have a new facility thats been constructed.

Speaker Change: And.

Speaker Change: <unk>.

Speaker Change: That facility going through the commissioning process ran into difficulties I'm not going to get into the details even though we're quite aware of the details.

Speaker Change: Because I don't want to speak for someone else.

Speaker Change: But.

Speaker Change: As they overcome that kind of rebooted their commissioning process and our understanding is progress is being made and later late later this year, we should start to see that new facility.

Speaker Change: <unk>.

Speaker Change: Again the order.

Michael Williams: Thank you. from us, and we look forward to that.

Speaker Change: <unk>.

Speaker Change: And we look forward to that.

Michael Williams: However, we've also gotten a number of new inquiries from not only within the United States, but outside of the United States for our uniquely positioned munition grades that we make. So, we're pretty excited about that. And then we've also won a number of other, what I would call, military applications, and those will begin to ramp up in the second half of the year. That's a variety from gun barrels to different types of munitions. I guess I call them missiles. So we're pretty excited about the progress we're making. We've got new customers. We've got new applications.

Speaker Change: We've also gotten a number of new inquiries from not only within the United States, but outside of the United States for argument niche are uniquely positioned munition grades that we make.

Speaker Change: We're pretty excited about that and then we've also won a number of other.

Speaker Change: What I would call military applications and those will begin to ramp up in the second half of the year, that's a variety from gun barrels to different types of.

Speaker Change: <unk>.

Speaker Change: <unk>.

Speaker Change: I guess I call them missiles.

Speaker Change: So we're pretty excited about the progress we're making we've got new customers, we've got new applications.

Michael Williams: The vacuum arc remelt products that we're now promoting and selling, we've gotten significant orders. And we're working through a number of qualifications with new customers to ramp up our sales in that area.

Speaker Change: The vacuum arc re melt.

Speaker Change: Products that we are now promoting and selling we've gotten significant orders.

Speaker Change: And we're working through a number of qualifications with new customers to ramp up.

Speaker Change: Our sales in that area and we're highly confident of meeting our interim target of over $30 million of new sales in those product lines.

Michael Williams: And we're highly confident of meeting our interim target of over $30 million of new sales in those product lines.

Michael Williams: Hi, thank you. And then how do you how do you feel about current production capacity given the you know, the strengthening order book? We have plenty of capacity. Got it.

Speaker Change: Alright. Thank you and then how do you how do you feel about current production capacity given the strengthening order books.

Speaker Change: We have plenty of capacity.

Michael Williams: Thank you.

Speaker Change: Got it thank you.

Operator: There are no further questions at this time.

Speaker Change: There are no further questions at this time I will now turn the call back over to Jennifer Beeman for closing remarks.

Jennifer Beeman: I'll now turn the call back over to Jennifer Beeman for closing remarks. Great, thank you everyone for joining us and that concludes our call today.

Jennifer Beeman: Great. Thank you everyone for joining us and that concludes our call today.

Speaker Change: Yeah.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's call. Thank you for joining.

Speaker Change: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's call. Thank you for joining you may now disconnect.

Operator: You may now disconnect.

Speaker Change: Yeah.

Speaker Change: Okay.

Speaker Change: Yeah.

Speaker Change: Yeah.

Speaker Change: Yeah.

Speaker Change: Okay.