After about a century in operation, it was apparently time for SchnitzerSteel (NASDAQ:SCHN) to make some changes. Although this company is still all about metal recycling, auto parts, and steel, the changes could position Schnitzer for better days ahead.
Analyzing this first-fiscal quarter report is no great treat, though. The inclusion of two acquisitions, the unwinding of a joint venture, and some legal reserves make earnings comparisons far more hectic than in recent times. As reported, revenue rose more than 95% in the quarter, while net income (excluding asset gains and a legal reserve) dropped about 56%.
In the recycling business, the inclusion of an acquisition and the unwinding of the joint venture were responsible for the greater-than-94% growth in revenue. However, pricing was a bit weak, costs were higher, and some timing issues led to significantly lower volumes that hurt the West Coast operations. Acquisitions also made a major impact in auto parts; revenue climbed about 128%, though losses at the acquired businesses actually impaired operating income growth. Steel was a bit more simplistic, though; a large increase in production offset a small price decline and led to 27% revenue growth.
Management also offered positive news regarding an ongoing legal matter. Although the SEC and Department of Justice investigations into Schnitzer's payment of commissions to certain Asian customers' purchasing managers is not over, the company is now estimating penalties between $11 million and $15 million. That's not necessarily a trifling amount for this company, but I think you can argue that a potential end to the investigation is a positive.
Like other players, including Commercial Metals (NYSE:CMC) and Metal Management (NASDAQ:MTLM), Schnitzer has to navigate the erratic ups and downs of the scrap market. Currently, demand for scrap is keeping costs up, while buyers' uncertainty holds down selling prices. Still, Schnitzer isn't quite the same company it once was. If management can somehow shepherd margins back to the levels of the not-too-distant past, there could still be some solid earnings potential here.
For more scrappy Foolishness:
- Minds on the Mines: Copper
- Minds on the Mines: Aluminum
- Minds on the Mines: Steel and Iron
- Metal Fatigue at CVRD?
Fool contributor Stephen Simpson has no financial interest in any stocks mentioned (that means he's neither long nor short the shares).
