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Schindler

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FY2014 Annual Report · Schindler
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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[ x ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014 

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 0-22496
SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

OREGON
(State of Incorporation)

93-0341923
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

299 SW Clay St., Suite 350 
Portland, OR
(Address of principal executive offices)

97201
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (503) 224-9900

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

Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par value
(Title of Each Class)

The NASDAQ Global Select Market
(Name of each Exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes [ x ]    No [    ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes [    ]    No [ x ]

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 Website, 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will 
not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this 
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ x ]

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

Large Accelerated Filer [ x ]

Non-Accelerated Filer [    ]

  Accelerated Filer [    ]

Smaller Reporting company [    ]

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates on February 28, 2014 was $647,393,005.

The registrant had 26,394,164 shares of Class A common stock, par value of $1.00 per share, and 305,900 shares of Class B common stock, par 
value of $1.00 per share, outstanding as of October 23, 2014.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the January 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into 
Part III of this report.

 
 
 
 
 
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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

PART I

Item 1

Item 1A

Item 1B

Item 2

Item 3

Item 4

PART II

Item 5

Item 6

Item 7

Item 7A

Item 8

Item 9

Item 9A

Item 9B

PART III

Item 10

Item 11

Item 12

Item 13

Item 14

PART IV

Business

Risk Factors

Unresolved Staff Comments

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosures

Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 

Equity Securities

Selected Financial Data

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Controls and Procedures

Other Information

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Executive Compensation

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Item 15

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

SIGNATURES

PAGE

1

2

12

18

19

19

20

21

23

24

44

45

88

88

88

89

90

90

90

90

91

95

 
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements  and  information  included  in  this Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  by  Schnitzer  Steel  Industries,  Inc.  (the 
“Company”)  that  are  not  purely  historical  are  forward-looking  statements  within  the  meaning  of  Section 21E  of  the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation 
Reform Act of 1995. Except as noted herein or as the context may otherwise require, all references to “we,” “our,” “us” 
and “SSI” refer to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include statements regarding our expectations, intentions, 
beliefs and strategies regarding the future, which may include statements regarding trends, cyclicality and changes in the 
markets we sell into; strategic direction; changes to manufacturing and production processes; the cost of and the status of 
any agreements or actions related to our compliance with environmental and other laws; expected tax rates, deductions 
and credits; the realization of deferred tax assets; planned capital expenditures; liquidity positions; ability to generate cash 
from continuing operations; the potential impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements; expected results, including 
pricing, sales volumes and profitability; obligations under our retirement plans; benefits, savings or additional costs from 
business realignment, cost containment and productivity improvement programs; and the adequacy of accruals.

When used in this report, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “assumes,” “estimates,” “evaluates,” 
“may,”  “could,”  “opinions,”  “forecasts,”  “future,”  “forward,”  “potential,”  “probable,”  and  similar  expressions  are 
intended to identify forward-looking statements.

We  may  make  other  forward-looking  statements  from  time  to  time,  including  in  reports  filed  with  the  Securities  and 
Exchange Commission, press releases and public conference calls. All forward-looking statements we make are based on 
information available to us at the time the statements are made, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-
looking statements, except as may be required by law. Our business is subject to the effects of changes in domestic and 
global economic conditions and a number of other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially 
from those included in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Some of these risks and uncertainties are discussed 
in Item 1A. Risk Factors of Part I of this Form 10-K. Examples of these risks include: potential environmental cleanup 
costs related to the Portland Harbor Superfund site; the impact of general economic conditions; volatile supply and demand 
conditions affecting prices and volumes in the markets for both our products and raw materials we purchase; difficulties 
associated with acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; the impact of goodwill impairment charges; the impact 
of long-lived asset impairment charges; the realization of expected cost reductions related to restructuring initiatives; the 
benefit of cost containment and productivity improvement programs and initiatives; the inability of customers to fulfill 
their contractual obligations; the impact of foreign currency fluctuations; potential limitations on our ability to access 
capital resources and existing credit facilities; restrictions on our business and financial covenants under our bank credit 
agreement; the impact of the consolidation in the steel industry; the impact of imports of foreign steel into the U.S.; inability 
to realize expected benefits from investments in technology; freight rates and availability of transportation; impact of 
equipment upgrades and failures on production; product liability claims; the impact of impairment of our deferred tax 
assets; the impact of a cybersecurity incident; costs associated with compliance with environmental regulations; the adverse 
impact of climate change; inability to obtain or renew business licenses and permits; compliance with greenhouse gas 
emission regulations; reliance on employees subject to collective bargaining agreements; and the impact of the underfunded 
status of multiemployer plans in which we participate. 

1 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

Founded in 1906, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., an Oregon corporation, is one of North America’s largest recyclers of ferrous 
and nonferrous scrap metal, a leading recycler of used and salvaged vehicles and a manufacturer of finished steel products. The 
foundation  of  our  business  is  a  commitment  to  sustainability  –  recycling  metal  to  generate  additional  value  while  achieving 
profitable growth. In recent years, the worldwide demand for scrap metal has been driven by growing demand for new steel 
products, electric arc furnace (“EAF”) steel mill technology which relies on scrap metal as its primary feedstock and, to a certain 
extent, the use by blast furnaces of scrap metal, which reduces energy costs and use of virgin materials. The emerging markets, 
the primary end markets for our recycled scrap metal, currently generate insufficient levels of scrap metal to feed their steel 
production. This results in a need to source recycled scrap metal from developed economies, including the United States and 
Canada, which, together with domestic requirements, creates ongoing demand for our products.

Through our North American Metals Recycling Business, we collect and recycle autobodies, rail cars, home appliances, industrial 
machinery, manufacturing scrap and construction and demolition scrap from bridges, buildings and other structures. With 55 
operating facilities located in 14 States, Puerto Rico and Western Canada, we are well-positioned to efficiently collect scrap metal 
throughout North America and export products to customers around the world from our seven deep water ports. In fiscal 2014, 
we sold our products to customers located in 21 countries including the United States and Canada. Our Metals Recycling Business 
benefits from synergies with our Auto Parts Business in several geographic regions. Our Auto Parts Business, which has 62 retail 
locations, buys end-of-life vehicles, sells parts to retail and wholesale customers, and sells ferrous and nonferrous metal to metals 
recyclers, including our Metals Recycling Business where geographically feasible. In addition, our Steel Manufacturing Business 
produces finished steel products such as rebar, wire rod, coiled rebar, merchant bar and other specialty products using nearly 100% 
recycled metal sourced from our Metals Recycling Business.

In fiscal 2014, our Metals Recycling Business processed or brokered 4.1 million tons of ferrous scrap metal and 555 million pounds 
of nonferrous scrap metal. Our Metals Recycling Business’ revenues by major scrap product were 75% ferrous and 24% nonferrous, 
and 75% of our external revenues were generated from export sales.

In fiscal 2014, we initiated and implemented restructuring and productivity initiatives incremental to those completed in fiscal 
2013 designed to further reduce our annual operating expenses by $40 million, achieving $29 million of benefit in fiscal 2014 
results with the full annual benefit expected to be achieved in fiscal 2015. The benefits associated with these initiatives are occurring 
primarily in our Metals Recycling Business as a result of a combination of headcount reductions, implementation of operational 
efficiencies, reduced lease costs and other productivity improvements. These initiatives are anticipated to be completed by the 
end of fiscal 2015. We incurred restructuring charges and other exit-related costs of $6 million in connection with these initiatives 
in fiscal 2014. We plan to initiate and implement additional productivity initiatives in our Auto Parts Business in fiscal 2015 to 
improve profitability through a combination of revenue drivers and cost reduction initiatives. Our targeted annual improvement 
is approximately $7 million, with approximately 50% of that amount expected to benefit the second half of fiscal 2015 and the 
full annual run rate achieved in fiscal 2016.

We report the operations of these three businesses in three reporting segments: the Metals Recycling Business (“MRB”), the Auto 
Parts Business (“APB”) and the Steel Manufacturing Business (“SMB”). See Note 21 – Segment Information in the Notes to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for a discussion of the primary activities of each reporting 
segment, total assets by reporting segment, operating results from continuing operations, revenues from external customers and 
concentration of sales to foreign countries.

Metals Recycling Business

Business

MRB buys, collects, processes, recycles, sells and brokers ferrous scrap metal (containing iron) to foreign and domestic steel 
producers, including SMB, and nonferrous scrap metal (not containing iron) to both foreign and domestic markets. MRB processes 
mixed and large pieces of scrap metal into smaller pieces by crushing, sorting, shearing, shredding, and torching, resulting in scrap 
metal pieces of a size, density and metal content required by customers to meet their production needs. The manufacturing process 
includes physical separation of materials through automated and manual processes into ferrous and nonferrous and various sub-
classifications, each of which has a value and metal content of importance to different customers for their end product.

To prepare scrap metal, we crush, sort and bale the material by product grade for easier handling and sale. One of the most efficient 
ways to process and sort recycled scrap metal is through the use of shredding systems. MRB has eight port locations equipped 
with large scale shredders, seven of which are deep water ports with export capabilities. In fiscal 2013, we completed the construction 
of a new shredder, advanced processing equipment, and related infrastructure for our dock facility in Surrey, British Columbia, 

2 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

which was acquired in fiscal 2011. This state-of-the-art facility began shredding operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Our 
largest port facilities in Everett, Massachusetts; Portland, Oregon; Oakland, California; and Tacoma, Washington each operate a 
mega-shredder with 7,000 to 9,000 horsepower. Our facilities in Johnston, Rhode Island; Surrey, British Columbia; Salinas, Puerto 
Rico;  Kapolei,  Hawaii;  and  Concord,  New  Hampshire  operate  shredders  with  1,500  to  6,000  horsepower.  Our  shredders  are 
designed to provide a denser product and, in conjunction with advanced separation equipment, a more refined form of ferrous 
scrap metal which can be more efficiently used by steel mills. The shredding process reduces autobodies, home appliances and 
other scrap metal into fist-size pieces of shredded recycled scrap metal. The shredded material is then carried by conveyor under 
magnetized drums that attract the ferrous scrap metal and separate it from the nonferrous scrap metal and other residue found in 
the shredded material, resulting in a consistent and high-quality shredded ferrous product. The nonferrous scrap metal and residue 
then pass through a series of additional mechanical sorting systems designed to separate the nonferrous metal from the residue. 
The remaining nonferrous metal is then hand-sorted and graded before being sold. MRB continues to invest in nonferrous metal 
extraction and separation technologies in order to maximize the recoverability of valuable nonferrous metal. MRB also purchases 
nonferrous metal directly from industrial vendors and other suppliers and prepares this metal for shipment to customers.

Products

MRB sells both ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal. Ferrous scrap metal is a key feedstock used in the production of finished steel 
products and is primarily categorized into heavy melting steel (“HMS”), plate and structural (“bonus”) and shredded scrap (“shred”), 
although there are various grades of each category depending on metal content and the size and consistency of individual pieces. 
These attributes affect the product’s relative value. Our nonferrous products include aluminum, copper, stainless steel, nickel, 
brass, titanium, lead, high temperature alloys and joint products such as zorba (primarily mixed nonferrous material) and zurik 
(predominantly stainless steel).

Customers

MRB sells its products globally to steel mills, foundries and smelters, and supplies the ferrous scrap metal required by SMB.

Presented below are MRB revenues by continent and, separately, from sales to SMB, for the last three fiscal years ended August 31 
(dollars in thousands): 

2014

% of
Revenue

2013

% of
Revenue

2012

% of
Revenue

Asia

North America
Europe(1)
Africa

South America

Sales to SMB

$

1,049,531

55 % $

1,161,086

57 % $

1,598,889

672,831

285,540

76,122

18,911

35 %

15 %

4 %

1 %

(188,103)

(10)%

609,684

381,867

53,841

4,006
(178,341)
2,032,143

30 %

19 %

3 %

— %

(9)%

100 % $

728,338

480,723

130,469

10,288
(183,906)
2,764,801

58 %

26 %

17 %

5 %

1 %

(7)%

100 %

Total (net of intercompany)

$

1,914,832

100 % $

 ____________________________

(1) 

Includes sales to customers in Turkey.

In fiscal 2014, the five countries from which MRB derived its largest revenues from external customers were the United States, 
China, South Korea, Turkey and Malaysia, which collectively accounted for 79% of total MRB external revenue. In fiscal 2013 
and 2012, the five countries from which MRB derived its largest revenues from external customers accounted for 84% and 81%, 
respectively, of total MRB external revenue. 

MRB’s five largest external ferrous scrap metal customers accounted for 35% of external recycled ferrous metal revenues in fiscal 
2014, compared to 41% and 38% in fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. Customer purchase volumes of ferrous scrap metal vary 
from year to year due to the level of demand, availability of supply, economic growth, infrastructure spending, relative currency 
values, availability of credit and other factors. Ferrous metal sales are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, and nearly all of the 
large shipments of ferrous scrap metal to foreign customers are supported by letters of credit.

MRB had no external customers that accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012.

3 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

The table below sets forth, on a revenue and volume basis, the amount of recycled ferrous scrap metal sold by MRB to foreign 
and domestic customers, including sales to SMB, during the last three fiscal years ended August 31:

Foreign

Domestic

Total

2014

2013

2012

Revenues(1)
$ 1,088,546

492,499

$ 1,581,045

Volume(2)

2,799

1,323

4,122

Revenues(1)
$ 1,255,636

421,399

$ 1,677,035

Volume(2)

3,167

1,142

4,309

Revenues(1)
$ 1,799,991

497,589

$ 2,297,580

Volume(2)

3,928

1,187

5,115

 _____________________________

(1)  Revenues stated in thousands of dollars.

(2)  Volume stated in thousands of long tons (one long ton = 2,240 pounds).

MRB sells processed nonferrous scrap metal to specialty steelmakers, foundries, aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers, copper 
refineries and smelters, brass and bronze ingot manufacturers and wire and cable producers globally. MRB continues to invest in 
advanced separation technologies in order to extract higher nonferrous yields from the shredding process and to enhance the 
separation of nonferrous metals in order to increase the intrinsic value of the individual metals. 

The table below sets forth, on a revenue and volume basis, the amount of recycled nonferrous scrap metal sold by MRB to foreign 
and domestic customers during the last three fiscal years ended August 31:

Foreign

Domestic

Total

2014

2013

2012

Revenues(1)
342,040
$

152,705

$

494,745

Volume(2)

395,853

158,955

554,808

Revenues(1)
345,973
$

155,682

$

501,655

Volume(2)

369,869

150,573

520,442

Revenues(1)
420,378
$

194,089

$

614,467

Volume(2)

451,163

177,489

628,652

 ____________________________

(1)  Revenues stated in thousands of dollars.

(2)  Volume stated in thousands of pounds.

Pricing

Domestic and foreign prices for ferrous scrap metal are generally based on prevailing market rates, which differ by region and are 
subject to market cycles that are influenced by worldwide demand from steel and other metal producers and by the availability of 
materials that can be processed into saleable scrap metal, among other factors. Ferrous scrap metal export sales contracts generally 
provide for shipment within 30 to 60 days after the price is agreed to which, in most cases, includes freight. Nonferrous scrap 
metal sales contracts generally provide for shipment within 30 days after the price is agreed to, which also typically includes 
freight.

MRB responds to changes in selling prices by seeking to adjust scrap metal purchase prices at its recycling facilities in order to 
manage the impact on its operating income. The spread between selling prices and the cost of purchased material is subject to a 
number of factors, including differences in the market conditions between the domestic regions where raw scrap metal is acquired 
and the areas in the world where the processed materials are sold, market volatility from the time the selling price is agreed to 
with the customer until the time the raw material is purchased, and changes in the estimated costs of transportation to the buyer’s 
facility. We believe MRB generally benefits from sustained periods of rising recycled scrap metal selling prices, which allow it 
to better maintain or expand both operating income and unprocessed scrap metal flow into its facilities, and suffers when recycled 
scrap metal selling prices decline, which tends to compress its operating margins.

Markets

Worldwide demand for finished steel products, driven primarily by infrastructure spending and industrialization, drives demand 
for raw materials, in particular recycled ferrous metal, which is one of the primary feedstocks used in EAFs to manufacture steel. 
Demand for finished steel has been more pronounced in Asia and the Mediterranean region, which currently do not possess a 
sufficient supply of raw materials to meet production needs. As a result of this demand, MRB’s ferrous exports have made up 
68%, 73% and 77% of its total ferrous sales volume in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Over the last three years, the rate 
of growth for global steel production slowed as a result of decelerating global economic growth, continuing geopolitical unrest, 
the European sovereign debt crisis, industry production cuts and a weakening price environment for finished steel. The softening 
market conditions reflected these macroeconomic trends which are typical of the long-term cyclicality in our industry. We believe 
future demand for recycled metals will be driven by factors including global infrastructure spending, fixed asset investment, 

4 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
 
 
 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

consumer spending, availability of credit, government stimulus programs and environmental policy promoting the use of recycled 
metals.

Nonferrous  exports  made  up  71%,  71%  and  72%  of  MRB’s  total  nonferrous  sales  volumes  in  fiscal  2014,  2013  and  2012, 
respectively. China and the U.S. have been the largest sales destinations in the nonferrous markets, unlike the ferrous market which 
is highly diversified with no single country dominating sales from year to year.

Distribution

MRB delivers recycled ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal to foreign customers by ship and to domestic customers by barge, rail 
and over-the-road transportation networks. Cost efficiencies are achieved by operating deep water terminal facilities at Everett, 
Massachusetts; Portland, Oregon; Oakland, California; Tacoma, Washington; and Providence, Rhode Island, all of which are 
owned, except for the Providence, Rhode Island facility, which is operated under a long-term lease. We also have access to deep 
water terminal facilities at Kapolei, Hawaii and Salinas, Puerto Rico through public docks, and have water access for transportation 
purposes at our facility in Surrey, British Columbia. Our seven deep water terminals enable us to load ferrous material in large 
vessels capable of holding up to 50,000 tons for trans-oceanic shipments. Additionally, because we own most of the terminal 
facilities at which MRB operates, MRB is not normally subject to the same berthing delays often experienced by users of unaffiliated 
terminals. We believe that MRB’s loading costs are lower than at terminal facilities operated by third parties. From time to time, 
MRB may enter into contracts of affreightment, which guarantee the availability of ocean going vessels, in order to manage the 
risks associated with ship availability and freight costs.

Our nonferrous products are shipped in containers which hold 20 to 30 tons from container ports and rail ramps located in close 
proximity to our recycling facilities. Containerized shipments are exported by marine vessels to customers globally and domestic 
shipments are typically shipped by rail or by truck.  

Sources of Unprocessed Metal

The most common forms of purchased raw metal are obsolete machinery and equipment, such as automobiles, railroad cars, 
railroad tracks, home appliances and other consumer goods, waste metal from manufacturing operations and demolition metal 
from buildings and other obsolete structures. Raw metal is acquired from a diverse base of suppliers that unload at MRB’s facilities, 
from drop boxes at suppliers’ industrial sites and through negotiated purchases from other large suppliers, including railroads, 
industrial manufacturers, automobile salvage facilities, metal dealers, various government entities and individuals. The majority 
of MRB’s scrap metal collection and processing facilities receive raw metal via major railroad routes, waterways or highways. 
Metals recycling facilities situated near unprocessed metal sellers and major transportation routes have the competitive advantage 
of reduced freight costs because of the significant cost of freight relative to the cost of metal. The locations of MRB’s West Coast 
facilities allow it to competitively purchase raw metal from the Northern California region, northward to Western Canada and 
Alaska, and to the east, including Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado and Nevada. The locations of the East Coast facilities provide 
access to sources of unprocessed metal in New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, 
Eastern Canada and, from time to time, the Midwest. In the Southeastern U.S., approximately half of MRB’s ferrous and nonferrous 
unprocessed metal volume is purchased from industrial companies, including auto manufacturers, with the remaining volume 
being purchased from smaller dealers and individuals. These industrial companies provide MRB with metals that are by-products 
of their manufacturing processes. The supply of scrap metal from these sources can fluctuate with the level of economic activity 
in the U.S. and can be sensitive to variability in scrap metal prices, particularly in the short-term. 

Backlog

As of September 30, 2014, MRB had a backlog of orders to sell $91 million of export ferrous metal compared to $104 million in 
the  prior  year  as  a  result  of  a  decrease  in  selling  prices  compared  to  the  prior  year  and  timing  of  sales. Additionally,  as  of 
September 30, 2014, MRB had a backlog of orders to sell $44 million of export nonferrous metal compared to $38 million in the 
prior year primarily due to timing of sales.

Competition

MRB competes in the U.S. and in Western Canada for the purchase of scrap metal with large, well-financed recyclers of scrap 
metal, steel mills that own scrap yards and, increasingly in recent years, with smaller metal facilities and dealers. In general, the 
competitive factors impacting the purchase of scrap metal are the price offered by the purchaser and the proximity of the purchaser 
to the scrap metal source. MRB also competes with brokers that buy scrap metal on behalf of domestic and foreign steel mills. 
No single scrap metals recycler has a dominant market share in the markets in which we do business.

In fiscal 2012, 2013 and continuing in fiscal 2014, an environment of lower economic growth rates and lower prices constrained 
scrap  generation  in  the  U.S.  which,  coupled  with  incremental  investments  in  equipment  by  competitors  that  increased  scrap 
recycling capacity in certain regional markets, led to increasing market pressure on supply flows and margin compression. During 

5 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

fiscal 2014, a number of smaller competitors consolidated or exited the scrap market due to the protracted cyclical downturn while 
larger, well-capitalized competitors continued to operate.

MRB  competes  globally  for  the  sale  of  processed  recycled  metal  to  finished  steel  and  other  metal  product  producers.  The 
predominant competitive factors that impact recycled metal sales are price (including shipping cost), reliability of service, product 
quality, the relative value of the U.S. dollar and the availability and price of scrap metal and scrap metal substitutes. In the summer 
of 2014, the increased production and availability of iron ore, a raw material used in steel-making in blast furnaces which compete 
with EAF steel-making production that uses primarily ferrous scrap, led to a declining price trend for this raw material. This among 
other reasons may be a contributing factor to weaker demand for ferrous scrap in our export markets. While the availability of 
iron ore may continue to expand in the near-term, we believe worldwide long-term demand for ferrous scrap will continue to 
increase as a result of the significant steel-making production efficiencies and environmental benefits compared to the use of iron 
ore. 

We believe MRB’s ability to process substantial volumes of scrap metal products, state-of-the-art equipment, number of locations, 
access to a variety of different modes of transportation, geographic dispersion and cross-divisional synergies provide its business 
with the ability to compete in varying market conditions. 

Auto Parts Business

Business and Products

APB procures used and salvaged vehicles and sells serviceable used auto parts from these vehicles through its 62 self-service auto 
parts stores located across the U.S. and Western Canada. The remaining portions of these vehicles, consisting primarily of autobodies 
and major parts containing ferrous and nonferrous materials such as engines, transmissions, alternators and catalytic converters, 
are sold to metals recyclers, including MRB where geographically feasible. In fiscal 2014, APB continued to expand its network 
of locations by acquiring one store and opening one greenfield store location.

Customers

Self-service stores generally serve customers who are looking to obtain serviceable used auto parts at a competitive price. These 
customers remove the used auto parts from vehicles in inventory without the assistance of store employees. In addition, APB sells 
ferrous and nonferrous material obtained from end-of-life vehicles to a variety of wholesale buyers, including MRB and third 
party recycling yards throughout the U.S. and Western Canada.

We believe that APB has a competitive advantage due to its various information technology systems, which are used to centrally 
manage and operate the geographically diverse network of stores; its consistent approach to offering customers a large selection 
of vehicles from which to obtain parts; and its efficient processing of autobodies. No single external customer accounted for 10% 
or more of consolidated revenues in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012.

APB is dedicated to supplying low-cost used auto parts to its customers. In general, we believe that the sale prices of auto parts 
at APB’s self-service stores are significantly lower than those offered at full-service auto dismantlers, retail car parts stores and 
car dealerships. Each self-service store offers an extensive selection of vehicles (including domestic and foreign cars, vans and 
light trucks) from which consumers can remove parts. APB regularly rotates its vehicle inventory to provide its customers greater 
access to a continually changing parts inventory.

The table below sets forth APB revenues from domestic and foreign customers, and, separately, from sales to MRB, for the last 
three fiscal years ended August 31 (in thousands):

Domestic
Foreign
Sales to MRB

Total (net of intercompany)

Distribution

2014
319,306
8,263
(87,458)
240,111

$

$

2013
305,035
8,271
(75,992)
237,314

$

$

2012
295,618
21,266
(73,974)
242,910

$

$

APB sells used auto parts from each of its self-service retail stores. Upon arriving at a self-service store, a customer pays an 
admission charge and signs a liability waiver before entering the car lot. When a customer finds a desired part on a vehicle, the 
customer removes it and pays a listed price for the part.

The  wholesale  component  of APB’s  business  consists  of  sales  of  ferrous  and  nonferrous  materials  obtained  from  end-of-life 
vehicles. Catalytic converters are removed from the vehicle prior to it being placed in the retail customer area. Once the vehicle 
is removed from the retail customer area, remaining parts with significant ferrous and nonferrous content, including engines, 

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transmissions and alternators, are removed from the vehicle and items not sold to MRB are consolidated at central facilities in 
California, Oregon,Texas and Massachusetts in the United States and Calgary in Canada. From our facilities, these parts are sold 
to a variety of wholesale buyers through a competitive bidding process. Due to the larger quantities generated by this consolidation 
process, APB is able to obtain higher prices by focusing on larger wholesale customers that purchase in volume. The remaining 
autobody is crushed and sold as ferrous metal in the wholesale market. The autobodies are sold on a price-per-ton basis, which is 
subject to fluctuations in the recycled ferrous metal markets. APB generated revenues of $87 million, $76 million and $74 million 
during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, from sales to MRB, making MRB the single largest customer of APB.

Marketing

APB has customized marketing initiatives that are unique to its self-service brand. The marketing plan focuses on strategies to 
maximize the acquisition of end-of-life vehicles and attracting auto parts customers into the stores. The marketing plan targets the 
regional  customer  base  surrounding  the  stores  and  incorporates  various  strategies,  including  the  use  of  radio  and  television 
advertising to promote vehicle purchasing, regularly scheduled in-store promotions and other forms of product marketing. Each 
store has a customized marketing calendar designed for its market and the community it serves.

APB typically seeks to locate its facilities with convenient road access and in major population centers. By operating at locations 
that are convenient and visible to the target customer, the stores seek to become the customer’s first stop when acquiring used auto 
parts.

Sources of Vehicles

APB obtains vehicles from five primary sources: private parties, tow companies, charities, auto auctions and municipal contracts. 
APB has a program to purchase vehicles from private parties called “Cash for Junk Cars,” which is advertised in local markets. 
Private parties call a toll-free number and receive a quote for their vehicle. The private party can either deliver the vehicle to one 
of APB’s retail locations or arrange for the vehicle to be picked up. APB also employs car buyers who travel to vendors and bid 
on vehicles. 

Competition

The auto parts industry is characterized by diverse and fragmented competition and comprises a large number of aftermarket and 
used auto parts suppliers of all sizes. These companies range from large, multi-national corporations which serve both original 
equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket on a worldwide basis to small, local entities which supply only a few parts for a 
particular car model. After a sustained period of strong demand for recycled metals, some smaller suppliers entered the market 
and some existing suppliers expanded their presence. This, combined with the constrained availability of end-of-life vehicles 
resulting from lower economic growth rates, led to a more competitive pricing environment beginning in fiscal 2012 and continuing 
throughout fiscal 2014.

APB competes for the purchase of vehicles with other auto dismantlers, used car dealers, auto auctions and metal recyclers. In 
general, the main competitive factors impacting the purchase of vehicles are the price offered by the purchaser and the proximity 
of the purchaser to the source of the vehicle. 

APB competes for the sale of used auto parts with other self-service and full-service auto dismantlers, as well as larger well-
financed retail auto parts businesses. For wholesale sales of ferrous and nonferrous materials obtained from end-of-life vehicles, 
APB competes globally with other metal recyclers. The main competitive factors impacting the sale of APB’s products are price, 
availability of product, quality and convenience of the retail stores to customers. 

Steel Manufacturing Business

Business

SMB operates a steel mini-mill in McMinnville, Oregon that produces a wide range of finished steel products using recycled metal 
and  other  raw  materials.  MRB  is  the  sole  supplier  for  SMB’s  scrap  metal  requirements,  which  SMB  purchases  at  rates  that 
approximate export market prices for shipments from the West Coast of the U.S.

Manufacturing

SMB’s melt shop includes an EAF, a ladle refining furnace with enhanced steel chemistry refining capabilities, and a five-strand 
continuous billet caster, permitting the mill to produce special alloy grades of steel not currently produced by other mills on the 
U.S. West Coast. The melt shop produced 580 thousand, 546 thousand and 464 thousand tons of steel in the form of billets during 
fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. SMB continues to reinvest in its melt shop to improve efficiencies in the melting process.

SMB also operates two computerized rolling mills that allow for synchronized operations of the rolling mills and related equipment. 
Billets produced in SMB’s melt shop are reheated in two natural gas-fueled furnaces and are then hot-rolled through one of the 
two rolling mills to produce finished products. SMB has completed a number of improvement projects to both mills designed to 

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increase both their operating efficiency and the types of products that can be competitively produced. SMB continues to monitor 
the market for new products and, through discussions with customers, identify additional opportunities to expand its product lines 
and sales. SMB’s effective annual finished goods production capacity is approximately 800 thousand tons under current conditions.

Products

SMB produces semi-finished goods (billets) and finished goods, consisting of rebar, coiled rebar, wire rod, merchant bar and other 
specialty products. Semi-finished goods are predominantly used for SMB’s finished products, but also have been produced for 
sale to other steel mills. Rebar is produced in either straight length steel bars or coils and used to increase the tensile strength of 
poured concrete. Coiled rebar is preferred by some manufacturers because it reduces the waste generated by cutting individual 
lengths to meet customer specifications and, therefore, improves yield. Wire rod is steel rod, delivered in coiled form, used by 
manufacturers to produce a variety of products such as chain link fencing, nails, wire and stucco netting. Merchant bar consists 
of round, flat, angle and square steel bars used by manufacturers to produce a wide variety of products, including gratings, steel 
floor and roof joists, safety walkways, ornamental furniture, stair railings and farm equipment. SMB is also certified to produce 
high-quality rebar to support nuclear power plant construction and has a license to produce certain patented high-strength specialty 
steels.

The table below sets forth, on a revenue and volume basis, the sales of finished steel products during the last three fiscal years 
ended August 31:

Finished steel products

_____________________________

2014

2013

2012

Revenues(1)
377,678
$

Volume(2)

533,147

Revenues(1)
346,982
$

Volume(2)

487,542

Revenues(1)
332,719
$

Volume(2)

447,254

(1)  Revenues stated in thousands of dollars.

(2)  Volume stated in short tons (one short ton = 2,000 pounds).

Customers

SMB’s customers are principally steel service centers, construction industry subcontractors, steel fabricators, wire drawers and 
major farm and wood products suppliers. During fiscal 2014, SMB sold its finished steel products to customers located in the 
Western U.S., Canada and Hawaii. Customers in California accounted for 43% of SMB’s revenues in fiscal 2014. SMB’s ten 
largest customers accounted for 40%, 43% and 43% of its revenues during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. No SMB 
customer accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012.

The table below sets forth SMB revenues from domestic and foreign customers for the last three fiscal years ended August 31 (in 
thousands):

Domestic
Foreign(1)
Total

____________________________

(1)  Consists entirely of sales to Canada.

Distribution

2014
354,420
34,220
388,640

$

$

2013
304,598
47,856
352,454

$

$

2012
290,710
42,517
333,227

$

$

SMB sells directly from its mini-mill in McMinnville, Oregon and its owned distribution center in El Monte, California (Los 
Angeles area). Products are shipped from the mini-mill to the distribution center, primarily by rail. The distribution center facilitates 
sales by maintaining an inventory of products close to major customers for just-in-time delivery. SMB communicates regularly 
with major customers to determine their anticipated needs and plans its rolling mill production schedule, accordingly. Shipments 
to customers are made by common carrier, primarily truck or rail.

Supply of Scrap Metal

We believe SMB operates the only mini-mill in the Western U.S. that obtains its scrap metal requirements from an affiliated metal 
recycler. MRB provides a mix of recycled metal grades to SMB, which allows SMB to achieve optimum efficiency in its melting 
operations. 

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Energy Supply

SMB needs a significant amount of electricity to run its operations, primarily its EAF. SMB purchases electricity under a long-
term contract with McMinnville Water & Light (“MW+L”), which in turn relies on the Bonneville Power Administration (“BPA”). 
We entered into our current contract with MW+L in October 2011 that will expire in September 2028.

SMB also needs a significant amount of natural gas to run its reheat furnaces, which are used to reheat billets prior to running 
them through the rolling mills. SMB meets this demand through a natural gas agreement with a utility provider that obligates SMB 
at each month-end to purchase a volume of gas based on its projected needs for the immediately subsequent month on a take-or-
pay basis priced using published natural gas indices. 

Energy costs represented 5% of SMB’s cost of goods sold in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Backlog

SMB generally ships products within days after the receipt of a purchase order. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, SMB had a 
backlog of orders of $25 million and $27 million, respectively.

Competition

SMB’s primary domestic competitors for the sale of finished steel products include Nucor Corporation’s manufacturing facilities 
in Arizona, Utah and Washington; Gerdau Long Steel North America’s facility in California; and Commercial Metals Company’s 
manufacturing facility in Arizona. In addition to domestic competition, SMB competes with foreign steel producers, principally 
located in Asia, Canada, Mexico and Central and South America, primarily in shorter length rebar and certain wire rod grades. 
The principal competitive factors in SMB’s market are price, product availability, quality and service. 

For more than a decade, the U.S. government has imposed anti-dumping and countervailing duties against wire rod and rebar 
products from a number of foreign countries. These duties remain in effect today and are periodically reassessed. In addition, 
every five years the U.S. government conducts sunset reviews to determine whether revocation of the orders would likely lead to 
resumption of dumping and subsidization and negatively impact the U.S. domestic industry. Affirmative decisions would allow 
the orders to continue for an additional five years. In fiscal 2014, both the International Trade Commission and the U.S. Department 
of  Commerce  made  affirmative  preliminary  determinations  with  regard  to  a  new  anti-dumping  and  countervailing  duty  case 
involving wire rod from China. On September 9, 2014, the U.S. Department of Commerce made a final affirmative anti-dumping 
determination with respect to rebar from Mexico and an affirmative countervailing duty determination against rebar from certain 
producers in Turkey, but made a negative anti-dumping determination regarding rebar from Turkey. On October 14, 2014, the 
International Trade Commission made final affirmative injury determinations in the Mexican and Turkish rebar investigation. As 
a consequence, the U.S. government will impose duties on future imports of these products which, particularly in the case of 
Mexico due to high anti-dumping duties, is expected to generally lead to a reduction in the volume of imports.

Strategic Focus

Use of our Seven Deep Water Ports to Access Global Demand

Our seven deep water terminal facilities enable us to bulk load large vessels capable of trans-oceanic shipments, thereby allowing 
us to efficiently ship product globally to wherever demand is highest. We achieve cost efficiencies because we own the majority 
of these terminal facilities, which reduces the likelihood of berthing delays often experienced by users of unaffiliated terminals, 
and because we are able to ship bulk cargoes of up to 50,000 tons, which generally have lower freight costs on a per-ton basis 
than containerized shipments that hold 20 to 30 tons.

Acquisitions 

In fiscal 2014, we continued to focus on growth primarily through acquisition and greenfield development of used auto parts 
businesses consistent with our strategy of creating synergies within geographic regions where MRB already operates and building 
on our existing presence in major metropolitan areas. With our history of generating positive cash flows from operations and 
available borrowing capacity, we believe we are in a position to continue to complete acquisitions when consistent with our long-
term strategic plans.

During fiscal 2014, we made the following acquisition:

• 

In November 2013, we acquired all of the equity interests of Pick A Part, Inc., a used auto parts business with 
one  store  in  the  Olympia  metropolitan  area  in Washington,  which  expanded APB’s  presence  in  the  Pacific 
Northwest and is near MRB’s operations in Tacoma, Washington. 

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During fiscal 2013, we made the following acquisitions:

• 

• 

• 

• 

In December 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Ralph’s Auto Supply (B.C.) Ltd., a used auto 
parts business with four stores in Richmond and Surrey, British Columbia, which expanded APB’s presence in 
Western Canada and is near MRB’s operations in Surrey, British Columbia. 

In December 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of U-Pick-It, Inc., a used auto parts business with 
two stores in the Kansas City metropolitan area in Missouri and Kansas, which expanded APB’s presence in the 
Midwestern U.S. 

In December 2012, we acquired all of the equity interests of Freetown Self Serve Used Auto Parts, LLC, Freetown 
Transfer Facility, LLC, Millis Used Auto Parts, Inc. and Millis Industries, Inc., which together operated a used 
auto parts and scrap metal recycling business with two stores in Massachusetts. This acquisition established a 
new APB presence in the Northeastern U.S. and expanded the nearby MRB operations.

In June 2013, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Bill’s Auto Parts, Inc. and Perkins Horseshoe Works, 
Inc., which operated a used auto parts business with one store in Rhode Island. This acquisition expanded APB’s 
presence in the Northeastern U.S. and is near MRB’s operations.

During fiscal 2012, we made the following acquisition:

• 

In June 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Rocky Mountain Salvage, Ltd., a metals recycler in 
Hinton, Alberta, which expanded MRB’s presence in Western Canada. 

Continuous Improvement Benefits from Technology, Growth Investments and Operational Efficiencies

We aim to be an efficient and competitive producer of both recycled metal and finished steel products in order to maximize the 
operating income for both operations. To meet this objective, we have historically focused on, and will continue to emphasize, 
continuous improvement programs which seek to maximize production from shredders using technology to improve ferrous and 
nonferrous  scrap  metal  recovery  processes  and  productivity  in  our  steel  manufacturing  operations  and  ongoing  performance 
initiatives throughout our operations that focus on enhancing returns from growth investments. The objective of these programs 
is to identify areas in existing processes that could be made more efficient or where current performance could be improved and 
to recommend and implement solutions that could increase revenues or reduce costs by increasing output, recovery and productivity.

In fiscal 2013, we implemented certain restructuring initiatives announced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 designed to extract 
greater synergies from acquisitions and technology investments made in recent years, achieve further integration between our 
Metals Recycling Business and Auto Parts Business, realign our organization to support future growth and decrease operating 
expenses by streamlining functions and reducing organizational layers. These initiatives targeted a reduction in annual pre-tax 
operating costs of $25 million and were completed by the end of fiscal 2013.

In fiscal 2014, we initiated and implemented restructuring and productivity initiatives incremental to those completed in fiscal 
2013 designed to further reduce our annual operating expenses by $40 million, achieving approximately $29 million of benefit in 
fiscal 2014 results with the full annual benefits expected to be achieved in fiscal 2015. The benefits associated with these initiatives 
are occurring primarily in our Metals Recycling Business as a result of a combination of headcount reductions, implementation 
of operational efficiencies, reduced lease costs and other productivity improvements. 

During fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, we spent $39 million, $90 million and $79 million, respectively, on capital improvements. 
These  capital  expenditures  primarily  reflect  our  significant  investments  in  modern  equipment  to  improve  the  efficiency  and 
capabilities of our businesses and to further maximize our economies of scale. Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2014 included 
costs to upgrade our equipment and infrastructure. We currently plan to invest approximately $40 million in capital expenditures 
on similar upgrades in fiscal 2015, exclusive of any capital expenditures for growth projects. 

Environmental Matters

Impact of Legislation and Regulation

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations is a significant factor in our operations. Our businesses are subject to extensive 
local, state and federal environmental protection, health, safety and transportation laws and regulations relating to, among others:

• 

• 

• 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”);

Remediation  under  the  Comprehensive  Environmental  Response,  Compensation  and  Liability  Act 
(“CERCLA”);
The discharge of materials and emissions into the air;

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• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The prevention and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination;

The management and treatment of wastewater and storm water;

Global climate change;

The treatment, handling and/or disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste; and

The protection of our employees’ health and safety.

These environmental laws regulate, among other things, the release and discharge of hazardous materials into the air, water and 
ground; exposure to hazardous materials; and the identification, storage, treatment, handling and disposal of hazardous materials. 
Environmental legislation and regulations have changed rapidly in recent years, and it is likely that we will be subject to even 
more stringent environmental standards in the future.

Concern over climate change, including the impact of global warming, has led to significant U.S. and international regulatory and 
legislative initiatives to limit greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions. In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA was authorized 
to regulate carbon dioxide under the U.S. Clean Air Act. As a consequence, the EPA initiated a series of regulatory efforts aimed 
at  addressing  greenhouse  gases  as  pollutants,  including  finding  that  GHG  emissions  endanger  public  health,  implementing 
mandatory GHG emission reporting requirements, setting carbon emission standards for light-duty vehicles and taking other steps 
to address GHG emissions. Legislation has also been proposed in the U.S. Congress to address GHG emissions and global climate 
change, including “cap and trade” programs, and some form of federal climate change legislation or additional federal regulation 
is possible. In addition, we are required to annually report GHG emissions from our steel mill to the State of Oregon Department 
of Environmental Quality and the EPA. A number of other states, including states in which we have operations and facilities, have 
considered,  are  considering  or  have  already  enacted  legislation  to  develop  information  or  address  climate  change  and  GHG 
emissions, as well.

Although our objective is to maintain compliance with applicable environmental regulations, we have, in the past, been found not 
to be in compliance with certain environmental laws and regulations and have incurred liabilities, expenditures, fines and penalties 
associated with such violations. In December 2000, we were notified by the EPA that we are one of the potentially responsible 
parties that owns or operates, or formerly owned or operated, sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor Superfund 
site (see discussion in Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A and Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial  Statements  in  Part  II,  Item 8  of  this  report).  In  fiscal  2014,  capital  expenditures  related  to  ongoing  environmental 
compliance were $8 million, and we expect to spend up to $12 million on capital expenditures for ongoing environmental compliance 
in fiscal 2015.

Indirect Consequences of Future Legislation and Regulation

Increased regulation regarding climate change and GHG emissions could impose significant costs on our business and our customers 
and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs in order to 
comply with regulations concerning climate change and GHG emissions. The potential costs of allowances, offsets or credits that 
may be part of “cap and trade” programs or similar future regulatory measures are still uncertain. Any adopted future climate 
change  and  GHG  regulations  could  negatively  impact  our  ability  (and  that  of  our  customers  and  suppliers)  to  compete  with 
companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Furthermore, even without such regulation, increased awareness and 
any  adverse  publicity  in  the  global  marketplace  about  the  GHGs  emitted  by  companies  in  the  metals  recycling  and  steel 
manufacturing industries could harm our reputation and reduce customer demand for our products.

GHG legislation and regulation is also expected to have an effect on the price of electricity, especially when generated using 
carbon-based fuels. Since the electricity supply for SMB includes a significant element of hydro-generated production, SMB’s 
energy costs are less likely to be impacted than those of competitors using electricity generated by carbon-based fuels. In addition, 
demand for scrap metal may increase as a result of mills with blast furnaces seeking to maximize the scrap metal component of 
raw material infeed, as melting scrap metal involves less energy than is required for melting iron ore.

Since the use of recycled iron and steel instead of iron ore to make new steel results in savings in the consumption of energy, virgin 
materials and water and reduces mining wastes, we believe our recycled metal products position us to be more competitive in the 
future for business from companies wishing to reduce their carbon footprint and impact on the environment. In addition, our EAF 
generates fewer GHG emissions than traditional blast furnaces.

Physical Impacts of Climate Change on Our Costs and Operations

There has been public discussion that climate change may be associated with rising sea levels as well as extreme weather conditions 
such as more intense hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes and snow or ice storms. Extreme weather conditions may increase our 
costs or cause damage to our facilities, and any damage resulting from extreme weather may not be fully insured. As many of our 
recycling facilities are located near deep water ports, significantly rising sea levels may disrupt our ability to receive scrap metal, 
process the scrap metal through our mega-shredders and ship product to our customers. Periods of extended adverse weather 

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conditions may inhibit the supply of scrap metal to MRB and SMB and end-of-life vehicles to APB which could cause us to fail 
to meet our sales commitments. In addition, sustained periods of increased temperature levels in the summer in areas where our 
APB operations are located could result in less customer traffic, thus resulting in reduced admissions and parts sales.

Employees

As of September 30, 2014, we had 3,371 full-time employees, consisting of 1,581 employees at MRB, 1,189 employees at APB, 
437 employees at SMB and 164 corporate administrative employees. Of these employees, 740 were covered by collective bargaining 
agreements. The SMB contract with the United Steelworkers of America, which covers 314 of these employees, was renewed and 
ratified in June 2012 and will expire on March 31, 2016. We believe that in general our labor relations are good.

Available Information

Our internet address is www.schnitzersteel.com. The content of our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K. We make available on our website, free of charge, under the caption “Investors – SEC Filings” our annual 
reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, as 
soon  as  reasonably  practicable  after  electronically  filing  with  or  furnishing  such  materials  to  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

From time to time, we may use our website as a channel of distribution of material Company information. Financial and other 
material information regarding our Company is routinely posted on and accessible at http://www.schnitzersteel.com/investors.aspx. 
In addition, you may automatically receive e-mail alerts and other information about our Company by enrolling your e-mail address 
by visiting the “E-mail Alerts” section at http://www.schnitzersteel.com/investors.aspx.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Described  below  are  risks,  which  are  categorized  as  “Risk  Factors  Relating  to  Our  Business,”  “Risk  Factors  Relating  to  the 
Regulatory Environment” and “Risk Factors Relating to Our Employees,” that could have a material adverse effect on our results 
of operations, financial condition and cash flows or could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated 
by the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. See “Forward-Looking Statements” that precedes Part I of 
this report. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of or that we currently deem immaterial may in the future have 
a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Risk Factors Relating to Our Business

Potential costs related to the environmental cleanup of Portland Harbor may be material to our financial position and liquidity

In December 2000, we were notified by the EPA under CERCLA that we are one of the potentially responsible parties (“PRP”) 
that owns or operates or formerly owned or operated sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor Superfund site (the 
“Site”). The precise nature and extent of any cleanup of the Site, the parties to be involved, the process to be followed for any 
cleanup and the allocation of the costs for any cleanup among responsible parties have not yet been determined, but the process 
of identifying additional PRPs and beginning allocation of costs is underway. A group of PRPs referred to as the “Lower Willamette 
Group”  (“LWG”)  is  conducting  a  remedial  investigation  and  feasibility  study  (“RI/FS”)  to  identify  and  characterize  the 
contamination at the Site and develop alternative approaches to remediation of the contamination. On March 30, 2012, the LWG 
submitted to the EPA and made available on its website a draft feasibility study (“draft FS”) for the Site based on approximately 
ten years of work and $100 million in costs classified by the LWG as investigation related. The draft FS identifies ten possible 
remedial alternatives which range in estimated cost from approximately $170 million to $250 million (net present value) for the 
least costly alternative to approximately $1.08 billion to $1.76 billion (net present value) for the most costly and estimates a range 
of two to 28 years to implement the remedial work, depending on the selected alternative. The draft FS does not determine who 
is responsible for remediation costs, define the precise cleanup boundaries or select remedies. The draft FS is being revised by 
the EPA and the revisions may be significant and could materially impact the scope or cost of remediation. While the draft FS is 
an important step in the EPA’s development of a proposed plan for addressing the Site, a final decision on the nature and extent 
of the required remediation will occur only after the EPA has prepared a proposed plan for public review and issued a record of 
decision (“ROD”). Currently available information indicates that the EPA does not expect to issue its final ROD selecting a remedy 
for the Site until at least 2017 or commence remediation activities until 2024. Responsibility for implementing and funding the 
EPA’s selected remedy will be determined in a separate allocation process, which is currently underway. Separately, the natural 
resource damages trustees for the Site are conducting a process to determine the amount of natural resource damages at the Site 
and identify the persons potentially liable for such damages. Given the size of the Site, the costs to date of the RI/FS and the nature 
of the conditions identified to date, the total cost of the investigations, remediation and natural resource damages claims are likely 
to be substantial. Because there has not been a determination of the total cost of the investigations, the remediation that will be 
required, the amount of natural resource damages or how the costs of the ongoing investigations and any remedy and natural 
resource damages will be allocated among the PRPs, we believe it is not possible to reasonably estimate the amount or range of 
costs which we are likely or reasonably possible to incur in connection with the Site, although such costs could be material to our 
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financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. Significant cash outflows in the future related to the Site could 
reduce the amount of our borrowing capacity that could otherwise be used for investment in capital expenditures, acquisitions, 
dividends and share repurchases. Any material liabilities incurred in the future related to the Site could result in our failure to 
maintain  compliance  with  certain  covenants  in  our  debt  agreements.  See  “Contingencies  –  Environmental”  in  Note  11  – 
Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

We operate in industries that are cyclical and sensitive to general economic conditions, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our operating results and financial condition

Demand for most of our products is cyclical in nature and sensitive to general economic conditions. The timing and magnitude 
of the cycles in the industries in which our products are used including global steel manufacturing and residential construction in 
the U.S. are difficult to predict. The cyclical nature of our operations tends to reflect and be amplified by changes in economic 
conditions,  both  domestically  and  internationally,  supply/demand  imbalances  and  foreign  currency  exchange  fluctuations. 
Economic downturns or a prolonged period of slow growth in the U.S. and foreign markets or any of the industries in which we 
operate could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. While we believe 
that drivers such as infrastructure growth in developing economies and demand for environmentally sustainable raw materials 
will continue to drive long-term global demand for recycled metal, we are unable to predict the duration of the current uncertain 
economic conditions that are contributing to a softer demand environment for our products and constrained supply of raw materials. 

Changes in the availability or price of raw materials and end-of-life vehicles could reduce our sales 

Our businesses require certain materials that are sourced from third party suppliers. Although our cross-divisional synergies allow 
us to be our own source for some raw materials, particularly with respect to scrap metal for SMB, we rely on other suppliers for 
most of our raw material needs. Industry supply conditions generally involve risks, including the possibility of shortages of raw 
materials, increases in raw material costs and reduced control over delivery schedules. We procure our scrap inventory from 
numerous sources. These suppliers generally are not bound by long-term contracts and have no obligation to sell scrap metal to 
us. In periods of declining scrap metal prices, suppliers may elect to hold scrap metal to wait for higher prices or intentionally 
slow their metal collection activities. If a substantial number of suppliers ceases selling scrap metal to us, we will be unable to 
recycle metal at desired levels, and our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. A 
slowdown of industrial production in the U.S. may also reduce the supply of industrial grades of metal to the metals recycling 
industry,  resulting  in  less  recyclable  metal  available  to  process  and  market.  Increased  competition  for  domestic  scrap  metal, 
including as a result of investments by competitors that expand the scrap recycling capacity in the U.S. and Canada, may also 
reduce the supply of scrap metal available to us. Failure to obtain a steady supply of scrap material could both adversely impact 
our ability to meet sales commitments and reduce our operating margins. Failure to obtain an adequate supply of end-of-life 
vehicles could adversely impact our ability to attract customers and charge admission fees and reduce our parts sales. Failure to 
obtain raw materials, such as alloys used in the steel-making process, could adversely impact our ability to make steel to the 
specifications of our customers.

Significant decreases in scrap metal prices may adversely impact our operating results

The timing and magnitude of the cycles in the industries in which we operate are difficult to predict and are influenced by different 
economic conditions in the domestic market, where we typically acquire our raw materials, and foreign markets, where we typically 
sell the majority of our products. Purchase prices for autobodies and scrap metal and selling prices for recycled scrap metal are 
volatile and beyond our control. While we attempt to respond to changing recycled scrap metal selling prices through adjustments 
to our metal purchase prices, our ability to do so is limited by competitive and other market factors. As a result, we may not be 
able to reduce our metal purchase prices to offset a sharp reduction in recycled scrap metal sales prices, which may adversely 
impact our operating income and cash flows. In addition, a rapid decrease in selling prices may compress our operating margins 
due  to  the  impact  of  average  inventory  cost,  which  causes  cost  of  goods  sold  recognized  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Operations to decrease at a slower rate than metal purchase prices and net selling prices. Lower export demand for recycled scrap 
metal relative to demand in the domestic market may also compress operating margins due to higher purchase prices resulting 
from stronger domestic competition for supply without commensurately higher export selling prices.

Acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses may result in operating difficulties and other unintended consequences

We  have  completed  a  number  of  acquisitions  in  recent  years  and  expect  to  continue  making  acquisitions  of  complementary 
businesses to enable us to enhance our customer base and grow our revenues. Execution of our acquisition strategy involves a 
number of risks, including:

• 

• 

• 
• 

Difficulty integrating the acquired businesses’ personnel and operations;

Potential loss of key employees or customers of the acquired business;

Difficulties in realizing anticipated cost savings, efficiencies and synergies;
Unexpected costs;

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

• 

• 

• 

Inaccurate assessment of or undisclosed liabilities;

Inability to maintain uniform standards, controls and procedures; and

Difficulty managing the growth of a larger company.

If we do not successfully execute our acquisition strategy and the acquired businesses do not perform as projected, our financial 
condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Goodwill impairment charges may adversely affect our operating results

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the net amount of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a 
business combination measured at fair value. We have a substantial amount of goodwill on our balance sheet generated in connection 
with our acquisitions and business growth strategy. We test the goodwill balances allocated to our reporting units for impairment 
on an annual basis and if events occur or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of one or more of our reporting 
units may be below its carrying amount. A decline in the quoted market price of our stock could denote a triggering event indicating 
that goodwill may be impaired. When testing goodwill for impairment, we determine fair value using an income approach based 
on the present value of expected future cash flows utilizing a market-based weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). Given 
that market prices of our reporting units are not readily available, we make various estimates and assumptions in determining the 
fair value of the reporting units, including estimating revenue growth rates, operating margins, capital expenditures, working 
capital requirements, tax rates, terminal growth rates, discount rate, benefits associated with a taxable transaction and synergistic 
benefits available to market participants. We corroborate the reporting units’ valuation using a market approach based on earnings 
multiple data and a reconciliation between our market capitalization and our estimate of the aggregate fair value of the reporting 
units, including consideration of a control premium. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to 
inherent uncertainties and changes in the estimates and assumptions described above. 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to 
our reporting units. As a result of the test, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $321 million at the MRB reporting unit 
leaving a goodwill balance of $327 million as of August 31, 2013. In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we changed our goodwill 
impairment testing date from February 28 to July 1 of each year. We performed our fiscal 2014 annual goodwill impairment test 
as of July 1, 2014 and identified no impairment of the reporting units' goodwill balances. Additional declines or a lack of recovery 
of market conditions in the metals recycling industry from current levels, a trend of weaker than anticipated financial performance, 
including the pace and extent of operating margin and volume recovery, a lack of recovery in our share price from current levels 
for a sustained period of time, or an increase in the market-based WACC, among other factors, could significantly impact our 
impairment analysis and may result in further goodwill impairment charges that, if incurred, could have a material adverse effect 
on our financial condition and results of operations. See Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

Impairment of long-lived assets may adversely affect our operating results

Long-lived assets are subject to an impairment assessment when certain triggering events or circumstances indicate that their 
carrying value may be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds our estimate of future undiscounted cash flows of the operations 
related to the asset, an impairment is recorded for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. The 
results of these tests for potential impairment may be adversely affected by unfavorable market conditions, the Company’s financial 
performance trends, or an increase in interest rates, among other factors. If as a result of the impairment test we determine that 
the fair value of any of our long-lived assets is less than its carrying amount, we may incur an impairment charge that could have 
a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 

Our restructuring and other productivity improvement initiatives may not achieve the expected benefits or cost reductions

We have been implementing various restructuring and productivity improvement initiatives designed to extract greater synergies 
from our acquisitions and technology investments, achieve further synergies between our Metals Recycling Business and Auto 
Parts Business, realign our organization to support future growth, decrease operating expenses by streamlining functions and 
reducing organizational layers and improve our productivity. Our ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings and other benefits 
from these initiatives within the expected time frame is subject to many estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions 
are subject to significant economic, competitive and other uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. We have incurred 
significant restructuring charges and other exit-related costs in fiscal 2013 and 2014 as a result of these activities and expect to 
incur limited restructuring and exit-related costs associated with these initiatives until fiscal 2017, with expected charges in fiscal 
2016 and 2017 representing accretion on contract termination liabilities. Failure to achieve the expected cost reductions and benefits 
related to these restructuring initiatives could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. 

Uncertain economic conditions may cause customers to be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations

We enter into export ferrous sales contracts preceded by negotiations that include fixing price, quantity, shipping terms and other 
contractual terms. Upon finalization of these terms and satisfactory completion of other contractual contingencies, the customer 
typically  opens  a  letter  of  credit  to  satisfy  its  obligation  under  the  contract  prior  to  our  shipment  of  the  cargo. Although  not 

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

considered normal course of business, during uncertain economic conditions, we are at risk on consummating the transaction until 
the customer successfully opens the letter of credit. Customers may not be able to fulfill their contractual obligations or open 
letters of credit in times of illiquid market conditions. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, 39% and 49%, respectively, of our trade 
accounts receivable balance were covered by letters of credit.

Increases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may reduce the demand for our products

A significant portion of MRB’s revenues is generated from sales to foreign customers, which are denominated in U.S. dollars, 
including customers located in Asia, Africa and Europe. A strengthening U.S. dollar would make our products more expensive 
for non-U.S. customers, which could negatively impact export sales. A strengthening U.S. dollar would also make imported metal 
products less expensive, resulting in an increase in imports of steel products into the U.S. As a result, our finished steel products, 
which are made in the U.S., may become more expensive for our U.S. customers relative to imported steel products.

We are exposed to translation and transaction risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. 
Hedging instruments may not be effective in mitigating such risks and may expose us to losses or limit our potential gains

Our operations in Canada expose us to translation and transaction risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange 
rates as compared to the U.S. dollar, our reporting currency. As a result, we are subject to foreign currency exchange risks due to 
exchange rate movements in connection with the translation of the operating costs and the assets and liabilities of our foreign 
operations into our functional currency for inclusion in our Consolidated Financial Statements. 

We are also exposed to foreign currency exchange transaction risk. As part of our risk management program, we use financial 
instruments, including foreign currency exchange forward contracts. While intended to reduce the effects of fluctuations in foreign 
currency exchange rates, these instruments may not be effective in reducing all risks related to such fluctuations and may limit 
our potential gains or expose us to losses. Although we do not enter into these instruments for trading purposes or speculation, 
and our management believes all such instruments are entered into as hedges of underlying physical transactions, these instruments 
are dependent on timely performance by our counterparties. Should our counterparties to such instruments or the sponsors of the 
exchanges through which these transactions are offered fail to honor their obligations due to financial distress or otherwise, we 
would be exposed to potential losses or the inability to recover anticipated gains from the transactions covered by these instruments.

Potential limitations on our ability to access capital resources may restrict our ability to operate or execute our growth 
strategy

Our operations are capital intensive. Our business also requires substantial expenditures for routine maintenance. While we expect 
that our cash requirements, including the funding of capital expenditures, debt service, dividends, share repurchases and any 
contingencies, will be financed by internally generated funds or from borrowings under our unsecured committed bank credit 
facility, there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Additional acquisitions could require financing from external sources.

Although we believe we have adequate access to contractually committed borrowings, we could be adversely affected if our banks 
were unable to honor their contractual commitments or ceased lending. Failure to access our credit facilities could restrict our 
ability to fund operations, make capital expenditures or execute acquisitions.

The agreement governing our bank credit facility imposes certain restrictions on our business and contains financial 
covenants 

Our unsecured committed bank credit agreement contains certain restrictions on our business, including our ability to create liens, 
raise additional capital, enter into transactions with affiliates, acquire and dispose of businesses, guarantee debt, and consolidate 
or merge. These restrictions may affect our ability to operate our business or execute our growth strategy and may limit our ability 
to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. Our bank credit agreement also requires that we maintain certain 
financial and other covenants, including a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. Our ability to 
comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry 
conditions. Our failure to comply with any of these restrictions or financial covenants could result in an event of default under the 
bank credit agreement, and permit our lenders to cease lending to us and declare all amounts borrowed from them to be due and 
payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. This could require us to refinance our bank credit agreement, which we may 
not be able to do at terms acceptable to us, or at all. 

Consolidation in the steel industry may reduce demand for our products

There has been a significant amount of consolidation in the steel industry in recent years that has included steel mills acquiring 
steel fabricators to ensure demand for their products. If any of SMB’s significant remaining customers were to be acquired by 
competing steel mills, this could reduce the demand for our products and force us to lower our prices, reducing our revenues, or 
to reduce production, which could increase our unit costs and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results 
of operations.

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Increases in imports of foreign steel into the U.S. may reduce domestic demand for our products

Economic expansion in China and other foreign countries has affected the availability, and increased the price volatility, of recycled 
metal and steel products. Expansions and contractions in these economies can significantly affect the price of commodities used 
and sold by our business, as well as the price of finished steel products. Additionally, in a number of foreign countries, such as 
China, steel producers are generally government-owned and may therefore make production decisions based on political or other 
factors that do not reflect market conditions. Disruptions in foreign markets from excess steel production may encourage importers 
to target the U.S. with excess capacity at aggressive prices, and existing trade laws and regulations may be inadequate to prevent 
unfair trade practices, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Although 
trade regulations restrict or impose duties on the importation of certain products, if foreign steel production significantly exceeds 
consumption in those countries, imports of steel products into the U.S. could increase, resulting in lower volumes and selling 
prices for SMB’s steel products.

Failure to realize expected benefits from investments in processing and manufacturing technology may impact our operating 
results and cash flows

We make significant investments in processing and manufacturing technology improvements aimed at increasing the efficiency 
and capabilities of our businesses and to maximize our economies of scale. Failure to realize the anticipated benefits and generate 
adequate returns on such capital improvement projects may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash 
flows. 

Reliance on third party shipping companies may restrict our ability to ship our products

MRB and SMB generally rely on third parties to handle and transport raw materials to their production facilities and products to 
customers. Despite our practice of utilizing a diversified group of suppliers of transportation, due to factors beyond our control, 
including  changes  in  fuel  prices,  political  events,  governmental  regulation  of  transportation,  changes  in  market  rates,  carrier 
availability and disruptions in transportation infrastructure, third party shipping companies may be forced to increase their charges 
for transportation services or otherwise reduce the availability of their vehicles or ships, and thus we may not be able to transport 
our products in a timely and cost-effective manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and 
results of operations and may harm our reputation.

Equipment upgrades and equipment failures may lead to production curtailments or shutdowns

Our  recycling  and  manufacturing  processes  depend  on  critical  pieces  of  equipment,  including  shredders,  nonferrous  sorting 
technology, furnaces and rolling mills, which may be out of service occasionally for scheduled upgrades or maintenance or as a 
result of unanticipated failures. Our facilities are subject to equipment failures and the risk of catastrophic loss due to unanticipated 
events such as fires, accidents or violent weather conditions. We have insurance  to cover certain of the risks associated with 
equipment damage and resulting business interruption, but there are certain events that would not be covered by insurance and 
there can be no assurance that insurance will continue to be available on acceptable terms. Interruptions in our processing and 
production capabilities could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

Product liability claims may adversely impact our operating results

We could inadvertently acquire radioactive scrap metal that could potentially end up in mixed scrap metal shipped to consumers 
worldwide. Although we have invested in radiation detection equipment in the majority of our locations, including the facilities 
from which we ship directly to customers, failure to detect radioactive scrap metal remains a possibility. Even though we maintain 
insurance to address the risk of this failure in detection, there can be no assurance that the insurance coverage would be adequate 
or will continue to be available on acceptable terms. In addition, if we fail to meet contractual requirements for a product, we may 
be subject to product warranty costs and claims. These costs and claims could both have a material adverse effect on our financial 
condition and results of operations and harm our reputation.

Climate change may adversely impact our facilities and our ongoing operations

The potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain and depend upon the unique geographic 
and environmental factors present, for example rising sea levels at our deep water port facilities, changing storm patterns and 
intensities, and changing temperature levels. As many of our recycling facilities are located near deep water ports, rising sea levels 
may disrupt our ability to receive scrap metal, process the scrap metal through our mega-shredders and ship products to our 
customers. Periods of extended adverse weather conditions may inhibit the supply of scrap metal to MRB and SMB and end-of-
life vehicles to APB, which could have an adverse effect on our sales or cause us to fail to meet our sales commitments. In addition, 
sustained periods of increased temperature levels in the summer in areas where our APB operations are located could result in 
reduced customer traffic, thus resulting in lower admissions and parts sales.

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Our deferred tax assets may become impaired in the future

The assessment of recoverability of our deferred tax assets is based on an evaluation of existing positive and negative evidence 
as to whether it is more likely than not that they will be realized. If negative evidence outweighs positive evidence, a valuation 
allowance is required. Impairment of deferred tax assets may result from significant negative industry or economic trends, a 
decrease in earnings performance and projections of future taxable income, adverse changes in laws or regulations and a variety 
of other factors. Impairment of deferred tax assets could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial 
condition.

A cybersecurity incident may adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and reputation

We face global cybersecurity risks and threats, which range from inadvertent release of sensitive information to sophisticated and 
targeted  measures  directed  at  us.  Our  operations  involve  use  of  multiple  systems  that  process,  store  and  transmit  sensitive 
information about our customers, suppliers, employees, financial position, operating results and strategies. While we are not aware 
of any material cyber-attacks or breaches of our systems to date, we have and continue to implement measures to safeguard our 
systems and mitigate potential risks, but there is no assurance that such actions will be sufficient to prevent cyber-attacks or security 
breaches that manipulate or improperly use our systems, compromise sensitive information, destroy or corrupt data, or otherwise 
disrupt our operations. The occurrence of such events could negatively impact our reputation and our competitive position and 
could result in litigation with third parties, regulatory action, loss of business, potential liability and increased remediation costs, 
any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Risk Factors Relating to the Regulatory Environment

Environmental regulations may cause us to incur significant compliance costs

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations is a significant factor in our business. We are subject to local, state and 
federal environmental laws and regulations in the U.S. and other countries relating to, among other matters:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Waste disposal;

Air emissions;

Waste water and storm water management and treatment;

Soil and groundwater contamination remediation;

Global climate change;

Discharge, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials; and

Employee health and safety.

We are also required to obtain environmental permits from governmental authorities for certain operations. Violation of or failure 
to obtain permits or comply with these laws or regulations could result in our business being fined or otherwise sanctioned by 
regulators or becoming subject to litigation by private parties. Our operations use, handle and generate hazardous substances. In 
addition, previous operations by others at facilities that we currently or formerly owned, operated or otherwise used may have 
caused contamination from hazardous substances. As a result, we are exposed to possible claims under environmental laws and 
regulations, especially for the remediation of waterways and soil or groundwater contamination. These laws can impose liability 
for the cleanup of hazardous substances even if the owner or operator was neither aware of nor responsible for the release of the 
hazardous substances. We have, in the past, been found not to be in compliance with certain of these laws and regulations, and 
have incurred liabilities, expenditures, fines and penalties associated with such violations. Future environmental compliance costs 
may increase because of new laws and regulations, changing interpretations and stricter enforcement of current regulations by 
regulatory authorities, uncertainty regarding adequate pollution control levels, the future costs of pollution control technology and 
issues related to global climate change. Further, the level of activity by regulatory authorities and non-governmental organizations 
has increased in recent years. Environmental compliance costs and potential environmental liabilities could have a material adverse 
effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See the risk factor “Potential costs related to the environmental cleanup 
of Portland Harbor may be material to our financial position and liquidity” in this Item 1A.

Governmental agencies may refuse to grant or renew our licenses and permits, thus restricting our ability to operate

We conduct certain of our operations subject to licenses, permits and approvals from state and local governments. Governmental 
agencies often resist the establishment of certain types of facilities in their communities, including auto parts facilities. In addition, 
from time to time, both the U.S. and foreign governments impose regulations and restrictions on trade in the markets in which we 
operate. In some countries, governments can require us to apply for certificates or registration before allowing shipment of recycled 
metal to customers in those countries. There can be no assurance that future approvals, licenses and permits will be granted or 
that we will be able to maintain and renew the approvals, licenses and permits we currently hold. Failure to obtain these approvals 
could cause us to limit or discontinue operations in these locations or prevent us from developing or acquiring new facilities, which 
could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Compliance with existing and new greenhouse gas emission regulations may adversely impact our operating results

Increased regulation regarding climate change and GHG emissions could impose significant costs on our business and our customers 
and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs in order to 
comply  with  regulations  concerning  and  limitations  imposed  on climate  change  and  GHG  emissions.  The  potential  costs  of 
allowances, offsets or credits that may be part of “cap and trade” programs or similar future regulatory measures are still uncertain. 
Any adopted future climate change and GHG regulations could negatively impact our ability (and that of our customers and 
suppliers) to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Until the timing, scope and extent of any 
future regulation becomes known, we cannot predict the effect on our financial condition, operating performance or ability to 
compete. Furthermore, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace 
about the GHGs emitted by companies in the metals recycling and steel manufacturing industries could harm our reputation and 
reduce customer demand for our products. See “Business - Environmental Matters” in Part I, Item 1 of this report for further detail.

Risk Factors Relating to Our Employees

Reliance on employees subject to collective bargaining may restrict our ability to operate

Approximately 22% of our full-time employees are represented by unions under collective bargaining agreements, including 
substantially all of the manufacturing employees at our SMB steel manufacturing facility. As these agreements expire, we may 
not be able to negotiate extensions or replacements of such agreements on acceptable terms. Any failure to reach an agreement 
with one or more of our unions may result in strikes, lockouts or other labor actions, including work slowdowns or stoppages, 
which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

The underfunded status of our multiemployer pension plans may cause us to increase our contributions to the plans

As discussed in Note 16 – Employee Benefits in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report, 
we contribute to the Steelworkers Western Independent Shops Pension Plan (“WISPP”), a multiemployer plan benefiting union 
employees of SMB. Because we have no current intention of withdrawing from the WISPP, we have not recognized a withdrawal 
liability in our consolidated financial statements. However, if such a liability were triggered, it could have a material adverse effect 
on our results of operations, financial position, liquidity and cash flows. Our contributions to the WISPP could also increase as a 
result of a diminished contribution base due to the insolvency or withdrawal of other employers who currently contribute to it, 
the inability or failure of withdrawing employers to pay their withdrawal liability or other funding deficiencies, as we would need 
to fund the retirement obligations of these employers.

In 2004, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) approved a seven-year extension of the period over which the WISPP may amortize 
unfunded liabilities, conditioned upon maintenance of certain minimum funding levels. Based on the actuarial valuation for the 
WISPP as of October 1, 2013, the funded percentage (based on the ratio of the market value of assets to the accumulated benefits 
liability (present value of accrued benefits) using the valuation method prescribed by the IRS) was 76.6%, which is below the 
targeted funding ratio specified in the agreement with the IRS. In 2014, the WISPP obtained relief from the specified funding 
requirements from the IRS, without which the IRS could have revoked the amortization extension retroactively to the 2002 plan 
year resulting in a material liability for the Company’s share of the resulting funding deficiency. 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our facilities and administrative offices by type, including their total acreage, were as follows as of August 31, 2014:

Division
Corporate offices – Domestic
Metals Recycling Business:

Domestic:

Collection and processing
Collection
Inactive

Foreign:(2)

Collection and processing
Collection
Inactive

Auto Parts Business:
Domestic:(1)

Administrative offices and other
Stores
Inactive
Foreign stores(2)

Steel Manufacturing Business:

Domestic:

Steel mill and administrative offices
Inactive

Total company:

Domestic
Foreign(2)

Total(3)

_____________________________

No. of
Facilities

Leased

Acreage
Owned

Total

1

40
8
9

4
3
3

3
54
1
8

2
1

119
18
137

—

48
7
2

33
14
20

5
639
—
71

—
—

701
138
839

—

701
23
29

4
3
—

—
136
1
—

85
51

—

749
30
31

37
17
20

5
775
1
71

85
51

1,026
7
1,033

1,727
145
1,872

(1)  We jointly own 36 acres in California at three of our sites with minority interest partners.

(2)  All foreign facilities are located in Canada.

(3)  For long-lived assets by geography, see Note 21 – Segment Information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

We consider all properties, both owned and leased, to be well-maintained, in good operating condition and suitable and adequate 
to carry on our business.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we are involved in various litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business involving normal and 
routine claims, including environmental compliance matters. Except in connection with our status as a potentially responsible 
party with respect to the Portland Harbor Superfund Site, which is described in Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies in the 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report and is incorporated into this item, management 
currently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse 
effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows or business.

In fiscal 2013, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts advised us of alleged violations of environmental requirements, including 
but not limited to those related to air emissions and hazardous waste management, at our operations in the Commonwealth. We 
have been discussing resolution of the alleged violations with the Commonwealth's representatives and have reached an agreement 
in principle to resolve the alleged violations. No enforcement proceeding has been filed to date and we do not believe that the 
outcome of this matter will be material to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity. 

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Information about our executive officers is incorporated by reference from Part III, Item 10 of this annual report. 

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our Class A common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol SCHN. There were  
210  holders  of  record  of  Class A  common  stock  on  October 23,  2014.  Our  Class A  common  stock  has  been  trading  since 
November 16, 1993. The following table sets forth the high and low trading stock prices reported on NASDAQ and the dividends 
paid per share for the periods indicated.

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Fiscal 2014

High Price

Low Price

Dividends Per Share

$

$

$

$

31.46

32.67

29.22

28.21

High Price

$
$

$

$

32.04
31.90

29.64

27.22

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

25.15

25.08

24.92

$

$

$

24.32
$
Fiscal 2013

0.188

0.188

0.188

0.188

Low Price

Dividends Per Share

26.77
27.70

23.62

23.38

$
$

$

$

0.188
0.188

0.188

0.188

Our Class B common stock is not publicly traded. There were 2 holders of record of Class B common stock on October 23, 2014.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Pursuant to a share repurchase program as amended in 2001 and 2006, we were authorized to repurchase up to 6 million shares 
of our Class A common stock when management deems such repurchases to be appropriate. In November 2008, our Board of 
Directors approved an increase in the shares authorized for repurchase by 3 million, to 9 million. Prior to fiscal 2014, we had 
repurchased approximately 6.9 million shares of our Class A common stock under the program. We did not repurchase any shares 
of our Class A common stock in fiscal 2014, leaving approximately 2.1 million shares available for repurchase under existing 
authorizations.

The share repurchase program does not require us to acquire any specific number of shares, and we may suspend, extend or 
terminate the program at any time without prior notice and the program may be executed through open-market purchases, privately 
negotiated transactions or utilizing Rule 10b5-1 programs. We evaluate long- and short-range forecasts as well as anticipated 
sources and uses of cash before determining the course of action that would best enhance shareholder value.

The following graph and related information compares cumulative total shareholder return on our Class A common stock for the 
five-year period from September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2014, with the cumulative total return for the same period of (i) the 
S&P 500 Index, (ii) the S&P Steel Index and (iii) the NASDAQ Composite Index. These comparisons assume an investment of 
$100 at the commencement of the period and that all dividends are reinvested. The stock performance outlined in the performance 
graph below is not necessarily indicative of our future performance, and we do not endorse any predictions as to future stock 
performance.

21 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
 
 
 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Year Ended August 31,

Schnitzer Steel Industries(1)
S&P 500

$

S&P Steel Index

NASDAQ

_____________________________

100

100

100

100

$

82

$

85

$

52

$

49

$

105

103

106

124

109

131

147

78

157

174

80

187

55

218

103

241

(1)  Because we operate in three distinct but related businesses, we have no direct market peer issuers.

22 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

(in thousands, except per share and dividend data)

2014

Year Ended August 31,
2012

2011

2013

2010

$ 2,543,583

$ 2,621,911

$ 3,340,938

$ 3,459,194

$ 2,301,240

(327,789) $
(280,023) $

53,668

28,917

$

$

185,964

123,637

$

$

125,897

84,508

Revenues
Operating income (loss)(1)
Income (loss) from continuing operations

Income (loss) from discontinued 
operations, net of tax(2)
Net income (loss) attributable to SSI

Income (loss) per share from continuing
operations attributable to SSI (diluted)

Net income (loss) per share attributable to
SSI (diluted)

Dividends declared per common share

OTHER DATA:

Shipments (in thousands)(3):

Recycled ferrous metal (tons)

Recycled nonferrous metal (pounds)

Finished steel products (tons)

Average net selling price(3)(4):

Recycled ferrous metal (per ton)

Recycled nonferrous metal (per
pound)

Finished steel products (per ton)

Number of auto parts stores(2)
Cars purchased by APB (in thousands)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

20,316

8,734

857

5,924

0.19

0.22

0.750

4,122

554,808

533

353

0.86

677

62

380

— $
(281,442) $

— $

27,404

(10.56) $

0.99

(10.56) $
$
0.750

0.99

0.410

4,309

520,442

488

5,115

628,652

447

$

$

$

358

0.93

680

61

356

415

0.94

715

51

339

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(101) $
$

118,355

(13,832)
66,750

$

$

$

$

$

$

4.24

4.23

0.068

5,329

568,560

439

416

1.06

697

50

353

2.86

2.37

0.068

4,231

478,786

444

328

0.83

587

45

329

2014

2013

August 31,
2012

2011

2010

BALANCE SHEET DATA (in thousands):

Total assets

$ 1,355,210

$ 1,405,512

$ 1,763,573

$ 1,890,169

$ 1,343,418

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

$

$

318,842

$

372,663

$

334,629

— $

— $

22,248

$

$

403,287

19,053

$

$

99,240

—

_____________________________

(1)  The operating loss in fiscal 2013 includes a goodwill impairment charge of $321 million, other asset impairment charges of $13 million and restructuring 
charges of $8 million. Operating income in fiscal 2014 includes other asset impairment charges of $1 million and restructuring charges and other exit-related 
costs of $7 million.

(2) 

In fiscal 2010, the Company sold its full-service used auto parts operation, which had been operated as part of the Auto Parts Business reporting segment. 
The Company concluded that the divestiture met the definition of a discontinued operation. Accordingly, the results of this discontinued operation have been 
removed from other data for all periods presented. In fiscal 2014, the Company released an environmental liability associated with the disposed operations. 

(3)  Tons for recycled ferrous metal are long tons (2,240 pounds) and for finished steel products are short tons (2,000 pounds).

(4) 

In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company reports revenues that include amounts billed for freight to customers; however, 
average net selling prices are shown net of amounts billed for freight.

23 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
 
 
 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

This section includes a discussion of our operations for the three fiscal years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The following 
discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our 
results  of  operations  and  financial  condition.  The  discussion  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements and the related notes thereto in Part II, Item 8 of this report and the Selected Financial Data contained in Part II, Item 6 
of this report.

Business

We are one of North America’s largest recyclers of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal, a leading recycler of used and salvaged 
vehicles and a manufacturer of finished steel products. 

We operate in three reporting segments: the Metals Recycling Business (“MRB”), the Auto Parts Business (“APB”) and the Steel 
Manufacturing Business (“SMB”), which collectively provide an end-of-life cycle solution for a variety of products through our 
integrated businesses. We use operating income (loss) to measure our segment performance. Restructuring charges and other exit-
related costs are not allocated to the segment operating income (loss) because we do not include this information in our measurement 
of the segments’ performance. Corporate expense consists primarily of unallocated expense for management and administrative 
services that benefit all three reporting segments. As a result of this unallocated expense, the operating income (loss) of each 
reporting segment does not reflect the operating income (loss) the reporting segment would report as a stand-alone business. For 
further  information  regarding  our  reporting  segments,  including  financial  information about  geographic areas,  see  Note  21  – 
Segment Information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

MRB buys, collects, processes, recycles, sells and brokers ferrous scrap metal (containing iron) to foreign and domestic steel 
producers, including SMB, and nonferrous scrap metal (not containing iron) to both foreign and domestic markets. MRB processes 
mixed and large pieces of scrap metal into smaller pieces by crushing, sorting, shearing, shredding and torching, resulting in scrap 
metal pieces of a size, density and metal content required by customers to meet their production needs.

APB procures used and salvaged vehicles and sells serviceable used auto parts from these vehicles through its self-service auto 
parts  stores. The  remaining  portions  of  the  vehicles,  primarily  autobodies  and  major  parts  containing  ferrous  and  nonferrous 
materials, are sold to metal recyclers, including MRB where geographically feasible.

SMB operates a steel mini-mill that produces a wide range of finished steel products. SMB’s scrap metal requirements are sourced 
through MRB, which SMB purchases at rates that approximate export market prices for shipments from the West Coast of the 
U.S. SMB uses its mini-mill near Portland, Oregon to melt recycled metal and other raw materials to produce finished steel 
products. SMB also maintains a mill depot in Southern California.

Our results of operations depend in large part on the demand and prices for recycled metal in foreign and domestic markets and 
on the supply of raw materials, including end-of-life vehicles, available to be processed at our facilities. Our deep water port 
facilities on both the East and West Coasts of the U.S. (in Everett, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island; Oakland, California; 
Portland, Oregon; and Tacoma, Washington) and access to public deep water port facilities (in Kapolei, Hawaii; and Salinas, Puerto 
Rico) allow us to efficiently meet the global demand for recycled ferrous metal by shipping bulk cargoes to steel manufacturers 
located in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East (“EAME”), and Central America. Our exports of nonferrous recycled metal are 
shipped in containers through various public docks to specialty steelmakers, foundries, aluminum sheet and ingot manufacturers, 
copper refineries and smelters, brass and bronze ingot manufacturers and wire and cable producers globally. We also transport 
both ferrous and nonferrous metals by truck, rail and barge in order to transfer scrap metal between our facilities for further 
processing, to load shipments at our export facilities and to meet regional domestic demand.

Key economic factors and trends affecting the industries in which we operate

We sell recycled metals to the global steel industry for the production of finished steel. Our financial results largely depend on 
supply of raw materials in the U.S. and Western Canada and demand for recycled metal in foreign and domestic markets and for 
finished steel products in the Western U.S. and Canada. Changes in supply and demand conditions affect market prices for and 
volumes of recycled ferrous and nonferrous metal in global markets and for steel products in the Western U.S. and Canada and 
can  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  results  of  operations  for  all  three  reporting  segments. Weak  export  demand  and  limited 
availability of raw materials has contributed to lower sales volumes for recycled metals in recent years. 

Beginning  in  early  fiscal  2012,  our  markets  were  impacted  by  a  slowdown  of  economic  activity  globally.  Macroeconomic 
uncertainty resulted in deteriorating market conditions for global steel manufacturers and volatile pricing swings with an overall 
downward trend in commodity prices and export selling prices of recycled materials. The persistently low economic growth in 
the U.S. contributed to constrained scrap flows in our MRB and APB domestic supply markets which, combined with increased 

24 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

scrap recycling capacity and competition in certain regional markets, led to margin compression. In addition, a relatively stronger 
U.S. dollar value increased competitive pressure on MRB’s export activity. 

Strategic Factors

As we continue to closely monitor economic conditions, we remain focused on the following core strategies to meet our business 
objectives:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Use of our seven deep water ports and ground-based transportation to directly access customers around the world 
and to meet demand wherever it is greatest;

Synergistic  growth  and  continuous  productivity  improvement  and  cost  reduction  initiatives  which  further 
integrate our operations and drive significant cost savings and efficiencies;

Growth through acquisitions and greenfield development in existing and new geographic regions that generate 
attractive returns; and

Continued investment in and benefit from technologies and process improvements which increase the separation 
and recovery of recycled materials from our shredding process.

Our  strategy  is  focused  on  enhancing  the  inherent  synergies  within  our  integrated  operations  while  continuing  to  improve 
productivity and grow our operations in core regions where we have a significant market presence and competitively advantageous 
port access. APB is a key supplier to MRB, and we opportunistically look to enhance the geographic proximity of operations 
within the two businesses. MRB and APB historically have had an integrated presence in the Northwestern U.S. and in Northern 
California, near MRB’s export facilities in Tacoma, Washington, Portland, Oregon and Oakland, California, which benefit from 
the synergies of this enhanced access to supply.

In early fiscal 2014, we completed multi-year strategic investments in Western Canada, which enabled MRB and APB’s synergistic 
expansion into British Columbia and Alberta with seven metals collection and processing facilities, including a new shredder, as 
well as eight auto parts stores. APB’s facilities in Western Canada provide crushed autobodies to MRB’s new franchise in Western 
Canada in addition to shipping to its Tacoma, Washington facility. In fiscal 2014, we opened our first greenfield auto parts store 
in Johnston, Rhode Island, which, combined with three stores in Massachusetts and Rhode Island acquired in fiscal 2013, expands 
APB's presence in the Northeastern U.S. and enables a new source of supply for MRB’s  Northeastern  regional operations which 
include 13 metals recycling and processing facilities. 

During fiscal 2014 we continued to implement enhancements to the synergies between these businesses by integrating certain 
operational processes.

Executive Overview of Financial Results

We generated consolidated revenues of $2.5 billion in fiscal 2014, a decrease of 3% from the $2.6 billion of consolidated revenues 
in the prior year. Overall consolidated revenues decreased primarily due to lower average net selling prices for ferrous and nonferrous 
metal and reduced sales volumes of export ferrous metal as a result of continued weak economic conditions globally that adversely 
impacted export demand for recycled metal, which was only partially offset by higher volumes for domestic sales of recycled 
ferrous metal, nonferrous metal, and finished steel products.

Consolidated operating income was $20 million in fiscal 2014, which included restructuring charges and other exit-related costs 
of $7 million and other asset impairment charges of $1 million, compared to a consolidated operating loss of $328 million in the 
prior year, which included a goodwill impairment charge of $321 million, other asset impairment charges of $13 million and 
restructuring charges of $8 million. Adjusted consolidated operating income in fiscal 2014, excluding restructuring and other exit-
related costs and other asset impairment charges, was $29 million, an increase of $15 million, or 103%, compared to adjusted 
consolidated  operating  income  of  $14  million  in  fiscal  2013,  excluding  goodwill  impairment,  other  asset  impairment  and 
restructuring charges (see the reconciliation of Adjusted operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of 
Item 7). Export selling prices for recycled ferrous metal were subject to downward pressure in fiscal 2014, leading to overall lower 
average export selling prices compared to the prior year. The significant benefits from productivity initiatives, primarily impacting 
MRB, were largely offset by the continued challenging ferrous and nonferrous market conditions and the impact of prolonged 
constrained supply conditions for raw materials in our domestic markets. Consolidated operating results in fiscal 2014 also benefited 
from an increase in operating income at SMB of $12 million primarily as a result of improved demand for finished steel products 
leading to higher sales volumes and benefits from productivity improvements.

In fiscal 2014, we achieved $29 million in cost savings related to the restructuring and productivity initiatives announced and 
initiated  in  the  first  quarter  and  expanded  in  the  second  quarter  of  fiscal  2014  to  reduce  our  annual  operating  expenses  by 
approximately $40 million, with the full annual benefit expected to be achieved in fiscal 2015. The reduction in expenses is from 
25 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

a combination of headcount reductions, implementation of operational efficiencies, reduced lease costs and other productivity 
improvements. We plan to initiate and implement additional productivity initiatives at APB in fiscal 2015 to improve profitability 
through a combination of revenue drivers and cost reduction initiatives. Our targeted annual improvement is approximately $7 
million, with approximately 50% of that amount expected to benefit the second half of fiscal 2015 and the full annual run rate 
achieved in fiscal 2016.

Net income from continuing operations attributable to SSI in fiscal 2014 was $5 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to 
net loss attributable to SSI of $281 million, or $(10.56) per diluted share, in the prior year. Adjusted net income from continuing 
operations attributable to SSI, excluding restructuring charges and other exit-related costs and asset impairments, was $12 million, 
or $0.44 per diluted share, for fiscal 2014, compared to adjusted net loss from continuing operations attributable to SSI of $2 
million, or $(0.07) per diluted share, in the prior year (see the reconciliation of Adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations 
attributable to SSI in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 7).

The following items summarize our consolidated financial performance for fiscal 2014:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Revenues of $2.5 billion, compared to $2.6 billion in the prior year;

Operating income of $20 million, compared to operating loss of $328 million in the prior year; 

Adjusted operating income of $29 million, an increase of $15 million, or 103%, compared to the prior year (see 
the reconciliation of Adjusted consolidated operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the 
end of Item 7); 

Net income from continuing operations attributable to SSI of $5 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared 
to net loss of $281 million, or $(10.56) per diluted share, in the prior year; and

Adjusted net income from continuing operations attributable to SSI of $12 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, 
compared to adjusted net loss of $2 million, or $(0.07) per diluted share, in the prior year (see the reconciliation 
of Adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI in Non-GAAP Financial Measures 
at the end of Item 7); and

Net income attributable to SSI of $6 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $281 million, 
or $(10.56) per diluted share, in the prior year.

The following items summarize our consolidated cash flow and balance sheet information for fiscal 2014:

• 

• 

• 

Net cash provided by operating activities of $141 million, compared to $39 million in the prior year;

Debt, net of cash, of $294 million, compared to $368 million as of the prior year-end (see the reconciliation of 
Debt, net of cash, in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 7); and

Dividends paid of $20 million compared to $20 million in the prior year. 

The following items highlight the financial results for our operating segments for the year ended August 31, 2014:

• 

• 

• 

MRB revenues of $2.1 billion and operating income of $30 million, compared to revenues of $2.2 billion and 
operating loss of $312 million for the year ended August 31, 2013. Adjusted operating income for MRB was 
$31 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $23 million in fiscal 2013 (see the reconciliation of Adjusted MRB 
operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 7);

APB revenues of $328 million and operating income of $21 million, compared to revenues of $313 million and 
operating income of $25 million for the year ended August 31, 2013; and

SMB revenues of $389 million and operating income of $19 million, compared to revenues of $352 million and 
operating income of $7 million for the year ended August 31, 2013.

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Results of Operations

($ in thousands)

Revenues:

For the Year Ended August 31,

% Increase/(Decrease)

2014

2013

2012

2014 vs 2013

2013 vs 2012

Metals Recycling Business

$ 2,102,935

$ 2,210,484

$ 2,948,707

Auto Parts Business

Steel Manufacturing Business
Intercompany revenue eliminations(1)

Total revenues

Cost of goods sold:

Metals Recycling Business

Auto Parts Business

Steel Manufacturing Business

Intercompany cost of goods sold 
eliminations(1)

Total cost of goods sold

Selling, general and administrative expense:

Metals Recycling Business

Auto Parts Business

Steel Manufacturing Business
Corporate(2) 

327,569

313,306

316,884

388,640
(275,561)
2,543,583

352,454
(254,333)
2,621,911

333,227
(257,880)
3,340,938

1,989,024

2,095,747

2,780,844

248,216

362,843

233,835

339,625

228,784

328,900

(275,260)
2,324,823

(253,816)
2,415,391

(258,812)
3,079,716

84,036

57,919

7,259

41,999

93,563

54,932

6,288

38,750

106,462

54,796

6,408

37,512

Total selling, general and administrative
expense

191,213

193,533

205,178

Income from joint ventures:

Metals Recycling Business
Change in intercompany profit elimination(3)
Total income from joint ventures

(1,136)
(60)
(1,196)

(1,330)
147
(1,183)

(2,471)
(165)
(2,636)

Goodwill impairment charge - Metals Recycling

Business

Other asset impairment charges:

Metals Recycling Business

Corporate

Total other asset impairment charges

Operating income (loss):

Metals Recycling Business

Auto Parts Business

Steel Manufacturing Business

Segment operating income (loss)

Restructuring charges and other exit related 

costs(4)

Corporate expense(2)
Change in intercompany profit elimination(5)

Total operating income (loss)

$

_____________________________ 

—

321,000

928

532

1,460

30,083

21,434

18,538

70,055

(6,967)
(42,531)
(241)
20,316

13,053

—

13,053

(311,549)
24,539

6,541
(280,469)

(7,906)
(38,750)
(664)

—

—

—

—

63,872

33,304
(2,081)
95,095

(5,012)
(37,512)
1,097

$ (327,789) $

53,668

(5)%

5 %

10 %

8 %

(3)%

(5)%

6 %

7 %

8 %

(4)%

(10)%

5 %

15 %

8 %

(1)%

(15)%

NM

1 %

NM

(93)%

NM

(89)%

NM

(13)%

183 %

NM

(12)%

10 %

(64)%

NM

(25)%

(1)%

6 %

(1)%

(22)%

(25)%

2 %

3 %

(2)%

(22)%

(12)%

— %

(2)%

3 %

(6)%

(46)%

NM

(55)%

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

(26)%

NM

NM

58 %

3 %

NM

NM

NM = Not Meaningful
(1)  MRB sells recycled ferrous metal to SMB at rates per ton that approximate West Coast U.S. export market prices. In addition, APB sells ferrous and nonferrous 
material to MRB at prices that approximate local market rates. These intercompany revenues and costs of goods sold are eliminated in consolidation.

27 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

(2)  Corporate expense consists primarily of unallocated expenses for services that benefit all three reporting segments. As a consequence of this unallocated 
expense, the operating income (loss) of each segment does not reflect the operating income (loss) the segment would report as a stand-alone business.

(3)  The joint ventures sell recycled metal to MRB at prices that approximate local market rates, which produces intercompany profit. This intercompany profit 

is eliminated while the products remain in inventory and is not recognized until the finished products are sold to third parties.

(4)  Restructuring charges consist of expense for severance, contract termination and other restructuring costs that management does not include in its measurement 

of the performance of the operating segments. Other exit-related costs consist of asset impairments related to site closures.

(5) 

Intercompany profits are not recognized until the finished products are sold to third parties; therefore, intercompany profit is eliminated while the products 
remain in inventory.

Revenues

Fiscal 2014 compared with fiscal 2013 

Consolidated revenues for fiscal 2014 decreased primarily due to lower average net selling prices for ferrous and nonferrous metal 
and reduced sales volumes of export ferrous metal as a result of continued weak economic conditions globally that negatively 
impacted export demand for recycled metal, which was only partially offset by higher volumes for domestic sales of recycled 
ferrous metal, nonferrous metal, and finished steel products. Export selling prices of recycled ferrous metal declined sharply for 
shipments in the middle of fiscal 2014 as a result of weaker global demand and the impact of severe winter weather conditions 
on the domestic markets, partially offset by a modest recovery in export selling prices for shipments near the end of the fiscal year. 
Lower sales volumes were primarily due to a combination of weaker export demand and competition for available raw materials 
which continued to adversely impact supply, primarily in the Metals Recycling Business.

Fiscal 2013 compared with fiscal 2012 

Consolidated revenues for fiscal 2013 decreased due to lower sales volumes and lower average net selling prices for recycled 
ferrous metal. During fiscal 2013, demand for recycled scrap metal continued to soften due primarily to weak global macroeconomic 
conditions, which led to a decline in selling prices as compared to fiscal 2012. Selling prices of recycled ferrous metal declined 
sharply at the beginning of fiscal 2013 and, after experiencing a slight increase in the second quarter, steadily declined throughout 
the remainder of fiscal 2013. In addition, the lower price environment adversely impacted the supply of raw materials compared 
to fiscal 2012, which contributed to the lower sales volumes.

Operating Income (Loss)

Fiscal 2014 compared with fiscal 2013 

Consolidated operating income in fiscal 2014 was $20 million, which included restructuring charges and other exit-related costs 
of $7 million and other asset impairment charges of $1 million, compared to a consolidated operating loss of $328 million in the 
prior year, which included a goodwill impairment charge of $321 million, other asset impairment charges of $13 million and 
restructuring charges of $8 million. Adjusted consolidated operating income in fiscal 2014 was $29 million, an increase of $15 
million, or 103%, compared to adjusted consolidated operating income of $14 million in fiscal 2013 (see the reconciliation of 
Adjusted operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 7). Export selling prices for recycled ferrous 
metal were subject to downward pressure in fiscal 2014, leading to overall lower average export selling prices compared to the 
prior year. The benefits from productivity initiatives, primarily impacting MRB, were largely offset by the continued challenging 
ferrous and nonferrous market conditions and the impact of prolonged constrained supply conditions for raw materials in our 
domestic markets. Consolidated operating results in fiscal 2014 also benefited from an increase in operating income at SMB of 
$12 million primarily as a result of improved demand for finished steel products leading to higher sales volumes and benefits from 
productivity improvements. At APB, the impact of purchase costs of end-of-life vehicles decreasing at a slower rate than commodity 
selling prices during fiscal 2014 continued to compress operating margins leading to a decrease in operating income of $3 million 
compared to the prior year. 

Operating results in fiscal 2014 included a reduction of $2 million in selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense. 
Restructuring and cost-saving initiatives primarily benefited MRB, whose SG&A expense declined by $10 million mainly from 
headcount reductions and lower professional and outside services. This was partially offset by higher incentive compensation and 
share-based compensation expense compared to the prior year and SG&A expense associated with new store locations acquired 
or opened by APB over the last two fiscal years.

28 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to our reporting units resulted in a non-cash 
goodwill impairment charge of $321 million at the MRB reporting unit. In addition, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we 
recorded impairment charges of $13 million on various other assets. In fiscal 2014, we recorded other asset impairment charges 
of $1 million on a combination of assets held for sale and other long-lived assets. During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we elected 
to change the annual goodwill impairment testing date from February 28 to July 1 of each year. We most recently performed an 
assessment of the goodwill carried in the MRB and APB reporting units as of July 1, 2014. For each of the reporting units, the 
calculated fair value exceeded its carrying value, thus indicating that the goodwill balances were not impaired as of July 1, 2014. 
See further discussion in the Critical Accounting Policies section at the end of Part II, Item 7 of this report.

Consolidated  operating  income  in  fiscal  2014  also  included  restructuring  charges  and  other  exit-related  costs  of  $7  million, 
consisting of severance, contract termination, other restructuring costs and exit-related impairments, compared to restructuring 
charges of $8 million in fiscal 2013. These charges include restructuring initiatives under two separate plans announced in the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 (the “Q4’12 Plan”) and the first quarter of fiscal 2014 (the “Q1’14 Plan”), respectively. 

The Q4'12 Plan initiatives, which were completed by the end of fiscal 2013, achieved a reduction in operating costs of approximately 
$25 million on an annualized basis, comprising approximately $18 million of SG&A expense and $7 million of cost of goods sold.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we initiated the Q1’14 Plan and began implementing restructuring and productivity initiatives 
to reduce our annual operating expenses by approximately $30 million, which was subsequently increased to $40 million later in 
the fiscal year. We achieved approximately $29 million of benefit in fiscal 2014 with the full annual benefit expected to be achieved 
in fiscal 2015. The majority of the reduction in operating expenses is expected to occur at MRB and results from a combination 
of headcount reductions, implementation of operational efficiencies, reduced lease costs and other productivity improvements. 
We expect to incur restructuring charges of approximately $6 million in connection with the Q1'14 Plan, which were substantially 
incurred in fiscal 2014. The remaining charges are expected to be incurred by the end of fiscal 2017. The vast majority of these 
charges require us to make cash payments. In addition to the restructuring charges recorded in connection with these initiatives, 
during fiscal 2014 we incurred other exit-related costs of $1 million consisting of asset impairments related to site closures.

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were comprised of 
the following (in thousands):

Year Ended August 31,

2014

Q1’14
Plan

Q4’12
Plan

Total
Charges

Q4’12
Plan

2013

Q1’14
Plan

Total
Charges

Q4’12
Plan

2012

Q1’14
Plan

Total
Charges

Restructuring charges:

Severance costs

$

(44) $4,651

$ 4,607

$ 2,443

$ — $ 2,443

$ 2,741

$ — $ 2,741

Contract termination costs

Other restructuring costs

Total restructuring charges

Other exit-related costs:

Asset impairments

Total exit-related costs
Total restructuring charges and

exit-related costs

675

—

631

—

—

709

410

5,770

566

566

1,384

410

6,401

566

566

3,229

2,234

7,906

— 3,229

— 2,234

— 7,906

440

1,831

5,012

—

440

— 1,831

— 5,012

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

631

$6,336

$ 6,967

$ 7,906

$ — $ 7,906

$ 5,012

$ — $ 5,012

Total restructuring charges to date $13,549

$5,770

$19,319

$12,918

$ — $12,918

$ 5,012

$ — $ 5,012

We do not include restructuring charges and other exit-related costs in the measurement of the performance of our operating 
segments.

See Note 12 - Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Costs in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 
II, Item 8 of this report.

Fiscal 2013 compared with fiscal 2012 

Consolidated operating loss in fiscal 2013 was $328 million, which included a goodwill impairment charge of $321 million, other 
asset impairment charges of $13 million and restructuring charges of $8 million, compared to consolidated operating income of 
$54 million in fiscal 2012. Adjusted consolidated operating income in fiscal 2013, excluding the goodwill impairment charge, 
other asset impairment charges and the restructuring charges, was $14 million, a decrease of $45 million, or 76%, compared to 
adjusted consolidated operating income of $59 million in fiscal 2012 (see the reconciliation of Adjusted consolidated operating 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 7). Operating results in fiscal 2013 were negatively impacted 
by the reduction in sales volumes compared to fiscal 2012, which benefited from higher sales volumes and higher average net 
selling prices resulting in less margin compression compared to fiscal 2013. The constrained supply of raw materials in our domestic 
markets, coupled with a more pronounced softening of demand for scrap metal in the export markets compared to the U.S., caused 
purchase prices for raw materials to decrease less than export selling prices, contributing to the compression in operating margins 
in fiscal 2013. Furthermore, in the declining selling price environment, average inventory costs did not decrease as quickly as 
purchase costs for raw materials, resulting in an adverse effect on cost of goods sold and a further compression of operating margins 
compared to fiscal 2012. Consolidated operating results in fiscal 2013 also included $5 million of operating losses at APB, including 
transaction, integration and startup costs, related to the eleven store locations acquired or opened during fiscal 2013. These decreases 
were offset by an increase in operating income at SMB of $9 million compared to fiscal 2012 primarily as a result of slightly 
improved demand leading to higher sales volumes and increased utilization levels. 

Operating results in fiscal 2013 benefited from a reduction in SG&A expense of $12 million, or 6%, from fiscal 2012, primarily 
as  a  result  of  the  restructuring  initiatives and  other  operating  efficiencies announced  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  fiscal  2012  and 
implemented in fiscal 2013. The decrease compared to fiscal 2012 was driven primarily by a reduction of $5 million in employee 
compensation expense and $4 million in professional and outside services. The reduction in consolidated SG&A expense was 
achieved despite the incremental expense attributable to the eleven store locations acquired or opened by APB during fiscal 2013.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we identified the combination of the continued challenging market conditions, the constrained 
supply of raw materials, our recent financial performance and the lack of recovery of our market capitalization as a triggering 
event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to our reporting units. For the APB reporting unit, the calculated 
fair value using the income approach substantially exceeded its carrying value. For the MRB reporting unit, the first step of the 
impairment test showed that the reporting unit’s fair value was less than its carrying amount, indicating a potential impairment. 
Based on the second step of the impairment test, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $321 million at MRB. 
See Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we also recorded impairment charges of $13 million on various other assets at MRB, 
including the impairment of a contractual receivable of $8 million as a result of the debtor’s inability to repay the amount owed 
under agreements entered into for the extraction of scrap metal through demolition activities. We also identified impairments of 
$5 million on a combination of assets held for sale, a joint venture investment and other long-lived assets. 

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $11 million, $10 million and $12 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decrease from 
fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013 was primarily due to decreased average borrowings and lower average interest rates under our bank 
credit facilities compared to the prior year period. For more information about our outstanding debt balances, see Note 9 – Long-
Term Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Income tax expense (benefit) was $2 million, $(57) million and $14 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2014 was an expense of 19% and was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%. The effective 
tax rate benefited from a fixed asset tax basis study performed during fiscal 2014 which resulted in the recognition of a tax benefit 
of $2 million, as well as the aggregate impact of excluding income associated with noncontrolling interests, foreign income taxed 
at different rates, and certain deductions and credits. Other significant items impacting the effective tax rate included the recognition 
of a valuation allowance against certain foreign and state deferred tax assets and the recognition of a liability for unrecognized 
tax benefits of $2 million. The valuation allowance on deferred tax assets of certain foreign and state tax jurisdictions increased 
by $2 million compared to the prior year and was recognized as a result of negative evidence, including recent losses in certain 
foreign and state jurisdictions, outweighing the more subjective positive evidence, indicating that it is more likely than not that 
the  associated  tax  benefit  will  not  be  realized.  Realization  of  the  foreign  subsidiaries'  deferred  tax  assets  is  dependent  upon 
generating sufficient taxable income in the foreign tax jurisdiction in future years to benefit from the reversal of net deductible 
temporary differences and from the utilization of net operating losses.

Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 was a benefit of 17% and differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due 
to the recognition of an expense of $29 million to record a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets mainly related to a foreign 
subsidiary, the impact of the non-deductible portion of the goodwill impairment charge and the impact of the foreign tax rate 
differential on operating losses recorded by our foreign subsidiaries. The deferred tax assets at the foreign subsidiary for which a 
valuation allowance was recorded were related primarily to deductible temporary differences created in fiscal 2013 by the goodwill 
impairment charge and by net operating losses at the subsidiary. 

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

In fiscal 2012 the effective tax rate was an expense of 33% and differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due 
to state tax benefits and research and development credits, partially offset by the adverse impact of foreign subsidiaries’ results 
taxed at different tax rates. 

We will continue to regularly assess the realizability of deferred tax assets. Changes in historical earnings performance and future 
earnings projections, among other factors, may cause us to adjust our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, which would 
impact our results of operations in the period we determine that these factors have changed. As of August 31, 2014, we believe 
that it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of our deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances.

See Note 18 - Income Taxes in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further 
discussion.

Discontinued Operations

In fiscal 2010, we disposed of a component of our business which qualified for separate classification as a discontinued operation. 
In fiscal 2014, we released certain environmental liabilities that arose from and were directly related to the operations of the 
component prior to the disposal, resulting in recognition of a $1 million gain from discontinued operations, net of tax, or $0.03 
per diluted share, in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Financial results by reporting segment

We operate our business across three reporting segments: MRB, APB and SMB. Additional financial information relating to these 
reporting segments is contained in Note 21 – Segment Information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 
II, Item 8 of this report.

Metals Recycling Business

($ in thousands, except for prices)

2014

2013

2012

2014 vs 2013

2013 vs 2012

For the Year Ended August 31,

% Increase/(Decrease)

Ferrous revenues

Nonferrous revenues

Other

Total segment revenues

Cost of goods sold

Selling, general and administrative expense

Income from joint ventures

Goodwill impairment charge

Other asset impairment charges

Segment operating income (loss)

Average recycled ferrous metal sales prices ($/
LT):(1)

Domestic

Foreign

Average

Ferrous sales volume (LT, in thousands):

Domestic

Foreign

Total ferrous sales volume (LT, in
thousands)

Average nonferrous sales price ($/pound)(1)
Nonferrous sales volumes (pounds, in
thousands)

Outbound freight included in cost of goods
sold (in thousands)

_____________________________

LT = Long Ton, which is 2,240 pounds

$

$

$

$

$ 1,581,045

$ 1,677,035

$ 2,297,580

494,745

27,145

2,102,935

1,989,024

84,036

(1,136)

—

928

30,083

$

501,655

31,794

2,210,484

2,095,747

93,563
(1,330)
321,000

13,053
(311,549) $

614,467

36,660

2,948,707

2,780,844

106,462
(2,471)
—

—

63,872

358

350

353

$

$

$

358

359

358

$

$

$

1,323

2,799

4,122

1,142

3,167

4,309

$

0.86

$

0.93

$

406

417

415

1,187

3,928

5,115

0.94

554,808

520,442

628,652

$

144,377

$

148,683

$

196,924

(6)%

(1)%

(15)%

(5)%

(5)%

(10)%

(15)%

NM

(93)%

NM

— %

(3)%

(1)%

16 %

(12)%

(4)%

(8)%

7 %

(3)%

(27)%

(18)%

(13)%

(25)%

(25)%

(12)%

(46)%

NM

NM

NM

(12)%

(14)%

(14)%

(4)%

(19)%

(16)%

(1)%

(17)%

(24)%

(1)  Price information is shown after netting the cost of freight incurred to deliver the product to the customer.

Fiscal 2014 compared with fiscal 2013 

Revenues

The 6% decrease in ferrous revenues was primarily due to lower average net selling prices and reduced sales volumes of export 
ferrous metal as a result of continued weak economic conditions globally that adversely impacted export demand for recycled 
metal, which was only partially offset by higher sales volumes for domestic sales of recycled ferrous metal. Export selling prices 
of recycled ferrous metal declined sharply for shipments in the middle of fiscal 2014 as a result of weaker global demand and the 
impact of severe winter weather conditions on the domestic markets, partially offset by a slight recovery in export selling prices 
for shipments near the end of the fiscal year. A combination of weaker export demand and competition for available raw materials 
continued to adversely impact supply, which contributed to the lower ferrous sales volumes.

The decrease in nonferrous revenues was primarily due to lower average selling prices as a result of continued weak economic 
conditions, which more than offset the beneficial impact on sales volumes of improved recovery of nonferrous materials processed 
through our enhanced processing technologies.

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Segment Operating Income (Loss)

Operating income for fiscal 2014 was $30 million, compared to an operating loss of $312 million in the prior year. Adjusted 
operating income in fiscal 2014, excluding other asset impairment charges of $1 million, was $31 million, an increase of $9 million, 
or 38%, compared to adjusted operating income in fiscal 2013 (see the reconciliation of Adjusted MRB operating income (loss) 
in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 7). Export selling prices for recycled ferrous metal were subject to downward 
pressure  in  fiscal  2014,  leading  to  overall  lower  average  export  selling  prices  compared  to  the  prior  year. The  benefits  from 
productivity improvements impacting cost of goods sold at MRB were largely offset by the continued challenging ferrous and 
nonferrous market conditions and the impact of prolonged constrained supply conditions for raw materials leading to a modest 
improvement in adjusted operating results. Operating results in fiscal 2014 benefited from restructuring and cost-saving initiatives 
at MRB leading to a reduction in SG&A expenses of $10 million. The decrease compared to the prior year was driven primarily 
by a reduction of $4 million in employee compensation expense from headcount reduction and $3 million in professional and 
outside services costs.

In fiscal 2014, we recorded other asset impairment charges at MRB of $1 million on assets held for sale.

Fiscal 2013 compared with fiscal 2012 

Revenues

The decrease of 27% in ferrous revenues was due to lower sales volumes and lower average net selling prices for ferrous metal. 
During fiscal 2013, demand for recycled ferrous metal continued to soften due primarily to weak global macroeconomic conditions, 
which led to a decline in selling prices as compared to fiscal 2012. Selling prices of recycled ferrous metal declined sharply at the 
beginning of fiscal 2013 and, after experiencing a slight increase in the second quarter, steadily declined throughout the remainder 
of fiscal 2013. In addition, the lower price environment adversely impacted the supply flow of raw materials compared to fiscal 
2012 which contributed to the lower sales volumes.

The decrease in nonferrous revenues was primarily due to lower sales volumes as a result of reduced volumes of processed scrap 
metal, which more than offset the beneficial impact of improved recovery of nonferrous materials processed through our enhanced 
processing technologies.

Segment Operating Income (Loss)

Operating loss for fiscal 2013 was $312 million, compared to operating income of $64 million in fiscal 2012. Adjusted operating 
income in fiscal 2013, excluding a goodwill impairment charge of $321 million and other asset impairment charges of $13 million,  
was $23 million, a decrease of $41 million, or 65%, compared to adjusted operating income in fiscal 2012 (see the reconciliation 
of Adjusted MRB operating income (loss) in Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of Item 7). Operating results in fiscal 2013 
were negatively impacted by the reduction in sales volumes compared fiscal 2012, which benefited from higher sales volumes 
and higher average net selling prices resulting in less margin compression compared to fiscal 2013. The constrained supply of raw 
materials in our domestic markets, coupled with a more pronounced softening of demand for scrap metal in the export markets 
compared to the U.S., caused purchase prices for raw materials to decrease less than export selling prices, contributing to the 
compression in operating margins in fiscal 2013. Furthermore, in the declining selling price environment, average inventory costs 
did not decrease as quickly as purchase costs for raw materials, resulting in an adverse effect on cost of goods sold and a further 
compression of operating margins compared to fiscal 2012.

SG&A expense decreased by $13 million, or 12% from the prior year, primarily as a result of the restructuring initiatives and other 
operating efficiencies announced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and implemented in fiscal 2013. The decrease compared to 
fiscal 2012 was driven primarily by a reduction of $5 million in employee compensation expense and $3 million in professional 
and outside services. 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to 
the MRB reporting unit. The first step of the impairment test showed that the reporting unit’s fair value was less than its carrying 
amount, indicating a potential impairment. Based on the second step of the impairment test, we recorded a non-cash goodwill 
impairment charge of $321 million at MRB. In addition, we recorded impairment charges totaling $13 million on other assets, 
including the impairment of a contractual receivable of $8 million as a result of the debtor’s inability to repay the amount owed 
in accordance with the terms of an agreement entered into for the extraction of scrap metal through demolition activities, and 
impairments of $5 million on a combination of assets held for sale, a joint venture investment and other long-lived assets.

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Auto Parts Business

($ in thousands)

Revenues

Cost of goods sold

Selling, general and administrative expense

Segment operating income

Number of stores at period end

Cars purchased (in thousands)

Fiscal 2014 compared with fiscal 2013 

Revenues

For the Year Ended August 31,

% Increase/(Decrease)

2014

2013

2012

2014 vs 2013

2013 vs 2012

$

327,569

$

313,306

$

316,884

248,216

57,919

233,835

54,932

$

21,434

$

24,539

$

62

380

61

356

228,784

54,796

33,304

51

339

5 %

6 %

5 %

(13)%

2 %

7 %

(1)%

2 %

— %

(26)%

20 %

5 %

The increase in revenues by $14 million, or 5%, was primarily due to additional volumes from stores acquired or opened during 
fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014, partially offset by the adverse effects of lower commodity selling prices as a result of weaker global 
demand.

Segment Operating Income

Operating income for fiscal 2014 decreased by $3 million, or 13%, compared to the prior year. The benefits on operating margins 
from higher volumes achieved in fiscal 2014 were more than offset by a compression in operating margins primarily due to lower 
ferrous and nonferrous commodity selling prices and increased SG&A expense of $3 million, mainly due to the addition of new 
stores in fiscal 2013 and 2014.

Fiscal 2013 compared with fiscal 2012 

Revenues

The decrease in revenues by $4 million or 1% was driven primarily by lower average commodity prices, partially offset by higher 
sales volumes primarily generated by the eleven new store locations acquired or opened during fiscal 2013.

Segment Operating Income

Operating income for fiscal 2013 decreased by $9 million, or  26%, compared to fiscal 2012. The compression in operating margins 
was primarily related to car purchase costs decreasing at a slower rate than ferrous and nonferrous selling prices due to supply 
constraints of end-of-life vehicles. Operating income for fiscal 2013 included $5 million of operating losses, including transaction, 
integration and startup costs, related to the eleven store locations acquired or opened during the year. 

SG&A expense remained consistent with fiscal 2012, as the positive impact of the restructuring initiatives and other operational 
efficiencies implemented in fiscal 2013 and decreased legal expenses were offset by incremental expenses related to the eleven 
store locations acquired or opened in fiscal 2013. 

Steel Manufacturing Business

($ in thousands, except price)
Revenues(1)
Cost of goods sold
Selling, general and administrative expense
Segment operating income (loss)
Finished goods average sales price ($/ST)(2)
Finished steel products sold (ST, in thousands)
Rolling mill utilization

_____________________________

ST = Short Ton, which is 2,000 pounds

For the Year Ended August 31,

2014
$ 388,640
362,843
7,259
18,538
677

$
$

2013
$ 352,454
339,625
6,288
6,541
680

$
$

2012
$ 333,227
328,900
6,408
(2,081)
715

$
$

% Increase/(Decrease)

2014 vs 2013
10 %
7 %
15 %
183 %
— %

2013 vs 2012
6 %
3 %
(2)%
NM
(5)%

533
70%

488
66%

447
58%

9 %
6 %

9 %
14 %

34 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NM = Not Meaningful

(1)  Revenues include sales of semi-finished goods (billets) and finished steel products.

(2)  Price information is shown after netting the cost of freight incurred to deliver the product to the customer.

Fiscal 2014 compared with fiscal 2013 

Revenues

Revenues increased by $36 million, or 10%, compared to the prior year primarily due to increased sales volumes for finished steel 
products as a result of higher demand in West Coast markets mainly driven by improved non-residential construction. These 
benefits were partially offset by slightly lower average sales prices as a result of the impact of reduced costs of raw materials.

Segment Operating Income

Operating income for fiscal 2014 was $19 million, a improvement of $12 million compared to $7 million in the prior year. The 
significantly improved results were primarily due to higher sales volumes, the impact of raw material cost of goods sold decreasing 
at a faster rate than the average sales price of finished steel products, and benefits from operational efficiencies and productivity 
improvements coupled with increased rolling mill utilization levels. The improved results were partially offset by recognition of 
bad debt expense of $1 million in fiscal 2014.

Fiscal 2013 compared with fiscal 2012 

Revenues

Revenues increased by 6% compared to fiscal 2012 primarily due to higher volumes of finished steel products as a result of slightly 
higher demand in our West Coast markets mainly driven by improved non-residential construction, partially offset by lower average 
sales prices as a result of the impact of reduced costs of raw materials.

Segment Operating Income (Loss)

Operating income for fiscal 2013 was $7 million, an improvement of $9 million compared to an operating loss of $2 million in 
fiscal 2012. The improved results were primarily due to slightly higher demand leading to higher sales volumes and increased 
utilization levels, coupled with improved operational efficiencies.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We rely on cash provided by operating activities as a primary source of liquidity, supplemented by current cash on hand and 
borrowings under our existing credit facilities.

Sources and Uses of Cash

We had cash balances of $26 million and $13 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Cash balances are intended 
to be used primarily for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends and share repurchases. We also use excess 
cash on hand to reduce amounts outstanding under our credit facilities. As of August 31, 2014, debt, net of cash, was $294 million 
compared to $368 million as of August 31, 2013 (refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures below), a decrease of $75 million 
primarily as a result of the positive cash flows generated by operating activities. Our cash balances as of August 31, 2014 and 
2013 include $4 million and $7 million, respectively, which are indefinitely reinvested in Puerto Rico and Canada.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2014 was $141 million, compared to $39 million in fiscal 2013 and $245 million 
in fiscal 2012.

Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2014 included a decrease in inventories of $36 million due to the timing of shipments. 
Uses of cash included an increase of $16 million in accounts receivable due to the timing of shipments and collections. 

Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2013 included a decrease in inventories of $47 million due to lower volumes of 
material purchases. Uses of cash included an increase of $79 million in accounts receivable due to the timing of shipments and 
collections and a decrease in accounts payable of $11 million due to lower levels of material purchases and timing of payments. 

Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2012 included a decrease in inventories of $94 million due to lower volumes of 
material purchases and a decrease of $82 million in accounts receivable due to lower sales volumes and the timing of collections. 
Uses of cash included a decrease in accounts payable of $26 million due to lower levels of material purchases and timing of 
payments and a decrease in accrued income taxes of $20 million due to lower financial results compared to the prior fiscal year. 

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2014 was $41 million, compared to $112 million in fiscal 2013 and $84 million in 
fiscal 2012.

Cash  used  in  investing  activities  in  fiscal  2014  included  $39  million  in  capital  expenditures  to  upgrade  our  equipment  and 
infrastructure.

Cash  used  in  investing  activities  in  fiscal  2013  included  $90  million  in  capital  expenditures,  including  investments  in  the 
construction  of  a  new  shredder,  advanced  processing  equipment  and  related  infrastructure  for  our  facility  in  Surrey,  British 
Columbia,  which  commenced  shredding  operations  in  the  third  quarter  of  fiscal  2013,  and  construction  of  a  new  nonferrous 
processing facility in Puerto Rico, which commenced operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Cash used in investing activities 
also included $25 million for acquisitions. 

Cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2012 included $79 million in capital expenditures, primarily to expand facilities and 
upgrade our equipment and infrastructure.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2014 was $88 million, compared with $4 million in fiscal 2013 and $120 million 
in fiscal 2012.

Cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2014 included $20 million for cash dividends and $64 million in net repayments of debt 
(refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures below).

Cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2013 included $20 million for cash dividends and $25 million for the purchase of the 
redeemable noncontrolling interest in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Sources of cash included $43 million in net borrowings of 
debt (refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures below) mainly used to support higher working capital requirements and acquisitions. 

Cash used in financing activities in 2012 included $69 million in net repayments of debt (refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures 
below) using cash generated from operations, $33 million for the repurchase of outstanding shares of our Class A common stock 
and $11 million for cash dividends.

Credit Facilities

Following is a summary of our outstanding balances and availability on credit facilities and long-term debt (in thousands): 

Unsecured, uncommitted credit line
Bank unsecured revolving credit facility(1)
Tax-exempt economic development revenue bonds due January 2021

Other debt obligations

_____________________________

Outstanding
as of
8/31/2014

Remaining
Availability

$

$

$

$

— $

25,000

305,000

$

387,768

7,700

1,010

N/A

N/A

(1)  Remaining availability is net of $5 million of outstanding stand-by letters of credit as of August 31, 2014.

Our unsecured committed bank credit facility, which provides for revolving loans of $670 million and C$30 million, matures in 
April 2017 pursuant to a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto. 
Interest rates on outstanding indebtedness under the agreement are based, at our option, on either the London Interbank Offered 
Rate (or the Canadian equivalent) plus a spread of between 1.25% and 2.25%, with the amount of the spread based on a pricing 
grid tied to our leverage ratio, or the greater of the prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or the British Bankers Association 
LIBOR Rate plus 1.75%. In addition, annual commitment fees are payable on the unused portion of the credit facility at rates 
between 0.15% and 0.35% based on a pricing grid tied to our leverage ratio.

We  had  borrowings  outstanding  under  the  credit  facility  of  $305  million  and  $360  million  as  of August  31,  2014  and  2013, 
respectively. The weighted average interest rate on amounts outstanding under this facility was 1.91% and 1.98% as of August 
31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

We also have an unsecured, uncommitted $25 million credit line with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that expires on March 1, 2015. 
Interest rates are set by the bank at the time of borrowing. We had no borrowings outstanding under this facility as of August 31, 
2014 and $9 million in borrowings outstanding as of August 31, 2013.

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

We  use  these  credit  facilities  to  fund  working  capital  requirements,  acquisitions,  capital  expenditures,  dividends  and  share 
repurchases. The two bank credit agreements contain various representations and warranties, events of default and financial and 
other covenants which could limit or restrict our ability to create liens, raise additional capital, enter into transactions with affiliates, 
acquire and dispose of businesses, guarantee debt, and consolidate or merge. The financial covenants include a consolidated fixed 
charge coverage ratio, defined as the four-quarter rolling sum of consolidated adjusted EBITDA less defined maintenance capital 
expenditures divided by consolidated fixed charges, and a consolidated leverage ratio, defined as consolidated funded indebtedness 
divided by the sum of consolidated net worth and consolidated funded indebtedness. We refer to the Forms 8-K dated February 
14, 2011 and April 16, 2012, which include as attachments copies of the unsecured committed bank credit agreement, as amended, 
for the detailed methodology for calculating the financial covenants.

As of August 31, 2014, we were in compliance with these financial covenants. The consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio is 
required to be no less than 1.50 to 1 and was 2.53 to 1 as of August 31, 2014. The consolidated leverage ratio is required to be no 
more than 0.55 to 1 and was 0.30 to 1 as of August 31, 2014. While we expect to remain in compliance with these covenants, there 
can be no assurances that we will be able to do so in the event of a sustained deterioration from current market conditions or other 
negative factors which adversely impact our results of operations and financial position, and lead to a trend of consolidated net 
losses. If we do not maintain compliance with our financial covenants and are unable to obtain an amendment or waiver from our 
lenders, a breach of either covenant would constitute an event of default and allow the lenders to exercise remedies under the 
agreements, the most severe of which is the termination of the credit facility under our committed bank credit agreement and 
acceleration of the amounts owed under both agreements. In such case, we would be required to evaluate available alternatives 
and take appropriate steps to obtain alternative funds. There can be no assurance that any such alternative funds, if sought, could 
be obtained or, if obtained, would be adequate or on acceptable terms.

In addition, as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $8 million of long-term tax-exempt bonds outstanding that mature in January 
2021.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures totaled $39 million, $90 million and $79 million for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our capital 
expenditures in fiscal 2014 included completion of our investment in the construction of a new nonferrous processing facility in 
Puerto Rico, which commenced operations in September 2013. In addition, we made further investments in infrastructure to 
improve efficiency, increase capacity, improve worker safety, enhance environmental systems and replace equipment. Fiscal 2013 
capital expenditures included investments in the construction of a new shredder, advanced processing equipment and related 
infrastructure for our facility in Surrey, British Columbia, which began operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, and the 
substantial portion of construction of the new nonferrous processing facility in Puerto Rico. 

We currently plan to invest approximately $40 million in capital expenditures on upgrades in fiscal 2015, similar to to the upgrades 
in fiscal 2014, exclusive of any capital expenditures for growth projects, using cash generated from operations and available lines 
of credit.

Environmental Compliance

Our commitment to sustainable recycling and operating our business in an environmentally responsible manner requires us to 
continue to invest in facilities that improve our environmental presence in the communities in which we operate. As part of our 
capital expenditures, we invested $8 million, $5 million and $13 million for environmental projects in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, 
respectively. We plan to invest up to $12 million in capital expenditures for environmental projects in fiscal 2015. These projects 
include investments in storm water systems and equipment to ensure ongoing compliance with air quality and other environmental 
regulations.

We have been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) as one of the potentially responsible 
parties (“PRPs”) that own or operate or formerly owned or operated sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor 
Superfund site (“the Site”). A group of PRPs is conducting an investigation and study to identify and characterize the contamination 
at the Site and develop alternative approaches to remediation of the contamination. On March 30, 2012 the group submitted to 
the EPA a draft feasibility study (“draft FS”) based on approximately ten years of work and $100 million in costs classified as 
investigation-related. The draft FS identifies ten possible remedial alternatives which range in estimated cost from approximately 
$170 million to $250 million (net present value) for the least costly alternative to approximately $1.08 billion to $1.76 billion (net 
present value) for the most costly and estimates a range of two to 28 years to implement the remedial work, depending on the 
selected alternative. The draft FS does not determine who is responsible for remediation costs, define the precise cleanup boundaries 
or select remedies. The draft FS is being revised by the EPA and the revisions may be significant and could materially impact the 
scope or cost of remediation. While the draft FS is an important step in the EPA’s development of a proposed plan for addressing 
the Site, a final decision on the nature and extent of the required remediation will occur only after the EPA has prepared a proposed 
plan for public review and issued a record of decision (“ROD”). Currently available information indicates that the EPA does not 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

expect to issue its final ROD selecting a remedy for the Site until at least 2017 or commence remediation activities until 2024. 
Responsibility for implementing and funding the EPA’s selected remedy will be determined in a separate allocation process, which 
is currently underway. Because there has not been a determination of the total cost of the investigations, the remediation that will 
be required, the amount of natural resource damages or how the costs of the ongoing investigations and any remedy and natural 
resource damages will be allocated among the PRPs, we believe it is not reasonably possible to estimate the amount or range of 
costs which we are likely or which are reasonably possible to incur in connection with the Site, although such costs could be 
material to our financial position, results of operations, future cash flows and liquidity. Any material liabilities recorded in the 
future related to the Site could result in our failure to maintain compliance with certain covenants in our debt agreements. Significant 
cash outflows in the future related to the Site could reduce the amounts available for borrowing that could otherwise be used for 
investment in capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends and share repurchases. See Contingencies – Environmental in Note 11 
– Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Share Repurchase Program

Pursuant to our amended share repurchase program, we have existing authorization to repurchase up to 2.1 million shares of our 
Class A common stock when we deem such repurchases to be appropriate. We evaluate long- and short-range forecasts as well as 
anticipated sources and uses of cash before determining the course of action in our share repurchase program. Prior to fiscal 2014, 
we had repurchased approximately 6.9 million shares of the 9 million shares authorized for repurchase under the program. We did 
not repurchase any of our Class A common stock in fiscal 2014. 

Assessment of Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically,  our  available  cash  resources,  internally  generated  funds,  credit  facilities  and  equity  offerings  have  financed  our 
acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital and other financing needs.

We generally believe our current cash resources, internally generated funds, existing credit facilities and access to the capital 
markets will provide adequate short-term and long-term liquidity needs for acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital, 
share repurchases, dividends, joint ventures, debt service requirements and environmental obligations. However, in the event of 
a 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. There can be no assurance that any such supplemental funding, if 
sought, could be obtained or, if obtained, would be adequate or on acceptable terms. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

We have certain contractual obligations to make future payments. The following table summarizes these future obligations as of 
August 31, 2014 (in thousands):

2015

2016

Payment Due by Period
2018

2019

2017

Thereafter

Total

Contractual Obligations
Long-term debt(1)
Interest payments on long-term debt(2)
Capital leases, including interest

Operating leases
Purchase obligations(3)
Other(4)
Total

_____________________________

$

40

$

84

$ 305,089

$

5,894

1,310

22,065

42,130

216

5,889

1,180

17,586

11,183

243

3,945

1,181

15,235

11,183

342

95

60

1,181

12,051

11,779

304

$

100

$

8,302

$313,710

54

1,202

9,220

11,183

301

224

6,330

35,371

20,452

2,627

16,066

12,384

111,528

107,910

4,033

$ 71,655

$ 36,165

$ 336,975

$ 25,470

$ 22,060

$

73,306

$565,631

(1)  Long-term debt represents the principal amounts of all outstanding long-term debt, maturities of which extend to 2028.

(2) 

Interest payments on long-term debt are based on interest rates in effect as of August 31, 2014. As contractual interest rates and the amount of debt outstanding 
is variable in certain cases, actual cash payments may differ from the estimates provided.

(3)  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, including purchases of inventory items to be sold in the ordinary course of business.

(4)  Other contractual obligations consist of pension funding obligations and other accrued liabilities.

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

We maintain stand-by letters of credit to provide support for certain obligations, including workers’ compensation and performance 
bonds. At August 31, 2014, we had $16 million outstanding under these arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 
requires us to make certain judgments, estimates, and assumptions regarding uncertainties that affect the reported amounts of 
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. An accounting policy is deemed 
to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions and judgments about matters that are inherently 
uncertain at the time the estimate is made, if different estimates reasonably could have been used, or if changes in the estimate 
that are reasonably likely to occur could materially impact our consolidated financial statements. We deem critical accounting 
policies to be those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations. Because of the 
uncertainty inherent in these matters, actual results could differ from the estimates we use in applying the critical accounting 
policies. We are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different 
amounts being reported.

Our critical accounting estimates include those related to goodwill, environmental costs, inventories, accounting for business 
combinations and revenue recognition.

Goodwill

We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually and upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or substantive changes in 
circumstances that indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be impaired. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit 
level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a ‘component’). We have 
determined that our reporting units for which goodwill has been allocated are equivalent to our operating segments, as all of the 
components of each segment meet the criteria for aggregation. Our goodwill balances are allocated to MRB and APB. SMB has 
no goodwill.

When testing goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence 
of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit 
is less than its carrying amount. If we elect to perform a qualitative assessment and determine that an impairment is more likely 
than not, we are then required to perform the two-step quantitative impairment test, otherwise no further analysis is required. We 
also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly to the two-step quantitative impairment 
test. In the first step of the quantitative impairment test, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the 
carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed for purposes of 
measuring the impairment. In the second step, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of 
the reporting unit to determine an implied goodwill value. This allocation is similar to a purchase price allocation. If the carrying 
amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount 
equal to that excess.

We estimate the fair value of the reporting units using an income approach based on the present value of expected future cash 
flows utilizing a market-based weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) determined separately for each reporting unit. To 
estimate the present value of the cash flows that extend beyond the final year of the discounted cash flow model, we employ a 
terminal value technique, whereby we use estimated operating cash flows minus capital expenditures, adjust for changes in working 
capital requirements in the final year of the model, and then discount these estimated cash flows by the WACC to establish the 
terminal value.

The determination of fair value using the income approach requires judgment and involves the use of significant estimates and 
assumptions  about  expected  future  cash  flows  derived  from  internal  forecasts  and  the  impact  of  market  conditions  on  those 
assumptions.  Critical  assumptions  primarily  include  revenue  growth  rates  driven  by  future  commodity  prices  and  volume 
expectations, operating margins, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, tax rates, terminal growth rates, discount 
rates, benefits associated with a taxable transaction and synergistic benefits available to market participants. 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we identified a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to 
our reporting units. As a result of the test, we recorded a partial goodwill impairment charge of $321 million at the MRB reporting 
unit.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we changed the annual goodwill impairment testing date from February 28 to July 1 of each 
year. We believe this new testing date is preferable because it allows us to better align the annual goodwill impairment testing 
procedures with our year-end financial reporting, as well as our annual budgeting cycle and allows us visibility into fourth quarter 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

operating results which are typically significant to our annual performance. This change in accounting principle did not delay, 
accelerate or cause us to avoid an impairment charge. We performed the fiscal 2014 annual goodwill impairment test as of July 
1, 2014, proceeding directly to the first step of the quantitative impairment test.

For the MRB reporting unit with goodwill of $147 million as of July 1, 2014, the calculated fair value exceeded the carrying value 
by approximately 13%. The projections used in the income approach for MRB took into consideration the challenging market 
conditions for recycled metals, including the continued constrained supply of scrap metal and level of competition in our domestic 
markets, the generally weak macroeconomic indicators in the markets in which our customers are based, and the cyclical nature 
of our industry. The projections assumed a recovery of operating margins over a multi-year period, eventually returning to levels 
of profitability in the range of average historical levels. The market-based WACC used in the income approach for MRB was 
12.87%, which included an additional Company risk premium of 1% to reflect the uncertainty in connection with the extent and 
pace of improvements in market conditions and future Company performance. The terminal growth rate used in the discounted 
cash flow model was 2% based on long-term domestic economic growth expectations. Assuming all other components of the fair 
value estimate were held constant, an increase in the WACC in excess of 1%, or weaker than anticipated improvements in either 
operating margins or volumes, could result in a failure of the Step 1 quantitative impairment test for the MRB reporting unit.

For the APB reporting unit with goodwill of $180 million as of July 1, 2014, the calculated fair value exceeded the carrying value 
by approximately 17%. The projections used in the income approach for APB took into consideration the impact of weak market 
conditions for ferrous and nonferrous commodities, the cost of obtaining adequate supply flows of end-of-life vehicles and the 
trends of self-serve parts sales in certain regional markets. The projections assumed a recovery of operating margins from current 
levels over a multi-year period, but to less than the peak levels of operating margin experienced in fiscal year 2010 and 2011. The 
market-based WACC used in the income approach for APB was 11.19%. The terminal growth rate used in the discounted cash 
flow model was 1%. Assuming all other components of the fair value estimate were held constant, an increase in the WACC in 
excess of 1.25% or weaker than anticipated improvements in operating margins could result in a failure of the Step 1 quantitative 
impairment test for the APB reporting unit.

We also use a market approach based on earnings multiple data and our Company’s market capitalization to corroborate our 
reporting units’ valuations. We reconcile the Company’s market capitalization to the aggregated estimated fair value of our reporting 
units, including consideration of a control premium representing the estimated amount a market participant would pay to obtain 
a controlling interest. The implied control premium resulting from the difference between our market capitalization (based on the 
average trading price of our Class A common stock for the two-week period ended July 1, 2014) and the higher aggregated estimated 
fair value of our reporting units was within the historical range of average and mean premiums observed on historical transactions 
within  the  steel-making,  scrap  processing  and  metals  industries.  We  identified  specific  reconciling  items,  including  market 
participant synergies, which supported the implied control premium as of July 1, 2014. 

Subsequent to our annual impairment test date of July 1, 2014 and fiscal year-end of August 31, 2014, the quoted market price of 
our Class A common stock declined in the second half of September and during October 2014. We believe the current quoted 
market price of our Class A common stock is impacted by the soft global macroeconomic indicators and the weak current market 
conditions in the metals recycling industry and does not fully reflect the underlying value of the Company’s reporting units, the 
recycled metals industry’s long-term fundamentals and the earnings potential of our business. However, if the quoted market price 
of our Class A common stock were to decline further or remain at the current levels for a sustained period of time, this may trigger 
an interim evaluation of goodwill which could result in future goodwill impairment charges.

Further, as a result of the inherent uncertainty associated with forming the estimates described above, actual results could differ 
from those estimates. Future events and changing market conditions may impact our assumptions as to future revenue growth 
rates, pace and extent of operating margin and volume recovery, market-based WACC and other factors that may result in changes 
in our estimates of the reporting units' fair value. Although we believe the assumptions used in testing our reporting units’ goodwill 
for impairment are reasonable, it is possible that market and economic conditions could deteriorate further or not improve as 
expected. Additional declines or a lack of recovery of market conditions in the metals recycling industry from current levels, a 
trend of weaker than anticipated Company financial performance including the pace and extent of operating margin and volume 
recovery, a lack of recovery in our share price from current levels for a sustained period of time, or an increase in the market-
based WACC, among other factors, could significantly impact our impairment analysis and may result in future goodwill impairment 
charges that, if incurred, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Environmental Costs

We operate in industries that inherently possess environmental risks. To manage these risks, we employ both our own environmental 
staff and outside consultants. Environmental staff and finance personnel meet regularly to discuss environmental risks. We estimate 
future costs for known environmental remediation requirements and accrue for them on an undiscounted basis when it is probable 

40 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

that we have incurred a liability and the related costs can be reasonably estimated but the timing of incurring the estimated costs 
is unknown. The regulatory and government management of these projects is complex, which is one of the primary factors that 
make it difficult to assess the cost of potential and future remediation. When only a wide range of estimated amounts can be 
reasonably established and no other amount within the range is better than any other, the low end of the range is recorded in the 
financial statements. If further developments or resolution of an environmental matter result in facts and circumstances that are 
significantly different than the assumptions used to develop these liabilities, the accrual for environmental remediation could be 
materially understated or overstated. Adjustments to these liabilities are made when additional information becomes available that 
affects the estimated costs to study or remediate any environmental issues or when expenditures for which accruals are established 
are made. The factors we consider in the recognition and measurement of environmental liabilities include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Current regulations, both at the time the liability is established and during the course of the investigation or 
remediation process, which specify standards for acceptable remediation;

Information about the site which becomes available as the site is studied and remediated;

The  professional  judgment  of  senior-level  internal  staff,  who  take  into  account  similar,  recent  instances  of 
environmental remediation issues, and studies of our sites, among other considerations;

Technologies available that can be used for remediation; and

The number and financial condition of other potentially responsible parties and the extent of their responsibility 
for the costs of study and remediation.

Our accrued environmental liabilities as of August 31, 2014 included $1 million related to third party investigation costs for the 
Portland Harbor Superfund site. Because there has not been a determination of the total cost of the investigations, the remediation 
that will be required, the amount of natural resource damages or how the costs of the ongoing investigations and any remedy and 
natural resource damages will be allocated among the PRPs, we believe it is not possible to reasonably estimate the amount or 
range of costs which it is likely or reasonably possible that we may incur in connection with the Site, although such costs could 
be material to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. Therefore, no additional amounts have been 
accrued. See Contingencies – Environmental in Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Inventories

Our inventories primarily consist of scrap metal (ferrous, nonferrous, processed and unprocessed), nonferrous recovered joint 
product, used and salvaged vehicles, semi-finished steel products (billets) and finished steel products (primarily rebar, merchant 
bar and wire rod). Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We consider estimated future selling prices when determining 
the estimated net realizable value for our inventory. As MRB generally sells its export recycled ferrous metal under contracts that 
provide for shipment within 30 to 60 days after the price is agreed, we utilize the selling prices under committed contracts and 
sales orders for determining the estimated market price of quantities on hand.

The  accounting  process  we  use  to  record  metal  quantities  relies  on  significant  estimates. With  respect  to  unprocessed  metal 
inventory, we rely on weighed quantities that are reduced by estimated amounts that are moved into production. These estimates 
utilize estimated recoveries and yields that are based on historical trends. Over time, these estimates are reasonably good indicators 
of what is ultimately produced; however, actual recoveries and yields can vary depending on product quality, moisture content 
and source of the unprocessed metal. If ultimate recoveries and yields are significantly different than estimated, the value of our 
inventory could be materially overstated or understated. To assist in validating the reasonableness of these estimates, we periodically 
review shrink factors and perform monthly physical inventory estimates. However, due to variations in product density, holding 
period and production processes utilized to manufacture the product, physical inventories will not necessarily detect all variances. 
To mitigate this risk, we adjust the ferrous physical inventories when the volume of a commodity is low and a physical inventory 
count can more accurately estimate the remaining volume.

Business Combinations

In a business combination, we recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree 
at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, generally using a market-based income approach. Measuring 
assets and liabilities at fair value requires us to determine the price that would be paid by a third party market participant based 
on the highest and best use of the assets or interests acquired. We utilize management estimates that incorporate input from an 
independent third party valuation firm in our determination of these fair values. Such estimates and valuations require us to make 
significant assumptions, including projections of future events and operating performance and determining the highest and best 
use of the assets or interests acquired. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when we have a contract or purchase order from a customer with a fixed price, the title and risk of loss 
transfer to the buyer and collectibility is reasonably assured. Title for both metal and finished steel products transfers based on 
contract terms. A significant portion of our ferrous export sales of recycled metal are made with letters of credit, reducing credit 
risk. However, domestic recycled ferrous metal sales, nonferrous sales and sales of finished steel are generally made on open 
account. Nonferrous export sales typically require a deposit prior to shipment. All sales made on open account are evaluated for 
collectibility prior to revenue recognition. Additionally, when detailed documents support revenue recognition based on transfer 
of title and risk of loss we recognize revenues on partially loaded shipments, which requires an estimate of the product weight 
involved  in  any  partial  shipments  at  period  end.  For APB,  retail  revenues  are  recognized  when  customers  pay  for  parts,  and 
wholesale product revenues are recognized when customer weight certificates are received following shipment. Historically, there 
have been very few sales returns and adjustments that impact the ultimate collection of revenues; therefore, no material provisions 
have been made when the sale is recognized. We present taxes assessed by governmental authorities collected from customers on 
a net basis. Therefore, the taxes are excluded from revenue and are shown as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets until 
remitted. See the discussion on credit risk contained in Item 7A of this report.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

For a description of recent accounting pronouncements that may have an impact on our financial condition, results of operations 
or cash flows, see Note 3 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, 
Item 8 of this report.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Debt, net of cash

Debt, net of cash is the difference between (i) the sum of long-term debt and short-term debt (i.e., total debt) and (ii) cash and cash 
equivalents. We believe that debt, net of cash is a useful measure for investors because, as cash and cash equivalents can be used, 
among other things, to repay indebtedness, netting this against total debt is a useful measure of our leverage.

The following is a reconciliation of debt, net of cash (in thousands):

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

Total debt

Less: cash and cash equivalents

Total debt, net of cash

Net borrowings (repayment) of debt

August 31, 2014 August 31, 2013 August 31, 2012

$

$

523

$

9,174

$

318,842

319,365

25,672

372,663

381,837

13,481

293,693

$

368,356

$

683

334,629

335,312

89,863

245,449

Net borrowings (repayment) of debt is the sum of borrowings from long-term debt, repayments of long-term debt, proceeds from 
line of credit, and repayment of line of credit. We present this amount as the net change in our borrowings (repayment) for the 
period because we believe it is useful for investors as a meaningful presentation of the change in debt.
The following is a reconciliation of net borrowings (repayment) of debt (in thousands): 

Borrowings from long-term debt

Proceeds from line of credit

Repayment of long-term debt

Repayment of line of credit

Net borrowings (repayment) of debt

Fiscal 2014
313,207
$

Fiscal 2013
265,858
$

Fiscal 2012
439,070
$

469,500
(368,496)
(478,000)
(63,789) $

545,500
(230,923)
(537,000)
43,435

$

495,500
(507,745)
(495,500)
(68,675)

$

Adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted earnings per share 

We present adjusted consolidated operating income (loss) and adjusted operating income (loss) for the MRB segment because we 
believe these measures provide a meaningful presentation of our results from our core underlying business operations excluding 
adjustments for goodwill and other asset impairment charges and restructuring charges and other exit-related costs that are not 

42 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

related to our core underlying business operational performance and improve period-to-period comparability of our results from 
our core underlying business operations.

The following is a reconciliation of consolidated adjusted operating income (loss) and MRB operating income (loss) (in thousands):

Fiscal 2014

Fiscal 2013

Fiscal 2012

Consolidated operating income (loss):

As reported

Goodwill impairment charge

Other asset impairment charges

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs

Adjusted

MRB operating income (loss):

As reported

Goodwill impairment charge

Other asset impairment charges

Adjusted

$

20,316

$

—

1,460

6,967

(327,789) $
321,000

13,053

7,906

28,743

$

14,170

$

30,083

$

—

928

(311,549) $
321,000

13,053

$

$

$

53,668

—

—

5,012

58,680

63,872

—

—

31,011

$

22,504

$

63,872

We present adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI and adjusted diluted earnings per share from 
continuing operations attributable to SSI because we believe these measures provide a meaningful presentation of the our results 
from our core underlying business operations excluding adjustments for goodwill and other asset impairments, restructuring charges 
and other exit-related costs, and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets that are not related to our core underlying business 
operational performance and improve the period-to-period comparability of our results from its core underlying business operations.

The following is a reconciliation of adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI and adjusted diluted 
earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI (in thousands, except per share data):

Fiscal 2014

Fiscal 2013

Fiscal 2012

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI:

As reported

Goodwill impairment charge, net of tax

Other asset impairment charges, net of tax

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs, net of tax

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

$

5,067

$

—

949

5,911

—

Adjusted

$

11,927

$

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI:

As reported

Goodwill impairment charge, net of tax, per share

Other asset impairment charges, net of tax, per share

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs, net of tax, per share

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, per share
Adjusted(1)
 ____________________________

(1) Does not foot due to rounding.

0.19

—

0.04

0.22

—

$

0.44

$

(281,442) $
254,473

27,404

3,222

8,819

5,311

11,043
(1,796) $

—

—

206

30,832

(10.56)
9.55

0.33

0.20

0.41
(0.07) $

0.99

0.12

—

—

0.01

1.12

We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures allow for a better understanding of our operating and financial performance. 
These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the most directly comparable 
U.S. GAAP measures. Although we find these non-GAAP financial measures useful in evaluating the performance of our business, 
our reliance on these measures is limited because the adjustments often have a material impact on our consolidated financial 
statements presented in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, we typically use these adjusted amounts in conjunction with our GAAP 
results to address these limitations. 

43 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents    

        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to commodity price risk, mainly associated with variations in the market price for finished steel products, ferrous 
and nonferrous metals, including scrap metal, autobodies and other commodities. The timing and magnitude of industry cycles 
are difficult to predict and are impacted by general economic conditions. We respond to increases and decreases in forward selling 
prices by adjusting purchase prices on a timely basis. We actively manage our exposure to commodity price risk and monitor the 
actual and expected spread between forward selling prices and purchase costs and processing and shipping expense. Sales contracts 
are based on prices negotiated with our customers, and generally orders are placed 30 to 60 days ahead of shipment date. However, 
financial results may be negatively impacted when forward selling prices fall more quickly than we can adjust purchase prices or 
when customers fail to meet their contractual obligations. We assess the net realizable value of inventory (“NRV”) each quarter 
based upon contracted sales orders and estimated future selling prices. Based on contracted sales and estimates of future selling 
prices, a 10% decrease in the selling price of inventory would not have had a material NRV impact on any of our operating segments 
as of August 31, 2014.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk associated with changes in interest rates related to our debt obligations. Our credit line and revolving 
credit facility are subject to variable interest rates and therefore have exposure to changes in interest rates. If market interest rates 
had changed 10% from actual interest rate levels in fiscal 2014 or 2013, the effect on our interest expense and net income would 
not have been material.

Credit Risk

Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that might occur as a result of non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations 
to take delivery of scrap metal and finished steel products and to make financial settlements of these obligations, or to provide 
sufficient quantities of scrap metal or payment to settle advances, loans and other contractual receivables in connection with 
demolition and scrap extraction projects. We manage our exposure to credit risk through a variety of methods, including shipping 
ferrous scrap metal exports under letters of credit, collection of deposits prior to shipment for certain nonferrous export customers, 
establishment of credit limits for sales on open terms and designation of collateral and financial guarantees securing advances, 
loans and other contractual receivables.

MRB generally ships ferrous bulk sales to foreign customers under contracts supported by letters of credit issued or confirmed 
by banks it deems creditworthy. The letters of credit ensure payment by the customer. As MRB generally sells its export recycled 
ferrous metal under contracts or orders that generally provide for shipment within 30 to 60 days after the price is agreed, MRB’s 
customers typically do not have difficulty obtaining letters of credit from their banks in periods of rising ferrous prices, as the 
value of the letters of credit are collateralized by the value of the inventory on the ship. However, in periods of significantly 
declining prices, MRB’s customers may not be able to obtain letters of credit for the full sales value of the inventory to be shipped. 
As such, we may need to extend credit on open terms for the difference between the sales value under the contract and the value 
supported by the letter of credit. In addition, we could be exposed to loss if a customer fails to pay or the bank providing the letter 
of credit fails.

As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, 39% and 49%, respectively, of our trade accounts receivable balance were covered by letters of 
credit. Of the remaining balance, 96% was less than 60 days past due as of August 31, 2014 and 2013.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk, mainly associated with sales transactions and related accounts receivable 
denominated in the U.S. dollar by our Canadian subsidiary with a functional currency of the Canadian dollar. In certain instances, 
we use derivatives to manage some portion of this risk. Our derivatives are agreements with independent counterparties that 
provide for payments based on a notional amount. As of August 31, 2014, all of our derivative transactions were related to actual 
or anticipated economic transactions in the normal course of business. A change in foreign exchange rates by 10% would have 
changed the fair value of these contracts reported in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets by $2 million at August 31, 
2014.

44 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents    

        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, 
as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal 
control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and 
principal  financial  officers  and  effected  by  the  Company’s  Board  of  Directors,  management  and  other  personnel  to  provide 
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes 
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that relate to the maintenance of records 
that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company; provide reasonable 
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements 
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that the receipts and expenditures of the Company are being 
made  only  in  accordance  with  authorization  of  the  Company’s  management  and  directors;  and  provide  reasonable  assurance 
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have 
a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projection 
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes 
in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Management of the Company assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting using the 
criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on its assessment, management determined that the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting was effective as of August 31, 2014.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s consolidated financial 
statements included in this Annual Report, also audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 
as of August 31, 2014, as stated in their report included herein.

Tamara L. Lundgren

President and Chief Executive Officer

October 28, 2014

Richard D. Peach

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

October 28, 2014

45 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents    

        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, 
comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Schnitzer 
Steel Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries at August 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows 
for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) 
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated 
financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of August 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is 
responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over 
financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the 
accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express 
opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedules, and on the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public 
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal 
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the 
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement 
presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over 
financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we 
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures 
that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 
dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to 
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and 
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the 
company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Portland, Oregon
October 28, 2014

46 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories, net
Deferred income taxes
Refundable income taxes
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net
Investments in joint venture partnerships
Goodwill
Intangibles, net
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and Equity

Current liabilities:

Short-term borrowings
Accounts payable
Accrued payroll and related liabilities
Environmental liabilities
Accrued income taxes
Other accrued liabilities

Total current liabilities

Deferred income taxes
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
Environmental liabilities, net of current portion
Other long-term liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (“SSI”) shareholders’ equity:

Preferred stock – 20,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized, none issued
Class A common stock – 75,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized,

26,384 and 26,171 shares issued and outstanding

Class B common stock – 25,000 shares $1.00 par value authorized,

306 and 393 shares issued and outstanding

Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total SSI shareholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

47 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

August 31,

2014

2013

$

25,672
189,359
216,172
6,865
1,756
24,108
463,932
523,433
14,624
325,903
9,835
17,483
$ 1,355,210

$

13,481
188,270
236,049
3,750
3,521
22,159
467,230
564,426
14,808
327,264
13,264
18,520
$ 1,405,512

$

$

523
103,453
32,127
1,062
3,202
36,903
177,270
22,746
318,842
47,287
13,088
579,233

9,174
96,348
24,002
754
388
35,468
166,134
22,929
372,663
49,040
13,547
624,313

—

—

26,384

26,171

306
19,164
737,571
(12,641)
770,784
5,193
775,977
$ 1,355,210

393
7,476
751,879
(9,361)
776,558
4,641
781,199
$ 1,405,512

 
 
 
Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenues

Operating expense:

Cost of goods sold

Selling, general and administrative

Income from joint ventures

Goodwill impairment charge

Other asset impairment charges

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs

Operating income (loss)

Interest expense

Other income, net

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax (expense) benefit

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income (loss)

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss) attributable to SSI

Basic:

Income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI

Income per share from discontinued operations attributable to SSI

Net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI

Diluted:

Income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to SSI

Income per share from discontinued operations attributable to SSI

Net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI

Weighted average number of common shares:

Basic

Diluted

Dividends declared per common share

Year Ended August 31,
2013

2012

2014

$ 2,543,583

$ 2,621,911

$ 3,340,938

2,324,823

2,415,391

3,079,716

191,213
(1,196)
—

1,460

6,967

20,316
(10,804)
1,223

10,735
(2,001)
8,734

857

9,591
(3,667)
5,924

0.19

0.03

0.22

0.19

0.03

0.22

$

$

$

$

$

193,533
(1,183)
321,000

13,053

7,906
(327,789)
(9,743)
83
(337,449)
57,426
(280,023)
—
(280,023)
(1,419)
(281,442) $

(10.56) $
—
(10.56) $

(10.56) $
—
(10.56) $

205,178
(2,636)
—

—

5,012

53,668
(11,880)
1,168

42,956
(14,039)
28,917

—

28,917
(1,513)
27,404

1.00

—

1.00

0.99

—

0.99

26,834

27,000

26,656

26,656

0.750

$

0.750

$

27,317

27,553

0.410

$

$

$

$

$

$

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

48 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
 
Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands)

Net income (loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments(1)
Cash flow hedges, net(2)
Pension obligations, net(3)

Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Comprehensive income (loss)

Less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests:

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to
redeemable noncontrolling interest

Total amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to SSI

_____________________________

Year Ended August 31,
2013

2012

2014

$

9,591

$ (280,023) $

28,917

(4,240)
179

781
(3,280)
6,311

(9,051)
20

3,289
(5,742)
(285,765)

(2,143)
(116)
(2,220)
(4,479)
24,438

(3,667)

(1,419)

(1,513)

—
(3,667)
2,644

$

(1,030)
(2,449)

$ (288,214) $

350
(1,163)
23,275

(1)  Net of tax expense (benefit) of $0 thousand, $(387) thousand and $(109) thousand for each respective period.

(2)  Net of tax expense (benefit) of $(5) thousand, $23 thousand and $(24) thousand for each respective period.

(3)  Net of tax expense (benefit) of $468 thousand, $1,890 thousand and $(1,290) thousand for each respective period.

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

49 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

Table of Contents

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(in thousands)

Common Stock

Class A

Class B

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Total SSI
Shareholders’
Equity

Noncontrolling
Interests

Total
Equity

24,241

$ 24,241

3,060

$

3,060

$

762

$ 1,065,109

$

1,540

$

1,094,712

$

6,524

$ 1,101,236

Balance as of August 31, 2011
Net income(1)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(2)

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

Share repurchases

Restricted stock withheld for taxes

Issuance of restricted stock

Stock options exercised

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,124)

(1,124)

(69)

199

25

(69)

199

25

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock

1,947

1,947

(1,947)

(1,947)

Share-based compensation expense

Excess tax deficiency from stock options exercised and
restricted stock units vested

Cash dividends

Balance as of August 31, 2012
Net income (loss)(1)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(2)

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

Restricted stock withheld for taxes

Issuance of restricted stock

Stock options exercised

Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock

Share-based compensation expense

Excess tax deficiency from stock options exercised and
restricted stock units vested

Adjustments to fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest

Cash dividends

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

25,219

25,219

1,113

1,113

—

—

—

—

—

—

(102)

(102)

319

15

720

—

—

—

—

319

15

720

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(720)

(720)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(6,570)

(2,238)

(199)

583

—

9,618

(1,140)

—

816

—

—

—

(2,571)

(319)

301

—

11,475

(2,226)

—

—

27,404

—

—

(25,500)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(10,989)

1,056,024

(281,442)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(2,449)

(20,254)

—

(4,129)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

27,404

(4,129)

—

(33,194)

(2,307)

—

608

—

9,618

(1,140)

(10,989)

(2,589)

1,080,583

—

(6,772)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(281,442)

(6,772)

—

(2,673)

—

316

—

11,475

(2,226)

(2,449)

(20,254)

2,676

—

(4,087)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

5,113

2,322

—

(2,794)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

30,080

(4,129)

(4,087)

(33,194)

(2,307)

—

608

—

9,618

(1,140)

(10,989)

1,085,696

(279,120)

(6,772)

(2,794)

(2,673)

—

316

—

11,475

(2,226)

(2,449)

(20,254)

50 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents

Common Stock

Class A

Class B

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Total SSI
Shareholders’
Equity

Noncontrolling
Interests

Total
Equity

Balance as of August 31, 2013

26,171

26,171

393

393

7,476

Net income

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

Restricted stock withheld for taxes

Issuance of restricted stock

Stock options exercised

Class B common stock converted to Class A common stock

Share-based compensation expense

Excess tax deficiency from stock options exercised and
restricted stock units vested

Cash dividends

Balance as of August 31, 2014

_____________________________ 

—

—

—

(59)

176

9

87

—

—

—

—

—

—

(59)

176

9

87

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(87)

(87)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,519)

(176)

231

—

14,506

(1,354)

751,879

5,924

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(20,232)

(9,361)

—

(3,280)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

776,558

5,924

(3,280)

—

(1,578)

—

240

—

14,506

(1,354)

(20,232)

4,641

3,667

—

(3,115)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

781,199

9,591

(3,280)

(3,115)

(1,578)

—

240

—

14,506

(1,354)

(20,232)

26,384

$ 26,384

306

$

306

$

19,164

$

737,571

$

(12,641) $

770,784

$

5,193

$

775,977

(1)   Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests at August 31, 2013 and 2012 excludes $(903) thousand and $(1,163) thousand, respectively, allocable to the redeemable noncontrolling interest, which, prior to its purchase 

on March 8, 2013, was reported in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 13 - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest for further detail.

(2)   Other comprehensive loss, net of tax for the years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 excludes $(1,030) thousand and $350 thousand, respectively, relating to the redeemable noncontrolling interest, which, prior to its purchase 

on March 8, 2013, was reported in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 13 - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest for further detail.

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

51 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents

 SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:

Year Ended August 31,
2013

2012

2014

$

9,591

$

(280,023) $

28,917

Goodwill impairment charge
Other asset impairment charges
Exit-related asset impairment charges
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred income taxes
Undistributed equity in earnings of joint ventures
Share-based compensation expense
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
(Gain) loss on the disposal of assets
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss, net
Bad debt expense, net

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Income taxes
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Intangibles and other long-term assets
Accounts payable
Accrued payroll and related liabilities
Other accrued liabilities
Environmental liabilities
Other long-term liabilities
Distributed equity in earnings of joint ventures

Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:

Capital expenditures
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Joint venture payments, net
Proceeds from sale of assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from line of credit
Repayment of line of credit
Borrowings from long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Debt financing fees
Repurchase of Class A common stock
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of share-based payment arrangements
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
Stock options exercised
Contributions from noncontrolling interest
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
Contingent consideration paid relating to business acquisitions
Dividends paid

        Purchase of noncontrolling interest
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of year

$

—
1,460
566
79,209
(3,815)
(1,196)
14,506
(194)
(1,126)
240
449

(16,360)
36,264
4,129
(2,453)
996
9,409
8,114
(91)
(1,581)
1,825
1,310
141,252

(39,147)
(2,160)
(3,765)
3,841
(41,231)

469,500
(478,000)
313,207
(368,496)
—
—
(1,578)
194
240
—
(3,115)
—
(20,126)
—
(88,174)
344
12,191
13,481
25,672

$

321,000
13,053
—
83,070
(59,102)
(1,183)
11,475
(343)
131
1,583
584

(79,118)
46,826
2,440
(13,852)
977
(10,901)
2,720
(1,770)
(146)
113
1,755
39,289

(90,381)
(25,366)
(2,194)
5,491
(112,450)

545,500
(537,000)
265,858
(230,923)
—
—
(2,673)
343
316
1,970
(2,794)
—
(20,010)
(24,734)
(4,147)
926
(76,382)
89,863
13,481

$

—
—
—
82,256
8,321
(2,307)
8,793
(817)
(135)
(334)
688

81,701
94,095
(20,018)
(4,010)
(82)
(26,074)
(13,161)
6,500
(2,201)
253
2,405
244,790

(78,560)
(6,567)
(92)
953
(84,266)

495,500
(495,500)
439,070
(507,745)
(1,282)
(33,194)
(2,307)
817
608
4,008
(4,087)
(4,485)
(11,455)
—
(120,052)
(71)
40,401
49,462
89,863

52 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
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SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:

Cash paid (received) during the year for:

Interest

Income taxes paid (refunds received), net

Schedule of noncash investing and financing transactions:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in current liabilities

Year Ended August 31,
2013

2012

2014

$

$

$

8,838

69

7,249

$

$

$

8,542

$

(483) $

10,968

24,517

8,922

$

15,826

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

53 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

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SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – Nature of Operations

Founded in 1906, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (the “Company”), an Oregon corporation, is one of North America’s largest 
recyclers of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal, a leading recycler of used and salvaged vehicles and a manufacturer of finished 
steel products.

The Company operates in three reporting segments as follows: the Metals Recycling Business (“MRB”), the Auto Parts Business 
(“APB”) and the Steel Manufacturing Business (“SMB”). MRB buys, collects, processes, recycles, sells and brokers recycled 
metal through its operation of one of the largest metals recycling businesses in North America. APB is one of the country’s leading 
networks  of  self-service  used  auto  parts  stores. Additionally, APB  is  a  supplier  of  ferrous  and  nonferrous  material  including 
autobodies to MRB, which processes the autobodies into sellable recycled metal. SMB purchases recycled metal from MRB and 
uses its mini-mill to process the recycled metal into finished steel products. 

As of August 31, 2014, all of the Company’s facilities were located in the United States (“U.S.”) and its territories and Canada.

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements

In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, an error was identified in the classification of the cash outflow of $24.7 million for the purchase 
of  a  noncontrolling  interest  in  a  subsidiary  as  a  use  of  cash  in  investing  activities  that,  under  generally  accepted  accounting 
principles, should have been reflected as a use of cash in financing activities in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash 
flows included in the previously reported financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2013 included in the 2013 Annual 
Report on Form 10-K.

The  Company  assessed  the  materiality  of  this  classification  error  under  the  guidance  in ASC  250-10  relating  to  SEC’s  Staff 
Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 99, Materiality, and concluded that the previously issued financial statements for the year ended 
August 31, 2013 were not materially misstated. The Company also evaluated the impact of correcting the error through an adjustment 
to its financial statements and concluded, based on the guidance within ASC 250-10 relating to SAB No. 108, Considering the 
Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, to revise its previously 
issued financial statements to reflect the impact of the correction of the classification error. The consolidated statement of cash 
flows for the year ended August 31, 2013 presented in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements has been corrected.

The revision had no impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, consolidated results of operations, earnings (loss) per 
share and net cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.  

The effect of the revision on the line items within the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended August 
31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):

Investing Activities

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing Activities

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Principles of Consolidation

Year Ended August 31, 2013

As Reported

Adjustments

As Revised

$

(24,734) $
(137,184)

24,734

$

24,734

—
(112,450)

—

20,587

(24,734)
(24,734)

(24,734)
(4,147)

The  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  Company  and  its  majority-owned  and  wholly-owned 
subsidiaries. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in joint ventures over which the Company has significant 
influence but does not have effective control. All significant intercompany account balances, transactions, profits and losses have 
been eliminated. All transactions and relationships with potential variable interest entities are evaluated to determine whether the 
Company is the primary beneficiary of the entities, therefore requiring consolidation. The Company does not have any variable 
interest entities requiring consolidation.

54 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Accounting Changes

In February 2013, an accounting standards update was issued that amends the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated 
other  comprehensive  income.  This  standard  does  not  change  the  current  requirements  for  reporting  net  income  or  other 
comprehensive income in the financial statements. However, the guidance requires an entity to provide information about the 
amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component, either on the face of the financial statement 
where net income is presented or in the notes to the financial statements. The Company adopted the new requirement in the first 
quarter of fiscal 2014 with no impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements, except for the change in presentation. The Company 
has elected to present amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income in the notes to the financial statements. 
See Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for further detail.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company elected to change its annual goodwill impairment testing date from February 
28 to July 1 of each year. See Note 7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net for further detail.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term securities that are not restricted by third parties and have an original maturity date 
of 90 days or less. Included in accounts payable are book overdrafts representing outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit 
of $35 million and $31 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts receivable represent amounts due from customers on product and other sales. These accounts receivable, which are 
reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts, are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company 
evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors, including whether sales were made pursuant 
to letters of credit. In cases where management is aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet 
its financial obligations, management records a specific allowance against amounts due and reduces the net recognized receivable 
to the amount the Company believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company maintains an allowance that considers 
the total receivables outstanding, historical collection rates and economic trends. Accounts are written off when all efforts to collect 
have been exhausted. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $3 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013.

Inventories, net

The Company’s inventories primarily consist of scrap metal (ferrous, nonferrous, processed and unprocessed), nonferrous recovered 
joint product (nonferrous arising from the manufacturing process), used and salvaged vehicles, semi-finished steel products (billets) 
and finished steel products (primarily rebar, merchant bar and wire rod). Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. MRB 
determines the cost of ferrous and nonferrous inventories using the average cost method and capitalizes substantially all direct 
costs and yard costs into inventory. MRB allocates material and production costs to joint products using the gross margin method. 
APB determines the cost for used and salvaged vehicle inventory based on the average price the Company pays for a vehicle and 
capitalizes the vehicle cost into inventory. SMB determines the cost of its finished steel product inventory based on weighted 
average costs and capitalizes all direct and indirect costs of manufacturing into inventory. Indirect costs of manufacturing include 
general plant costs, maintenance and yard costs. The Company considers estimated future selling prices when determining the 
estimated net realizable value for its inventory. As MRB generally sells its export recycled ferrous metal under contracts that 
provide for shipment within 30 to 60 days after the price is agreed, it utilizes the selling prices under committed contracts and 
sales orders for determining the estimated market price of quantities on hand that will be shipped under these contracts and orders.

The Company performs periodic physical inventories to verify the quantity of inventory on hand. Due to variations in product 
density, holding period and production processes utilized to manufacture the product, physical inventories will not necessarily 
detect all variances for metal inventory such that estimates of quantities are required. To mitigate this risk, the Company adjusts 
its ferrous physical inventories when the volume of a commodity is low and a physical inventory count can more accurately 
estimate the remaining volume.

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized, while 
routine repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Interest related to the construction of qualifying assets is capitalized 
as part of the construction costs and was not material to any of the periods presented. When assets are retired or sold, the related 
cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and resulting gains or losses are generally included in operating 
expenses. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements 
are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term.

55 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of August 31, 2014, the useful lives used for depreciation and amortization were as follows:

Machinery and equipment

Land improvements

Buildings and leasehold improvements

Office equipment

Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) systems

Useful Life
(In Years)

3 to 40

3 to 35

5 to 40

2 to 20

11 to 17

Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are subject to an impairment assessment when certain triggering events or 
circumstances indicate that their carrying value may be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds the Company’s estimate of future 
undiscounted cash flows of the operations related to the assets, an impairment is recorded for the difference between the carrying 
value and the fair value of the assets. During the year ended August 31, 2014, the Company recorded an impairment charge on 
long-lived assets held and used of $1 million, a portion of which is reported within other asset impairment charges and the remainder 
reported within restructuring charges and exit-related costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. There were no material 
impairments to the carrying value of long-lived assets held and used during the years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012.

Investments in Joint Venture Partnerships

As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had five 50%-owned joint venture interests which were accounted for under the 
equity method of accounting and presented as part of MRB operations. The Company’s investments in equity method joint ventures 
have resulted in cumulative undistributed earnings of $10 million and $11 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 
A loss in value of an investment in a joint venture partnership that is other than a temporary decline is recognized. Management 
considers all available evidence to evaluate the realizable value of its investments including the length of time and the extent to 
which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the joint venture business, and the 
Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair 
value. Once management determines that an other-than-temporary impairment exists, the investment is written down to its fair 
value, which establishes a new cost basis. The Company determines fair value using Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy 
using an income approach based on a discounted cash flow analysis.  

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013, the Company recorded an impairment charge related to an investment in a joint 
venture partnership of $2 million, which is reported within other asset impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of 
Operations. See Note 20 - Related Party Transactions for further detail on transactions with joint ventures. 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the net amount of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed 
in a business combination measured at fair value. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually and upon the occurrence 
of certain triggering events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be impaired. 
Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating 
segment (referred to as a component). The Company has determined that its reporting units for which goodwill has been allocated 
are equivalent to the Company’s operating segments, as all of the components of each operating segment meet the criteria for 
aggregation.

When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the 
existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a 
reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an 
impairment is more likely than not, the Company is then required to perform the two-step quantitative impairment test, otherwise 
no further analysis is required. The Company also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, proceed directly 
to the two-step quantitative impairment test.

In the first step of the two-step quantitative impairment test, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If 
the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed for purposes of 
measuring the impairment. In the second step, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of 
the reporting unit to determine an implied goodwill value. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the 
implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. 

The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using an income approach based on the present value of expected 
future cash flows, including terminal value, utilizing a market-based weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) determined 
56 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

separately for each reporting unit. The determination of fair value involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, 
including  revenue  growth  rates  driven  by  future  commodity  prices  and  volume  expectations,  operating  margins,  capital 
expenditures, working capital requirements, tax rates, terminal growth rates, discount rates, benefits associated with a taxable 
transaction and synergistic benefits available to market participants. In addition, to corroborate the reporting units’ valuation, the 
Company uses a market approach based on earnings multiple data and a reconciliation of the Company’s estimate of the aggregate 
fair value of the reporting units to the Company’s market capitalization, including consideration of a control premium.

For the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, in accordance with an accounting standard update adopted in fiscal 2013, the 
Company tested indefinite-lived intangible assets by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it was necessary to 
perform  the  quantitative  impairment  test.  Under  the  adopted  standard,  if  the  Company  believes,  as  a  result  of  its  qualitative 
assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, 
the quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise, no further testing is required. For the year ended August 31, 2012, using 
the standard in place prior to fiscal 2013, the Company tested indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by either comparing 
the carrying value of the intangible to the projected discounted cash flows from the intangible or using the relief from royalties 
method. If the carrying value exceeded the projected discounted cash flows attributed to the indefinite-lived intangible asset, the 
carrying value was no longer considered recoverable and the Company recorded an impairment. The Company did not record any 
material impairment charges on indefinite-lived intangible assets in any of the periods presented.

The  Company  tests  intangible  assets  subject  to  amortization  for  impairment  when  certain  triggering  events  or  circumstances 
indicate that their carrying value may be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds the Company’s estimate of future undiscounted 
cash flows of the operations related to the assets, an impairment is recorded for the difference between the carrying value and the 
fair value of the asset. The Company did not record any impairment charges on intangible assets subject to amortization in any of 
the periods presented.

See Note 7 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net for further detail.

Acquisitions 

The  Company  recognizes  the  assets  acquired,  the  liabilities  assumed,  and  any  noncontrolling  interest  in  the  acquiree  at  the 
acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. Contingent purchase consideration is recorded at fair value at the 
date of acquisition. Any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Within one 
year from the date of acquisition, the Company may update the value allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and 
the resulting goodwill balances as a result of information received regarding the valuation of such assets and liabilities that was 
not available at the time of purchase. Measuring assets and liabilities at fair value requires the Company to determine the price 
that would be paid by a third party market participant based on the highest and best use of the assets or interests acquired. Acquisition 
costs are expensed as incurred. See Note 6 – Business Combinations for further detail.

Other Assets

The  Company’s  other  assets,  exclusive  of  prepaid  expenses,  consist  primarily  of  receivables  from  insurers,  notes  and  other 
contractual receivables, and assets held for sale. Other assets are reported within either prepaid expenses and other current assets 
or other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their expected use either during or beyond the current operating cycle 
of one year from the reporting date. 

Receivables from insurers represent the portion of insured losses expected to be recovered from the Company’s insurance carriers 
and are recorded at the time the Company records a liability for an insured loss. The receivable is recorded at an amount not to 
exceed the recorded loss and only if the terms of legally enforceable insurance contracts support that the insurance recovery will 
not be disputed and is deemed collectible.

Notes receivable consist primarily of loans to entities in the business of extracting scrap metal through demolition and other 
activities. Repayment of these loans is in either cash or scrap metal. Other contractual receivables consist primarily of amounts 
due from scrap and demolition entities under financial guarantee arrangements. The Company performs periodic reviews of its 
notes and other contractual receivables to identify credit risks and to assess the overall collectability of the receivables, which 
typically involves consideration of the value of collateral in the form of scrap metal extracted from demolition and construction 
projects. A note or other contractual receivable is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable 
that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the agreement. Once a 
note or other contractual receivable has been identified as impaired, it is measured based on the present value of payments expected 
to be received, discounted at the receivable’s contractual interest rate, or for arrangements that are solely dependent on collateral 
for repayment, the estimated fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell. If the carrying value of the receivable exceeds 
its recoverable amount, an impairment is recorded for the difference. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013, the Company 

57 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

recorded an impairment charge related to other contractual receivables of $8 million, which represents the full amount of the 
allowance for credit losses on notes and other contractual receivables as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, and which is reported within 
other asset impairment charges in the fiscal 2013 Consolidated Statement of Operations.

A long-lived asset is classified as held for sale upon meeting criteria specified in the accounting standards. An asset classified as 
held for sale is measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. An impairment loss is recognized for 
any initial or subsequent write-down of the asset to its fair value less cost to sell. The Company determines fair value using Level 
3  inputs  under  the  fair  value  hierarchy  consisting  of  information  provided  by  brokers  and  other  external  sources  along  with 
management’s own assumptions. During the fiscal years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded an impairment 
charge related to assets held for sale of $1 million and $3 million, respectively, which is reported within other asset impairment 
charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 

Other Asset Impairment Charges

The  following  impairment  charges  were  recorded  within  other  asset  impairment  charges  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Operations for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):

Investment in joint venture partnership

Contractual receivable
Assets held for sale

Other

Total

Restructuring Charges

2014

2013

— $

—
928

532

2,411

7,803
2,526

313

1,460

$

13,053

$

$

Restructuring charges consist of severance, contract termination and other restructuring-related costs. A liability for severance 
costs is typically recognized when the plan of termination has been communicated to the affected employees and is measured at 
its fair value at the communication date. Contract termination costs consist primarily of costs that will continue to be incurred 
under operating leases for their remaining terms without economic benefit to the Company. A liability for contract termination 
costs is recognized at the date the Company ceases using the rights conveyed by the lease contract and is measured at its fair value, 
which is determined based on the remaining contractual lease rentals reduced by estimated sublease rentals. A liability for other 
restructuring-related costs is measured at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred. See Note 12 - Restructuring 
Charges and Other Exit-Related Costs for further detail.

Accrued Workers’ Compensation Costs

The Company is self-insured for workers’ compensation claims with exposure limited by various stop-loss insurance policies. The 
Company  estimates  the  costs  of  workers’  compensation  claims  based  on  the  nature  of  the  injury  incurred  and  on  guidelines 
established by the applicable state. An accrual is recorded based upon the amount of unpaid claims as of the balance sheet date. 
Accrued amounts recorded for individual claims are reviewed periodically as treatment progresses and adjusted to reflect additional 
information that becomes available. The estimated cost of claims incurred but not reported is included in the accrual. The Company 
accrued $9 million and $10 million for the estimated cost of unpaid workers’ compensation claims as of August 31, 2014 and 
2013, respectively, which are included in other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Environmental Liabilities

The Company estimates future costs for known environmental remediation requirements and accrues for them on an undiscounted 
basis when it is probable that the Company has incurred a liability and the related costs can be reasonably estimated but the timing 
of incurring the estimated costs is unknown. The Company considers various factors when estimating its environmental liabilities. 
Adjustments to the liabilities are recorded to selling, general and administrative expense and made when additional information 
becomes available that affects the estimated costs to study or remediate any environmental issues or when expenditures are made 
for which liabilities were established. Legal costs incurred in connection with environmental contingencies are expensed as incurred.

When only a wide range of estimated amounts can be reasonably established and no other amount within the range is a better 
estimate than another, the low end of the range is recorded in the financial statements. In a number of cases, it is possible that the 
Company may receive reimbursement through insurance or from other potentially responsible parties for a site. In these situations, 
recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recognized when the claim for recovery is either realized or 
realizable.  The  amounts  recorded  for  environmental  liabilities  are  reviewed  periodically  as  site  assessment  and  remediation 
progresses at individual sites and adjusted to reflect additional information that becomes available. Due to evolving remediation 
58 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

technology, changing regulations, possible third party contributions, the subjective nature of the assumptions used and other factors, 
amounts accrued could vary significantly from amounts paid. See “Contingencies – Environmental” in Note 11 – Commitments 
and Contingencies for further detail.

Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, debt and derivative 
contracts. The Company uses the market approach to value its financial assets and liabilities, determined using available market 
information. The net carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair 
value due to the short term nature of these instruments. For long-term debt, which is primarily at variable interest rates, fair value 
is estimated using observable inputs (Level 2) and approximates its carrying value. Derivative contracts are reported at fair value. 
See Note 10 - Fair Value Measurements and Note 15 - Derivative Financial Instruments for further detail.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. Classification within the hierarchy is determined 
based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are described as follows:

•  Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

•  Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the determination of the fair value 

of the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

•  Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are significant to the determination of fair value of the asset or liability.

When developing the fair value measurements, the Company uses quoted market prices whenever available or seeks to maximize 
the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when quoted market prices are not available. See Note 
7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net, Note 10 - Fair Value Measurements, Note 13 - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest 
and Note 15 - Derivative Financial Instruments for further detail.

Derivatives

The  Company  records  derivative  instruments  in  prepaid  expenses  and  other  current  assets  or  other  accrued  liabilities  in  the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, and changes in the fair value are either recognized in other comprehensive income 
(loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) or net income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of 
Operations, as applicable, depending on the nature of the underlying exposure, whether the derivative has been designated as a 
hedge  and,  if  designated  as  a  hedge,  the  extent  to  which  the  hedge  is  effective. Amounts  included  in  accumulated  other 
comprehensive loss are reclassified to earnings in the period in which earnings are impacted by the hedged items, in the period 
that the hedged transaction is deemed no longer likely to occur, or in the period that the derivative is terminated. For cash flow 
hedges, a formal assessment is made, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, to determine whether the derivatives 
that are designated as hedging instruments have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items and 
whether those derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods. To the extent the hedge is determined to 
be ineffective, the ineffective portion is immediately recognized in earnings. When available, quoted market prices or prices 
obtained through external sources are used to measure a derivative instrument’s fair value. The fair value of these instruments is 
a function of underlying forward commodity prices, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of the contracts. 
Cash flows from derivatives are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in a manner consistent with the underlying 
transactions. See Note 10 - Fair Value Measurements and Note 15 - Derivative Financial Instruments for further detail.

Derivative contracts for commodities used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, 
are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases and normal sales. Contracts that qualify as normal purchases or normal 
sales are not marked-to-market. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. 

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

Assets and liabilities of the Company’s operations in Canada are translated into U.S. dollars at the period-end exchange rate, 
revenues and expenses of these operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the period, and cash 
flows of these operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the cash flows. Translation 
adjustments are not included in determining net income (loss) for the period, but are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive 
loss, a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are generated from the effects 
of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the Company, which is 
the U.S. dollar. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are generally included in determining net income (loss) for the 
period. The Company records these gains and losses in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net realized 
and unrealized foreign currency transaction gains (losses) were not material in any of the periods presented.

59 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

The Company issued common stock of one of its subsidiaries to the noncontrolling interest holder of that subsidiary that, prior to 
the Company’s purchase of that interest on March 8, 2013, had been redeemable both at the option of the holder and upon the 
occurrence of an event that was not solely within the Company’s control. Since redemption of the noncontrolling interest was 
outside of the Company’s control, this interest was presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in the mezzanine section under 
the caption redeemable noncontrolling interest. If the interest had been redeemed, the Company would have been required to 
purchase all of such interest at fair value on the date of redemption. Prior to its purchase by the Company on March 8, 2013, the 
redeemable noncontrolling interest was presented at the greater of its carrying amount (adjusted for the noncontrolling interest’s 
share of the allocation of income or loss of the subsidiary, dividends to and contributions from the noncontrolling interest) or its 
fair value as of each measurement date. Any adjustments to the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interest for 
changes in fair value prior to the Company’s purchase of the interest in March 2013 were recorded to retained earnings. See Note 
13 – Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest for further detail.

Common Stock

Each share of Class A and Class B common stock is entitled to one vote. Additionally, each share of Class B common stock may 
be converted to one share of Class A common stock. As such, the Company reserves one share of Class A common stock for each 
share of Class B common stock outstanding. There are currently no meaningful distinctions between the rights of holders of Class 
A shares and Class B shares.

Shareholder Rights Plan

Under its shareholder rights plan, the Company issued a dividend distribution of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) 
for each share of Class A common stock or Class B common stock held by shareholders of record as of the close of business on 
April 4, 2006. The Rights generally become exercisable if a person or group has acquired 15% or more of the Company’s outstanding 
common stock or announces a tender offer or exchange offer which, if consummated, would result in ownership by a person or 
group of 15% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock (“Acquiring Person”). Each Right entitles shareholders to 
buy one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock (“Series A Shares”) of the Company at an exercise 
price of $110, subject to adjustments. Holders of Rights (other than an Acquiring Person) are entitled to receive upon exercise 
Series A Shares, or in lieu thereof, Class A common stock of the Company having a value of twice the Right’s then-current exercise 
price. The Series A Shares are not redeemable by the Company and have voting privileges and certain dividend and liquidation 
preferences. The Rights will expire on March 21, 2016, unless such date is extended or the Rights are redeemed or exchanged on 
an earlier date.

Share Repurchases

The Company accounts for the repurchase of stock at par value. All shares repurchased are deemed retired. Upon retirement of 
the shares, the Company records the difference between the weighted average cost of such shares and the par value of the stock 
as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital, with the excess recorded to retained earnings when additional paid-in capital is not 
sufficient.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when it has a contract or purchase order from a customer with a fixed price, the title and risk 
of loss transfer to the buyer and collectibility is reasonably assured. Title for both recycled metal and finished steel products 
transfers based on contract terms. A significant portion of the Company’s ferrous export sales of recycled metal are made with 
letters of credit, reducing credit risk. However, domestic recycled ferrous metal sales, nonferrous sales and sales of finished steel 
are generally made on open account. Nonferrous export sales typically require a deposit prior to shipment. All sales made on open 
account are evaluated for collectibility prior to revenue recognition. Additionally, the Company recognizes revenues on partially 
loaded shipments when detailed documents support revenue recognition based on transfer of title and risk of loss. The Company 
reports revenue net of the payments made to the supplier of scrap metal when the supplier, and not the Company, is responsible 
for fulfillment, including the acceptability of the products purchased by the customer. For APB, retail revenues are recognized 
when customers pay for parts, and wholesale product revenues are recognized when customer weight certificates are received 
following shipments. Historically, there have been very few sales returns and adjustments that impact the ultimate collection of 
revenues; therefore, no material provisions have been made when sales are recognized. The Company presents taxes assessed by 
governmental authorities collected from customers on a net basis. Therefore, the taxes are excluded from revenues and are shown 
as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until remitted.

60 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents    

        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Freight Costs

The Company classifies shipping and handling costs billed to customers as revenue and the related costs incurred as a component 
of cost of goods sold.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions with employees and non-employee 
directors over the vesting period, with the cost measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued, net 
of an estimated forfeiture rate. See Note 17 – Share-Based Compensation for further detail.

The Company recognizes service cost relating to share-based payment transactions with non-employees that are classified as 
equity instruments based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued in the period in which performance of services is 
complete, all performance conditions have been met and an obligation to compensate the non-employee exists, which may or may 
not align with the timing of legal vesting of the equity instruments.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. This requires the recognition of taxes currently payable or 
refundable and the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that are recognized 
in one reporting period on the Consolidated Financial Statements but in a different reporting period on the tax returns. Tax credits 
are recognized as a reduction of income tax expense in the year the credit arises. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce 
deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Tax benefits arising from uncertain tax 
positions are recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant tax 
authorities. The amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent 
likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The 
Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. See Note 18 – Income 
Taxes for further detail.

Net Income (Loss) per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number 
of outstanding common shares during the periods presented including vested deferred stock units (“DSUs”) and restricted stock 
units (“RSUs”). Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average 
number of common shares outstanding, assuming dilution. Potentially dilutive common shares include the assumed exercise of 
stock options and assumed vesting of performance shares, DSU and RSU awards using the treasury stock method. Certain of the 
Company’s stock options, RSUs and performance share awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share 
because they were antidilutive; however, these options and awards could be dilutive in the future. Net income attributable to 
noncontrolling interests is deducted from income (loss) from continuing operations to arrive at net income (loss) from continuing 
operations attributable to SSI for purposes of calculating net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI. Income per share from 
discontinued operations attributable to SSI is presented separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 19 – 
Net Income (Loss) Per Share for further detail.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles 
in the U.S. of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and 
reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Examples include valuation of assets received in acquisitions; 
revenue recognition; the allowance for doubtful accounts; estimates of contingencies, including environmental liabilities; goodwill 
and intangible asset valuation; valuation of investments in joint venture partnerships; other asset valuation; inventory valuation; 
redeemable noncontrolling interest valuation; pension plan assumptions; and the assessment of the valuation of deferred income 
taxes and income tax contingencies. Actual results may differ from estimated amounts.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and 
cash equivalents, accounts receivable and notes and other contractual receivables and derivative financial instruments. The majority 
of cash and cash equivalents are maintained with two major financial institutions (Bank of America and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.). 
Balances with these institutions exceeded the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured amount of $250,000 as of August 31, 
2014. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited because a large number of geographically diverse 
customers make up the Company’s customer base. The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits, letters 

61 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

of credit or other collateral, cash deposits and monitoring procedures. The Company is exposed to a residual credit risk with respect 
to open letters of credit by virtue of the possibility of the failure of a bank providing a letter of credit. The Company had $74 
million and $94 million of open letters of credit as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The counterparties to the Company's 
derivative financial instruments are major financial institutions.

Discontinued Operations

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company released an environmental liability associated with a component disposed of 
through sale in a prior period. The release was the result of a periodic review of the Company's estimate of future environmental 
remediation costs associated with the disposed sites, for which it bears responsibility based on contractual agreements. The release 
resulted in a gain of $1 million, net of tax of less than $1 million, which was classified within discontinued operations in the 
Consolidated Statements of Operations. Environmental liabilities related to discontinued operations were immaterial as of August 
31, 2014 and 2013.

Note 3 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, an accounting standard update was issued that clarifies the financial statement presentation of certain unrecognized 
tax benefits. The amendments require that an unrecognized tax benefit be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net 
operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except to the extent that such carryforwards and losses 
are not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that 
would result from the disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, 
and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, in which case the unrecognized tax benefit should 
be presented in the financial statements as a liability. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 
fiscal  2015.  Upon  adoption,  the  standard  will  impact  the  presentation  of  certain  unrecognized  tax  benefits  in  the  Company's 
consolidated balance sheet with no impact on its consolidated results of operations and cash flows.  

In April 2014, an accounting standard update was issued that amends the requirements for reporting discontinued operations, 
which may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity. The amendments limit discontinued operations 
reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have, or will have, a major effect on an entity's 
operations and financial results. The amendments require expanded disclosure about the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses 
of  discontinued  operations.  Further,  the  amendments  require  an  entity  to  disclose  the  pretax  profit  or  loss  of  an  individually 
significant component that is being disposed of that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The standard is effective 
for the Company and is to be applied prospectively to all disposals or classifications as held for sale of components that occur 
beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, and interim periods within that fiscal year, and all businesses that, on acquisition, are 
classified as held for sale that occur beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, and interim periods within that fiscal year. Upon 
adoption, the standard will impact how the Company assesses and reports discontinued operations.

In May 2014, an accounting standard update was issued that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. The guidance is 
applicable to all contracts with customers regardless of industry-specific or transaction-specific fact patterns. Further, the guidance 
requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty 
of revenue that is recognized. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, including 
interim periods within that fiscal year. Early application is not permitted. Upon becoming effective, the Company will apply the 
amendments in the updated standard either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or retrospectively with the 
cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is evaluating the 
impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In June 2014, an accounting standard update was issued that resolves the diverse accounting treatment for share-based payment 
awards that require a specific performance target to be achieved in order for the awards to vest. The amendments require that a 
performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance 
condition. Accordingly,  the  performance  target  should  not  be  reflected  in  estimating  the  grant-date  fair  value  of  the  award. 
Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved 
and  should  represent  the  compensation  cost  attributable  to  the  period(s)  during  which  the  requisite  service  has  already  been 
rendered. The standard is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company expects no impact 
from adopting this standard, as the Company already accounts for this type of share-based payment award in a manner consistent 
with the amendments.

62 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4 – Inventories, net

Inventories, net consisted of the following as of August 31 (in thousands):

Processed and unprocessed scrap metal

Semi-finished goods (billets)

Finished goods

Supplies

Inventories, net

2014

2013

106,877

$

132,485

12,920

59,039

37,336

10,745

56,830

35,989

216,172

$

236,049

$

$

Note 5 – Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following as of August 31 (in thousands):

Machinery and equipment
Land and improvements
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Office equipment
ERP systems
Construction in progress
Property, plant and equipment, gross
Less: accumulated depreciation
Property, plant and equipment, net

2014

2013

714,636
261,447
123,869
50,148
15,056
18,149
1,183,305
(659,872)
523,433

$

$

696,776
251,793
114,313
47,995
15,246
36,292
1,162,415
(597,989)
564,426

$

$

Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment, which includes amortization expense for assets under capital leases, was 
$75 million, $78 million and $77 million for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 6 – Business Combinations

During fiscal 2014, the Company made the following acquisition:

• 

In November 2013, the Company acquired all of the equity interests of Pick A Part, Inc., a used auto parts 
business with one store in the Olympia metropolitan area in Washington, which expanded the Auto Parts Business’ 
presence in the Pacific Northwest and is near the Metals Recycling Business’ operations in Tacoma, Washington.

During fiscal 2013, the Company made the following acquisitions:

• 

• 

• 

• 

In December 2012, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Ralph’s Auto Supply (B.C.) Ltd., a 
used auto parts business with four stores in Richmond and Surrey, British Columbia, which expanded APB’s 
presence in Western Canada and is near MRB’s operations in Surrey, British Columbia. 

In December 2012, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of U-Pick-It, Inc., a used auto parts 
business with two stores in the Kansas City metropolitan area in Missouri and Kansas, which expanded APB’s 
presence in the Midwestern U.S. 

In December 2012, the Company acquired all of the equity interests of Freetown Self Serve Used Auto Parts, 
LLC, Freetown Transfer Facility, LLC, Millis Used Auto Parts, Inc. and Millis Industries, Inc., which together 
operated a used auto parts and scrap metal recycling business with two stores in Massachusetts. This acquisition 
established a new APB presence in the Northeastern U.S. and expanded the nearby MRB operations.

In June 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Bill’s Auto Parts, Inc. and Perkins Horseshoe 
Works, Inc., which operated a used auto parts business with one store in Rhode Island. This acquisition expanded 
APB’s presence in the Northeastern U.S. and is near MRB’s operations.

The aggregate consideration paid for the fiscal 2013 acquisitions was $26 million, which was allocated to tangible and identifiable 
intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. The 
excess of the aggregate consideration paid over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired of $20 million was recorded 

63 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

as goodwill, of which $18 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. From the dates of acquisition through August 31, 
2013, the acquired operations generated aggregate revenues from sales to third parties of $11 million and operating losses of $4 
million, excluding the benefits realized from integrating the acquired businesses with existing operations located in geographic 
proximity.

During fiscal 2012, the Company made the following acquisition:

• 

In June 2012, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Rocky Mountain Salvage, Ltd., a metals 
recycler in Hinton, Alberta, which expanded MRB’s presence in Western Canada. 

The acquisitions completed in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, were not material to the Company’s financial position or 
results of operations. Pro forma operating results for the fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 acquisitions are not presented, since the 
aggregate results would not be significantly different than reported results. 

The Company paid a premium (i.e., goodwill) over the fair value of the net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired in 
the transactions described above for a number of reasons, including but not limited to the following:

• 

• 

• 

The Company will benefit from the assets and capabilities of these acquisitions, including additional resources, 
skills and industry expertise;

The acquired businesses increase the Company’s market presence in new and existing regions; and

The Company anticipates cost savings, efficiencies and synergies.

Note 7 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net

In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment testing, proceeding directly to the 
first step of the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value, including 
goodwill. As a result of this test, the Company determined that the fair value of each reporting unit for which goodwill was allocated 
was in excess of its respective carrying value and, therefore, no goodwill impairment was identified. 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, management identified the combination of the continued challenging market conditions, the 
constrained supply of raw materials, the Company’s recent financial performance and the lack of recovery of the Company’s 
market capitalization as a triggering event requiring an interim impairment test of goodwill allocated to its reporting units. The 
first step of the impairment test showed that the fair value of the MRB reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, indicating 
a potential impairment. Based on the second step of the impairment test, the Company concluded that the implied fair value of 
goodwill for the MRB reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, resulting in a partial impairment charge of MRB’s goodwill 
totaling $321 million. 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company elected to change its annual goodwill impairment testing date from February 
28 to July 1 of each year. The Company believes this new testing date is preferable because it allows the Company to better align 
the annual goodwill impairment testing procedures with the Company’s year-end financial reporting as well as its annual budgeting 
cycle  and  allows  the  Company  visibility  into  fourth  quarter  operating  results  which  are  typically  significant  to  its  annual 
performance. This change in accounting principle did not delay, accelerate or cause the Company to avoid an impairment charge.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment testing, proceeding directly to the 
first step of the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value, including 
goodwill. 

For the MRB reporting unit with goodwill of $147 million as of July 1, 2014, the calculated fair value exceeded the carrying value 
by approximately 13%. The projections used in the income approach for MRB took into consideration the challenging market 
conditions for recycled metals, including the continued constrained supply of scrap metal and level of competition in our domestic 
markets, the generally weak macroeconomic indicators in the markets in which our customers are based, and the cyclical nature 
of our industry. The projections assumed a recovery of operating margins over a multi-year period, eventually returning to levels 
of profitability in the range of average historical levels. The market-based WACC used in the income approach for MRB was 
12.87%, which included an additional Company risk premium of 1% to reflect the uncertainty in connection with the extent and 
pace of improvements in market conditions and future Company performance. The terminal growth rate used in the discounted 
cash flow model was 2% based on long-term domestic economic growth expectations. Assuming all other components of the fair 
value estimate were held constant, an increase in the WACC in excess of 1%, or weaker than anticipated improvements in either 
operating margins or volumes, could result in a failure of the Step 1 quantitative impairment test for the MRB reporting unit.

64 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the APB reporting unit with goodwill of $180 million as of July 1, 2014, the calculated fair value exceeded the carrying value 
by approximately 17%. The projections used in the income approach for APB took into consideration the impact of weak market 
conditions for ferrous and nonferrous commodities, the cost of obtaining adequate supply flows of end-of-life vehicles and the 
trends of self-serve parts sales in certain regional markets. The projections assumed a recovery of operating margins from current 
levels over a multi-year period, but to less than the peak levels of operating margin experienced in fiscal years 2010 and 2011. 
The market-based WACC used in the income approach for APB was 11.19%. The terminal growth rate used in the discounted 
cash flow model was 1%. Assuming all other components of the fair value estimate were held constant, an increase in the WACC 
in excess of 1.25% or weaker than anticipated improvements in operating margins could result in a failure of the Step 1 quantitative 
impairment test for the APB reporting unit.

The Company also used a market approach based on earnings multiple data and the Company’s market capitalization to corroborate 
the reporting units’ valuations. The Company reconciled its market capitalization to the aggregated estimated fair value of its 
reporting units, including consideration of a control premium representing the estimated amount a market participant would pay 
to  obtain  a  controlling  interest.  The  implied  control  premium  resulting  from  the  difference  between  the  Company's  market 
capitalization (based on the average trading price of our Class A common stock for the two-week period ended July 1, 2014) and 
the higher aggregated estimated fair value of its reporting units was within the historical range of average and mean premiums 
observed  on  historical  transactions  within  the  steel-making,  scrap  processing  and  metals  industries. The  Company  identified 
specific reconciling items, including market participant synergies, which supported the implied control premium as of July 1, 
2014. 

The determination of fair value of the reporting units used to perform the first step of the impairment test requires judgment and 
involves significant estimates and assumptions about the expected future cash flows and the impact of market conditions on those 
assumptions.  Due  to  the  inherent  uncertainty  associated  with  forming  these  estimates,  actual  results  could  differ  from  those 
estimates. Future events and changing market conditions may impact the Company’s assumptions as to future revenue growth 
rates, pace and extent of operating margin and volume recovery, market-based WACC and other factors that may result in changes 
in the estimates of the Company’s reporting units’ fair value. Although management believes the assumptions used in testing the 
Company’s reporting units’ goodwill for impairment are reasonable, it is possible that market and economic conditions could 
deteriorate further or not improve as expected. Additional declines or a lack of recovery of market conditions in the metals recycling 
industry from current levels, a trend of weaker than anticipated Company financial performance including the pace and extent of 
operating margin and volume recovery, a lack of recovery in the Company’s share price from current levels for a sustained period 
of time, or an increase in the market-based WACC, among other factors, could significantly impact the impairment analysis and 
may result in future goodwill impairment charges that, if incurred, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial 
condition and results of operations.

The gross changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting segment for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 were 
as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of August 31, 2012

Acquisitions

Purchase accounting adjustments

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Goodwill impairment charges

Balance as of August 31, 2013

Acquisitions

Purchase accounting adjustments

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Balance as of August 31, 2014

MRB

APB

Total

$

471,954

$

163,537

$

635,491

1,744
135
(5,620)
(321,000)
147,213

—

—
(1,105)
146,108

$

$

17,634
614
(1,734)
—

180,051

586
(51)
(791)
179,795

$

19,378
749
(7,354)
(321,000)
327,264

586
(51)
(1,896)
325,903

Accumulated goodwill impairment charges were $321 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013.

65 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents the Company’s intangible assets as of August 31 (in thousands):

2014

2013

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Covenants not to compete

Supply contracts
Other intangible assets subject to amortization(1)
Indefinite-lived intangibles(2)
Total

$

$

18,747

$

2,264

3,263

1,173

25,447

$

(11,768) $
(2,109)
(1,735)
—
(15,612) $

20,183

$

2,264

3,783

1,173

27,403

$

(10,796)
(1,725)
(1,618)
—
(14,139)

_____________________________

(1)  Other intangible assets subject to amortization include trade names, marketing agreements, employment agreements, leasehold interests, permits and licenses 

and real property options.

(2) 

Indefinite-lived intangibles include trade names, permits and licenses and real property options.

Total intangible asset amortization expense was $4 million for the year ended August 31, 2014 and $5 million for the years ended 
August 31, 2013 and 2012.

The estimated amortization expense, based on current intangible asset balances, during the next five fiscal years and thereafter is 
as follows (in thousands):

Years Ending August 31,
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
     Total

Note 8 – Short-Term Borrowings

Estimated
Amortization
Expense

$

$

2,666
1,580
778
458
307
2,872
8,661

The Company has an unsecured, uncommitted $25 million credit line with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that expires on March 1, 2015.  
The Company had no borrowings outstanding under this credit line as of August 31, 2014, and $9 million in borrowings outstanding 
as of August 31, 2013. Interest rates are set by the bank at the time of borrowing. The interest rate on amounts outstanding under 
this credit line was 2.1% as of August 31, 2013. The credit agreement contains various representations and warranties, events of 
default and financial and other covenants, including covenants regarding maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio 
and a maximum leverage ratio. 

Note 9 – Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of August 31 (in thousands):

66 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Bank unsecured revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a spread

$

305,000

$

359,971

2014

2013

Tax-exempt economic development revenue bonds due January 2021, interest payable
monthly at a variable rate (0.1% as of August 31, 2014), secured by a letter of credit

Capital lease obligations due through April 2031
Other debt obligations

Total long-term debt

Less current maturities

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

7,700

5,655

1,010
319,365

(523)
318,842

$

$

7,700

5,666

—

373,337
(674)
372,663

The Company’s unsecured committed bank credit facility, which provides for revolving loans of $670 million and C$30 million, 
matures in April 2017 pursuant to a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, and other lenders party 
thereto. Interest rates on outstanding indebtedness under the agreement are based, at the Company’s option, on either the London 
Interbank Offered Rate (or the Canadian equivalent) plus a spread of between 1.25% and 2.25%, with the amount of the spread 
based on a pricing grid tied to the Company’s leverage ratio, or the greater of the prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or 
the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate plus 1.75%. In addition, annual commitment fees are payable on the unused portion 
of the credit facility at rates between 0.15% and 0.35% based on a pricing grid tied to the Company’s leverage ratio. The Company 
had borrowings outstanding under the credit facility of $305 million and $360 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 
The weighted average interest rate on amounts outstanding under this facility was 1.91% and 1.98% as of August 31, 2014 and 
2013, respectively. The credit agreement contains various representations and warranties, events of default and financial and other 
covenants, including covenants regarding maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. 

Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations during the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows 
(in thousands):

Years Ending August 31,
2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

Total

Amounts representing interest and executory costs

Total less interest

Long-Term
Debt

Capital
Lease
Obligations

Total

$

$

40

84

305,089

95

100

8,302

313,710

—

$

313,710

$

1,310

$

1,180

1,181

1,181

1,202

6,330

12,384
(6,729)
5,655

$

1,350

1,264

306,270

1,276

1,302

14,632

326,094
(6,729)
319,365

The  Company  maintains  stand-by  letters  of  credit  to  provide  for  certain  obligations  including  workers’  compensation  and 
performance bonds. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $16 million and $18 million outstanding under these 
arrangements.

Note 10  - Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of August 31, 2014 
and 2013, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company and the type of measurement. 

67 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands)

Assets (Liabilities) at Fair Value

August 31, 2014

August 31, 2013

Fair Value
Measurement
Level

Type of
Measurement

Balance Sheet Classification

Assets:

Assets held for sale

Investment in joint venture
partnership

Foreign currency exchange
forward contracts

Total assets

Liabilities:

Contract termination costs

Foreign currency exchange
forward contracts

Total liabilities

$

$

$

$

— $

2,902

Level 3

Non-recurring

—

202

202

$

3,261

Level 3

Non-recurring

—

6,163

Level 2

Recurring

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets

Investments in joint venture
partnerships

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets

— $

(1,672)

Level 3

Non-recurring

Other accrued liabilities and
Other long-term liabilities

(46)

—

Level 2

Recurring

Other accrued liabilities

(46) $

(1,672)

Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The Company leases a portion of its capital equipment and certain of its facilities under leases that expire at various dates through 
fiscal 2047. Rent expense was $27 million for fiscal 2014, and $28 million for fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. 

The table below sets forth the Company’s future minimum obligations under non-cancelable operating leases as of August 31, 
2014 (in thousands):

Years ending August 31,
2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

Total

Contingencies – Environmental

$

Operating
Leases

22,065

17,586

15,235

12,051

9,220

35,371

$

111,528

Changes in the Company’s environmental liabilities for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

Reporting
Segment

MRB

APB

Corporate

Liabilities 
Established
(Released),
Net(1)

Balance
8/31/2012

Payments
and
Other

Ending
Balance 
8/31/2013

Liabilities 
Established
(Released),
Net(1)

Payments
and
Other

Ending
Balance 
8/31/2014

Short-
Term

Long-
Term

$

30,859

$

(69) $

(270) $

30,520

$

199

$

(580) $

30,139

$

—

—

18,774

500

(847)

—

(105)

(112)

17,822

388

421

554

87

$ 29,718

17,268

301

16,200
—
47,059

$

2,574
500
3,005

Total

$

$

(270) $

49,794

$

(648) $

(797) $

48,349

$

1,062

$ 47,287

_____________________________

(1)  During fiscal 2013, the Company recorded $3 million in purchase accounting for environmental liabilities related to properties acquired or leased in connection 

with business combinations. Amounts recorded in purchase accounting in fiscal 2014 were immaterial.

68 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Metals Recycling Business

As of August 31, 2014, MRB had environmental liabilities of $30 million for the potential remediation of locations where it has 
conducted business or has environmental liabilities from historical or recent activities.

Portland Harbor

In  December  2000,  the  Company  was  notified  by  the  United  States  Environmental  Protection Agency  (“EPA”)  under  the 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) that it is one of the potentially responsible 
parties (“PRPs”) that own or operate or formerly owned or operated sites which are part of or adjacent to the Portland Harbor 
Superfund site (the “Site”). The precise nature and extent of any cleanup of the Site, the parties to be involved, the process to be 
followed for any cleanup and the allocation of the costs for any cleanup among responsible parties have not yet been determined, 
but the process of identifying additional PRPs and beginning allocation of costs is underway. It is unclear to what extent the 
Company will be liable for environmental costs or natural resource damage claims or third party contribution or damage claims 
with respect to the Site. While the Company participated in certain preliminary Site study efforts, it is not party to the consent 
order entered into by the EPA with certain other PRPs, referred to as the “Lower Willamette Group” (“LWG”), for a remedial 
investigation/feasibility study (“RI/FS”).

During fiscal 2007, the Company and certain other parties agreed to an interim settlement with the LWG under which the Company 
made a cash contribution to the LWG RI/FS. The Company has also joined with more than 80 other PRPs, including the LWG, 
in a voluntary process to establish an allocation of costs at the Site. These parties have selected an allocation team and have entered 
into an allocation process design agreement. The LWG has also commenced federal court litigation, which has been stayed, seeking 
to bring additional parties into the allocation process.

In January 2008, the Natural Resource Damages Trustee Council (“Trustees”) for Portland Harbor invited the Company and other 
PRPs to participate in funding and implementing the Natural Resource Injury Assessment for the Site. Following meetings among 
the Trustees and the PRPs, a funding and participation agreement was negotiated under which the participating PRPs agreed to 
fund the first phase of the natural resource damage assessment. The Company joined in that Phase I agreement and paid a portion 
of those costs. The Company did not participate in funding the second phase of the natural resource damage assessment.

On March 30, 2012, the LWG submitted to the EPA and made available on its website a draft feasibility study (“draft FS”) for the 
Site based on approximately ten years of work and $100 million in costs classified by the LWG as investigation related. The draft 
FS identifies ten possible remedial alternatives which range in estimated cost from approximately $170 million to $250 million 
(net present value) for the least costly alternative to approximately $1.08 billion to $1.76 billion (net present value) for the most 
costly and estimates a range of two to 28 years to implement the remedial work, depending on the selected alternative. The draft 
FS does not determine who is responsible for remediation costs, define the precise cleanup boundaries or select remedies. The 
draft FS is being revised by the EPA and the revisions may be significant and could materially impact the scope or cost of remediation. 
While the draft FS is an important step in the EPA’s development of a proposed plan for addressing the Site, a final decision on 
the nature and extent of the required remediation will occur only after the EPA has prepared a proposed plan for public review 
and issued a record of decision (“ROD”). Currently available information indicates that the EPA does not expect to issue its final 
ROD  selecting  a  remedy  for  the  Site  until  at  least  2017  or  commence  remediation  activities  until  2024.  Responsibility  for 
implementing and funding EPA’s selected remedy will be determined in a separate allocation process, which is currently underway.

Because there has not been a determination of the total cost of the investigations, the remediation that will be required, the amount 
of natural resource damages or how the costs of the ongoing investigations and any remedy and natural resource damages will be 
allocated among the PRPs, the Company believes it is not possible to reasonably estimate the amount or range of costs which it 
is likely or reasonably possible that the Company may incur in connection with the Site, although such costs could be material to 
the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. Among the facts currently not known or available 
are detailed information on the history of ownership of and the nature of the uses of and activities and operations performed on 
each property within the Site, which are factors that will play a substantial role in determining the allocation of investigation and 
remedy costs among the PRPs. The Company has insurance policies that it believes will provide reimbursement for costs it incurs 
for defense and remediation in connection with the Site, although there is no assurance that those policies will cover all of the 
costs which the Company may incur. The Company previously recorded a liability for its estimated share of the costs of the 
investigation of $1 million.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is separately providing oversight of voluntary investigations by the Company 
involving the Company’s sites adjacent to the Portland Harbor which are focused on controlling any current “uplands” releases 
of contaminants into the Willamette River. No liabilities have been established in connection with these investigations because 
the extent of contamination (if any) and the Company’s responsibility for the contamination (if any) has not yet been determined.

69 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Other MRB Sites

As of August 31, 2014, the Company had environmental liabilities related to various MRB sites other than Portland Harbor of 
$29 million. The liabilities relate to the potential future remediation of soil contamination, groundwater contamination and storm 
water runoff issues and were not individually material at any site.

Auto Parts Business 

As of August 31, 2014, the Company had environmental liabilities related to various APB sites of $18 million. The liabilities relate 
to the potential future remediation of soil contamination, groundwater contamination and storm water runoff issues and were not 
individually material at any site.

Steel Manufacturing Business 

SMB’s electric arc furnace generates dust (“EAF dust”) that is classified as hazardous waste by the EPA because of its zinc and 
lead content. As a result, the Company captures the EAF dust and ships it in specialized rail cars to a firm that applies a treatment 
that allows the EAF dust to be delisted as hazardous waste so it can be disposed of as a non-hazardous solid waste.

SMB has an operating permit issued under Title V of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which governs certain air quality 
standards. The permit is based upon an annual production capacity of 950 thousand tons. The permit was first issued in 1998 and 
has since been renewed through February 1, 2018.

SMB had no environmental liabilities as of August 31, 2014.

Other than the Portland Harbor Superfund site, which is discussed above, management currently believes that adequate provision 
has been made for the potential impact of these issues and that the ultimate outcomes will not have a material adverse effect on 
the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as a whole. Historically, the amounts the Company has ultimately paid for 
such remediation activities have not been material in any given period.

In addition, the Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that 
adequate  provisions  have  been  made  for  these  contingencies.  The  Company  does  not  anticipate  that  the  resolution  of  legal 
proceedings arising in the normal course of business will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial 
condition, or cash flows.

Note 12 - Restructuring Charges and Other Exit-Related Costs

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company undertook a number of restructuring initiatives designed to extract greater 
synergies from the significant acquisitions and technology investments made in recent years, achieve further integration between 
MRB  and APB,  and  realign  the  Company’s  organization  to  support  its  future  growth  and  decrease  operating  expenses  by 
streamlining functions and reducing organizational layers (the “Q4'12 Plan”).

In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company announced and began implementing additional restructuring initiatives to further 
reduce its annual operating expenses through headcount reductions, productivity improvements, procurement savings and other 
operational efficiencies (the “Q1'14 Plan”). The Company expects to incur restructuring charges of $6 million in connection with 
these initiatives, with substantially all of the charges incurred by the end of fiscal 2014. 

The Company incurred restructuring charges associated with the Q4'12 Plan and Q1'14 Plan of $6 million, $8 million and $5 
million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The remaining charges are expected to be incurred by the end of fiscal 2017. 
The vast majority of the restructuring charges require the Company to make cash payments. 

In addition to the restructuring charges recorded in connection with these initiatives, the Company incurred other exit-related costs 
of  $1 million, consisting of asset impairments related to site closures.

70 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs were comprised of the following (in thousands):

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year Ended August 31,

2014

Q1’14
Plan

Q4’12
Plan

Total
Charges

Q4’12
Plan

2013

Q1’14
Plan

Total
Charges

Q4’12
Plan

2012

Q1’14
Plan

Total
Charges

Restructuring charges:

Severance costs

Contract termination costs

Other restructuring costs

Total restructuring charges

Other exit-related costs:

Asset impairments

Total exit-related costs
Total restructuring charges and exit-

related costs

$ (44) $4,651

$ 4,607

$2,443

$ — $ 2,443

$2,741

$ — $ 2,741

675

—

631

—

—

709

410

5,770

566

566

1,384

410

6,401

566

566

3,229

2,234

7,906

— 3,229

— 2,234

— 7,906

440

1,831

5,012

—

440

— 1,831

— 5,012

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$ 631

$6,336

$ 6,967

$7,906

$ — $ 7,906

$5,012

$ — $ 5,012

Total restructuring charges to date

Total expected restructuring charges

Total Charges

Q4’12 Plan

Q1’14 Plan

Total

$

$

13,549

13,600

$

$

5,770

6,150

$

$

19,319

19,750

The following illustrates the reconciliation of the restructuring liability by major type of costs for the years ended August 31, 2014 
and 2013 (in thousands):

Q4’12 Plan

Balance
8/31/2012

Charges

Payments
and Other

Balance
8/31/2013

Charges

Payments
and Other

Balance
8/31/2014

Severance costs
Contract termination costs
Other restructuring costs

Total

$

$

2,477

$

2,443

$

(4,642) $

278

$

(44) $

(234) $

414

64

3,229

2,234

(616)

(2,298)

3,027

—

675

—

(2,713)

—

2,955

$

7,906

$

(7,556) $

3,305

$

631

$

(2,947) $

—

989

—

989

Severance costs
Contract termination costs
Other restructuring costs

Total

Severance costs

Contract termination costs

Other restructuring costs

Total

Q1’14 Plan

Balance
8/31/2013

Charges

Payments
and Other

Balance
8/31/2014

$

$

— $

4,651

$

(3,982) $

—

—

709

410

(209)

(410)

669

500

—

— $

5,770

$

(4,601) $

1,169

Total Charges to Date

Total Expected Charges

$

$

9,791

$

5,053

4,475

19,319

$

9,800

5,400

4,550

19,750

71 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs by reporting segment were as follows (in thousands):

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Restructuring charges:

Metals Recycling Business

Auto Parts Business

Unallocated (Corporate)

Total restructuring charges

Other exit-related costs:

Metals Recycling Business

Total exit-related costs

Fiscal 2012
Charges

Fiscal 2013
Charges

Fiscal 2014
Charges

Total
Charges to
Date

Total
Expected
Charges

$

1,660

$

2,748

$

233

3,119

5,012

—

—

239

4,919

7,906

—

—

9,050

1,550

9,150

19,750

4,271

1,057

1,073

6,401

566

566

$

8,679

$

1,529

9,111

19,319

566

566

Total restructuring charges and other exit-related

costs

$

5,012

$

7,906

$

6,967

$

19,885

The  Company  does  not  allocate  restructuring  charges  and  other  exit-related  costs  to  the  segments'  operating  results  because 
management does not include this information in its measurement of the performance of the operating segments.

Note 13 - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

In March 2011, the Company, through a wholly-owned acquisition subsidiary, acquired substantially all of the metals recycling 
assets of a Canadian business. As part of the purchase consideration, the Company issued the seller common shares equal to 20% 
of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company’s acquisition subsidiary. Under the terms of an agreement related to 
the acquisition, the noncontrolling interest holder had the right to require the Company to purchase its interest in the Company’s 
acquisition subsidiary for fair value upon the occurrence of certain triggering events.

On March 8, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with the noncontrolling interest holder for the purchase of all of the 
outstanding noncontrolling interest in the Company’s subsidiary for $25 million. In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company 
adjusted the redeemable noncontrolling interest to its fair value corresponding to the purchase price of $25 million. Prior to its 
purchase, the noncontrolling interest was presented at its adjusted carry value, which approximated its fair value. The Company 
determined fair value using Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy using an income approach based on a discounted cash 
flow analysis.

Following is a reconciliation of the changes in the redeemable noncontrolling interest for the year ended August 31, 2013 (in 
thousands):

Balance - August 31, 2012

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Currency translation adjustment

Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holder

Adjustment to fair value

Purchase

Balance - August 31, 2013

2013

22,248
(903)
(1,030)
1,970

2,449
(24,734)
—

$

$

72 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows as of August 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

Balance as of August 31, 2013

$

(6,423) $

(2,817) $

(121) $

(9,361)

Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments

Pension
Obligations, net

Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Cash Flow
Hedges

Total

Other comprehensive income (loss) before

reclassifications

Income tax benefit (expense)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before

reclassifications, net of tax

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other

comprehensive loss

Income tax (benefit) expense
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other

comprehensive loss, net of tax

Net periodic other comprehensive income (loss)

Balance as of August 31, 2014

$

Note 15 – Derivative Financial Instruments 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Management 

(4,240)
—

(4,240)

—

—

—
(4,240)
(10,663) $

(234)
74

(160)

1,483
(542)

941

781
(2,036) $

325
(81)

244

(151)
86

(65)
179

58

$

(4,149)
(7)

(4,156)

1,332
(456)

876
(3,280)
(12,641)

To manage exposure to foreign exchange rate risk, the Company may enter into foreign currency forward contracts to stabilize 
the U.S. dollar amount of the transaction at settlement. When such contracts are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting 
purposes,  the  realized  and  unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  settled  and  unsettled  forward  contracts  measured  at  fair  value  are 
recognized as other income or expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In fiscal 2014, the Company entered into a series of foreign currency exchange forward contracts to sell U.S. dollars in order to 
hedge a portion of its exposure to fluctuating rates of exchange on anticipated U.S. dollar-denominated sales by its Canadian 
subsidiary with a functional currency of the Canadian dollar. The Company utilized intercompany foreign currency derivatives 
and offsetting derivatives with external counterparties in order to designate the intercompany derivatives as hedging instruments. 
Once the U.S. dollar-denominated sales have been recognized and the corresponding receivables collected, the Company utilized 
foreign currency exchange forward contracts to sell Canadian dollars, achieving a result similar to net settling the contracts to sell 
U.S. dollars. The foreign currency exchange forward contracts to sell Canadian dollars are not designated as hedging instruments.

As of August 31, 2014, the Company had foreign currency exchange forward contracts with external counterparties to buy Canadian 
dollars for a total notional amount of $22 million, which have various settlement dates through December 31, 2014, and foreign 
currency exchange forward contracts with external counterparties to sell Canadian dollars for a total notional amount of $6 million, 
all of which have a settlement date of September 30, 2014. The contracts with external counterparties are reported at fair value in 
the Consolidated Balance Sheets measured using quoted foreign currency exchange rates. See Note 10 - Fair Value Measurements 
for further detail.

The fair value of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts Prepaid expenses and other

current assets

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts

Other accrued liabilities

$

$

$
202
(46) $

—

—

Balance Sheet Location

August 31, 2014

August 31, 2013

Asset (Liability) Derivatives

Fair Value

73 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents    

        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following tables summarizes the results of foreign currency exchange derivatives for the year ended August 31, 2014 (in 
thousands):

Derivative Gain (Loss) Recognized in

Fiscal 2014

Other
Comprehen
sive Income

Revenues -
Effective
Portion

Other
Income
(Expense),
net

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts - designated as cash flow hedges

$

325

$

249

$

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts - not designated as cash flow hedges

—

—

112
(12)

The Company did not have any material derivatives activity for the years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012.

The Company entered into forward contracts to mitigate exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on Euro-denominated fixed asset 
purchases, which were designated as qualifying cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. These foreign currency forward contracts 
are measured using forward exchange rates based on observable exchange rates quoted in an active market and are classified as 
Level 2 fair value measurements under the fair value hierarchy. In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company determined that 
certain forecasted transactions were no longer probable, de-designated these contracts as hedges and subsequently terminated the 
contracts. The nominal amount and fair value of these contracts, the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive 
loss and the realized losses recorded in other income, net were not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 Note 16 – Employee Benefits

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have qualified and nonqualified retirement plans covering substantially all employees. 
These plans include a defined benefit pension plan, a supplemental executive retirement benefit plan (“SERBP”), multiemployer 
pension plans and defined contribution plans.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefit Plan

The Company maintains a qualified defined benefit pension plan for certain nonunion employees. Effective June 30, 2006, the 
Company froze this plan and ceased accruing further benefits. The Company reflects the funded status of the defined benefit 
pension  plan  as  a  net  asset  or  liability  in  its  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  Changes  in  its  funded  status  are  recognized  in 
comprehensive income (loss). Net periodic pension benefit cost was not material for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 
2012. The fair value of the plan assets was $18 million and $17 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and the 
projected benefit obligation was $14 million and $15 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The plan was fully 
funded with the plan assets exceeding the projected benefit obligation by $4 million and $3 million as of August 31, 2014 and 
2013, respectively. Plan assets were comprised entirely of Level 1 investments as of August 31, 2014 and 2013. Level 1 investments 
are valued based on quoted market prices of identical securities in the principal market. No contributions are expected to be made 
to the defined benefit pension plan in the future; however, changes in the discount rate or actual investment returns that are lower 
than the long-term expected return on plan assets could result in the need for the Company to make additional contributions. The 
assumed discount rate used to calculate the projected benefit obligations was 4.05% and 4.73% as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively. The Company estimates future annual benefit payments to be between $1 million and $3 million per year.

The Company also has a nonqualified SERBP for certain executives. A restricted trust fund has been established with assets 
invested in life insurance policies that can be used for plan benefits, although the fund is subject to claims of the Company’s 
general creditors. The trust fund is included in other assets and the pension liability is included in other long-term liabilities in the 
Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The trust fund is valued at $3 million and $2 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively. The trust fund assets’ gains and losses are included in other income, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations. The benefit obligation and the unfunded amount were $4 million and $3 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively. Net periodic pension cost under the SERBP was not material for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Because the defined benefit pension plan and the SERBP are not material to the Consolidated Financial Statements, other disclosures 
required by U.S. GAAP have been omitted.

Multiemployer Pension Plans

The  Company  contributes  to  13  multiemployer  pension  plans  in  accordance  with  its  collective  bargaining  agreements. 
Multiemployer pension plans are defined benefit plans sponsored by multiple employers in accordance with one or more collective 
bargaining agreements. The plans are jointly managed by trustees that include representatives from both management and labor 

74 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

unions. Contributions to the plans are made based upon a fixed rate per hour worked and are agreed to by contributing employers 
and the unions in collective bargaining. Benefit levels are set by a joint board of trustees based on the advice of an independent 
actuary regarding the level of benefits that agreed-upon contributions can be expected to support. To the extent that the pension 
obligation of other participating employers is unfunded, the Company may be required to make additional contributions in the 
future to fund these obligations. 

One of the multiemployer plans that the Company contributes to is the Steelworkers Western Independent Shops Pension Plan 
(“WISPP”, EIN 90-0169564, Plan No. 001) benefiting the union employees of SMB, which are covered by a collective bargaining 
agreement that will expire on March 31, 2016. As of October 1, 2012, the WISPP had an accumulated funding deficiency (i.e., a 
failure to satisfy the minimum funding requirements) and was certified in a Red Zone Status, as defined by the Pension Protection 
Act of 2006. As of October 1, 2013, the WISPP was no longer in Red Zone Status, having been certified by the plan’s actuaries 
as being in the Green Zone. The Company contributed $3 million to the WISPP for each of the years ended August 31, 2014 and 
2013, and $2 million for the year ended August 31, 2012. These contributions represented more than 5% of total contributions to 
the WISPP for each year. 

In 2004, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) approved a seven-year extension of the period over which the WISPP may amortize 
unfunded liabilities, conditioned upon maintenance of certain minimum funding levels. Based on the actuarial valuation for the 
WISPP as of October 1, 2013, the funded percentage (based on the ratio of the market value of assets to the accumulated benefits 
liability (present value of accrued benefits) using the valuation method prescribed by the IRS) was 76.6%, which is below the 
targeted funding ratio specified in the agreement with the IRS. In 2014, the WISPP obtained relief from the specified funding 
requirements from the IRS, without which the IRS could have revoked the amortization extension retroactively to the 2002 plan 
year resulting in a material liability for the Company’s share of the resulting funding deficiency. 

Company contributions to all of the multiemployer plans were $4 million for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Defined Contribution Plans

The  Company  has  several  defined  contribution  plans  covering  certain  employees.  Company  contributions  to  the  defined 
contribution plans totaled $2 million for each of the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 and $3 million for the year ended 
August 31, 2012. 

Note 17 – Share-Based Compensation

The Company’s 1993 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, (“the Plan”) was established for its employees, consultants and directors. 
There are 12.2 million shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under the Plan, of which 5.6 million are available 
for future grants as of August 31, 2014. Share-based compensation expense was $15 million, $11 million and $9 million for the 
years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Tax benefits used for option exercises and vesting of restricted stock 
units were not material for all periods presented. 

Restricted Stock Units

The Plan provides for the issuance of RSUs. The estimated fair value of the RSUs is based on the market closing price of the 
underlying Class A common stock on the date of grant. The compensation expense associated with RSUs is recognized over the 
respective requisite service period of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures.

During the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Compensation Committee granted 219,504 RSUs, 217,001 RSUs 
and 146,481 RSUs, respectively, to its key employees, officers and employee directors under the Plan. The RSUs have a five-year 
term and vest 20% per year commencing October 31 or June 1 of the year after grant, except for an immaterial number of awards 
granted with different terms. The estimated fair value of the RSUs granted during the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
was $7 million, $7 million and $6 million, respectively.

75 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock unit activity is as follows:

Outstanding as of August 31, 2011
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Outstanding as of August 31, 2012
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Outstanding as of August 31, 2013
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Outstanding as of August 31, 2014

_____________________________

Weighted
Number of
Average Grant
Shares
Date Fair Value
(in thousands)
54.06
$
348
42.63
$
146
(148) $
52.93
(43) $
51.47
49.46
$
303
30.36
$
217
(174) $
46.04
(35) $
40.02
39.11
$
311
30.55
220
$
(93) $
42.13
(49) $
35.73
33.97
$
389

$

$

$

Fair Value(1)

28.43

24.69

25.01

(1)  Amounts represent the value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date that the restricted stock units vested.

The Company recognized compensation expense associated with RSUs of $6 million, $6 million and $7 million for the years 
ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of August 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation costs related to 
unvested RSUs amounted to $7 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years. 

Performance Share Awards

The Plan authorizes performance-based awards to certain employees subject to certain conditions and restrictions. A participant 
generally must be employed by the Company on October 31 following the end of the performance period to receive an award 
payout,  although  adjusted  awards  will  be  paid  if  employment  terminates  earlier  on  account  of  death,  disability,  retirement, 
termination without cause after the first year of the performance period or a sale of the Company or the reporting segments for 
which the participant works. Awards will be paid in Class A common stock as soon as practicable after October 31 following the 
end of the performance period.

The Company accrues compensation cost for performance share awards based on the probable outcome of specified performance 
conditions, net of estimated forfeitures. The Company accrues compensation cost if it is probable that the performance conditions 
will be achieved. The Company reassesses whether achievement of the performance conditions are probable at each reporting 
date. If it is probable that the actual performance results will exceed the stated target performance conditions, the Company accrues 
additional compensation cost for the additional performance shares to be awarded. If, upon reassessment, it is no longer probable 
that the actual performance results will exceed the stated target performance conditions, or that it is no longer probable that the 
target performance condition will be achieved, the Company reverses any recognized compensation cost for shares no longer 
probable of being issued. If the performance conditions are not achieved at the end of the service period, all related compensation 
cost previously recognized is reversed. 

Fiscal 2013 – 2014 Performance Share Awards

The  Compensation  Committee  approved  performance-based  awards  under  the  Plan  with  a  grant  date  of  July 24,  2012.  The 
Compensation Committee established performance targets based on the Company’s EBITDA (weighted at 50%) and return on 
equity (weighted at 50%) for the two years of the performance period, with award payouts ranging from a threshold of 50% to a 
maximum of 200% for each portion of the awards. 

Fiscal 2014 – 2015 (August) Performance Share Awards

The Compensation Committee approved performance-based awards under the Plan with a grant date of August 13, 2013. The 
Compensation Committee established performance targets based on the Company’s EBITDA (weighted at 50%) and return on 
equity (weighted at 50%) for the two years of the performance period, with award payouts ranging from a threshold of 50% to a 
maximum of 200% for each portion of the awards. 

76 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Fiscal 2014 – 2015 (November) Performance Share Awards

The Compensation Committee approved performance-based awards under the Plan with a grant date of November 21, 2013. The 
Compensation Committee established performance targets based on divisional volume metrics (weighted at 50%) and divisional 
operating income metrics (weighted at 50%) for the two years of the performance period, with award payouts ranging from a 
threshold of 50% to a maximum of 200% for each portion of the awards.

A summary of the Company’s performance-based awards activity is as follows:

Outstanding as of August 31, 2011

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding as of August 31, 2012

Granted

Vested
Forfeited

Outstanding as of August 31, 2013

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding as of August 31, 2014

_____________________________

Number of
Shares
(in thousands)

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value

Fair Value(1)

285

$

278
$
(54) $
(63) $
$
446

267
$
(98) $
(42) $
$
573

220
$
(62) $
(108) $
$
623

47.48

25.98

25.42

$

43.90

36.53

38.33

28.48

47.10
35.21

32.47

30.55

$

28.51

55.43

$

28.87

41.48

27.93

(1)  Amounts represent the weighted average value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date that the performance share awards vested.

Compensation expense associated with performance-based awards was calculated using management’s current estimate of the 
expected level of achievement of the performance targets under the Plan. Compensation expense for anticipated awards based on 
the Company’s financial performance was $6 million, $3 million and $1 million for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 
2012, respectively. As of August 31, 2014, unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested performance shares amounted 
to $6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.9 years.

Deferred Stock Units

The Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (“DSU Plan”) provides for the issuance of DSUs to non-employee 
directors to be granted under the Plan. One DSU gives the director the right to receive one share of Class A common stock at a 
future date. Immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders, each non-employee director will receive DSUs which will 
become fully vested on the day before the next annual meeting, subject to continued service on the Board. The compensation 
expense associated with the DSUs granted is recognized over the respective requisite service period of the awards. 

The Company will issue Class A common stock to a director pursuant to vested DSUs in a lump sum in January of the first year 
after the director ceases to be a director of the Company, subject to the right of the director to elect an installment payment program 
under the DSU Plan. 

DSUs granted during the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were for a total of 30,848 shares, 29,167 shares and 18,202 
shares, respectively. The compensation expense associated with DSUs and the total value of shares vested during each of the years 
ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, as well as the unrecognized compensation expense as of August 31, 2014, were not 
material. 

Stock Options

Under the Plan, stock options are granted to employees at exercise prices that are set at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. 
The fair value of each option grant under the Plan is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, 
which utilizes assumptions related to volatility, the risk-free interest rate, the dividend yield and employee exercise behavior. 
Expected volatilities utilized in the model are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The risk-free interest 

77 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected term of the options is based on an 
analysis of expected post-vesting exercise behavior including historical exercise patterns when available.

The stock options granted during the year ended August 31, 2012 vest on the two-year anniversary of the grant date and have a 
contractual term of five years with an exercise price set at a 20% premium compared to the Company’s stock price on the date of 
grant. The estimated fair value of the granted options was $3 million, which was determined using the Black-Scholes Option 
Pricing Model with the following assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate

Expected dividend yield

Expected term (in years)

Expected volatility

Fair value of option

No options were granted in fiscal 2014 and 2013. 

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information is as follows:

2012

0.48%

2.59%

3.75

58.15%

9.29

$

Outstanding as of August 31, 2011

Granted

Exercised

Canceled

Outstanding as of August 31, 2012

Granted

Exercised

Canceled

Outstanding as of August 31, 2013

Granted

Exercised

Canceled

Outstanding as of August 31, 2014

_____________________________

Options
(in thousands)

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

319

$

323
$
(25) $
(5) $
$

612

— $
(15) $
(42) $
$
555

— $
(9) $
(20) $
$
526

28.50

34.75

24.03

34.59

31.94

—

20.48

34.39

32.07

—

25.56

30.55

32.25

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
3.9

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
(1)

$

5,430

3.9

$

459

3.1

$

47

2.2

$

335

(1)  Amounts represent the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of the Company’s stock on the last trading day of the corresponding fiscal 

year, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options.

All outstanding stock options were vested as of August 31, 2014. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised, which 
was immaterial for the year ended August 31, 2014 and less than $1 million for the years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, 
represents the difference between the exercise price and the value of the Company’s stock at the time of exercise. 307,855 stock 
options vested in the year ended August 31, 2014, and no stock options vested in the years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012. 
Compensation expense associated with stock options, the total proceeds received from option exercises and the tax benefits realized 
from options exercised were not material during each of the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. As of August 31, 2014 
there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options.

78 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents    

        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 18 – Income Taxes

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes was as follows for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):

United States

Foreign

Total

2014

2013

2012

$

$

10,796
(61)
10,735

$

$

(196,289) $
(141,160)
(337,449) $

54,304
(11,348)
42,956

Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations consisted of the following for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):

Current:

Federal

State

Foreign

Total current tax expense (benefit)

Deferred:

Federal

State

Foreign

Total deferred tax expense (benefit)

Total income tax expense (benefit)

2014

2013

2012

$

$

$

$

5,927

$

229

177

$

556

356

764

6,333

$

1,676

$

(4,911) $
880
(301)
(4,332)
2,001

$

(58,194) $
(264)
(644)
(59,102)
(57,426) $

5,267

453
(2)
5,718

13,166
(2,748)
(2,097)
8,321

14,039

A reconciliation of the difference between the federal statutory rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended August 
31 is as follows:

2014

2013

2012

Federal statutory rate

State taxes, net of credits

Foreign income taxed at different rates

Section 199 deduction

Non-deductible officers’ compensation

Noncontrolling interests

Research and development credits

Fixed asset tax basis adjustment

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

Unrecognized tax benefits
Non-deductible goodwill

Foreign interest income

Other

Effective tax rate

35.0%
(7.1)
(8.1)
(6.9)
2.7
(12.1)
(1.0)
(21.3)
21.8

18.0

—

—
(2.4)
18.6%

35.0%

1.2
(3.5)
0.5
(0.1)
0.2

0.2

—
(8.6)
—
(7.1)
—
(0.8)
17.0%

35.0%
(5.7)
4.2
(0.3)
1.5
(2.2)
(2.0)
—

—

—

—

0.7

1.5

32.7%

In fiscal 2014, the effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%. The effective tax rate benefited from a 
fixed asset tax basis study performed during fiscal 2014 which resulted in the recognition of a tax benefit of $2 million, as well 
as the aggregate impact of excluding income associated with noncontrolling interests, foreign income taxed at different rates, and 
certain deductions and credits. Other significant items impacting the effective tax rate included the recognition of a valuation 
allowance against certain foreign and state deferred tax assets and the recognition of a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of 
$2 million. The valuation allowance on deferred tax assets of certain foreign and state tax jurisdictions increased by $2 million 
compared to the prior year and was recognized as a result of negative evidence, including recent losses in certain foreign and state 

79 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

jurisdictions, outweighing the more subjective positive evidence, indicating that it is more likely than not that the associated tax 
benefit will not be realized. 

In fiscal 2013, the effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the recognition of a 
valuation allowance of $29 million on deferred tax assets mainly related to a foreign subsidiary, the impact of the non-deductible 
portion of the goodwill impairment charge and the impact of the foreign tax rate differential on operating losses recorded by our 
foreign subsidiaries. The deferred tax assets at the foreign subsidiary for which a valuation allowance was recorded were related  
primarily to deductible temporary differences created in fiscal 2013 by the impairment charge of goodwill and by net operating 
losses at the subsidiary. The valuation allowance was recognized as a result of negative evidence, including recent losses at the 
subsidiary, outweighing the more subjective positive evidence, indicating that it is more likely than not that the associated tax 
benefit will not be realized. 

In fiscal 2012 the effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state tax benefits and 
research and development credits, partially offset by the adverse impact of foreign subsidiaries’ results taxed at different tax rates. 

Realization of the foreign subsidiaries’ deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company generating sufficient taxable income 
in these tax jurisdictions in future years to benefit from the reversal of net deductible temporary differences and from the utilization 
of net operating losses. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of its deferred 
tax assets, net of valuation allowances, as of August 31, 2014.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities were comprised of the following as of August 31 (in thousands):

Deferred tax assets:

Environmental liabilities

Employee benefit accruals

State income tax and other

Net operating loss carryforwards

State credit carryforwards

Inventory valuation methods

Amortizable goodwill and other intangibles

Valuation allowances

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Accelerated depreciation and other basis differences

Prepaid expense acceleration

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Total deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax liability

2014

2013

$

11,975

$

14,983

3,096

11,357

5,567

242

34,102
(32,086)
49,236

62,774

2,250

93

65,117
15,881

$

$

$

$

$

$

12,390

9,378

2,478

11,758

5,360

1,390

38,820
(29,696)
51,878

68,609

2,418

30

71,057
19,179

As of August 31, 2014, foreign operating loss carryforwards were $38 million, which expire if not used between 2015 and 2033. 
State credit carryforwards will expire if not used between 2015 and 2025.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s reserve for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest 
and penalties, for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):

Unrecognized tax benefits, as of the beginning of the year
Additions for tax positions of prior years

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

Additions for tax positions of the current year

Unrecognized tax benefits, as of the end of the year

2014

2013

2012

526

$

491

$

1

—

2,253

2,780

$

—
(31)
66

526

$

303

—
(143)
331

491

$

$

80 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents    

        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company does not anticipate any material changes to the reserve in the next 12 months.

The recognized amounts of tax-related penalties and interest were not material for all periods presented.

The Company files federal and state income tax returns in the U.S. and foreign tax returns in Puerto Rico and Canada. The federal 
statute of limitations has expired for fiscal 2010 and prior years. The U.S., Canada and multiple state tax authorities are currently 
examining the Company’s income tax returns for fiscal years 2009 to 2012.

Note 19 – Net Income (Loss) Per Share

The following table sets forth the information used to compute basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI 
for the years ended August 31 (in thousands): 

2014

2013

2012

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to SSI

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income (loss) attributable to SSI

Computation of shares:

$

$

$

8,734
(3,667)
5,067

857

(280,023) $
(1,419)
(281,442)
—

5,924

$

(281,442) $

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic

Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive stock options,
performance share awards, DSUs and RSUs

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

26,834

166

27,000

26,656

—

26,656

28,917
(1,513)
27,404

—

27,404

27,317

236

27,553

Common  stock  equivalent  shares  of  618,348,  957,235  and  69,081  were  considered  antidilutive  and  were  excluded  from  the 
calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 20 – Related Party Transactions

The Company purchases recycled metal from its joint venture operations at prices that approximate fair market value. These 
purchases totaled $30 million, $26 million and $41 million for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Net 
advances to these joint ventures were $3 million, $2 million and less than $1 million for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 
and 2012, respectively. The Company had immaterial balances due from joint ventures as of August 31, 2014 and owed $3 million 
to joint ventures as of August 31, 2013. Amounts receivable from joint venture partners were $1 million as of August 31, 2014 
and 2013.

In connection with the acquisition of the metals recycling business assets of Amix Salvage and Sales Ltd. in March 2011, the 
Company entered into a series of agreements to obtain barging and other services and lease property with entities owned by the 
minority shareholder of the Company’s subsidiary that operates its MRB facilities in Vancouver, British Columbia and Alberta, 
Canada. On March 8, 2013, the Company purchased the noncontrolling interest in that subsidiary and, as a result, those entities 
under common ownership of the former minority shareholder ceased to be related parties of the Company. Prior to its purchase of 
the noncontrolling interest, the Company paid $5 million and $9 million primarily for barging services under these agreements 
for the years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In connection with the acquisition of a metals recycling business in fiscal 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with the 
selling parties, one of which was an employee of the Company, whereby the selling parties agreed to indemnify the Company for 
property improvements in excess of a contractually defined threshold on property owned by the selling parties and leased to the 
Company. The Company recognized an amount receivable of $1 million as of August 31, 2012 under the agreement, for which 
payment was received in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

Thomas D. Klauer, Jr., President of the Company’s Auto Parts Business, is the sole shareholder of a corporation that is the 25% 
minority partner in a partnership in which the Company is the 75% partner and which operates five self-service stores in Northern 
California. Mr. Klauer’s 25% share of the profits of this partnership totaled $2 million, $1 million and $2 million for the years 
ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The partnership leases properties from entities in which Mr. Klauer has 
ownership interests under agreements that expire in March 2016 with options to renew the leases, upon expiration, for multiple 

81 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

periods. The rent paid by the partnership to the entities in which Mr. Klauer has ownership interests was $1 million in each of the 
years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. 

Certain members of the Schnitzer family own significant interests in, or are related to owners of, MMGL Corp (“MMGL”, formerly 
known as Schnitzer Investment Corp.), which is engaged in the real estate business and was a subsidiary of the Company prior to 
1989.  MMGL  is  considered  a  related  party  for  financial  reporting  purposes. The  Company  and  MMGL  are  both  potentially 
responsible parties with respect to Portland Harbor, which has been designated as a Superfund site since December 2000. The 
Company and MMGL have worked together in response to Portland Harbor matters, and the Company has paid all of the legal 
and consulting fees for the joint defense, in part due to its environmental indemnity obligation to MMGL with respect to the 
Portland scrap metal operations property. The Company and MMGL have agreed to an equitable cost sharing arrangement with 
respect to defense costs under which MMGL will pay 50% of the legal and consulting costs, net of insurance recoveries. The 
amounts receivable from (payable to) MMGL vary from period-to-period because of the timing of incurring legal and consulting 
fees, payments for cost reimbursements and insurance recoveries. Amounts receivable from MMGL under this agreement were 
$1 million and less than $1 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 21 – Segment Information

The accounting standards for reporting information about operating segments define an operating segment as a component of an 
enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses for which discrete financial 
information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources 
and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer. The Company is 
organized by line of business. While the Chief Executive Officer evaluates results in a number of different ways, the line of business 
management structure is the primary basis for which the allocation of resources and financial results are assessed. Under the 
aforementioned criteria, the Company operates in three operating and reporting segments: metal purchasing, processing, recycling 
and selling (MRB), used auto parts (APB) and mini-mill steel manufacturing (SMB). Additionally, the Company is a noncontrolling 
partner in joint ventures, which are either in the metals recycling business or are suppliers of unprocessed metal. 

MRB buys and processes ferrous and nonferrous metal for sale to foreign and other domestic steel producers or their representatives 
and to SMB. MRB also purchases ferrous metal from other processors for shipment directly to SMB.

APB purchases used and salvaged vehicles, sells parts from those vehicles through its retail facilities and wholesale operations, 
and sells the remaining portion of the vehicles to metal recyclers, including MRB.

SMB operates a steel mini-mill that produces a wide range of finished steel products using recycled metal and other raw materials.

Intersegment sales from MRB to SMB are made at rates that approximate export market prices for shipments from the West Coast 
of the U.S. In addition, the Company has intersegment sales of autobodies from APB to MRB at rates that approximate market 
prices. These intercompany sales tend to produce intercompany profits which are not recognized until the finished products are 
ultimately sold to third parties.

The information provided below is obtained from internal information that is provided to the Company’s chief operating decision 
maker  for  the  purpose  of  corporate  management.  The  Company  uses  segment  operating  income  (loss)  to  measure  segment 
performance. The Company does not allocate corporate interest income and expense, income taxes, other income and expenses 
related to corporate activity or corporate expense for management and administrative services that benefit all three segments. In 
addition, the Company does not allocate restructuring charges and other exit-related costs to the segment operating income (loss) 
because management does not include this information in its measurement of the performance of the operating segments. Because 
of this unallocated income and expense, the operating income (loss) of each reporting segment does not reflect the operating income 
(loss) the reporting segment would report as a stand-alone business. All amounts presented exclude the results of operations of the 
Company’s discontinued full-service used auto parts operation.

82 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents    

        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following is a summary of the Company’s total assets as of August 31 (in thousands):

Total assets:

Metals Recycling Business(1)
Auto Parts Business

Steel Manufacturing Business

Total segment assets

Corporate and eliminations

Total assets

Property, plant and equipment, net (2)

_____________________________

2014

2013

$

1,343,771

$

1,316,202

361,411

350,344

2,055,526
(700,316)
1,355,210

523,433

$

$

359,977

330,282

2,006,461
(600,949)
1,405,512

564,426

$

$

(1)  MRB total assets include $15 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, for investments in joint venture partnerships.

(2)  Property, plant and equipment, net includes $75 million and $85 million as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, at our Canadian locations.

83 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
Table of Contents    

        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The table below illustrates the Company’s results by reporting segment for the years ended August 31 (in thousands):

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Metals Recycling Business:

Revenues

Less: Intersegment revenues

MRB external customer revenues

Auto Parts Business:
Revenues

Less: Intersegment revenues

APB external customer revenues

Steel Manufacturing Business:

Revenues

Total revenues

Depreciation and amortization:

Metals Recycling Business

Auto Parts Business

Steel Manufacturing Business

Segment depreciation and amortization

Corporate

Total depreciation and amortization

Capital expenditures:

Metals Recycling Business

Auto Parts Business

Steel Manufacturing Business

Segment capital expenditures

Corporate

Total capital expenditures

Reconciliation of the Company’s segment operating income (loss) to
income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes:
Metals Recycling Business(1)
Auto Parts Business

Steel Manufacturing Business

Segment operating income (loss)

Restructuring charges and other exit-related costs

Corporate and eliminations

Operating income (loss)

Interest expense

Other income, net

2014

2013

2012

$

2,102,935
(188,103)
1,914,832

$

2,210,484
(178,341)
2,032,143

2,948,707
(183,906)
2,764,801

327,569
(87,458)
240,111

388,640

2,543,583

56,368
11,861

8,256

76,485

2,724

79,209

16,881

12,400

5,379

34,660

4,487

$

$

$

$

313,306
(75,992)
237,314

352,454

2,621,911

58,964
11,793

9,072

79,829

3,241

83,070

61,930

12,769

7,582

82,281

8,100

$

$

$

$

39,147

$

90,381

$

30,083

$

21,434

18,538
70,055
(6,967)
(42,772)
20,316
(10,804)
1,223

(311,549) $
24,539

6,541
(280,469)
(7,906)
(39,414)
(327,789)
(9,743)
83

316,884
(73,974)
242,910

333,227

3,340,938

57,855
10,920

9,436

78,211

4,045

82,256

60,212

7,525

5,556

73,293

5,267

78,560

63,872

33,304
(2,081)
95,095
(5,012)
(36,415)
53,668
(11,880)
1,168

42,956

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $

10,735

$

(337,449) $

_____________________________

(1)  MRB operating income (loss) includes $1 million, $1 million and $2 million in income from joint ventures accounted for by the equity method in fiscal 2014, 
2013 and 2012, respectively. The MRB operating loss for fiscal 2013 also includes a goodwill impairment charge of $321 million and other asset impairment 
charges of $13 million.

84 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following revenues from external customers are presented based on the sales destination and by major product for the years 
ended August 31 (in thousands):

Revenues based on sales destination:

Foreign

Domestic

Total revenues from external customers

Major product information:

Ferrous scrap metal

Nonferrous scrap metal and other

Auto parts

Finished steel products

Semi-finished steel products

$

$

$

2014

2013

2012

1,473,069

1,070,514

2,543,583

$

$

1,657,736

964,175

2,621,911

$

$

2,284,152

1,056,786

3,340,938

1,394,046

$

1,500,115

$

2,117,055

520,786

240,111

377,678

10,962

532,028

237,314

346,982

5,472

647,746

242,910

332,719

508

Total revenues from external customers

$

2,543,583

$

2,621,911

$

3,340,938

In fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no external customers that accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated 
revenues. Sales to customers in foreign countries are a significant part of the Company’s business. The schedule below identifies 
those foreign countries in which the Company’s sales exceeded 10% of consolidated revenues in any of the last three years ended 
August 31 (in thousands):

China

Turkey

South Korea

_____________________________

2014

% of
Revenue

2013

% of
Revenue

2012

% of
Revenue

$

390,634

15.4% $

562,558

21.5% $

719,979

261,558

265,912

10.3%

10.5%

341,418

N/A

13.0%

N/A

435,558

397,525

22.0%

13.0%

12.0%

(1)  N/A - sales were less than the 10% threshold and, as such, disclosure is not applicable.

85 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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In the opinion of management, this unaudited quarterly financial summary includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly the 
results for the periods represented (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Fiscal 2014

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Revenues

Operating income (loss)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income (loss) attributable to SSI

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI

Revenues

Operating income (loss)

Net income (loss) attributable to SSI

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to SSI

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

587,745

$
(3,625) $
— $
(6,228) $
(0.23) $
(0.23) $

626,147

6,584

$

$

637,787

1,629

$

$

691,904

15,728

— $

1,789

0.07

$

$

$

0.07
Fiscal 2013

— $

3,110

0.12

0.12

First

Second

Third

592,820

$

662,210

1,213
$
(1,671) $
(0.06) $
(0.06) $

11,390

8,643

0.32

0.32

$

$

$

$

$

710,295

7,187

820

0.03

0.03

857

7,253

0.27

0.27

Fourth

656,586
(347,579)
(289,234)
(10.82)
(10.82)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $321 million, other asset impairment 
charges of $13 million, restructuring charges of $3 million and a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets of $29 million. See 
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 7 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net and Note 18 – Income 
Taxes for further detail.

86 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
 
 
 
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Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the Years Ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(In thousands)

Column A

Description

Column B
Balance at
beginning
of period

Column C

Column D

Charges to cost
and expenses

Deductions

Column E
Balance at
end of
period

Fiscal 2014

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Allowance for notes and other contractual receivables

Deferred tax valuation allowance

Fiscal 2013

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Allowance for notes and other contractual receivables

Deferred tax valuation allowance

Fiscal 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts

Deferred tax valuation allowance

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,990

7,803

29,696

4,459

$

$

$

$

— $

794

6,148

589

$

$

$

650
$
(201) $
$
4,648

(920) $
— $
(2,258) $

2,720

7,602

32,086

584

7,803

28,902

688

218

$

$

$

$

$

(2,053) $
— $

2,990

7,803

— $

29,696

(2,377) $
(13) $

4,459

794

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL 
DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities and 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed 
by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported 
within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is 
accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, 
to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, 
can  only  provide  reasonable  assurance  of  achieving  the  desired  control  objectives.  The  Company’s  management,  with  the 
participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has completed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the 
design  and  operation  of  the  Company’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures.  Based  on  this  evaluation,  the  Company’s  Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of August 31, 2014, the Company’s disclosure controls and 
procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is presented within Part II, Item 8 of this report and 
is incorporated herein by reference.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 
15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during its most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to 
materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

88 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

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PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K regarding directors, and information required by Items 405, 407(c)(3), 407
(d)(4) and 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K, will be included under “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance” and “Section 16
(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders 
and is incorporated herein by reference.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Name
Tamara L. Lundgren

Richard D. Peach

Michael Henderson

Thomas D. Klauer, Jr.

Jeffrey Dyck

Richard C. Josephson

Belinda Gaye Hyde

Stefano Gaggini

Age

Office

57

51

55

60

51

66

43

43

President and Chief Executive Officer

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Senior Vice President and President, Metals Recycling Business

Senior Vice President and President, Auto Parts Business

Senior Vice President and President, Steel Manufacturing Business

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer

Tamara  L.  Lundgren  has  been  our  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  since  December  2008.  She  joined  the  Company  in 
September 2005 as Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer and held roles of increasing responsibility, including Executive Vice 
President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining us, Ms. Lundgren was a Managing Director in the Investment Banking 
Division of JPMorgan Chase, which she joined in 2001, and Deutsche Bank, which she joined in 1996. Ms. Lundgren began her 
career as an attorney and was a partner at Hogan & Hartson LLP in Washington, D.C.

Richard D. Peach joined us in March 2007 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer in December 2007. Mr. Peach was the Chief 
Financial Officer and Senior Vice President with the Western U.S. energy utility, PacifiCorp, from 2003 to 2006. From 1995 to 
2002, he served in a variety of senior management positions with ScottishPower, the international energy company, including 
Group Controller, Managing Director of United Kingdom Customer Services and Director of Energy Supply Finance. Prior to 
joining  ScottishPower,  Mr. Peach  was  a  senior  manager  with  Coopers &  Lybrand.  Mr.  Peach  is  a  member  of  the  Institute  of 
Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

Michael Henderson joined us in April 2012 as Chief Operating Officer of the Metals Recycling Business and became President 
of the Metals Recycling Business in August 2013. Prior to joining Schnitzer, he was Eastern Region President for Sims Metal 
Management where he was responsible for 26 facilities, including four shredders and five port locations. He began his career with 
Naparano Iron & Metal and has more than 30 years in the scrap industry, including expertise in both the ferrous and nonferrous 
sides of the business.

Thomas D. Klauer, Jr. has been the President of the Auto Parts Business since our acquisition of Pick-N-Pull Auto Dismantling, 
Inc. in 2003. Before that Mr. Klauer was employed by Pick-N-Pull, having joined that Company in 1989.

Jeffrey Dyck joined the Steel Manufacturing Business in February 1994 and served in a variety of positions, including Manager 
of the Rolling Mills and Director of Operations of the Steel Manufacturing Business, before his promotion to President of SMB 
in June 2005.

Richard C. Josephson joined us in January 2006 as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Before that Mr. Josephson was 
a Member of the law firm Stoel Rives LLP, where he had practiced law since 1973.

Belinda Gaye Hyde joined us in October 2011 as Chief Human Resources Officer. Prior to joining us, Ms. Hyde was Vice President 
of Human Resources with Celanese, a global specialty materials company, from 2008 to 2011. Previously, she led the talent 
management, development, and communications functions for Life Technologies, a biotechnology company, from 2005 to 2008. 
Ms. Hyde also worked at Dell Computer from 2000 to 2005 in a variety of Human Resources leadership positions. 

Stefano Gaggini joined us in July 2011 as Senior Manager of SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting and became Director of 
SEC  Reporting  and  Technical Accounting  in  March  2012.  He  became  Vice  President,  Corporate  Controller  and  Principal 
Accounting Officer in December 2013. Prior to joining Schnitzer, Mr. Gaggini was a senior manager at KPMG LLP, where he 

89 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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served in various auditing roles since 1998 in the Portland, Oregon and Zurich, Switzerland offices. He is licensed as a Certified 
Public Accountant in the State of Oregon.

Code of Ethics

On April 28, 2010, the Board of Directors approved a revised Company’s Code of Conduct that is applicable to all of its directors 
and employees. It includes additional provisions that apply to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, 
principal  accounting  officer  or  controller,  and  persons  performing  similar  functions  (the  “Senior  Financial  Officers”).  This 
document is posted on the Corporate Governance page of the Company’s internet website (www.schnitzersteel.com) and is available 
free of charge by calling the Company or submitting a request to ir@schn.com. The Company intends to satisfy its disclosure 
obligations with respect to any amendments to or waivers of the Code for directors, executive officers or Senior Financial Officers 
by posting such information on its internet website set forth above rather than by filing a Form 8-K.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by Items 402, 407(e)(4) and 407(e)(5) of Regulation S-K will be included under “Compensation of 
Executive Officers,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Director Compensation”, “Corporate Governance – Assessment 
of Compensation Risk” and “Compensation Committee Report” in the Company’s Proxy Statement to be filed for its 2015 Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED 
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management, as required by Item 403 of Regulation 
S-K, will be included under “Voting Securities and Principal Shareholders” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference. Information with respect to securities authorized for issuance 
under equity compensation plans, as required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, will be included under “Compensation Plan 
Information”  in  the  Company’s  Proxy  Statement  for  its  2015 Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders  and  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by Items 404 and 407(a) of Regulation S-K will be included under “Certain Transactions” and “Corporate 
Governance – Director Independence” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is 
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information regarding the Company’s principal accountant fees and services required by Item 9(e) of Schedule 14A will be included 
under  “Independent  Registered  Public Accounting  Firm”  in  the  Company’s  Proxy  Statement  for  its  2015 Annual  Meeting  of 
Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

90 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)     1 The following financial statements are filed as part of this report:

PART IV

The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, 
the Notes thereto and the quarterly financial data (unaudited) are on pages 47 through 87 of this report.

2 The following financial statement schedule is filed as part of this report:

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts is on page 88 of this report.
All other schedules are omitted as the information is either not applicable or is not required.

3 The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

3.1

2006 Restated Articles of Incorporation (as corrected December 2, 2011) of the Registrant. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 
to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2011, and incorporated 
herein by reference.

3.2 Restated Bylaws of the Registrant. Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 

December 13, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.4 Rights Agreement, dated March 21, 2006, between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Filed as Exhibit 
4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.5 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated February 9, 2011, between the Registrant, Bank of

America, NA, and the Other Lenders Party Thereto. Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.6 Amendment, dated as of April 11, 2012, to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 
9, 2011, among Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., as US Borrower, and Schnitzer Steel BC, Inc., Schnitzer Steel 
Pacific, Inc., as Canadian Borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other Lenders 
party thereto. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 16, 2012, and 
incorporated herein by reference.

4.7 Second Amendment, dated as of October 28, 2013, to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as 
of February 9, 2011, among Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., as US Borrower, and Schnitzer Steel Canada Ltd., as 
Canadian Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other Lenders party thereto. Filed 
as an Exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 29, 2013, and incorporated herein 
by reference.

9.1 Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. 2001 Restated Voting Trust and Buy-Sell Agreement, dated March 26, 2001. Filed 
as Exhibit 9.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2001, and 
incorporated herein by reference.

10.1 Lease Agreement, dated September 1, 1988, between Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, as amended, 
relating to the Portland Metals Recycling operation and which has terminated except for surviving indemnity 
obligations. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on September 24, 
1993 (Commission File No. 33-69352), and incorporated herein by reference.

10.2 Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated May 4, 2005, between Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating 
to purchase by the Registrant of the Portland Metals Recycling operations real estate. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.3 Third Amended Shared Services Agreement, dated July 26, 2006, between the Registrant, Schnitzer Investment 
Corp. and Island Equipment Company, Inc. Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-
K filed on July 28, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.4 Lease Agreement, dated January 1, 2010, between Commercial One Properties, LLC and Pick-N-Pull San Jose 
Auto Dismantlers relating to the San Jose North Location. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.5 Lease  Agreement,  dated  January  1,  2010,  between  Commercial  Court  Properties,  LLC,  Pick-N-Pull  Auto 
Dismantlers and Pick-N-Pull San Jose Auto Dismantlers relating to the San Jose North Location. Filed as Exhibit 
10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2010, and incorporated 
herein by reference.

91 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

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*10.6 Executive Annual Bonus Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 

February 1, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.7 Fiscal 2010 Annual Performance Bonus Program for John D. Carter and Tamara L. Lundgren. Filed as Exhibit 
10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2009, and incorporated 
herein by reference.

*10.8 Annual  Incentive  Compensation  Plan,  effective  September  1,  2006.  Filed  as  Exhibit  10.1  to  the  Registrant’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.9

1993 Stock Incentive Plan of the Registrant as Amended and Restated on November 7, 2013. Filed as Appendix 
A to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on December 18, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.10 Form of Stock Option Agreement used for option grants to employees under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan. Filed 
as Exhibit 10.49 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, and 
incorporated herein by reference.

*10.11 Form of Stock Option Agreement used for option grants to non-employee directors under the 1993 Stock Incentive 
Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 
2004, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.12 Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for non-employee 
directors.  Filed  as  Exhibit  10.1  to  the  Registrant’s Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  on  July  28,  2006,  and 
incorporated herein by reference.

*10.13 Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report 

on Form 8-K filed on July 28, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.14 Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Bonus Plan of the Registrant effective January 1, 
2009. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 
2009, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.15 Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement between the Registrant and executive officers other than Tamara 
L. Lundgren and used for agreements entered into prior to 2011. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed on May 5, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.16 Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement between the Registrant and executive officers and used for

agreements entered into after 2010.

*10.17 Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement between the Registrant and each executive officer other than 
John D. Carter and Tamara L. Lundgren. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K 
filed on May 5, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.18 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Tamara L. Lundgren dated 
October 29, 2008. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 
2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.19 Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement by and between the Registrant and Tamara L. 
Lundgren dated October 29, 2008. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 
November 4, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.20 Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement by and between the Registrant and John D. Carter 
dated October 29, 2008. Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 
4, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.21 Form of Indemnity Agreement for Directors and Executive Officers. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s 

Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 28, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.22 Fiscal 2011 Annual Performance Bonus Program for John D. Carter and Tamara L. Lundgren. Filed as Exhibit
10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2010 and
incorporated herein by reference.

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*10.23 Amendment No. 1 dated June 29, 2011 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between the 
Registrant and Tamara L. Lundgren dated October 29, 2008. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.24 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and John D. Carter dated June 
29, 2011. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 
2011 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.25 Form of Waiver of Annual Incentive dated as of August 28, 2012 executed by executive officers as a condition

of receipt of stock options. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
August 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.26 Form of Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement used for premium-priced option grants to executive officers on 
August 28, 2012 under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on 
Form 8-K filed on August 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.27 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement used for award to chief executive officer on August 30, 2012

under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K
filed on August 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.28 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in 
fiscal 2013. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended 
November 30, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.29 Form of Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in 
fiscal 2012. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended 
November 30, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.30 Form of Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in 
fiscal 2013. Filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 29, 2013 
and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.31 Form of Long-Term Incentive Award Agreement under the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan used for awards granted in 
fiscal 2014. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended 
November 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.32 Fiscal 2014 Annual Performance Bonus Program for Tamara L. Lundgren. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 2013 and incorporated herein by 
reference.

18.1 Preferability letter provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s registered public accounting firm, 
to change the measurement date in connection with the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test. Filed as 
Exhibit 18.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 
2013 and incorporated herein by reference.

21.1 Subsidiaries of Registrant.

23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

24.1 Powers of Attorney.

31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

93 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

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101 The following financial information from Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
years ended August 31, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated 
Statements of Operations for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets 
as of August 31, 2014, and August 31, 2013, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Loss (iv)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and (v) the Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements.

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

The  agreements  and  other  documents  filed  as  exhibits  to  this  report  are  not  intended  to  provide  factual  information  or  other 
disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them 
for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made 
solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the 
date they were made or at any other time.

94 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 SIGNATURES

Dated: October 28, 2014

SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
/s/ RICHARD D. PEACH

By:

Richard D. Peach

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons 
on behalf of the registrant on October 28, 2014 in the capacities indicated.

Signature

Title

Principal Executive Officer:

/s/ TAMARA L. LUNDGREN

Tamara L. Lundgren

Principal Financial Officer:

/s/ RICHARD D. PEACH

Richard D. Peach

Principal Accounting Officer:

/s/ STEFANO GAGGINI
Stefano Gaggini

Directors:

*DAVID J. ANDERSON

David J. Anderson

*JOHN D. CARTER

John D. Carter

*WILLIAM A. FURMAN

William A. Furman

*WAYLAND R. HICKS

Wayland R. Hicks

*DAVID L. JAHNKE
David L. Jahnke

President and Chief Executive Officer

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Vice  President,  Corporate  Controller  and  Principal  Accounting 
Officer

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

95 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014

 
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Signature

*JUDITH A. JOHANSEN

Judith A. Johansen

*WILLIAM D. LARSSON

William D. Larsson

*KENNETH M. NOVACK

Kenneth M. Novack

*By:

/s/ RICHARD D. PEACH
Attorney-in-fact, Richard D. Peach

Title

Director

Director

Director

96 / Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Form 10-K 2014