Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
___________________________________
FORM 10-Q 
___________________________________
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended May 31, 2017
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from             to            
Commission file number 1-4304
___________________________________
COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
___________________________________ 
Delaware
75-0725338
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
6565 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Irving, Texas 75039
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(214) 689-4300
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 ___________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

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

As of June 26, 2017, 115,790,392 shares of the registrant's common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2



PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands, except share data)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales
 
$
1,382,616

 
$
1,227,390

 
$
3,607,300


$
3,401,946

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 



Cost of goods sold
 
1,209,195

 
1,051,910

 
3,142,697


2,934,028

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
108,803

 
114,841

 
324,789


310,667

Interest expense
 
12,368

 
14,737

 
38,108

 
49,666

Loss on debt extinguishment
 
—

 
115

 
—

 
11,480

 
 
1,330,366

 
1,181,603

 
3,505,594


3,305,841

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
 
52,250

 
45,787

 
101,706


96,105

Income taxes
 
12,641

 
10,676

 
25,284


24,512

Earnings from continuing operations
 
39,609

 
35,111

 
76,422


71,593

 
 
 
 
 
 





Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (benefit)
 
(351
)
 
(15,785
)
 
(542
)

(16,803
)
Income taxes (benefit)
 
(8
)
 
(2
)
 
7


(103
)
Loss from discontinued operations
 
(343
)
 
(15,783
)
 
(549
)

(16,700
)
 
 
 
 
 
 





Net earnings
 
39,266

 
19,328

 
75,873

 
54,893

Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Net earnings attributable to CMC
 
$
39,266

 
$
19,328

 
$
75,873


$
54,893

 
 
 
 
 
 



Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
 
 
 
 
 



Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
0.34

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.66


$
0.62

Loss from discontinued operations
 
—

 
(0.14
)
 
—


(0.14
)
Net earnings
 
$
0.34

 
$
0.17

 
$
0.66


$
0.48

 
 
 
 
 
 



Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to CMC:
 
 
 
 
 



Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
0.34

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.65


$
0.61

Loss from discontinued operations
 
—

 
(0.13
)
 
—


(0.14
)
Net earnings
 
$
0.34

 
$
0.17

 
$
0.65


$
0.47

 
 
 
 
 
 





Cash dividends per share
 
$
0.12

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.36


$
0.36

Average basic shares outstanding
 
115,886,372

 
114,677,109

 
115,574,289


115,373,736

Average diluted shares outstanding
 
117,205,369

 
115,995,515

 
117,087,341


116,758,716

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3




COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net earnings attributable to CMC
 
$
39,266

 
$
19,328

 
$
75,873

 
$
54,893

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment during the period
 
27,109

 
3,817

 
15,129

 
(13,967
)
Reclassification for translation loss realized upon liquidation of investment in foreign entity
 
968

 
—

 
968

 
—

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
28,077

 
3,817

 
16,097

 
(13,967
)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 


 


Unrealized holding gain (loss)
 
254

 
(16
)
 
696

 
469

Reclassification for (gain) loss included in net earnings
 
(333
)
 
32

 
(853
)
 
(142
)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
 
(79
)
 
16

 
(157
)
 
327

Defined benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 


 


Amortization of prior services
 
(9
)
 
(2
)
 
(27
)
 
(5
)
Defined benefit obligation
 
(9
)
 
(2
)
 
(27
)
 
(5
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
27,989

 
3,831

 
15,913

 
(13,645
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
67,255

 
$
23,159

 
$
91,786

 
$
41,248

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share data)
 
May 31, 2017
 
August 31, 2016
Assets
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
275,778

 
$
517,544

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,986 and $6,427)
 
869,970

 
765,784

Inventories, net
 
798,013

 
652,754

Other current assets
 
108,248

 
112,043

Total current assets
 
2,052,009

 
2,048,125

Property, plant and equipment:
 
 
 
 
Land
 
82,137

 
70,291

Buildings and improvements
 
512,843

 
487,305

Equipment
 
1,717,576

 
1,655,909

Construction in process
 
218,724

 
111,156


 
2,531,280

 
2,324,661

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(1,514,405
)
 
(1,429,612
)

 
1,016,875

 
895,049

Goodwill
 
66,764

 
66,373

Other noncurrent assets
 
138,951

 
121,322

Total assets
 
$
3,274,599

 
$
3,130,869

Liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable-trade
 
$
345,974

 
$
243,532

Accounts payable-documentary letters of credit
 
566

 
5

Accrued expenses and other payables
 
258,288

 
264,112

Current maturities of long-term debt
 
311,654

 
313,469

Total current liabilities
 
916,482

 
821,118

Deferred income taxes
 
61,492

 
63,021

Other long-term liabilities
 
126,864

 
121,351

Long-term debt
 
751,676

 
757,948

Total liabilities
 
1,856,514

 
1,763,438

Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
 

 

Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued 129,060,664 shares; outstanding 115,788,992 and 114,635,596 shares, respectively
 
1,290

 
1,290

Additional paid-in capital
 
338,548

 
358,745

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(97,001
)
 
(112,914
)
Retained earnings
 
1,407,242

 
1,372,988

Less treasury stock, 13,271,672 and 14,425,068 shares at cost
 
(232,167
)
 
(252,837
)
Stockholders' equity attributable to CMC
 
1,417,912

 
1,367,272

Stockholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
173

 
159

Total stockholders' equity
 
1,418,085

 
1,367,431

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
3,274,599

 
$
3,130,869

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5



COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
75,873

 
$
54,893

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
93,049

 
95,423

Stock-based compensation
 
19,716

 
19,889

Amortization of interest rate swaps termination gain
 
(5,698
)
 
(5,698
)
Deferred income taxes
 
(2,538
)
 
9,744

Write-down of inventories
 
1,820

 
9,567

Provision for losses on receivables, net
 
856

 
3,748

Asset impairment
 
622

 
15,842

Net gain on disposals of assets and other
 
(343
)
 
(1,802
)
Loss on debt extinguishment
 
—

 
11,480

Tax benefit from stock plans
 
—

 
(666
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(86,668
)
 
146,166

Proceeds (payments) on sales of accounts receivable programs, net
 
(4,327
)
 
1,473

Inventories
 
(134,720
)
 
205,717

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables
 
83,355

 
(64,676
)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities
 
(22,083
)
 
5,768

Net cash flows from operating activities
 
18,914

 
506,868

 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(162,082
)
 
(104,481
)
Acquisitions
 
(54,425
)
 
—

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash, net
 
7,492

 
(49,094
)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other
 
1,884

 
3,470

Net cash flows used by investing activities
 
(207,131
)
 
(150,105
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends
 
(41,619
)
 
(41,586
)
Repayments on long-term debt
 
(8,775
)
 
(208,605
)
Stock issued under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures
 
(5,516
)
 
(6,036
)
Proceeds from New Markets Tax Credit transactions
 
2,141

 
—

Increase (decrease) in documentary letters of credit, net
 
569

 
(40,145
)
Contribution from noncontrolling interests
 
14

 
29

Short-term borrowings, net change
 
—

 
(20,090
)
Treasury stock acquired
 
—

 
(30,595
)
Debt extinguishment costs
 
—

 
(11,127
)
Tax benefit from stock plans
 
—

 
666

Decrease in restricted cash
 
—

 
1

Net cash flows used by financing activities
 
(53,186
)
 
(357,488
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(363
)
 
(743
)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(241,766
)
 
(1,468
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
517,544

 
485,323

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
275,778

 
$
483,855

 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental information:
 
 
 
 
Noncash activities:
 
 
 
 
Liabilities related to additions of property, plant and equipment
 
$
31,024

 
$
18,066

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6



COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
 
Common Stock
Additional
Accumulated
Other
 
Treasury Stock
 Non-
 
(in thousands, except share data)
Number of
Shares
Amount
Paid-In
Capital
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Earnings
Number of
Shares
Amount
controlling
Interests
Total
Balance, September 1, 2015
129,060,664

$
1,290

$
365,863

$
(113,535
)
$
1,373,568

(13,425,326
)
$
(245,961
)
$
149

$
1,381,374

Net earnings
 
 
 
 
54,893

 
 
 
54,893

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
(13,645
)
 
 
 
 
(13,645
)
Cash dividends ($0.36 per share)
 
 
 
 
(41,586
)
 
 
 
(41,586
)
Treasury stock acquired
 
 
 
 
 
(2,255,069
)
(30,595
)
 
(30,595
)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures
 
 
(29,599
)
 
 
1,246,329

23,563

 
(6,036
)
Stock-based compensation
 
 
15,327

 
 
 
 
 

15,327

Tax benefit from stock plans
 
 
666

 
 
 
 
 

666

Contribution of noncontrolling interest
 
 
19

 
 
 
 
10

29

Reclassification of share-based liability awards
 
 
3,035

 
 
 
 
 
3,035

Balance, May 31, 2016
129,060,664

$
1,290

$
355,311

$
(127,180
)
$
1,386,875

(14,434,066
)
$
(252,993
)
$
159

$
1,363,462

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
Additional
Accumulated
Other
 
Treasury Stock
 Non-
 
(in thousands, except share data)
Number of
Shares
Amount
Paid-In
Capital
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Earnings
Number of
Shares
Amount
controlling
Interests
Total
Balance, September 1, 2016
129,060,664

$
1,290

$
358,745

$
(112,914
)
$
1,372,988

(14,425,068
)
$
(252,837
)
$
159

$
1,367,431

Net earnings
 
 
 
 
75,873

 
 
 
75,873

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
15,913

 
 
 
 
15,913

Cash dividends ($0.36 per share)
 
 
 
 
(41,619
)
 
 
 
(41,619
)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures
 
 
(26,269
)
 
 
1,153,396

20,670

 
(5,599
)
Stock-based compensation
 
 
9,731

 
 
 
 
 
9,731

Contribution of noncontrolling interest
 
 


 
 
 
 
14

14

Reclassification of share-based liability awards
 
 
1,780

 
 
 
 
 
1,780

Reclassification of share-based equity awards
 
 
(5,439
)
 
 
 
 
 
(5,439
)
Balance, May 31, 2017
129,060,664

$
1,290

$
338,548

$
(97,001
)
$
1,407,242

(13,271,672
)
$
(232,167
)
$
173

$
1,418,085

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7




COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting Principles
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") on a basis consistent with that used in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 filed by Commercial Metals Company ("CMC," and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the periods indicated. These notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. The results of operations for the three and nine month periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") requiring that the Company recognize all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as an income tax expense or benefit when stock awards vest or are settled. Additionally, the guidance allows for an increase in the threshold for net share settlement up to the maximum statutory rate in employees’ applicable jurisdictions without triggering liability classification. The adoption of this guidance had an immaterial impact on income taxes on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017. Additionally, the Company has elected to continue to estimate forfeitures. As such, this adoption has no cumulative effect on retained earnings. The Company elected to apply the presentation requirements for cash flows related to excess tax benefits prospectively, which had an immaterial impact on both net cash from operating activities and net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended May 31, 2017. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact on any of the periods presented on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows since such cash flows have historically been presented as a financing activity.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805), issued by the FASB requiring the acquirer in a business combination to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), issued by the FASB requiring an entity to account for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement as a license of internal-use software. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810), issued by the FASB modifying the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are voting interest entities ("VIEs"). The guidance was adopted on a retrospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20), issued by the FASB eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. Under this guidance, an entity is no longer allowed to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations. The guidance was adopted on a prospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2014-13, Consolidation (Topic 810), issued by the FASB providing a measurement alternative to the existing fair value measurement guidance. When the measurement alternative is elected, the financial assets and liabilities are measured using the more observable of the fair value of the financial assets and the fair value of the financial liabilities. The guidance was adopted on a retrospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


8



In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), issued by the FASB requiring entities to account for a performance target as a performance condition if the target affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period. The guidance was followed by the Company prior to its adoption and therefore had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 805). The standard simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual periods or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The standard must be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company plans to early adopt the standard in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The standard clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. For public companies, this standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The standard must be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. Early application of the amendments is allowed with certain restrictions. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements as well as determining the Company's planned adoption date.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), requiring that the statement of cash flows explain the change in the total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The provisions of this guidance are to be applied using a retrospective approach, which requires application of the guidance for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements as well as determining the Company's planned adoption date.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), requiring a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on its balance sheet for all leases with terms of twelve months or longer. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2018 and will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2019, at which point the Company plans to adopt the standard. The provisions of this guidance are to be applied using a modified retrospective approach, with elective reliefs, which requires application of the guidance for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and has modified the standard thereafter. Under the standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2018, at which point the Company plans to adopt the standard. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company currently expects to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective approach. The Company believes there will not be a material impact on its statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows in its Americas Mills, Americas Recycling or International Mill segments. The Company is still in the process of examining contract specific terms within the Americas Fabrication segment. In addition, the standard includes expanded disclosure requirements, which the Company continues to analyze. As part of the overall evaluation of the standard, the Company is also identifying and preparing to implement changes to its accounting policies, practices, and internal controls over financial reporting to support the standard both in the transition period as well as on an on-going basis.
NOTE 2. CHANGES IN BUSINESS

Acquisitions

On December 12, 2016, the Company completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Continental Concrete Structures, Inc. ("CCS"), a fabricator of post-tensioning cable and related products for commercial and public construction projects with a facility in Alpharetta, Georgia. In addition, CCS provides professional design and value engineering services to the construction industry throughout North America. This acquisition complements the Company’s current rebar fabrication business and continues

9



its strategy of creating value for customers. The operating results of this facility are included in the Americas Fabrication reporting segment.

On January 9, 2017, the Company completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Associated Steel Workers, Limited ("ASW"), a steel fabrication facility in Kapolei, Hawaii. This acquisition continues the vertical integration model of the Company by extending its geographic reach, establishing a fabrication operation in Hawaii and expanding its presence in the Hawaiian market. The operating results of this facility are included in the Americas Fabrication reporting segment.

On March 6, 2017, the Company completed the purchase of certain assets from OmniSource Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Steel Dynamics, Inc., consisting of seven recycling facilities located in the southeast United States (the "Recycling Assets"), which are in close proximity to CMC’s minimill in Cayce, South Carolina. These facilities provide synergies with CMC's other operations in the region. The operating results of these facilities are included in the Americas Recycling reporting segment.

The acquisitions of CCS, ASW and the Recycling Assets are not material, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company's financial position or results of operations; therefore, pro forma operating results for the acquisitions are not presented since the results would not be significantly different than reported results.

Discontinued Operations

During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company decided to exit and sell its steel distribution business in Australia and determined that the decision to exit this business met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, this business has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods presented. The Australian steel distribution business was previously included in the International Marketing and Distribution reporting segment.

Financial information for discontinued operations was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales
 
$
—

 
$
12,321

 
$
(22
)
 
$
33,828

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (benefit)
 
(351
)
 
(15,785
)
 
(542
)
 
(16,803
)
NOTE 3. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following tables reflect the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"):
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2017
(in thousands)
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
 
Defined Benefit Obligation
 
Total AOCI
Balance, February 28, 2017
 
$
(124,235
)
 
$
2,108

 
$
(2,863
)
 
$
(124,990
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
27,109

 
368

 
—

 
27,477

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
968

 
(459
)
 
(11
)
 
498

Income taxes
 
—

 
12

 
2

 
14

Net other comprehensive income (loss)
 
28,077

 
(79
)
 
(9
)
 
27,989

Balance, May 31, 2017
 
$
(96,158
)
 
$
2,029

 
$
(2,872
)
 
$
(97,001
)


10



 
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2017
(in thousands)
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
 
Defined Benefit Obligation
 
Total AOCI
Balance, August 31, 2016
 
$
(112,255
)
 
$
2,186

 
$
(2,845
)
 
$
(112,914
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
15,129

 
926

 
—

 
16,055

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
968

 
(1,090
)
 
(33
)
 
(155
)
Income taxes
 
—

 
7

 
6

 
13

Net other comprehensive income (loss)
 
16,097

 
(157
)
 
(27
)
 
15,913

Balance, May 31, 2017
 
$
(96,158
)
 
$
2,029

 
$
(2,872
)
 
$
(97,001
)

 
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
 
Defined Benefit Obligation
 
Total AOCI
Balance, February 29, 2016
 
$
(130,865
)
 
$
2,616

 
$
(2,762
)
 
$
(131,011
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
3,817

 
(16
)
 
—

 
3,801

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
—

 
21

 
(2
)
 
19

Income taxes
 
—

 
11

 
—

 
11

Net other comprehensive income (loss)
 
3,817

 
16

 
(2
)
 
3,831

Balance, May 31, 2016
 
$
(127,048
)
 
$
2,632

 
$
(2,764
)
 
$
(127,180
)
 
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
 
Defined Benefit Obligation
 
Total AOCI
Balance, August 31, 2015
 
$
(113,081
)
 
$
2,305

 
$
(2,759
)
 
$
(113,535
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(13,967
)
 
543

 
—

 
(13,424
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
 
—

 
(230
)
 
(6
)
 
(236
)
Income taxes
 
—

 
14

 
1

 
15

Net other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(13,967
)
 
327

 
(5
)
 
(13,645
)
Balance, May 31, 2016
 
$
(127,048
)
 
$
2,632

 
$
(2,764
)
 
$
(127,180
)


11



The significant items reclassified out of AOCI and the corresponding line items in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings to which the items were reclassified were as follows:
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
Components of AOCI (in thousands)
 
Location
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Foreign currency translation adjustment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Translation loss realized upon liquidation of investment in foreign entity
 
SG&A expenses
 
$
968

 
$
—

 
$
968

 
$
—

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
 

 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Commodity
 
Cost of goods sold
 
$
94

 
$
(263
)
 
$
(31
)
 
$
(373
)
Foreign exchange
 
Net sales
 
124

 
(168
)
 
368

 
(561
)
Foreign exchange
 
Cost of goods sold
 
19

 
223

 
(25
)
 
641

Foreign exchange
 
SG&A expenses
 
88

 
53

 
378

 
123

Interest rate
 
Interest expense
 
134

 
134

 
400

 
400

 
 
 
 
459

 
(21
)
 
1,090

 
230

Income tax effect
 
Income taxes
 
(126
)
 
(11
)
 
(237
)
 
(88
)
Net of income taxes
 
 
 
$
333

 
$
(32
)
 
$
853

 
$
142

Defined benefit obligation:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior services
 
SG&A expenses
 
$
11

 
$
2

 
$
33

 
$
6

Income tax effect
 
Income taxes
 
(2
)
 
—

 
(6
)
 
(1
)
Net of income taxes
 

 
$
9

 
$
2

 
$
27

 
$
5

Amounts in parentheses reduce earnings.

12



NOTE 4. SALES OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, CMC entered into a fifth amended $200.0 million U.S. sale of trade accounts receivable program which expires on August 15, 2019. Under the program, CMC contributes, and several of its subsidiaries sell without recourse, certain eligible trade accounts receivable to CMC Receivables, Inc. ("CMCRV"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMC. CMCRV is structured to be a bankruptcy-remote entity formed for the sole purpose of buying and selling trade accounts receivable generated by CMC. CMCRV sells the trade accounts receivable in their entirety to two financial institutions. Under the amended U.S. sale of trade accounts receivable program, with the consent of both CMCRV and the program's administrative agent, the amount advanced by the financial institutions can be increased to a maximum of $300.0 million for all trade accounts receivable sold. The remaining portion of the purchase price of the trade accounts receivable takes the form of subordinated notes from the respective financial institutions. These notes will be satisfied from the ultimate collection of the trade accounts receivable after payment of certain fees and other costs. The Company accounts for sales of the trade accounts receivable as true sales, and the trade accounts receivable balances that are sold are removed from the consolidated balance sheets. The cash advances received are reflected as cash provided by operating activities on the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows. Additionally, the U.S. sale of trade accounts receivable program contains certain cross-default provisions whereby a termination event could occur if the Company defaults under certain of its credit arrangements. The covenants contained in the receivables purchase agreement are consistent with the Credit Agreement described in Note 7, Credit Arrangements.

At May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, under its U.S. sale of trade accounts receivable program, the Company had sold $307.3 million and $215.9 million of trade accounts receivable, respectively, to the financial institutions, with no advance payments outstanding.
 
In addition to the U.S. sale of trade accounts receivable program described above, the Company's international subsidiaries in Poland and Australia have sold trade accounts receivable to financial institutions without recourse. These arrangements constitute true sales, and once the trade accounts receivable are sold, they are no longer available to the Company's creditors in the event of bankruptcy and are removed from the consolidated balance sheets. The Polish program has a facility limit of 220.0 million Polish zloty ($59.1 million as of May 31, 2017) and allows the Company's Polish subsidiaries to obtain an advance of up to 90% of eligible trade accounts receivable sold under the terms of the arrangement. Under the Polish and Australian programs, the cash advances received were reflected as cash provided by operating activities on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. In October 2016, the Company's existing Australian program expired, and the Company did not enter into a new program.

At May 31, 2017, under its Polish program, the Company had sold $64.2 million of trade accounts receivable to the third-party financial institution. At August 31, 2016, under its Polish and Australian programs, the Company had sold $85.7 million of trade accounts receivable to third-party financial institutions. At May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, $3.9 million and $8.3 million in advance payments had been received, respectively.

During the nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, cash proceeds from the U.S. and international sale of trade accounts receivable programs were $246.0 million and $280.7 million, respectively, and cash payments to the owners of trade accounts receivable were $250.3 million and $279.2 million, respectively. For a nominal servicing fee, the Company is responsible for servicing the trade accounts receivable for the U.S. and Australian programs. Discounts on U.S. and international sales of trade accounts receivable were $0.2 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, respectively, and $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

As of May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, the deferred purchase price on the Company's U.S. and international sale of trade accounts receivable programs is included in accounts receivable on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following tables summarize the activity of the deferred purchase price receivables for the U.S. and international sale of trade accounts receivable programs.

 
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2017
(in thousands)
 
Total
 
U.S.
 
Poland
Beginning balance
 
$
312,446

 
$
258,719

 
$
53,727

Transfers of accounts receivable
 
777,104

 
671,429

 
105,675

Collections
 
(725,336
)
 
(626,182
)
 
(99,154
)
Ending balance
 
$
364,214

 
$
303,966

 
$
60,248



13



 
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2017
(in thousands)
 
Total
 
U.S.
 
Australia*
 
Poland
Beginning balance
 
$
289,748

 
$
212,762

 
$
26,662

 
$
50,324

Transfers of accounts receivable
 
1,977,546

 
1,702,584

 
16,914

 
258,048

Collections
 
(1,869,163
)
 
(1,611,380
)
 
(9,659
)
 
(248,124
)
     Program termination
 
(33,917
)
 
—

 
(33,917
)
 
—

Ending balance
 
$
364,214

 
$
303,966

 
$
—

 
$
60,248

 _________________ 
* Includes collections of $3.7 million and program termination of $1.6 million related to discontinued operations and businesses sold.
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Total
 
U.S.
 
Australia**
 
Poland
Beginning balance
 
$
231,874

 
$
193,035

 
$
13,383

 
$
25,456

Transfers of accounts receivable
 
636,929

 
513,169

 
47,110

 
76,650

Collections
 
(608,292
)
 
(498,529
)
 
(41,522
)
 
(68,241
)
Ending balance
 
$
260,511

 
$
207,675

 
$
18,971

 
$
33,865

_________________
** Includes transfers of accounts receivable of $13.6 million and collections of $12.3 million related to discontinued operations and businesses held for sale.
 
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Total
 
U.S.
 
Australia***
 
Poland
Beginning balance
 
$
339,547

 
$
269,778

 
$
18,038

 
$
51,731

Transfers of accounts receivable
 
1,763,122

 
1,432,592

 
130,440

 
200,090

Collections
 
(1,842,158
)
 
(1,494,695
)
 
(129,507
)
 
(217,956
)
Ending balance
 
$
260,511

 
$
207,675

 
$
18,971

 
$
33,865

 _________________ 
*** Includes transfers of accounts receivable of $37.0 million and collections of $49.1 million related to discontinued operations and businesses held for sale.
NOTE 5. INVENTORIES, NET

As of May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, inventories were stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The Company determines inventory cost for its Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication and International Mill segments using the weighted average cost method. The Company determines inventory cost for its International Marketing and Distribution segment using the specific identification method. At May 31, 2017, 64% of the Company's total net inventories were valued using the weighted average cost method and 36% of the Company's total net inventories were valued using the specification identification method.

The majority of the Company's inventories are in the form of semi-finished and finished goods. The Company’s business model, with the exception of the International Marketing and Distribution segment, is such that products are sold to external customers in various stages, from semi-finished billets through fabricated steel, leading these categories to be combined. Inventories in the International Marketing and Distribution segment are sold as finished goods. As such, work in process inventories were not material at May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016. At May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, $141.2 million and $77.9 million, respectively, of the Company's inventories were in the form of raw materials.

14




NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table details the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment:
 
 
 
Americas
 
International
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Recycling
 
Mills
 
Fabrication
 
Mill
 
Marketing and Distribution
 
Consolidated
Goodwill, gross
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at August 31, 2016
 
$
9,751

 
$
4,970

 
$
57,637

 
$
2,432

 
$
1,982

 
$
76,772

 
Acquisitions
 
—

 
—

 
306

 
—

 
—

 
306

 
Foreign currency translation
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
123

 
(30
)
 
93

Balance at May 31, 2017
 
$
9,751

 
$
4,970

 
$
57,943

 
$
2,555

 
$
1,952

 
$
77,171

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated impairment losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at August 31, 2016
 
$
(9,751
)
 
$
—

 
$
(493
)
 
$
(155
)
 
$
—

 
$
(10,399
)
 
Foreign currency translation
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(8
)
 
—

 
(8
)
Balance at May 31, 2017
 
$
(9,751
)
 
$
—

 
$
(493
)
 
$
(163
)
 
$
—

 
$
(10,407
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at August 31, 2016
 
$
—

 
$
4,970

 
$
57,144

 
$
2,277

 
$
1,982

 
$
66,373

 
Acquisitions
 
—

 
—

 
306

 
—

 
—

 
306

 
Foreign currency translation
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
115

 
(30
)
 
85

Balance at May 31, 2017
 
$
—

 
$
4,970

 
$
57,450

 
$
2,392

 
$
1,952

 
$
66,764


The total gross carrying amounts of the Company's intangible assets that are subject to amortization were $20.5 million and $18.6 million at May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, respectively, and are included in other noncurrent assets on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Intangible amortization expense from continuing operations was $0.9 million and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, respectively, and $1.0 million and $3.1 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016, respectively. Excluding goodwill, there are no significant intangible assets with indefinite lives.
NOTE 7. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

The Company has a fourth amended and restated credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") for a revolving credit facility of $350.0 million with a maturity date of June 26, 2019. The maximum availability under the Credit Agreement can be increased to $500.0 million with bank approval. The Company's obligation under its Credit Agreement is collateralized by its U.S. inventory. The Credit Agreement's capacity includes $50.0 million for the issuance of stand-by letters of credit and was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit which totaled $3.0 million at both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016. The Company had no amounts drawn under the Credit Agreement at May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016.

Under the Credit Agreement, the Company is required to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants, including covenants to maintain: (i) an interest coverage ratio (consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense, as each is defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 and (ii) a debt to capitalization ratio (consolidated funded debt to total capitalization, as each is defined in the Credit Agreement) that does not exceed 0.60 to 1.00. At May 31, 2017, the Company's interest coverage ratio was 5.98 to 1.00, and the Company's debt to capitalization ratio was 0.43 to 1.00. In addition, beginning on the date three months prior to each maturity date of the Company's 2017 Notes and 2018 Notes, as defined below, and each day thereafter that the 2017 Notes and the 2018 Notes are outstanding, the Company will be required to maintain liquidity of at least $150.0 million in excess of each of the outstanding aggregate principal amounts of the 2017 Notes and 2018 Notes. At May 31, 2017, the Company had sufficient liquidity and was in compliance with this covenant. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest based on the Eurocurrency rate, a base rate, or the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR").

In May 2013, the Company issued $330.0 million of 4.875% Senior Notes due May 2023 (the "2023 Notes"). Interest on the 2023 Notes is payable semiannually.


15



In August 2008, the Company issued $500.0 million of 7.35% senior unsecured notes due in August 2018 (the "2018 Notes"). During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company entered into hedging transactions which reduced the Company's effective interest rate on these notes to 6.40% per annum. Interest on these notes is payable semiannually. In February 2016, the Company accepted for purchase approximately $100.2 million of the outstanding principal amount of its 2018 Notes through a cash tender offer. The Company recognized expenses of approximately $6.1 million related to the early extinguishment of this debt, which are included in loss on debt extinguishment in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016.

In July 2007, the Company issued $400.0 million of 6.50% senior unsecured notes due in July 2017 (the "2017 Notes"). During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company entered into hedging transactions which reduced the Company's effective interest rate on these notes to 5.74% per annum. Interest on these notes is payable semiannually. In February 2016, the Company accepted for purchase $100.0 million of the outstanding principal amount of its 2017 Notes though a cash tender offer. The Company recognized expenses of approximately $5.4 million related to the early extinguishment of this debt, which are included in loss on debt extinguishment in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016.

During fiscal 2012, the Company terminated its existing interest rate swap transactions and received cash proceeds of approximately $52.7 million, net of customary finance charges. The resulting gain was deferred and is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the respective debt tranches. At May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, the unamortized amounts were $5.9 million and $11.6 million, respectively. Amortization of the deferred gain for each of the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016 was $1.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively.

At May 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in its debt agreements.

Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps, was as follows: 
(in thousands)
 
Weighted Average
Interest Rate as of May 31, 2017
 
May 31, 2017
 
August 31, 2016
2023 Notes
 
4.875%
 
$
330,000

 
$
330,000

2018 Notes
 
6.40%
 
405,406

 
408,874

2017 Notes
 
5.74%
 
300,372

 
302,601

Other, including equipment notes
 
 
 
30,984

 
34,166

Total debt
 
 
 
1,066,762

 
1,075,641

     Less debt issuance costs
 
 
 
3,432

 
4,224

Total amounts outstanding
 
 
 
1,063,330

 
1,071,417

     Less current maturities
 
 
 
311,654

 
313,469

Long-term debt
 
 
 
$
751,676

 
$
757,948


The Company has uncommitted credit facilities available from U.S. and international banks. In general, these credit facilities are used to support trade letters of credit (including accounts payable settled under bankers' acceptances), foreign exchange transactions and short-term advances which are priced at market rates.

At both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, CMC Poland Sp. z.o.o. ("CMCP") had uncommitted credit facilities with several banks of PLN 175 million ($47.0 million as of May 31, 2017). The uncommitted credit facilities as of May 31, 2017 have expiration dates ranging from November 2017 to March 2018, which CMCP intends to renew upon expiration. At May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, no amounts were outstanding under these facilities. The available balance of these credit facilities was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit, which totaled $1.5 million at both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016. During the nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, CMCP had no borrowings and no repayments under its uncommitted credit facilities.

The Company capitalized $2.9 million and $6.6 million of interest in the cost of property, plant and equipment during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, respectively, and $0.6 million and $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016, respectively. Cash paid for interest during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 was $8.3 million and $41.4 million, respectively, and $9.1 million and $50.0 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016, respectively.

16



NOTE 8. NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TRANSACTIONS

The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CMC Steel Oklahoma, LLC ("CMC Steel OK"), is in the process of constructing a minimill with an expected commissioning date in late calendar year 2017. Additionally, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CMC Post Oklahoma, LLC ("CMC Post OK"), is in the process of constructing a T-post shop with an expected commissioning date in the summer of 2018. Both projects are located in Durant, Oklahoma. In connection with these projects, the Company entered into transactions that qualified through the New Markets Tax Credit program provided for in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (the "NMTC Program"), as the minimill and T-post shop will be located in a zone designated by the IRS as eligible for the NMTC Program and are considered eligible business activities for the NMTC Program. Under the NMTC Program, an investor that makes a capital investment, which, in turn, together with leverage loan sources, is used to make a Qualifying Equity Investment (a "QEI") in an entity that (a) qualifies as a Community Development Entity ("CDE"), (b) has applied for and been granted an allocation of a portion of the total federal funds available to fund the credits (an "NMTC Allocation") and (c) uses a minimum specified portion of the QEI to make a Qualified Low Income Community Investment up to the maximum amount of the CDE’s NMTC Allocation will be entitled to claim, over a period of seven years, federal nonrefundable tax credits in an amount equal to 39% of the QEI amount (an "NMTC"). NMTCs are subject to 100% recapture for a period of seven years (the "Recapture Period") as provided in the Internal Revenue Code.

Minimill NMTC Transaction

In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, certain of the Company's subsidiaries entered into an NMTC transaction with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, a Minnesota corporation ("USBCDC"), related to the development, construction and equipping of a new minimill in Durant, Oklahoma (the "Minimill Project"). To effect the transaction, USBCDC made a $17.7 million capital contribution ("the USBCDC Equity") to USBCDC Investment Fund 156, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (the "Investment Fund"). Additionally, Commonwealth Acquisition Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Commonwealth"), made a $35.3 million loan to the Investment Fund at an interest rate of approximately 1.08% per year with a maturity date of December 24, 2045 (the "Commonwealth Mill Loan"). The Investment Fund used $51.5 million of the proceeds received from the Commonwealth Mill Loan and the USBCDC Equity to make QEIs into CDEs, which, in turn, used $50.7 million of the QEIs to make loans to CMC Steel OK with terms similar to the Commonwealth Mill Loan and as partial financing for the Minimill Project. The proceeds of the loans from the CDEs were recorded as restricted cash and included in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. In connection with this NMTC transaction, CMC Steel OK spent $21.0 million for qualified construction, development, and equipping activities for the Minimill Project during the nine months ended May 31, 2017. The balance remaining in restricted cash was $0.7 million at May 31, 2017.

Post Shop NMTC Transaction

In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, certain of the Company's subsidiaries entered into a second NMTC transaction with USBCDC, related to the development, construction and equipping of a new T-post shop in Durant, Oklahoma (the "Post Shop Project"). To effect the transaction, USBCDC made capital contributions to Twain Investment Fund 219, LLC (the "Fund 219"), and Twain Investment Fund 222 (the "Fund 222"), both Missouri limited liability companies, in the amounts of $2.8 million (the "USBCDC Fund 219 Equity") and $2.2 million (the "USBCDC Fund 222 Equity"), respectively. Additionally, Commonwealth made a $10.4 million loan to Fund 219 at an interest rate of approximately 1.16% per year with a maturity date of March 23, 2047 (the "Commonwealth Post Shop Loan"). Fund 219 used $12.8 million of the proceeds received from the Commonwealth Post Shop Loan and the USBCDC Fund 219 Equity to make a QEI into a CDE, which, in turn, used $12.6 million of the QEI to make a loan to CMC Post OK with terms similar to the Commonwealth Post Shop Loan and as partial financing for the Post Shop Project. Additionally, Fund 222 used $2.2 million of the proceeds received from the USBCDC Fund 222 Equity to make a QEI into a CDE, which, in turn, used $2.1 million of the QEI to make a loan to CMC Post OK. The proceeds of the loans from the CDEs were recorded as restricted cash and included in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. In connection with this NMTC transaction, CMC Post OK spent $0.8 million for qualified construction, development, and equipping activities for the Post Shop Project during the nine months ended May 31, 2017. The balance remaining in restricted cash was $13.3 million at May 31, 2017.

Variable Interest Entities

By virtue of its capital contributions to the Investment Fund and the Fund 219, USBCDC is entitled to substantially all of the benefits derived from the NMTCs. These transactions include a put/call provision whereby the Company may be obligated or entitled to repurchase USBCDC’s interest in the Investment Fund and the Fund 219 at the end of the Recapture Period. The Company believes USBCDC will exercise the put options in 2022 and 2025, respectively, following the end of the respective Recapture Periods. The value attributed to the put/call is de minimis. The Company is required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC transactions. Non-compliance with applicable requirements could

17



result in unrealized projected tax benefits and, therefore, could require the Company to indemnify USBCDC for any loss or recapture of NMTCs related to the financing until such time as the Company's obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved. The Company does not anticipate any credit recaptures will be required in connection with these transactions.

The Company has determined that the Investment Fund and Fund 219 are variable interest entities ("VIEs"), of which the Company is the primary beneficiary and has consolidated them in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810, Consolidation. USBCDC’s contributions are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Direct costs incurred in structuring the transactions were deferred and are recognized as expense over each seven year recapture period. Incremental costs to maintain the structures during the compliance periods are recognized as incurred.

The Company has determined that Fund 222 is a VIE, of which the Company is not the primary beneficiary and has therefore treated the QEI of $2.1 million from Fund 222 as debt. The debt is included in long-term debt in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of May 31, 2017.
NOTE 9. DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company's global operations and product lines expose it to risks from fluctuations in metal commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, natural gas prices and interest rates. One objective of the Company's risk management program is to mitigate these risks using derivative instruments. The Company enters into (i) metal commodity futures and forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in gross margin due to the volatility of the commodities' prices, (ii) foreign currency forward contracts that match the expected settlements for purchases and sales denominated in foreign currencies and (iii) natural gas forward contracts to mitigate the risk of unanticipated changes in operating cost due to the volatility of natural gas prices.

At May 31, 2017, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency contract commitments and its commodity contract commitments were $262.8 million and $36.9 million, respectively. At May 31, 2016, the notional values of the Company's foreign currency contract commitments and its commodity contract commitments were $290.0 million and $23.0 million, respectively.

The following table provides information regarding the Company's commodity contract commitments as of May 31, 2017:
Commodity
 
Long/Short
 
Total
Aluminum
 
Long
 
1,925

 MT
Aluminum
 
Short
 
25

 MT
Copper
 
Long
 
555

 MT
Copper
 
Short
 
5,250

 MT
Zinc
 
Long
 
7

 MT
 _________________
MT = Metric Ton

The Company designates only those contracts which closely match the terms of the underlying transaction as hedges for accounting purposes. These hedges resulted in substantially no ineffectiveness in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings, and there were no components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2016. Certain foreign currency and commodity contracts were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, although management believes they are essential economic hedges.


18



The following tables summarize activities related to the Company's derivative instruments and hedged items recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings: 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)
 
Location
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Commodity
 
Cost of goods sold
 
$
1,654

 
$
224

 
$
(3,121
)
 
$
2,172

Foreign exchange
 
Net sales
 
(2
)
 
—

 
(2
)
 
(4
)
Foreign exchange
 
Cost of goods sold
 
(5
)
 
(9
)
 
(38
)
 
72

Foreign exchange
 
SG&A expenses
 
(1,076
)
 
(6,304
)
 
2,295

 
9,410

Gain (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
$
571

 
$
(6,089
)
 
$
(866
)
 
$
11,650


The Company's fair value hedges are designated for accounting purposes with the gains or losses on the hedged items offsetting the gains or losses on the related derivative transactions. Hedged items relate to firm commitments on commercial sales and purchases and capital expenditures.
 
 
Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives for the three months ended May 31,
 
Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedged items
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedge items for the three months ended May 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
2016
Foreign exchange
 
Net sales
 
$
(102
)
 
$
(122
)
 
Net sales
 
$
102

 
$
122

Foreign exchange
 
Cost of goods sold
 
1,042

 
901

 
Cost of goods sold
 
(1,042
)
 
(901
)
Gain (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
$
940

 
$
779

 
 
 
$
(940
)
 
$
(779
)

 
 
Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives for the nine months ended May 31,
 
Location of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedged items
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on related hedge items for the nine months ended May 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
2017
 
2016
Foreign exchange
 
Net sales
 
$
(58
)
 
$
(39
)
 
Net sales
 
$
58

 
$
39

Foreign exchange
 
Cost of goods sold
 
435

 
90

 
Cost of goods sold
 
(435
)
 
(90
)
Gain (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
$
377

 
$
51

 
 
 
$
(377
)
 
$
(51
)

Effective Portion of Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Recognized in AOCI (Loss) (in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Commodity
 
$
(9
)
 
$
(56
)
 
$
208

 
$
(280
)
Foreign exchange
 
263

 
40

 
488

 
749

Gain (loss), net of income taxes
 
$
254

 
$
(16
)
 
$
696

 
$
469


Refer to Note 3, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the effective portion of derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments reclassified from AOCI.

The Company enters into derivative agreements that include provisions to allow the set-off of certain amounts. Derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The asset and liability balances in the tables below reflect the gross amounts of derivative instruments at May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016. The fair value of the Company's derivative instruments on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows: 


19



Derivative Assets (in thousands)
 
May 31, 2017
 
August 31, 2016
Commodity — designated for hedge accounting
 
$
13

 
$
4

Commodity — not designated for hedge accounting
 
324

 
584

Foreign exchange — designated for hedge accounting
 
606

 
1,398

Foreign exchange — not designated for hedge accounting
 
2,374

 
750

Derivative assets (other current assets)*
 
$
3,317

 
$
2,736

 
Derivative Liabilities (in thousands)
 
May 31, 2017
 
August 31, 2016
Commodity — designated for hedge accounting
 
$
—

 
$
5

Commodity — not designated for hedge accounting
 
238

 
117

Foreign exchange — designated for hedge accounting
 
101

 
902

Foreign exchange — not designated for hedge accounting
 
1,805

 
1,161

Derivative liabilities (accrued expenses and other payables)*
 
$
2,144

 
$
2,185

 _________________ 
* Derivative assets and liabilities do not include the hedged items designated as fair value hedges.

As of May 31, 2017, all of the Company's derivative instruments designated to hedge exposure to the variability in future cash flows of the forecasted transactions will mature within twelve months. All of the instruments are highly liquid and were not entered into for trading purposes.

20



NOTE 10. FAIR VALUE

The Company has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. These levels are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Levels within the hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets (other than those included in Level 1) which are observable, either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

The following tables summarize information regarding the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)
 
May 31, 2017
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets  for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant  Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable  Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment deposit accounts (1)
 
$
230,025

 
$
230,025

 
$
—

 
$
—

Commodity derivative assets (2)
 
337

 
324

 
13

 
—

Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)
 
2,980

 
—

 
2,980

 
—

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivative liabilities (2)
 
238

 
238

 
—

 
—

Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)
 
1,906

 
—

 
1,906

 
—


 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)
 
August 31, 2016
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets  for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant  Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable  Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment deposit accounts (1)
 
$
278,759

 
$
278,759

 
$
—

 
$
—

Commodity derivative assets (2)
 
588

 
584

 
4

 
—

Foreign exchange derivative assets (2)
 
2,148

 
—

 
2,148

 
—

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivative liabilities (2)
 
122

 
117

 
5

 
—

Foreign exchange derivative liabilities (2)
 
2,063

 
—

 
2,063

 
—

 _________________ 
(1) Investment deposit accounts are short-term in nature, and the value is determined by principal plus interest. The investment portfolio mix can change each period based on the Company's assessment of investment options.

(2) Derivative assets and liabilities classified as Level 1 are commodity futures contracts valued based on quoted market prices in the London Metal Exchange or New York Mercantile Exchange. Amounts in Level 2 are based on broker quotes in the over-the-counter market. Further discussion regarding the Company's use of derivative instruments and the classification of the assets and liabilities is included in Note 9, Derivatives and Risk Management.


21



There were no material non-recurring fair value remeasurements during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017. On June 10, 2016, the Company, through its wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd., signed a definitive asset sale agreement to sell its remaining steel distribution assets located in Australia. For the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $15.8 million, including the impact of an approximate $13.5 million accumulated foreign currency translation loss, on this remaining component of the Australian steel distribution business that was classified as held for sale at May 31, 2016 and as discontinued operations during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016. After consideration of the impairment charge, the fair value, less costs to sell, of this component was $10.4 million at May 31, 2016. The signed definitive asset sale agreement (Level 3) was the basis for the determination of fair value of this component. There were no other material non-recurring fair value measurements during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016.

The carrying values of the Company's short-term items, including the deferred purchase price of accounts receivable, documentary letters of credit and notes payable, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
 
 
 
 
May 31, 2017
 
August 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
2023 Notes (1)
 
Level 2
 
$
330,000

 
$
333,630

 
$
330,000

 
$
332,010

2018 Notes (1)
 
Level 2
 
405,406

 
424,007

 
408,874

 
432,303

2017 Notes (1)
 
Level 2
 
300,372

 
301,230

 
302,601

 
311,250

_________________
(1) The fair value of the notes is determined based on indicated market values.
NOTE 11. INCOME TAX

The Company's effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 was 24.2% and 24.9%, respectively, compared with 23.3% and 25.5% for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016, respectively. The effective tax rate is determined by computing the estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any, which are taken into account in the appropriate period. Several factors determine the Company's effective tax rate, including the mix and amount of global earnings, the impact of loss companies for which no tax benefit is available due to valuation allowances, audit related adjustments, and the impact of permanent tax adjustments.

For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, the tax rate was lower than the statutory income tax rate of 35%. Items that impacted the effective tax rate included:

i.
the proportion of the Company's global income from operations in jurisdictions with lower statutory tax rates than the U.S., including Poland, which has a statutory income tax rate of 19%,
ii.
a permanent tax benefit under Section 199 of the Internal Revenue Code related to domestic production activity,
iii.
a non-taxable gain on assets related to the Company's non-qualified Benefits Restoration Plan, and
iv.
losses from operations in certain jurisdictions in which the Company maintains a valuation allowance, thus providing no benefit for such losses.

In addition, the Company recorded a benefit as a result of a favorable adjustment related to its IRS exam in fiscal 2016, further impacting the rate in fiscal 2016.

The Company’s tax expense related to discontinued operations is not material with respect to the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016.

The Company made net payments of $28.2 million and $36.0 million for income taxes during the nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

As of May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, the reserve for unrecognized income tax benefits related to the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes was $9.3 million and $9.5 million, exclusive of interest and penalties.


22



The Company's policy classifies interest recognized on an underpayment of income taxes and any statutory penalties recognized on a tax position as income tax expense. For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, the Company recorded immaterial amounts of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized income tax benefits.

During the twelve months ending May 31, 2018, it is reasonably possible that the statute of limitations pertaining to positions taken by the Company in prior year income tax returns may lapse or that income tax audits in various taxing jurisdictions could be finalized. As a result, the total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits may decrease by approximately $9.3 million, which would reduce the provision for income taxes by $9.3 million.

The Company files income tax returns in the United States and multiple foreign jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. In the normal course of business, CMC and its subsidiaries are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. The following is a summary of tax years subject to examination:

U.S. Federal — 2012 and forward, with the exception of the R&D credit matter discussed below
U.S. States — 2009 and forward
Foreign — 2009 and forward

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016, the Company completed an IRS exam for the years 2009 through 2011 and received confirmation from the United States Congress Joint Committee on Taxation that all matters were settled with the exception of R&D credits, which are still under review. In addition, the Company is under examination by certain state revenue authorities for the years 2009 through 2015. Management believes the Company's recorded income tax liabilities as of May 31, 2017 sufficiently reflect the anticipated outcome of these examinations.
NOTE 12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company's stock-based compensation plans are described, and informational disclosures provided, in Note 16, Stock-Based Compensation Plans, to the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. In general, the restricted stock units granted during fiscal 2017 vest ratably over a period of three years. However, certain restricted stock units granted during fiscal 2017 cliff vest after a period of three years. Subject to the achievement of performance targets established by the Compensation Committee of CMC's Board of Directors, the performance stock units granted during fiscal 2017 will vest after a period of three years.

During the nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company granted the following awards under its stock-based compensation plans:
 
 
2017
 
2016
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Shares Granted
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Shares Granted
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Equity Method
 
916

 
$
16.04

 
1,613

 
$
15.83

Liability Method
 
915

 
N/A

 
465

 
N/A


During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, certain restricted stock units and performance stock units that were previously accounted for under the equity method were modified to allow optionality related to the net share settlement feature, which resulted in accounting for these awards under the liability method. The fair value of liability awards is remeasured each reporting period and is recognized ratably over the service period. During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, the Company recorded income of $2.0 million and expense of $2.7 million as a result of the modification and the impact of the change in stock value on liability-treated awards, compared to immaterial mark-to-market adjustments for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016. As of May 31, 2017, the Company had 2.1 million equivalent shares accounted for under the liability method outstanding. The Company expects 2.0 million equivalent shares to vest.

The following table summarizes total stock-based compensation expense, including fair value remeasurements, included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings:
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Stock-based compensation expense
 
$
3,560

 
$
6,783

 
$
19,716

 
$
19,889



23




NOTE 13. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CMC

The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and May 31, 2016 were as follows: 
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands, except share data)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to CMC
 
$
39,609

 
$
35,111

 
$
76,422

 
$
71,593

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
 
115,886,372

 
114,677,109

 
115,574,289

 
115,373,736

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share attributable to CMC
 
$
0.34

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.66

 
$
0.62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
 
115,886,372

 
114,677,109

 
115,574,289

 
115,373,736

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-based incentive/purchase plans
 
1,318,997

 
1,318,406

 
1,513,052

 
1,384,980

Shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share
 
117,205,369

 
115,995,515

 
117,087,341

 
116,758,716

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to CMC
 
$
0.34

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.65

 
$
0.61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anti-dilutive shares not included above
 
—

 
295,107

 
—

 
295,107

  
CMC's restricted stock is included in the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, but is omitted from the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, CMC's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which CMC may repurchase up to $100.0 million of shares of CMC common stock. CMC did not purchase any shares of CMC common stock during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and three months ended May 31, 2016. During the nine months ended May 31, 2016, CMC purchased 2.3 million shares of CMC common stock at an average purchase price of $13.57 per share. CMC had remaining authorization to purchase $27.6 million of common stock at May 31, 2017.
NOTE 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Purchase Obligations

The Company regularly enters into future purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services and fixed assets related to ongoing operations. Approximately 76% of these purchase obligations are for inventory items to be sold in the ordinary course of business. Purchase obligations include all enforceable, legally binding agreements to purchase goods or services that specify all significant terms, regardless of the duration of the agreement. Agreements with variable terms are excluded because management is unable to estimate the minimum amounts. Another significant obligation relates to capital expenditures. These future purchase commitments are summarized below:
Twelve Months Ending May 31,
 
(in thousands)
2018
 
$
762,998

2019
 
88,483

2020
 
53,444

2021
 
32,266

2022
 
7,210

Thereafter
 
9,721

Total
 
$
954,122



24



Legal and Environmental Matters

In the ordinary course of conducting its business, the Company becomes involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including environmental matters. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, to the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016.
The Company has received notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or state agencies with similar responsibility that it is considered a potentially responsible party at several sites, none owned by the Company, and may be obligated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA") or similar state statute to conduct remedial investigations, feasibility studies, remediation and/or removal of alleged releases of hazardous substances or to reimburse the EPA for such activities. The Company is involved in litigation or administrative proceedings with regard to several of these sites in which the Company is contesting, or at the appropriate time may contest, its liability at the sites. In addition, the Company has received information requests with regard to other sites which may be under consideration by the EPA as potential CERCLA sites. Some of these environmental matters or other proceedings may result in fines, penalties or judgments being assessed against the Company. At both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, the Company had accrued $0.7 million for cleanup and remediation costs in connection with CERCLA sites. The estimation process is based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete. Total environmental liabilities, including with respect to CERCLA sites, were $4.0 million and $3.3 million as of May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, respectively, of which $2.1 million was classified as other long-term liabilities as of both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016. These amounts have not been discounted to their present values. Due to evolving remediation technology, changing regulations, possible third-party contributions, the inherent shortcomings of the estimation process and other factors, amounts accrued could vary significantly from amounts paid. Historically, the amounts the Company has ultimately paid for such remediation activities have not been material.
Management believes that adequate provisions have been made in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the potential impact of these contingencies and that the outcomes of the suits and proceedings described above, and other miscellaneous litigation and proceedings now pending, will not have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of the Company.
NOTE 15. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company's operating segments engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses and for which discrete financial information is available. Operating results for the operating segments are regularly reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and to assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is identified as the Chief Executive Officer. Operating segments are aggregated for reporting purposes when the operating segments are identified as similar in accordance with the basic principles and aggregation criteria in the accounting standards. The Company's reporting segments are based primarily on product lines and secondarily on geographic area. The reporting segments have different lines of management responsibility as each business requires different marketing strategies and management expertise.

The Company structures its business into the following five reporting segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication, International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution. See Note 1, Nature of Operations, of the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016, for more information about the reporting segments, including the types of products and services from which each reporting segment derives its net sales. Corporate contains net earnings on benefit restoration plan assets and short-term investments as well as expenses of the Company's corporate headquarters and interest expense related to its long-term debt.

The financial information presented for the International Marketing and Distribution segment excludes the operations of the Australian steel distribution business. This operation has been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings. See Note 2, Changes in Business, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for more information.

The Company uses adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations to compare and evaluate the financial performance of its segments. Adjusted operating profit (loss) is the sum of the Company's earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, interest expense and discounts on sales of accounts receivable. Intersegment sales are generally priced at prevailing market prices. Certain corporate administrative expenses are allocated to the segments based upon the nature of the expense. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016.


25



The following is a summary of certain financial information from continuing operations by reportable segment:
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2017
 
 
Americas
 
International
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Recycling
 
Mills
 
Fabrication
 
Mill
 
Marketing and Distribution
 
Corporate
 
Eliminations
 
Continuing Operations
Net sales-unaffiliated customers
 
$
247,896

 
$
243,934

 
$
377,188

 
$
167,399

 
$
344,290

 
$
1,909

 
$
—

 
$
1,382,616

Intersegment sales
 
46,270

 
183,342

 
2,788

 
230

 
2,823

 
—

 
(235,453
)
 
—

Net sales
 
294,166

 
427,276

 
379,976

 
167,629

 
347,113

 
1,909

 
(235,453
)
 
1,382,616

Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations
 
9,286

 
50,734

 
1,808

 
12,953

 
10,164

 
(20,880
)
 
783

 
64,848

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2017
 
 
Americas
 
International
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Recycling
 
Mills
 
Fabrication
 
Mill
 
Marketing and Distribution
 
Corporate
 
Eliminations
 
Continuing Operations
Net sales-unaffiliated customers
 
$
590,760

 
$
667,872

 
$
1,013,847

 
$
435,714

 
$
891,606

 
$
7,501

 
$
—

 
$
3,607,300

Intersegment sales
 
103,442

 
483,162

 
8,355

 
621

 
5,962

 
—

 
(601,542
)
 
—

Net sales
 
694,202

 
1,151,034

 
1,022,202

 
436,335

 
897,568

 
7,501

 
(601,542
)
 
3,607,300

Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations
 
11,954

 
139,002

 
9,025

 
32,356

 
15,341

 
(67,210
)
 
3

 
140,471

Total assets as of May 31, 2017*
 
282,042

 
919,923

 
706,319

 
431,284

 
637,953

 
871,040

 
(574,398
)
 
3,274,163

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31, 2016
 
 
Americas
 
International
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Recycling
 
Mills
 
Fabrication
 
Mill
 
Marketing and Distribution
 
Corporate
 
Eliminations
 
Continuing Operations
Net sales-unaffiliated customers
 
$
156,352

 
$
227,736

 
$
382,607

 
$
141,043

 
$
315,067

 
$
4,585

 
$
—

 
$
1,227,390

Intersegment sales
 
26,125

 
168,745

 
2,473

 
395

 
4,537

 
—

 
(202,275
)
 
—

Net sales
 
182,477

 
396,481

 
385,080

 
141,438

 
319,604

 
4,585

 
(202,275
)
 
1,227,390

Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations
 
(1,978
)
 
54,976

 
22,794

 
5,467

 
892

 
(22,542
)
 
1,331

 
60,940

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended May 31, 2016
 
 
Americas
 
International
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recycling
 
Mills
 
Fabrication
 
Mill
 
Marketing and Distribution
 
Corporate
 
Eliminations
 
Continuing Operations
Net sales-unaffiliated customers
 
$
430,829

 
$
634,926

 
$
1,096,049

 
$
368,949

 
$
867,084

 
$
4,109

 
$
—

 
$
3,401,946

Intersegment sales
 
79,201

 
482,516

 
7,489

 
395

 
12,433

 
—

 
(582,034
)
 
—

Net sales
 
510,030

 
1,117,442

 
1,103,538

 
369,344

 
879,517

 
4,109

 
(582,034
)
 
3,401,946

Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations
 
(16,171
)
 
164,739

 
58,964

 
10,189

 
(3,570
)
 
(69,415
)
 
2,233

 
146,969

Total assets as of August 31, 2016*
 
188,873

 
798,481

 
659,165

 
372,492

 
564,068

 
1,034,053

 
(493,050
)
 
3,124,082

 _________________ 
* Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $0.4 million at May 31, 2017 and $6.8 million at August 31, 2016.

26




Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit from continuing operations are provided below:
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
39,609

 
$
35,111

 
$
76,422


$
71,593

Income taxes
 
12,641

 
10,676

 
25,284


24,512

Interest expense
 
12,368

 
14,737

 
38,108


49,666

Discounts on sales of accounts receivable
 
230

 
416

 
657


1,198

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations
 
$
64,848

 
$
60,940

 
$
140,471


$
146,969

NOTE 16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On June 13, 2017, the Company announced its plan to exit its International Marketing and Distribution segment. As an initial step in this plan, on June 12, 2017, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its raw materials trading business headquartered in the U.S. ("CMC Cometals"). The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 and is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including, without limitation, approval of regulatory authorities. The purchase agreement also contains customary representations, warranties, covenants, including covenants not to compete and non-solicitation covenants, indemnities and termination rights. In addition, the Company announced its plan to pursue a sale of its steel trading business headquartered in the U.S., as well as a restructuring and sale of the remaining trading operations located in Asia and Australia. CMC Cometals is expected to be classified in discontinued operations beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The remainder of the International Marketing and Distribution segment is expected to be classified in discontinued operations either upon meeting the criteria to be classified as held for sale or upon the wind-down of each operation.

On June 23, 2017, the Company entered into a second amendment to its fourth amended and restated credit agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), to, among other things, extend the maturity of the Credit Agreement to June 23, 2022 and provide for a senior secured term loan in the maximum principal amount of $150.0 million (the "Term Loan"). The Term Loan will mature in June 2022, will generally bear interest on the same terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, and can be drawn upon only once during its term and only during the first 270 days of the term. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Term Loan for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, funding the repayment of the Company’s outstanding 2017 Notes.

On June 23, 2017, the Company entered into a third amendment to the Amended Credit Agreement to further amend the Credit Agreement to permit, among other things, the disposal of the International Marketing and Distribution segment, as described above.

On June 26, 2017, the Company announced a cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase up to $300.0 million of its remaining $399.8 million of 7.35% Senior Notes due August 2018. The Tender Offer is expected to close in July 2017. In addition, the Company announced its plan to issue $300.0 million of Senior Notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes"). The offering is expected to close in July 2017. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2027 Notes to fund the repurchase of a portion of the Company’s outstanding 2018 Notes in the Tender Offer and to redeem from available cash any remaining 2018 Notes that are not tendered following the Tender Offer's expiration, in each case together with accrued interest and expenses related thereto.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In the following discussion, references to "we," "us," "our" or the "Company" mean Commercial Metals Company ("CMC") and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, which are included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. This discussion contains or incorporates by reference "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results, based on information available at the time this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or, with respect

27




to any document incorporated by reference, available at the time that such document was prepared. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those identified in the section entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" at the end of this Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016. We do not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify any forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, new information or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") requiring recognition of all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as an income tax expense or benefit when stock awards vest or are settled. Additionally, the guidance allows for an increase in the threshold for net share settlement up to the maximum statutory rate in employees’ applicable jurisdictions without triggering liability classification. The adoption of this guidance had an immaterial impact on income taxes on our consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017. Additionally, we elected to continue to estimate forfeitures. As such, this adoption has no cumulative effect on retained earnings. We elected to apply the presentation requirements for cash flows related to excess tax benefits prospectively, which had an immaterial impact on both net cash from operating activities and net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended May 31, 2017. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact on any of the periods presented on our consolidated statements of cash flows since such cash flows have historically been presented as a financing activity.

There have been no other material changes to our critical accounting policies as set forth in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SUMMARY

Business Overview

As a vertically integrated organization, we recycle, manufacture and market steel and metal products, related materials and services through a network including metal recycling facilities, steel mills, steel fabrication and processing facilities, construction-related product warehouses and marketing and distribution offices in the United States ("U.S.") and in strategic international markets. Our operations are conducted through five business segments: Americas Recycling, Americas Mills, Americas Fabrication, International Mill and International Marketing and Distribution.

Financial Results Overview

The following discussion of our results of operations is based on our continuing operations and excludes any results of our discontinued operations. In the table below, we have included financial measures that were not derived in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). Refer to the reconciliations of adjusted operating profit from continuing operations and adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, each to earnings from continuing operations, in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this Item 2.
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales*
 
$
1,382,616

 
$
1,227,390

 
$
3,607,300

 
$
3,401,946

Earnings from continuing operations
 
39,609

 
35,111

 
76,422

 
71,593

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations+
 
64,848

 
60,940

 
140,471

 
146,969

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations+
 
96,947

 
92,483

 
233,407

 
241,271

Diluted net earnings per share attributable to CMC
 
0.34

 
0.17

 
0.65

 
0.47

 _________________ 
* Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations.
+ Non-GAAP financial measure.

Net sales for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 increased $155.2 million, or 13%, and $205.4 million, or 6%, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016 primarily due to increasing ferrous scrap prices throughout

28



fiscal 2017, improved demand in the construction and energy markets and increasing average selling prices in Poland due to lower rebar imports. Increasing ferrous scrap prices and improved demand were the primary drivers in the increase to our Americas Recycling segment's net sales and adjusted operating profit, which were up $111.7 million and $11.3 million, respectively, for the third fiscal quarter of 2017 and $184.2 million and $28.1 million, respectively, during the first nine months of fiscal 2017, in each case compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2016. Average selling prices for our Americas Mills segment during the third quarter of fiscal 2017 increased, which resulted in increases in net sales of $30.8 million and $33.6 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, respectively. However, the increase in scrap prices outpaced the increase in the average selling price for our Americas Mills segment, which resulted in margin compression for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017. Additionally, significant imports of low cost rebar led to a decline in average selling price for our Americas Fabrication segment and resulted in a decline in metal margins for both the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017. While Americas Mills and Americas Fabrication segments had margin compression, our vertical integration strategy performed as improved margins in the Americas Recycling segment offset the margin compression of the previously mentioned segments. Additionally, our International Mill segment saw increased average selling prices, which drove net sales and adjusted operating profit up $26.2 million and $7.5 million, respectively, during the third fiscal quarter of 2017 and $67.0 million and $22.2 million, respectively, during the first nine months of fiscal 2017, in each case compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2016.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses from continuing operations decreased $6.0 million for the three months ended May 31, 2017 and increased $14.1 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2017, in each case compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. The decrease for the three months ended May 31, 2017 was primarily due to a $3.2 million decrease in employee-related expenses, of which $2.7 million related to mark-to-market adjustment expenses associated with our outstanding equity awards accounted for as liability awards, and a $2.8 million decrease in non-qualified benefit restoration plan expenses. The increase for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 was primarily due to a $7.0 million increase in employee-related expenses, of which $2.5 million related to mark-to-market adjustment expenses associated with our outstanding equity awards accounted for as liability awards, a $4.7 million increase in professional service expenses, and a $4.1 million increase in non-qualified benefit restoration plan expenses.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 decreased $2.4 million and $11.6 million, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016. The effects of increases in capitalized interest due to construction of the steel minimill in Durant, Oklahoma decreased interest expense by $2.3 million and $5.1 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, compared to the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016. Additionally, interest expense during the nine months ended May 31, 2017 decreased $6.4 million compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year due to the partial repayment of long-term notes in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. See Note 7, Credit Arrangements, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding the repayment of long-term notes.

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 was 24.2% and 24.9%, respectively, compared with 23.3% and 25.5% for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2016, respectively. The increase in our effective income tax rate from continuing operations for the three months ended May 31, 2017 is primarily attributable to the discrete benefits recorded during the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, which reduced the effective tax rate for the three months ended May 31, 2016. Our effective income tax rates can also be impacted by state and local taxes as well as by earnings or losses from foreign jurisdictions. State and local taxes are generally consistent over time, while the composition of domestic and foreign earnings can create larger fluctuations in our effective tax rate.

We intend to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Although not expected, if a repatriation occurs in the future, we would be required to provide for income taxes on repatriated earnings from our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to the undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is a complex, hypothetical calculation which requires evaluation of numerous possible methods to effect any future repatriation to the U.S. and is therefore impracticable to present in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

29



SEGMENT OPERATING DATA

Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts below are from continuing operations and calculated before income taxes. Financial results for our reportable segments are consistent with the basis and manner in which we internally disaggregate financial information for the purpose of making operating decisions. See Note 15, Business Segments, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The operational data presented in the tables below is calculated using averages; and therefore, it is not meaningful to quantify the effect that any individual component had on the segment's net sales or adjusted operating profit.

Americas Recycling
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales
 
$
294,166

 
$
182,477

 
$
694,202

 
$
510,030

Adjusted operating profit (loss)
 
9,286

 
(1,978
)
 
11,954

 
(16,171
)
Average selling price (per short ton)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ferrous
 
$
264

 
$
210

 
$
236

 
$
182

Nonferrous
 
2,017

 
1,708

 
1,969

 
1,710

Short tons shipped (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ferrous
 
590

 
423

 
1,416

 
1,191

Nonferrous
 
61

 
49

 
163

 
149

Total
 
651

 
472

 
1,579

 
1,340


Net sales for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 increased $111.7 million, or 61%, and $184.2 million, or 36%, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. The increase in net sales for the three months ended May 31, 2017 was due to increases in average ferrous and nonferrous selling prices of $54 and $309 per short ton, respectively, coupled with increases in ferrous and nonferrous tons shipped of 39% and 24%, respectively, in each case compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2016. Net sales for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 were positively impacted by increases in average ferrous and nonferrous selling prices of $54 and $259 per short ton, respectively, coupled with 19% and 9% increases in ferrous and nonferrous tons shipped, respectively, in each case compared to the corresponding period in the prior fiscal year. The improvements in ferrous and nonferrous tons shipped resulted from strong scrap demand due to increased domestic steel mill capacity utilization along with our acquisition of seven recycling facilities during the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Refer to Note 2, Changes in Business, for further information regarding the acquisition of recycling facilities.

Adjusted operating profit increased $11.3 million and $28.1 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. Adjusted operating profit for the three months ended May 31, 2017 increased primarily due to the increase in ferrous and nonferrous tons shipped discussed above, coupled with a 5% and 8% increase in average ferrous and nonferrous metal margin, respectively, compared to the three months ended May 31, 2016. During the nine months ended May 31, 2017, the increase in ferrous and nonferrous tons shipped discussed above and the 10% and 14% increase in the average ferrous and nonferrous metal margin, respectively, resulted in the increase in adjusted operating profit, in each case compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2016. The increases in average metal margin for both the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 were due to the increase in average ferrous and nonferrous selling prices discussed above outpacing the increase in average ferrous and nonferrous material costs. During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, labor and employee benefit expenses decreased 15% and 13% per short ton, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016 due to the increases in tons shipped discussed above. Adjusted operating loss for the nine months ended May 31, 2016 included a positive insurance settlement of $2.5 million.


30



Americas Mills
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales
 
$
427,276

 
$
396,481

 
$
1,151,034

 
$
1,117,442

Adjusted operating profit
 
50,734

 
54,976

 
139,002

 
164,739

Average price (per short ton)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finished goods selling price
 
$
549

 
$
510

 
$
531

 
$
532

Total sales
 
540

 
501

 
522

 
522

Cost of ferrous scrap utilized
 
266

 
213

 
239

 
197

Metal margin
 
274

 
288

 
283

 
325

Short tons (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Melted
 
670

 
628

 
1,941

 
1,845

Rolled
 
626

 
627

 
1,846

 
1,758

Shipped
 
722

 
724

 
2,015

 
1,972


In our Americas Mills segment we include our five domestic steel mills, (four commonly referred to as "minimills," one of which utilizes continuous process technology, and one re-rolling mill), our minimill currently under construction in Oklahoma, and the recycling locations which directly support the steel mills.

Net sales for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 increased $30.8 million, or 8%, and $33.6 million, or 3%, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. The increase in net sales for the three months ended May 31, 2017 was due to an increase in average selling price of $39 per short ton compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2016. Net sales for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 increased due to a 2% increase in tons shipped compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2016 due to stronger end market demand.

Adjusted operating profit for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 decreased $4.2 million and $25.7 million, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, average metal margin decreased $14 per short ton and $42 per short ton, respectively, as average selling prices lagged ferrous scrap cost increases. Additionally, during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, expenses related to the construction of the new minimill in Oklahoma increased $2.9 million and $7.3 million, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. Partially offsetting margin compression during the nine months ended May 31, 2017 was a $3.3 million decrease in repairs and maintenance expenses due to variances in the timing and amounts of routine maintenance and equipment enhancements conducted in the normal course of business.

Americas Fabrication
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales
 
$
379,976

 
$
385,080

 
$
1,022,202

 
$
1,103,538

Adjusted operating profit
 
1,808

 
22,794

 
9,025

 
58,964

Average selling price (excluding stock and buyout sales) (per short ton)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rebar
 
$
741

 
$
789

 
$
737

 
$
819

Structural
 
2,049

 
2,136

 
2,136

 
2,244

Post
 
848

 
849

 
840

 
858

Short tons shipped (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rebar
 
275

 
270

 
749

 
744

Structural
 
7

 
10

 
19

 
24

Post
 
28

 
30

 
68

 
73



31



Net sales for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 decreased $5.1 million, or 1%, and $81.3 million, or 7%, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. The decrease in net sales for the three months ended May 31, 2017 was primarily due to decreases in the average selling prices of our primary product lines, coupled with a 30% decrease in structural shipments. For the nine months ended May 31, 2017, the decline in net sales was due to decreases in the average selling prices for our primary product lines, coupled with a 21% and 7% decrease in structural and post tons shipped, respectively, compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2016. Aggressive competition spurred by significant imports of low cost rebar over the past few quarters negatively impacted the average composite selling price of projects running through our fabrication backlog during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017.

Adjusted operating profit for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 decreased $21.0 million and $49.9 million, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. The decreases in adjusted operating profit for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 were primarily due to decreases in average composite metal margin of 22% and 18%, respectively, as the average composite selling price decreased faster than the decrease in average composite material cost, compared to the corresponding periods in the prior fiscal year. This segment benefited from a $2.4 million gain on the sale of fixed assets during the first quarter of fiscal 2016.

International Mill
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales
 
$
167,629

 
$
141,438

 
$
436,335

 
$
369,344

Adjusted operating profit
 
12,953

 
5,467

 
32,356

 
10,189

Average price (per short ton)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total sales
 
$
443

 
$
378

 
$
415

 
$
382

Cost of ferrous scrap utilized
 
253

 
187

 
229

 
190

Metal margin
 
190

 
191

 
186

 
192

Short tons (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Melted
 
380

 
289

 
1,066

 
970

Rolled
 
326

 
296

 
948

 
895

Shipped
 
354

 
353

 
983

 
913


Net sales for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 increased $26.2 million, or 19%, and $67.0 million, or 18%, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. The increase in net sales for the three months ended May 31, 2017 was primarily due to a 17% increase in average selling price. The increase in net sales for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 was primarily due to a 9% increase in average selling price and an 8% increase in tons shipped. Increased demand due to lower rebar imports resulted in the increases in average selling prices for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. Strong demand in the construction sector drove the increase in tons shipped, primarily merchant products, for the nine months ended May 31, 2017, compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2016. Additionally, the increases in net sales for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 reflect unfavorable foreign currency fluctuation impacts of approximately $3.4 million and $11.5 million, respectively, due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Polish zloty.

Adjusted operating profit for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 increased $7.5 million and $22.2 million, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. The increases in adjusted operating profit for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 resulted from the increases in tons shipped discussed above and a change in product mix that favored higher margin merchant shipments during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. Additionally, changes in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies did not have a material impact on the change in this segment's adjusted operating profit for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017.


32



International Marketing and Distribution
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales
 
$
347,113

 
$
319,604

 
$
897,568

 
$
879,517

Adjusted operating profit (loss)
 
10,164

 
892

 
15,341

 
(3,570
)

Net sales for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 increased $27.5 million, or 9%, and $18.1 million, or 2%, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. The increase in net sales for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 was primarily due to increases in volumes sold and average selling prices in our steel trading business headquartered in the U.S. driven by increased demand from the oil and gas industry, an increase in volumes sold in our raw materials trading business headquartered in the U.S. primarily due to the introduction of new products into the portfolio, and an increase in volumes sold in Australia due to strong demand from our distributor and construction end users. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in volumes sold for our operations in the United Kingdom as a result of our decision to exit the United Kingdom steel trading business in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Furthermore, our raw materials trading business headquartered in the U.S. experienced a decline in average selling prices as a result of a decrease in volumes sold of a high value product within the portfolio, which partially offset the previously mentioned increase in volumes sold. Changes in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies did not have a material impact on the change in this segment's net sales for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017.

Adjusted operating profit for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 was $10.2 million and $15.3 million, respectively, compared to adjusted operating profit of $0.9 million for the three months ended May 31, 2016 and adjusted operating loss of $3.6 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2016. The changes in adjusted operating profit were primarily due to improved margins for our steel trading business headquartered in the U.S. as a result of improvements within the energy market throughout fiscal 2017. Changes in the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies did not have a material impact on the change in this segment's adjusted operating profit for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017.

On June 13, 2017, we announced our plan to exit our International Marketing and Distribution segment. See Note 16, Subsequent Events, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information.

Corporate

Corporate adjusted operating loss decreased $1.7 million and $2.2 million for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in fiscal 2016. The change in adjusted operating loss for the three months ended May 31, 2017 was primarily due to decreases in mark-to-market adjustment expenses of $2.7 million associated with our outstanding equity awards accounted for as liability awards. The change in adjusted operating loss for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 was primarily due to an $11.5 million loss on debt extinguishment incurred in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, partially offset by increases in mark-to-market adjustment expenses of $2.5 million associated with our outstanding equity awards accounted for as liability awards and in professional service expenses of $4.0 million.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS DATA

In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we decided to exit our steel distribution business in Australia, which met the definition of a discontinued operation. As a result, our steel distribution business in Australia has been presented as a discontinued operation for all periods. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company completed the sale of six locations that were a part of the Australian steel distribution business and ceased all operations at three other locations that were part of the Australian steel distribution business. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company completed the sale of one remaining location. Our Australian steel distribution business was previously included in the International Marketing and Distribution segment.
OUTLOOK

We anticipate stability in the key macro-economic drivers that impact our business for the remainder of our fiscal 2017, including continued strong demand in both the U.S. and Polish markets and also historically low steel margins in the U.S. We continue to be optimistic that the ongoing trade actions taken in both the U.S. and Poland, once finalized, will provide some relief from unfairly priced rebar imports that have impacted our markets.

33



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

See Note 7, Credit Arrangements, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

While we believe the lending institutions participating in our credit arrangements are financially capable, it is important to note that the banking and capital markets periodically experience volatility that may limit our ability to raise capital. Additionally, changes to our credit rating by any rating agency may impact our ability to raise capital and our financing costs.

The table below reflects our sources, facilities and availability of liquidity as of May 31, 2017:
(in thousands)
 
Total Facility
 
Availability
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
275,778

 
$
275,778

Revolving credit facility
 
350,000

 
346,983

U.S. receivables sale facility
 
200,000

 
176,293

International accounts receivable sales facilities
 
53,771

 
49,829

Bank credit facilities — uncommitted
 
47,049

 
45,588

Notes due from 2017 to 2023
 
1,029,818

 
*

Other, including equipment notes
 
30,984

 
*

 _________________
* We believe we have access to additional financing and refinancing, if needed.

Sources of Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of May 31, 2017, we had $300.0 million of 6.50% Senior Notes due July 2017 (the "2017 Notes"), $399.8 million of 7.35% Senior Notes due August 2018 (the "2018 Notes") and $330.0 million of 4.875% Senior Notes due May 2023 (the "2023 Notes" and together with the 2017 Notes and the 2018 Notes, the "Notes"). The Notes require interest only payments until maturity. We expect cash on hand and cash generated from operations to be sufficient to meet all interest and principal payments due within the next twelve months, and we believe we will be able to obtain additional financing or to refinance the Notes when they mature. On June 26, 2017, we announced a cash tender offer to purchase up to $300.0 million of our remaining 2018 Notes. Additionally, we announced our plan to issue $300.0 million of Senior Notes due 2027. See Note 16, Subsequent Events, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information.

At both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, CMC Poland Sp. z.o.o. ("CMCP") had uncommitted credit facilities with several banks of Polish zloty ("PLN") 175 million ($47.0 million as of May 31, 2017). As of May 31, 2017, the uncommitted credit facilities have expiration dates ranging from November 2017 to March 2018, which CMCP intends to renew upon expiration. At May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, no amounts were outstanding under these facilities. The available balance of these credit facilities was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit, which totaled $1.5 million at both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016. During the nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016, CMCP had no borrowings or repayments under its uncommitted credit facilities.

With bank approval, the maximum availability under our $350.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement") can be increased to $500.0 million. Our obligation under the Credit Agreement is collateralized by our U.S. inventory. The Credit Agreement's capacity includes $50.0 million for the issuance of stand-by letters of credit and was reduced by outstanding stand-by letters of credit, which totaled $3.0 million at both May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016. The Company had no amounts drawn under its revolving credit facilities at May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016. On June 23, 2017, we entered into second and third amendments to our Credit Agreement, to, among other things, extend the maturity of the Credit Agreement by five years to 2022 and provide for a senior secured term loan in the maximum principal amount of $150.0 million. See Note 16, Subsequent Events, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information.


34



Under the Credit Agreement, we are required to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants, including covenants to maintain: (i) an interest coverage ratio (consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense, as each is defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 and (ii) a debt to capitalization ratio (consolidated funded debt to total capitalization, as each is defined in the Credit Agreement) that does not exceed 0.60 to 1.00. At May 31, 2017, our interest coverage ratio was 5.98 to 1.00 and our debt to capitalization ratio was 0.43 to 1.00. In addition, beginning on the date three months prior to each maturity date of the 2017 Notes and the 2018 Notes and each day thereafter that the 2017 Notes and the 2018 Notes are outstanding, we will be required to maintain liquidity of at least $150.0 million in excess of each of the outstanding aggregate principal amounts of the 2017 Notes and 2018 Notes. At May 31, 2017, we had sufficient liquidity and were in compliance with this covenant. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest based on the Eurocurrency rate, a base rate, or the LIBOR rate.

At May 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the covenants contained in our debt agreements.

Our foreign operations generated approximately 27% of our net sales during the third quarter of fiscal 2017, and as a result, our foreign operations had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $62.5 million at May 31, 2017. Historically, our U.S. operations have generated the majority of our cash, which has been used to fund the cash needs of our U.S. operations as well as our foreign operations. Additionally, our U.S. operations have access to the $350.0 million credit facility described above and the $200.0 million sale of accounts receivable program described below. We intend to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. If a repatriation of earnings occurs in the future, we would be required to provide for income taxes on dividends from our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Determination of the unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to the undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is not practicable because of the complexities with its hypothetical calculation.

We regularly maintain a substantial amount of accounts receivable. We actively monitor our accounts receivable and, based on market conditions and customers' financial condition, we record allowances as soon as we believe accounts are uncollectible. Continued pressure on the liquidity of our customers could result in additional allowances as we make our assessments in the future. We use credit insurance both in the U.S. and internationally to mitigate the risk of customer insolvency. We estimate that the amount of credit insured receivables (and those covered by export letters of credit) was approximately 32% of total receivables at May 31, 2017.

For added flexibility, we may sell certain accounts receivable both in the U.S. and internationally. See Note 4, Sales of Accounts Receivable, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information. Our U.S. sale of accounts receivable program contains certain cross-default provisions whereby a termination event could occur if we default under certain of our credit arrangements. Additionally, our U.S. sale of accounts receivable program contains covenants that are consistent with the covenants contained in the Credit Agreement.

We utilize documentary letter of credit programs whereby we assign certain trade accounts payable associated with trading transactions entered into by our marketing and distribution divisions. These letters of credit allow for payment at a future date and are used as an additional source of working capital financing. These letters of credit are issued under uncommitted lines of credit, which are in addition to and separate from our contractually committed credit facility and are not included in our overall liquidity analysis. We did not have any material amounts of documentary letters of credit outstanding at May 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016, respectively. The amount of documentary letters of credit outstanding during the period can fluctuate as a result of the level of activity and volume of materials purchased during the period as well as a result of their length and timing to maturity.

Stock Repurchase Program

During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, CMC's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $100.0 million of shares of CMC common stock. As of May 31, 2017, the approximate value of shares of CMC common stock that may yet be purchased under this program is $27.6 million. We intend to repurchase shares from time to time for cash in the open market or privately-negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing and the amount of repurchases, if any, are determined by management based on an evaluation of market conditions, capital allocation alternatives and other factors. The share repurchase program does not require us to purchase any dollar amount or number of shares of CMC common stock and may be modified, suspended, extended or terminated at any time without prior notice. We did not purchase any shares of CMC common stock during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 or three months ended May 31, 2016. During the nine months ended May 31, 2016, we purchased 2.3 million shares of CMC common stock at an average purchase price of $13.57 per share.

Acquisitions

On December 12, 2016, we completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Continental Concrete Structures, Inc. ("CCS"), a fabricator of post-tensioning cable and related products for commercial and public construction projects with a facility

35



in Alpharetta, Georgia. In addition, CCS provides professional design and value engineering services to the construction industry throughout North America. This acquisition complements our current rebar fabrication business and continues our strategy of creating value for customers. The operating results of this facility are included in the Americas Fabrication reporting segment.

On January 9, 2017, we completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Associated Steel Workers, Limited ("ASW"), a steel fabrication facility in Kapolei, Hawaii. This acquisition continues the vertical integration model of the Company by extending our geographic reach, establishing a fabrication operation in Hawaii and expanding our presence in the Hawaiian market. The operating results of this facility are included in the Americas Fabrication reporting segment.

On March 6, 2017, we completed the purchase of certain assets from OmniSource Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Steel Dynamics, Inc., consisting of seven recycling facilities located in the southeast United States, which are in close proximity to our minimill in Cayce, South Carolina. These facilities provide synergies with our other operations in the region. The operating results of these facilities will be included in the Americas Recycling reporting segment.

These acquisitions were funded through internally generated cash and did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. We regularly review potential acquisitions. We believe available cash resources, bank financing or the issuance of debt or equity could be used to finance future acquisitions. There can be no assurance we will enter into new acquisitions.

Operating Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures

Operating Activities
Our cash flows from operating activities result primarily from the sale of steel and related products, and to a lesser extent, sales of nonferrous metal products and other raw materials used in steel manufacturing. We have a diverse and generally stable customer base. From time to time, we use futures or forward contracts to mitigate the risks from fluctuations in metal commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, natural gas prices and interest rates. See Note 9, Derivatives and Risk Management, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information.

Net cash flows from operating activities decreased $488.0 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2017, compared to the nine months ended May 31, 2016, primarily due to changes in operating assets and liabilities (“working capital”) from cyclical increases in commodity pricing and demand, as well as a decrease in net earnings, after giving effect to non-cash items. An increase in working capital for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 was a usage of cash of $164.4 million. In general, commodity pricing and volume increases across most of our businesses are the primary drivers of the working capital change. Days sales outstanding remained flat at 57 days, and days sales in inventory deteriorated by three days during the nine months ended May 31, 2017.

Investing Activities
Net cash flows used by investing activities increased $57.0 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 primarily due to $54.4 million of cash used for acquisitions, compared to none during the nine months ended May 31, 2016. See Note 2, Changes in Business, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding acquisitions occurring during the first nine months of fiscal 2017.

We expect our total capital expenditures for fiscal 2017 to be between $250 million and $300 million. We have commitments for capital expenditures related to the construction of the Oklahoma minimill of $81.7 million, which we expect to fund from internally generated capital. We regularly assess our capital spending and reevaluate our requirements based on current and expected results.

Financing Activities
Net cash flows used by financing activities decreased $304.3 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2017 primarily due to $200.2 million in repayments of long-term debt completed during the nine months ended May 31, 2016. See Note 7, Credit Arrangements, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding repayments on long-term debt occurring during the first nine months of fiscal 2016. Also contributing to the decrease was the repayment of short-term borrowings of $20.1 million and purchases of CMC common stock of $30.6 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2016 while no such activity occurred during the first nine months of 2017. Further, cash used by documentary letters of credit decreased $40.7 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2017 compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2016. We regularly evaluate the use of our cash in efforts to maximize total shareholder return, including debt repayment, capital deployment, share repurchases and dividends.


36



We anticipate our current cash balances, cash flows from operations and our available credit sources will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements, including our scheduled debt repayments, payments for our contractual obligations, capital expenditures, working capital needs, share repurchases, dividends and other prudent uses of our capital, such as future acquisitions. However, in the event of sustained market deterioration, we may need additional liquidity, which would require us to evaluate available alternatives and take appropriate steps to obtain sufficient additional funds.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Our contractual obligations increased approximately $122.0 million to $2.2 billion at May 31, 2017 from $2.1 billion at August 31, 2016. This increase was primarily related to a $204.6 million increase in unconditional purchase obligations partially offset by a $77.3 million reduction in operating leases and interest on long-term debt. Our estimated contractual obligations for the twelve months ending May 31, 2018 are approximately $1.2 billion and primarily constitute expenditures incurred in connection with normal revenue producing activities as well as repayments of long-term debt due in July 2017.

Other Commercial Commitments

We maintain stand-by letters of credit to provide support for certain transactions that our insurance providers and suppliers request. At May 31, 2017, we had committed $24.7 million under these arrangements.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

For added flexibility, we may sell certain trade accounts receivable both in the U.S. and internationally. We utilize proceeds from the sales of the trade accounts receivables as an alternative to short-term borrowings, effectively managing our overall borrowing costs and providing an additional source of working capital. We account for sales of the trade accounts receivables as true sales and the trade accounts receivable balances that are sold are removed from the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The cash advances received are reflected as cash provided by operating activities on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. See Note 4, Sales of Accounts Receivable, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.
CONTINGENCIES

See Note 14, Commitments and Contingencies, to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information.

In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we become involved in litigation, administrative proceedings and governmental investigations, including with respect to environmental matters. We may incur settlements, fines, penalties or judgments in connection with these matters. Liabilities and costs associated with litigation-related loss contingencies require estimates and judgments based on our knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding each matter and the advice of our legal counsel. We record liabilities for litigation-related losses when a loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss. We evaluate the measurement of recorded liabilities each reporting period based on the current facts and circumstances specific to each matter. The ultimate losses incurred upon final resolution of litigation-related loss contingencies may differ materially from the estimated liability recorded at a particular balance sheet date. Changes in estimates are recorded in earnings in the period in which such changes occur. We do not believe that any currently pending legal proceedings to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

37




NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Adjusted Operating Profit from Continuing Operations

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations is the sum of our earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, interest expense and discounts on sales of accounts receivable. Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations should not be considered as an alternative to earnings from continuing operations or net earnings, as determined by GAAP. Management uses adjusted operating profit from continuing operations to evaluate our financial performance. For added flexibility, we may sell certain trade accounts receivable both in the U.S. and internationally. We consider sales of accounts receivable as an alternative source of liquidity to finance our operations, and we believe that removing these costs provides a clearer perspective of our operating performance. Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations may be inconsistent with similar measures presented by other companies.

Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted operating profit from continuing operations are provided below:
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
39,609

 
$
35,111

 
$
76,422

 
$
71,593

Income taxes
 
12,641

 
10,676

 
25,284

 
24,512

Interest expense
 
12,368

 
14,737

 
38,108

 
49,666

Discounts on sales of accounts receivable
 
230

 
416

 
657

 
1,198

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations
 
$
64,848

 
$
60,940

 
$
140,471

 
$
146,969


Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is the sum of earnings from continuing operations before net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests, interest expense and income taxes. It also excludes our largest recurring non-cash charge, depreciation and amortization, as well as long-lived asset and goodwill impairment charges, which are also non-cash. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations should not be considered as an alternative to earnings from continuing operations or net earnings, or as a better measure of liquidity than net cash flows from operating activities, as determined by GAAP. However, we believe that adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations provides relevant and useful information, which is often used by analysts, creditors and other interested parties as it allows: (i) comparison of our earnings to those of our competitors; (ii) a supplemental measure of our ongoing core performance; and (iii) the assessment of period-to-period performance trends. Additionally, adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is the target benchmark for our annual and long-term cash incentive performance plans for management. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations may be inconsistent with similar measures presented by other companies.

There were no net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2017 and 2016.

Reconciliations of earnings from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations are provided below:
 
 
Three Months Ended May 31,
 
Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
39,609

 
$
35,111

 
$
76,422

 
$
71,593

Interest expense
 
12,368

 
14,737

 
38,108

 
49,666

Income taxes
 
12,641

 
10,676

 
25,284

 
24,512

Depreciation and amortization
 
32,259

 
31,883

 
93,044

 
95,424

Impairment charges
 
70

 
76

 
549

 
76

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations
 
$
96,947

 
$
92,483

 
$
233,407

 
$
241,271



38



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, with respect to key macro-economic drivers that impact our business, the effects of ongoing trade actions, the effects of continued pressure on the liquidity of our customers, potential synergies provided by our recent acquisitions, share repurchases, legal proceedings, the reinvestment of undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, capital expenditures, our liquidity and our ability to satisfy future liquidity requirements, estimated contractual obligations and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by phrases such as we or our management "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "intends," "plans to," "ought," "could," "will," "should," "likely," "appears," "projects," "forecasts," "outlook" or other similar words or phrases. There are inherent risks and uncertainties in any forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

Our forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and beliefs as of the time this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is filed with the SEC or, with respect to any document incorporated by reference, as of the time such document was prepared. Although we believe that our expectations are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify any forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, new information or circumstances or otherwise. Some of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include the following:

•
conditions, including the ongoing recovery from the last recession, continued sovereign debt problems in the Euro-zone and construction activity or lack thereof, and their impact in a highly cyclical industry;

•
rapid and significant changes in the price of metals, potentially impairing our inventory values due to declines in commodity prices;

•
excess capacity in our industry, particularly in China, and product availability from competing steel mills and other steel suppliers including import quantities and pricing;

•
compliance with and changes in environmental laws and regulations, including increased regulation associated with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions;

•
involvement in various environmental matters that may result in fines, penalties or judgments;

•
potential limitations in our or our customers' abilities to access credit and non-compliance by our customers with our existing commercial contracts and commitments;

•
activity in repurchasing shares of our common stock under our repurchase program;

•
financial covenants and restrictions on the operation of our business contained in agreements governing our debt;

•
currency fluctuations;

•
global factors, including political uncertainties and military conflicts;

•
availability of electricity and natural gas for mill operations;

•
ability to hire and retain key executives and other employees;

•
competition from other materials or from competitors that have a lower cost structure or access to greater financial resources;

•
information technology interruptions and breaches in data security;

•
ability to make necessary capital expenditures to fund our mills;

•
availability and pricing of raw materials and other items over which we exert little influence, including scrap metal, energy and insurance;

•
unexpected equipment failures;

•
losses or limited potential gains due to hedging transactions;

•
litigation claims and settlements, court decisions, regulatory rulings and legal compliance risks;

•
risk of injury or death to employees, customers or other visitors to our operations;

39




•
increased costs related to health care reform legislation; and

•
those factors listed under Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, included in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The U.S. dollar equivalent of the Company's total gross foreign currency exchange contract commitments increased $4.5 million, or 2% compared to August 31, 2016. Forward contracts denominated in the British pound with a U.S. dollar functional currency and forward contracts denominated in the U.S. dollar with a Thai baht functional currency decreased $42.3 million and $15.8 million, respectively, compared to August 31, 2016. Partially offsetting these decreases, forward contracts denominated in Polish zloty and the Australian dollar with a U.S. dollar functional currency, and forward contracts denominated in the U.S. dollar with the Australian dollar functional currency increased $33.2 million, $22.8 million and $12.0 million, respectively, compared to August 31, 2016.

The Company's total commodity contract commitments increased $17.1 million, or 87% compared to August 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to short copper contracts, which increased $15.4 million compared to August 31, 2016.

There were no other material changes to the information set forth in Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The term "disclosure controls and procedures" is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. This term refers to the controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods, and includes controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and they have concluded that as of that date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2017 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

40



PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is a defendant in lawsuits associated with the normal conduct of its businesses and operations. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the pending actions, and, as with any litigation, it is possible that these actions could be decided unfavorably to the Company. We believe that there are meritorious defenses to these actions and that these actions will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and, where appropriate, these actions are being vigorously contested.

We are subject to laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment. It is not possible to quantify with certainty the potential impact of actions relating to environmental matters, particularly remediation and other compliance efforts that our subsidiaries may undertake in the future. We believe, however, compliance with current environmental protection laws (before taking into account estimated recoveries from third parties) will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The following table provides information about purchases by the Company during the quarter ended May 31, 2017 of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
March 1, 2017 - March 31, 2017
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
$
27,598,706

April 1, 2017 - April 30, 2017
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
27,598,706

May 1, 2017 - May 31, 2017
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
27,598,706

Total
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
 
 _________________ 
(1)
 During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company announced that CMC's Board of Directors had authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $100.0 million of shares of CMC common stock. The share repurchase program does not require the Company to purchase any dollar amount or number of shares of CMC common stock and may be modified, suspended, extended or terminated by the Company at any time without prior notice.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

41



ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS

3.1(a)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated March 2, 1989 (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.1(b)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated February 1, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(a) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.1(c)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated February 17, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(b) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.1(d)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated January 30, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(d) to Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 29, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.1(e)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated January 26, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.1(f)
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 2 to Commercial Metals Company's Form 8-A filed August 3, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.2
Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
31.1
Certification of Joseph Alvarado, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to Section 302 to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
 
 
31.2
Certification of Mary Lindsey, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
 
 
32.1
Certification of Joseph Alvarado, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
 
 
32.2
Certification of Mary Lindsey, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
 
 
101
The following financial information from Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2017, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited), (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited), (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited), (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited), (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (submitted electronically herewith).


42



SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
 
 
June 28, 2017
/s/ Mary Lindsey
 
Mary Lindsey
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Duly authorized officer and principal financial officer of the registrant)





43



INDEX TO EXHIBITS

3.1(a)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated March 2, 1989 (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.1(b)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated February 1, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(a) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.1(c)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated February 17, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(b) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.1(d)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated January 30, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)(d) to Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 29, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.1(e)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated January 26, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.1(f)
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 2 to Commercial Metals Company's Form 8-A filed August 3, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
3.2
Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to Commercial Metals Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
31.1
Certification of Joseph Alvarado, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to Section 302 to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
 
 
31.2
Certification of Mary Lindsey, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
 
 
32.1
Certification of Joseph Alvarado, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
 
 
32.2
Certification of Mary Lindsey, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Commercial Metals Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
 
 
101
The following financial information from Commercial Metals Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2017, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited), (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited), (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited), (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited), (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (submitted electronically herewith).


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