Universal Stainless & Alloy Products (USAP) 10-Q2023 Q3 Quarterly report

 

Table of Contents

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

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FORM 10-Q

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☑	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2023

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 001-39467

 

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UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

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Delaware	25-1724540
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

600 Mayer Street

Bridgeville, PA 15017

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(412) 257-7600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

Title of Each Class	Trading Symbol	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share Preferred Stock Purchase Rights	USAP	The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC

 

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 ☑   No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).  Yes ☑   No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☑
Non-accelerated filer	☐	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 ☑

 

As of October 30, 2023, there were 9,088,245 shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Part I.         FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.         FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Information)

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Information)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

UNIVERSAL STAINLESS & ALLOY PRODUCTS, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1: Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Universal,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”), manufacture and market semi-finished and finished specialty steel products, including stainless steel, nickel alloys, tool steel and certain other alloyed steels. Our manufacturing process involves melting, remelting, heat treating, hot and cold rolling, forging, machining and cold drawing of semi-finished and finished specialty steels. Our products are sold to service centers, forgers, rerollers, original equipment manufacturers and wire redrawers. Our customers further process our products for use in a variety of industries, including the aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, heavy equipment, and general industrial manufacturing industries. We also perform conversion services on materials supplied by customers.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated statements include the accounts of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. and its subsidiaries and are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reports and the instructions for Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such regulations. Although the December 31, 2022 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements, it does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. However, we believe that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our most recently audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements for the periods shown. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future period. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from our estimates. We also consolidate, regardless of our ownership percentage, variable interest entities (each a “VIE”) for which we are deemed to have a controlling financial interest. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

When we obtain an economic interest in an entity, we evaluate the entity to determine if the entity is a VIE, and if we are deemed to be a primary beneficiary. As a part of our evaluation, we are required to qualitatively assess if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE based on whether we hold the power to direct those matters that most significantly impacted the activities of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive the benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant. Refer to Note 7, New Markets Tax Credit Financing Transaction, for a description of the VIEs included in our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board added a new impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses, known as the current expected credit loss ("CECL") model. Under the new guidance, an entity recognizes as an allowance its estimate of expected credit losses applicable to trade receivables, other receivables, contract assets and most debt instruments. The model does not have a minimum threshold for recognition of impairment losses. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2023. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The Company considers the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standards Updates ("ASUs"). Recently issued ASUs not listed were assessed and were determined not applicable, or are expected to have minimal impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 2: Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share:

We had options to purchase 419,550 and 719,875 shares of common stock outstanding at a weighted average price of $22.11 and $18.48 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which were excluded in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share. We had options to purchase 532,150 and 716,375 shares of common stock outstanding at a weighted average price of $19.92 and $18.55 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which were excluded in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share. These options were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock.

In addition, the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, excluded 14,919 and 20,119 shares for the assumed exercise of stock options as a result of being in a net loss position.

Note 3: Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenues primarily include sales of products. Revenue is recognized when the Company satisfies its performance obligation under the contract by transferring the promised product to its customer that obtains control of the product. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct product to a customer. Most of the Company’s contracts have a single performance obligation, as the promise to transfer products or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contract and, therefore, not distinct.

Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products. As such, revenue is recorded net of returns, allowances, customer discounts, and incentives. Sales and other taxes are excluded from revenues. Invoiced shipping and handling costs are included in revenue.

The Company’s revenue is primarily from products transferred to customers at a point in time. The Company recognizes revenue at the point in time in which the customer obtains control of the product, which is generally when product title passes to the customer upon shipment.

We have determined that there are certain customer agreements involving production of specified product grades and shapes that require over-time revenue recognition, in advance of shipment, as there is no alternative use for the product without significant economic loss, and the Company maintains an enforceable right to payment including a normal profit margin from the customer in the event of contract termination. The revenue is measured based on inputs expended in proportion to the total inputs the entity expects to expend to completely satisfy the performance obligation. The Company had revenue subject to over-time recognition of $7.2 million and $4.0 million during the nine months ending September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. 

The timing of revenue recognition, customer billings, and cash collections resulted in contract assets related to services performed and not yet billed of $2.3 million and $1.6 million At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company recorded these contract assets within Accounts Receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at each date.

We expect to satisfy all performance obligations related to revenue recognized in advance of shipment at September 30, 2023 within the next 12 months. 

The Company has elected the following practical expedients allowed under Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"):

The following summarizes our revenue by melt type:

Note 4: Inventory

Our raw material and starting stock inventory is primarily comprised of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal and alloys such as nickel, chrome, molybdenum, cobalt, vanadium and copper. Our semi-finished and finished steel products are work-in-process in various stages of production or are finished products waiting to be shipped to our customers.

Operating materials are primarily comprised of forge dies and production molds and rolls that are consumed over their useful lives. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we amortized these operating materials in the amount of $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively. This expense is recorded as a component of cost of products sold on the consolidated statements of operations and included as a part of our total depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost principally determined on a weighted average cost method. Such costs include the acquisition cost for raw materials and supplies, direct labor and applied manufacturing overhead. We assess market based upon actual and estimated transactions at or around the balance sheet date. Typically, we reserve for slow-moving inventory and inventory that is being evaluated under our quality control process. The reserves are based upon management’s expected method of disposition.

The Company experienced a liquid metal spill at our Bridgeville plant during April 2022. The consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 included $3.6 million of net expense related to the liquid metal spill, of which $1.3 million represents fixed overhead costs charged directly to expense due to the impact of the spill on our activity levels. The $3.6 million of expense is net of a $1.5 million insurance recovery received during the same period.

Inventories consisted of the following:

Note 5: Leases

The Company periodically enters into leases in its normal course of business. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the leases in effect were primarily related to mobile equipment and other production equipment. The term of our leases is generally 72 months or less, and the leases do not have significant restrictions, covenants, or other nonstandard terms.

Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recorded at the present value of minimum lease payments. For our operating leases, the assets are included in Other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized within operating income over the respective lease terms. The long-term component of the lease liability is included in Other long-term liabilities, net, and the current component is included in Other current liabilities. For our finance leases, the assets are included in Property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets and are depreciated over the respective lease terms which range from three to six years. The long-term component of the lease liability is included in Long-term debt and the current component is included in Current portion of long-term debt.

The Company entered into four new finance lease agreements in the first nine months of 2023.

As of September 30, 2023, future minimum lease payments applicable to operating and finance leases were as follows:

Right-of-use assets recorded to the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2023, net of accumulated amortization, were $0.3 million for operating leases and $7.0 million for finance leases. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the amortization of finance lease assets was $0.3 million and was included in cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of operations. Right-of-use assets recorded to the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022, net of accumulated amortization, were $0.5 million for operating leases and $6.7 million for finance leases.

The unamortized portion of the $5.2 million lease component of our VAR expansion financing arrangement is included in the right-of-use asset total, while the $1.8 million sale and leaseback component of that agreement is excluded. The sale and leaseback component is accounted for as a loan secured by the related equipment, as it did not meet the criteria for sale accounting under ASC 842, Leases ("ASC 842"). This financing agreement was executed in December 2022 and had a $7.0 million total original principal amount, original term of 72 months, and implicit interest rate of approximately 11.2%. The weighted average interest rate on all our financing leases is approximately 10.0%.

The Company applies the practical expedient allowed under ASC 842 to exclude leases with a term of 12 months or less from the calculation of our lease liabilities and right-of-use assets.

In determining the lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset for each lease, the Company calculated the present value of future lease payments using the interest rate implicit in the lease, when available, or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate was determined with reference to the interest rate applicable under revolving credit facility discussed in Note 6, Long-Term Debt, as this facility is collateralized by a first lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company and its term is similar to the term of our leases.

Note 6: Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

Credit Facility

On March 17, 2021, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), with PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and co-collateral agent (the “Agent”), Bank of America, N.A., as co-collateral agent (“Bank of America”), the Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement) party thereto from time to time and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner. The Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $105.0 million (“Revolving Credit Facility”) and a senior secured term loan facility (“Term Loan”) in the amount of $15.0 million (together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Facilities”).

At September 30, 2023, we had total Credit Agreement related net deferred financing costs of approximately $0.6 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we amortized approximately $0.2 million of those deferred financing costs.

The Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain compliance with all the applicable financial covenants throughout the term of the Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2023, we are in compliance with all applicable financial covenants.

The Facilities, which expire on March 17, 2026 (the ‘Expiration Date”), are collateralized by a first lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, except that no real property is collateral under the Facilities other than Company’s real property in North Jackson, Ohio.

Availability under the Credit Agreement is based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The Company must maintain undrawn availability under the Credit Agreement of at least $11.0 million. That requirement can be overcome if the Company maintains a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10 to 1.0 measured on a rolling two-quarter basis and calculated in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.

The Company is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% based on the daily unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.

With respect to the Term Loan, the Company pays quarterly installments of the principal of approximately $0.5 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest, on the first day of each fiscal quarter beginning after June 30, 2021. To the extent not previously paid, the Term Loan will become due and payable in full on the Expiration Date.

Amounts outstanding under the Facilities, at the Company’s option, bear interest at either a base rate or the current LIBOR (prior to September 30, 2022) or SOFR (after September 30, 2022) rate plus a spread, in either case calculated in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. Interest under the Credit Agreement is payable monthly. We elected to use the SOFR based rate for the majority of the debt outstanding under the Facilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, which approximated 7.9% for commitments under our Revolving Credit Facility and 8.4% for the Term Loan.

Note 7: New Markets Tax Credit Financing Transaction

On March 9, 2018, the Company entered into a qualified New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) financing program with PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC and Boston Community Capital, Inc. related to a new mid-size bar cell capital project at the Company’s Dunkirk, NY facility. PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC made a capital contribution and the Company made a loan to Dunkirk Investment Fund, LLC (“Investment Fund”) under the qualified NMTC program. Through this financing transaction, the Company secured low interest financing and the potential for other future benefits related to its mid-size bar cell capital project.

In connection with the NMTC financing program, the Company loaned $6.7 million aggregate principal amount (“Leverage Loan”) due in March 2048, to the Investment Fund. Additionally, PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC contributed $3.5 million to the Investment Fund, and as such, PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC is entitled to substantially all tax and other benefits derived from the NMTC. The Investment Fund then contributed the proceeds to a community development entity (“CDE”). The CDE then loaned the funds, on similar terms, as the Leverage Loan to Dunkirk Specialty Steel, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The CDE loan proceeds are restricted for use on the mid-size bar cell capital project.

The NMTC is subject to 100 percent recapture for a period of seven years as provided in the Internal Revenue Code. The Company is required to comply with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC arrangement. Non-compliance with applicable requirements could result in projected tax benefits not being realized and, therefore, require the Company to indemnify PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC for any loss or recapture of NMTCs related to the financing until the Company’s obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved. The Company does not anticipate any credit recaptures will be required in connection with this arrangement.

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company recorded $2.8 million within Other long-term liabilities related to this transaction, which represents the funds contributed to the Investment Fund by PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC.

This transaction also includes a put/call provision whereby the Company may be obligated or entitled to repurchase PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC’s interest in the Investment Fund. The Company believes that PNC New Markets Investment Partners, LLC will exercise the put option in March 2025, at the end of the recapture period, resulting in a gain of $2.8 million at that time. The value attributed to the put/call is negligible.

Direct costs incurred in structuring this financing transaction totaled $0.7 million. These costs were deferred and amortized over the term of the loans.

The Company has determined that the Investment Fund and CDE are each a VIE, and that it is the primary beneficiary of each VIE. This conclusion was reached based on the following:

Because the Company is the primary beneficiary of each VIE, these entities have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 8: Fair Value Measurement

The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the inputs used to determine fair value, which are as follows:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.

The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances where the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.

The fair value of the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 approximated the carrying amount as the interest rate is based upon observable market interest rates (Level 2). The fair values of foreign currency forward contracts and our interest rate swap discussed in Note 11, Derivatives and Hedging, at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were determined using observable market swap rates (Level 2).

Note 9: Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, various lawsuits and claims have been or may be asserted against us relating to the conduct of our business, including routine litigation relating to commercial and employment matters. The ultimate cost and outcome of any litigation or claim cannot be predicted with certainty. Management believes, based on information presently available, that the likelihood that the ultimate outcome of any such pending matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, or liquidity or a material impact on our results of operations is remote, although the resolution of one or more of these matters may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the period in which the resolution occurs.

Note 10: Income Taxes

Management estimates the annual effective income tax rate quarterly based on forecasted full year results. Items unrelated to current year ordinary income are recognized entirely in the period identified as a discrete item of tax. The quarterly income tax provision includes tax on ordinary income provided at the most recent estimated annual effective tax rate (“ETR”), increased or decreased for the tax effect of discrete items.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, our estimated annual effective tax rates applied to ordinary income were 11.9% and 30.9%, respectively. In both periods, the projected annual ETR differs from the federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the impact of research and development credits. State taxes are not a significant component of the rate. In the current year, these credits reduce the rate because the Company is in a pretax income position, compared with the prior year when the Company was in a pretax loss position.

Discrete items during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were related to share-based compensation items and totaled $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The ETR for each period was 15.3% and 27.8%, respectively.

Note 11: Derivatives and Hedging

The Company invoices certain customers in foreign currencies. In order to mitigate the risks associated with fluctuations in exchange rates with the U.S. Dollar, the Company entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to mitigate the foreign currency risk related to a portion of these sales, and has designated these contracts as cash flow hedges.

The notional value of contracts was $3.8 million and $4.3 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

The Company recorded an unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of less than $0.1 million at September 30, 2023 related to the contracts, compared to an unrealized gain of less than $0.1 million at December 31, 2022.

Additionally, the Company entered into a forward interest rate swap contract during 2020 to fix the interest rate on a portion of its variable-rate debt from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023. The interest rate swap was designated as a cash flow hedge. The notional amount of the contract at its inception was $16 million and reduced throughout the term. The notional amount of the contract was $10 million at December 31, 2022 and was $5 million during the first half of 2023 until it matured on June 30, 2023. The Company recorded an unrealized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income of $0.1 million December 31, 2022 related to the contract. There was no hedge in place for the Company's variable rate debt as of September 30, 2023. 

Note 12: Related Parties

During the nine-months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, a member of the Company’s executive management team had an immediate family member who was an employee of a customer. Additionally during the nine-months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, a member of the Company's board of directors was also a director of a customer. The Company has identified sales transactions to these customers as related party transactions in accordance with ASC 850, Related Party Disclosures. In total, related party sales transactions to these customers comprised approximately 17% and approximately 20% of our total Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Amounts due to the Company related to these transactions was approximately $8.3 million and $8.2 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. 

Item 2.         MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains or incorporates forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995, which involves risks and uncertainties. The following information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial information and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially due to competitive factors and other factors referred to in Part 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. These factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry and markets in which we operate, and management’s beliefs and assumptions. In addition, other written or oral statements that constitute forward-looking statements may be made by us or on our behalf. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “may,” “target,” “project,” or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict.

Overview

We manufacture and market semi-finished and finished specialty steel products, including stainless steel, nickel alloys, tool steel and certain other alloyed steels. Our manufacturing process involves melting, remelting, heat treating, hot and cold rolling, forging, machining and cold drawing of semi-finished and finished specialty steels. Our products are sold to service centers, forgers, rerollers, and original equipment manufacturers. Our customers further process our products for use in a variety of industries, including the aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, heavy equipment and general industrial markets. We also perform conversion services on material supplied by our customers.

Sales in the third quarter of 2023 were $71.3 million, more than a 50% increase compared to the third quarter of last year and the highest quarter total since the second quarter of 2019. Compared with the prior year third quarter, sales to our largest end market, aerospace, increased by $22.3 million, or 70%. Sales also increased in the heavy equipment and general industrial end markets, while sales decreased sequentially in the power generation and oil and gas end markets.

Total Company backlog at September 30, 2023, before surcharges applied at the time of shipment, was $345 million. This is an increase of $57 million compared to the end of 2022. We maintain a healthy level of order entry and a strong total backlog resulting from sustained high demand for our products.

Sales of premium alloy products, which we define as all vacuum induction melt products, increased to $16.5 million. This is nearly at the record level we set in the first quarter of this year, and we expect premium alloy sales to continue to grow in the foreseeable future. Our premium alloy products are primarily sold to the aerospace end market.

Our gross margin for the third quarter was $10.9 million, or 15.2% of net sales, an increase from 14.3% last quarter and 6.4% in the same quarter last year. This reflects higher base prices, more shipment volume, and better production efficiency, partly offset by inflationary impacts in our costs and negative surcharge misalignment caused by falling commodity prices throughout the year. The higher gross margin resulted in operating income of $4.4 million and net income of $1.9 million for the quarter, or $0.20 per diluted share. 

Results of Operations

Three months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022:

The majority of our products are sold to service centers rather than the ultimate end market customers. The end market information in this Quarterly Report is our estimate based upon our knowledge of our customers and the grade of material sold to them, which they will in-turn sell to the ultimate end market customer.

Net sales:

Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2023 increased $25.1 million, or 54%, compared to the same period in the prior year. This reflects both higher shipment volume and a strong pricing environment. The increase in our base selling prices applies to substantially all our products, but is highest in our aerospace end market and driven by strong demand.

Gross margin:

As a percent of sales, our gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was 15.2% compared to 6.4% for the same period in the prior year. The increase includes higher base selling prices and the benefit of higher shipment volumes, partly offset by inflationary pressures on substantially all of our production inputs throughout 2022 and 2023 and negative misalignment due to falling commodity prices resulting in a decrease in the surcharge component of our selling prices.

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

Our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of employee-related costs, which include salaries, payroll taxes and benefit related costs, insurance costs and professional services. SG&A expenses increased by $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in the prior year due to increases in insurance costs and employee-related costs.

Interest expense and other financing costs:

Interest expense totaled approximately $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2022. The increase reflects higher borrowings and the impact of higher variable interest rates paid on our revolving credit facility and term debt.

Income taxes:

Management estimates the annual effective income tax rate quarterly based on forecasted full year results. Items unrelated to current year ordinary income are recognized entirely in the period identified as a discrete item of tax. The quarterly income tax provision includes tax on ordinary income provided at the most recent estimated annual effective tax rate (“ETR”), increased or decreased for the tax effect of discrete items.

For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, our estimated annual effective tax rates applied to ordinary income were 11.9% and 30.9%, respectively. In both periods, the projected annual ETR differs from the federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the impact of research and development credits. State taxes are not a significant component of the rate. In the current year, these credits reduce the rate because the Company is in a pretax income position, compared with the prior year when the Company was in a pretax loss position. Discrete items were not significant in either period.

Net income (loss):

For the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company earned net income of $1.9 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.3 million, or ($0.14) per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022:

The majority of our products are sold to service centers rather than the ultimate end market customers. The end market information in this Quarterly Report is our estimate based upon our knowledge of our customers and the grade of material sold to them, which they will in-turn sell to the ultimate end market customer.