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Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  
Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SDI, together with its wholly- and majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. Noncontrolling and redeemable noncontrolling interests represent the noncontrolling owners' proportionate share in the equity, income, or losses of the company’s majority-owned or controlled consolidated subsidiaries. Redeemable noncontrolling interests related to USS (owned 90% by SDI) are $60.0 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023. Redeemable noncontrolling interests related to Mesabi Nugget (owned 86% by SDI) are $111.2 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

These consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and accordingly, include amounts that require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and in the notes thereto. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying value of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and goodwill; allowances for credit losses for trade receivables, inventories and deferred income tax assets; unrecognized tax benefits; potential environmental liabilities; and litigation claims and settlements. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In the steel, metals recycling, and aluminum operations segments, revenue is recognized at the point in time the performance obligation is satisfied, and control of the product is transferred to the customer upon shipment or delivery, at the amount of consideration the company expects to receive, including any variable consideration. The variable consideration included in the company’s steel operations segment contracts, which is not constrained, includes estimated product returns and customer claims based on historical experience, and may include volume rebates which are recorded on an expected value basis. Revenue recognized is limited to the amount the company expects to receive. The company does not exercise significant judgments in determining the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations or the transaction price. Shipment of products to customers is considered a fulfillment activity with amounts billed to customers included in sales and costs associated with such activities included in cost of goods sold.

The company’s steel fabrication operations segment recognizes revenue over time at the amount of consideration the company expects to receive. Revenue is measured on an output method representing completed fabricated tons to date as a percentage of total tons required for each contract. Revenue from fabrication of tons remaining on partially fabricated customer contracts as of a reporting date, and future revenue from yet to be fabricated customer contracts, has not been disclosed under the practical expedient in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606), paragraph ASC 606-10-50-14 related to customer contracts with expected duration of one year or less. The company does not exercise significant judgments in determining the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations or the transaction price. Shipment of products to customers, which occurs after control over the product has transferred to the customer and revenue is recognized, is considered a fulfillment activity with amounts billed to customers included in sales and costs associated with such activities included in cost of goods sold.

Payments from customers are generally due within 30 days of invoicing, which generally occurs upon shipment of the products. Shipment for the steel fabrication operations segment generally occurs within 30 days of satisfaction of the performance obligation and revenue recognition. The company does not have financing components. Payments from customers have historically been within these terms, however, payments for non-U.S. sales may extend longer.

Note 1. Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Refer to Note 12. Segment Information for disaggregated revenue by segment to external, external non-United States, and other segment customers.

Credit Losses

Credit Losses

The company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonpayment of accounts receivable by customers. The company mitigates its exposure to credit risk, which it generally extends on an unsecured basis, by performing ongoing credit evaluations and taking further action if necessary, such as requiring letters of credit or other security interests to support the customer receivable. The allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable is based on the company’s reasonable estimate of known credit risks and historical experience, adjusted for current and anticipated economic and other pertinent factors affecting the company’s customers, that may differ from historical experience. Customer accounts receivable are written off when all collection efforts have been exhausted and the amounts are deemed uncollectible.

At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the company reported $1,417.2 million and $1,608.3 million, respectively, of accounts receivable, net of allowances for credit losses of $7.7 million and $8.5 million, respectively. Changes in the allowance were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, or 2022.

Cash and Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

Cash and Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

Cash and equivalents include all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Restricted cash is primarily funds held in escrow as required by various insurance and government organizations. The balance of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the consolidated statements of cash flows includes restricted cash of $5.5 million at December 31, 2024, $5.6 million at December 31, 2023, and $5.5 million at December 31, 2022, and 2021, which is recorded in Other Assets (noncurrent) in the company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Short-Term Investments

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments include investments with maturity dates of longer than three months but less than one year when purchased. The company’s short-term investments are classified as trading securities. The short-term investments held as of December 31, 2024 consisted of commercial paper ($19.7 million), US Treasuries ($113.1 million), and certificates of deposit ($15.0 million). Short-term investments held as of December 31, 2023 consisted of commercial paper ($146.2 million), US Treasuries ($564.9 million), and certificates of deposit ($10.1 million). Interest income from invested cash and short-term investments was $90.1 million, $111.9 million, and $29.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and is recorded in other (income) expense, net as earned.

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories are stated at lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using a weighted average cost method for raw materials (including scrap and purchased steel substrate) and supplies, and on a first-in, first-out basis for other inventory. Inventory consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

2024

2023

Raw materials

$

1,323,920

$

1,226,272

Supplies

805,035

711,653

Work in progress

269,031

296,932

Finished goods

715,747

659,775

Total inventories

$

3,113,733

$

2,894,632

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost which includes capitalized interest on construction in progress amounts, and is reduced by proceeds received from certain state and local government grants and other capital cost reimbursements, except for assets acquired in acquisitions which are valued at fair value at the purchase date. The company assigns each fixed asset a useful life ranging from 3 to 15 years for plant, machinery and equipment, and 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is provided utilizing the straight-line depreciation methodology, or the units-of-production depreciation methodology for certain production-related steel operations segment assets, based on units produced, subject to minimum and maximum levels. Depreciation expense was $441.2 million, $397.0 million, and $349.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

The company’s property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

2024

2023

Land and improvements

$

801,210

$

693,166

Buildings and improvements

1,487,742

1,255,274

Plant, machinery and equipment

7,666,513

6,887,985

Construction in progress

2,767,013

2,096,489

12,722,478

10,932,914

Less accumulated depreciation

4,604,490

4,198,696

Property, plant and equipment, net

$

8,117,988

$

6,734,218

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

The company’s intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

Weighted

Average

Useful

Amortization

2024

2023

Life

Period

Customer, vendor and scrap generator relationships

$

444,812

$

444,812

8 to 25 years

22 years

Trade names

147,950

147,950

15 to 25 years

19 years

Other

-

600

592,762

593,362

22 years

Less accumulated amortization

365,528

335,603

$

227,234

$

257,759

The company utilizes an accelerated amortization methodology for customer, vendor and scrap generator relationships in order to follow the pattern in which the economic benefits of the amounts are anticipated to be consumed. Trade names are amortized using a straight-line methodology. Amortization of intangible assets was $30.5 million, $34.0 million, and $27.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Note 1. Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Estimated amortization expense related to amortizable intangibles for the years ending December 31 is as follows (in thousands):

2025

$

27,464

2026

25,562

2027

23,163

2028

21,953

2029

19,583

Thereafter

109,509

Total

$

227,234

Impairment of Long-Lived Tangible and Definite Lived Intangible Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Tangible and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

The company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts. The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the assets to its carrying amount. The company considers various factors and determines whether an impairment test is necessary, including by way of examples, a significant and prolonged deterioration in operating results and/or projected cash flows, significant changes in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, technological advances with respect to assets which would potentially render them obsolete, the company’s strategy and capital planning, and the economic environment in markets to be served.

Goodwill

Goodwill

The company’s goodwill consisted of the following at December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

Steel Operations Segment

$

272,133

Aluminum Operations Segment

14,000

Metals Recycling Operations Segment

189,413

Steel Fabrication Operations Segment

1,925

$

477,471

In the fourth quarter 2024, results from an entity previously included in the metals recycling operations segment were moved to the aluminum operations segment, which also resulted in $14 million of goodwill being reassigned to the aluminum operations segment based on a relative fair value allocation approach. Segment information for 2023 has been recast consistent with the current reportable segment presentation. Cumulative OmniSource goodwill impairment charges were $346.8 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Impairment of Goodwill

Impairment of Goodwill

At least once annually (as of October 1), or when indicators of impairment exist, the company performs a goodwill impairment analysis. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are generally one level below the company’s operating segments. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value of the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the company recognizes an impairment loss in the amount by which the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, with the impairment loss not to exceed the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The company has the option to consider qualitative factors to assess if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value. If elected to bypass the qualitative assessment or if indications of a potential impairment exist, the company performs a quantitative test.

Note 1. Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

When conducting a qualitative assessment, the company considers the impact of several factors on the company overall and each reporting unit individually including the timing and results of prior quantitative tests performed, changes in the carrying amount of the reporting unit, macroeconomic conditions (including changes in interest and discount rates), industry and market conditions, recent and projected financial performance, the company’s competitive position and other factors. When conducting a quantitative test, the fair value of the reporting unit is determined by using an estimate of future cash flows utilizing a risk-adjusted discount rate to calculate the net present value of future cash flows (income approach), and for some years by using a market approach based upon an analysis of valuation metrics of comparable peer companies, using Level 3 fair value inputs as provided for under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement.

No impairment was identified during the company’s 2024, 2023 or 2022 annual goodwill impairment analysis. During 2024, the company performed a qualitative assessment and performed quantitative tests in 2023 and 2022.

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation

The company has several stock-based employee compensation plans which are more fully described in Note 6. Equity-Based Incentive Plans. Compensation expense for restricted stock units, deferred stock units, restricted stock, stock appreciation awards, and performance awards is recorded over the vesting periods using the fair value as determined by the closing fair market value of the company’s common stock on the grant date, and with respect to performance awards, an estimate of probability of award achievement during the performance period. The company recognizes forfeitures as they occur. Compensation expense for these stock-based employee compensation plans was $65.6 million, $60.1 million, and $69.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The company accounts for income taxes and the related accounts under the liability method. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted rates expected to be in effect during the year in which the basis differences reverse.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes the weighted average dilutive effect of common share equivalents outstanding during the period applied to the company’s basic earnings per share. Common share equivalents represent potentially dilutive restricted stock units, deferred stock units, restricted stock, and performance awards, and are excluded from the computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. There were 269,000 anti-dilutive common stock equivalents as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024. There were no anti-dilutive common stock equivalents as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022.

Note 1. Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerators and the denominators of the company’s basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share data):

2024

2023

Net Income

Shares

Per Share

Net Income

Shares

Per Share

(Numerator)

(Denominator)

Amount

(Numerator)

(Denominator)

Amount

Basic earnings per share

$

1,537,134

155,420

$

9.89

$

2,450,882

166,552

$

14.72

Dilutive common share equivalents

-

716

-

879

Diluted earnings per share

$

1,537,134

156,136

$

9.84

$

2,450,882

167,431

$

14.64

2022

Net Income

Shares

Per Share

(Numerator)

(Denominator)

Amount

Basic earnings per share

$

3,862,674

183,393

$

21.06

Dilutive common share equivalents

-

1,229

Diluted earnings per share

$

3,862,674

184,622

$

20.92

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the company to significant concentrations of credit risk principally consist of temporary cash investments and accounts receivable. When advantageous, the company places its temporary cash with high credit quality financial institutions and companies and limits the amount of credit exposure from any one entity. The company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonpayment by customers. The company mitigates its exposure to credit risk, which it generally extends initially on an unsecured basis, by performing ongoing credit evaluations and taking further action if necessary, such as requiring letters of credit or other security interests to support the customer receivable.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

The company routinely enters into forward exchange traded futures to manage price risk associated with nonferrous metal inventory, as well as purchases and sales of nonferrous (primarily aluminum and copper) and ferrous metals, to reduce exposure to commodity related price fluctuations. The company does not enter into these derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as hedges, depending on the nature of the hedge, are recognized as either an offset against the change in fair value of the hedged balance sheet item in the case of fair value hedges or as other comprehensive income in the case of cash flow hedges, until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings for fair value hedges. The company offsets fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under master netting agreements.

In the normal course of business, the company has derivative financial instruments in the form of forward contracts in various metallic commodities and those related to managing fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. At the time of acquiring these financial instruments, the company designates and assigns these instruments as hedges of specific assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions. When hedged assets or liabilities are sold or extinguished, or the anticipated transaction being hedged is no longer expected to occur, the company recognizes the gain or loss on the designated hedged financial instrument in earnings.

Note 1. Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

The fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments, along with required margin deposit amounts with the same counterparty under master netting arrangements, totaled $26.0 million and $24.0 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are reflected in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Total gains and losses related to derivatives in fair value hedging relationships, as well as those not designated as hedging instruments, are recognized in costs of goods sold and were insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022. Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, for which gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income, along with net amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, were insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The company adopted ASU 2023-07 during the year ended December 31, 2024. See Note 12. Segment Information.

Recently Issued Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which modifies the rules on income tax disclosures to require entities to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation, the income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit (separated between domestic and foreign) and income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations (separated by federal, state and foreign). ASU 2023-09 also requires entities to disclose their income tax payments to international, federal, state, and local jurisdictions, among other changes. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. ASU 2023-09 is to be applied on a prospective basis, but retrospective application is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2023-09.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, requiring public entitles to disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to the financial statements on an interim and annual basis. ASU 2024-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2024-03.