Attached files

file filename
8-K - 8-K - COMMERCIAL METALS Cocmc-8312017pr8xk.htm

Exhibit No. 99.1

News Release newsreleaselogoa01a04a03.jpg


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR EARNINGS

Irving, TX - October 26, 2017 - Commercial Metals Company (NYSE: CMC) today announced financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and year ended August 31, 2017. For the three months ended August 31, 2017, the loss from continuing operations was $32.7 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, on net sales of $1.3 billion compared to a loss from continuing operations of $2.1 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, on net sales of $1.1 billion for the three months ended August 31, 2016. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, earnings from continuing operations were $32.6 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, on net sales of $4.6 billion. This compares to earnings from continuing operations of $57.9 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, on net sales of $4.2 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016.

Included in the loss from continuing operations for the three months ended August 31, 2017 were net after-tax costs associated with the refinancing activities completed in the fourth quarter of $11.6 million or $0.10 per diluted share, costs associated with the exit of the International Marketing and Distribution segment of $23.2 million or $0.20 per diluted share and severance costs of $5.3 million or $0.05 per diluted share. Included in the results for the three months ended August 31, 2016 were impairment charges on long-lived assets of $24.3 million or $0.21 per diluted share.

As a result of the sale of CMC Cometals, which was completed on August 31, 2017, the results of this division have been reflected as discontinued operations in all reported periods. Included in the earnings from discontinued operations for the three months ended August 31, 2017 is an after-tax loss on the sale of the CMC Cometals division of $4.5 million or $0.04 per diluted share.

At August 31, 2017, cash and cash equivalents were $252.6 million and available credit and accounts receivable facilities were $490.6 million. As a result of the refinancing of notes due in 2017 and 2018 during the most recent fiscal quarter, the Company has reduced its long-term debt by approximately $240 million since May 31, 2017 and, has no significant debt maturities for the next 5 years. The Company is also positioned to have reduced cash interest costs going forward in excess of $25 million per year.

Barbara Smith, President and CEO, commented, "The Company took action during fiscal 2017 to reallocate capital to our core manufacturing operations and improve our financial profile. The refinancing activities have strengthened our balance sheet to provide lower debt service cost and extend our debt maturity profile. We made good progress regarding our decision to exit the International Marketing and Distribution segment in order to focus our




(CMC Year End 2017 - Page 2)


resources on the attractive long product markets in the U.S. and Poland. The Polish operations are taking full advantage of the new furnace and caster investments to produce more and higher value merchant product, and, in the U.S., we look forward to the commissioning of our new micro mill in Durant, Oklahoma, which is scheduled to begin in our fiscal second quarter of 2018."

On October 24, 2017, the board of directors of CMC declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share of CMC common stock for stockholders of record on November 8, 2017. The dividend will be paid on November 22, 2017.

Business Segments - Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2017 Review
Our Americas Recycling segment recorded adjusted operating profit of $2.9 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to adjusted operating loss of $45.1 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 loss was largely due to a $38.9 million pre-tax impairment charge related to long-lived assets in our Americas Recycling segment. Shipments increased 37% in comparison to the same period of the prior year as flows through the yards remained strong and as a result of the seven recycling yards that were acquired earlier in fiscal 2017.

Our Americas Mills segment recorded adjusted operating profit of $29.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to an adjusted operating profit of $45.0 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Despite strong long-steel demand which resulted in an 8% increase in shipments in comparison to the same period of the prior year, cost pressures squeezed margins during the quarter.

Our Americas Fabrication segment recorded an adjusted operating loss of $4.9 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to adjusted operating profit of $9.6 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. The decrease in adjusted operating profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 was due to a very competitive fabrication market. This has resulted in newly awarded contracts being at lower selling prices than in the prior year despite also incurring higher steel input costs.

Our International Mill segment recorded adjusted operating profit of $14.6 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to adjusted operating profit of $18.7 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Despite the quarterly results being lower than the prior year, shipped volumes were 16% higher in comparison to the same period of the prior year while producing strong earnings throughout fiscal 2017. A strong construction market in conjunction with an expansion of higher margin merchant volumes were the main contributor to the results.

Outlook
“Our outlook is somewhat different when we think about our U.S. operations compared to our Polish operations,” explained Ms. Smith.




(CMC Year End 2017 - Page 3)



“Our outlook for demand from the U.S. non-residential construction market remains quite positive, in spite of a lack of movement on infrastructure stimulus.  However, market conditions remain very challenging as a result of raw material price changes and escalating input costs.  Metal margins remain under pressure due to the ongoing influx of dumped and subsidized imports. We saw a temporary pause in rebar imports after the announcement of the Section 232 review into the effect of imports on national security. However, recent data indicates another surge in rebar imports is on its way.  We believe that no action taken by the current Administration to address these unfair trade practices is likely to result in imports returning to their previous high levels, negatively impacting the industry's operating results or potentially even imperiling the long-term viability of the U.S. steel industry.”
“Poland, however, provides a welcome contrast to the U.S. market. Poland and the E.U. have implemented trade measures necessary to provide a level playing field. This, coupled with the fact that there is good support and financial funding for infrastructure development provides a good demand outlook for our Polish operations."

Conference Call
CMC invites you to listen to a live broadcast of its fourth quarter fiscal 2017 conference call today, Thursday, October 26, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Barbara Smith, President and CEO, and Mary Lindsey, Senior Vice President and CFO, will host the call. The call is accessible via our website at www.cmc.com. In the event you are unable to listen to the live broadcast, the call will be archived and available for replay on our website on the next business day. Financial and statistical information presented in the broadcast are located on CMC's website under “Investors”.
    
Commercial Metals Company and its subsidiaries manufacture, recycle and market steel and metal products, related materials and services through a network including four electric arc furnace ("EAF") mini mills, an EAF micro mill, a rerolling mill, steel fabrication and processing plants, construction-related product warehouses, metal recycling facilities and marketing and distribution offices in the United States and in strategic international markets.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding CMC's expectations relating to cash generated by strategic initiatives, economic conditions, U.S. construction activity, rebar imports and their effects on pricing and U.S. government action to provide trade relief. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as we, CMC or its management, "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "intends," "plans to," "ought," "could," "will," "should," "likely," "appears" or other similar words or phrases. There are inherent risks and uncertainties in any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our expectations are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially. Except as required by law, CMC undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify any forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, new information or circumstances or otherwise.





(CMC Year End 2017 - Page 4)


Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from CMC's expectations include the following: overall global economic conditions, including the ongoing recovery from the last recession, continued sovereign debt problems in the Euro-zone and construction activity or lack thereof, and their impact in a highly cyclical industry; rapid and significant changes in the price of metals, potentially impairing our inventory values due to declines in commodity prices; excess capacity in our industry, particularly in China, and product availability from competing steel mills and other steel suppliers including import quantities and pricing; compliance with and changes in environmental laws and regulations, including increased regulation associated with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions; potential limitations in our or our customers' ability to access credit and non-compliance by our customers with our contracts; financial covenants and restrictions on the operation of our business contained in agreements governing our debt; currency fluctuations; global factors, including political uncertainties and military conflicts; availability of electricity and natural gas for mill operations; information technology interruptions and breaches in security data; ability to hire and retain key executives and other employees; our ability to make necessary capital expenditures; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our investment in our new micro mill in Durant, Oklahoma; availability and pricing of raw materials over which we exert little influence, including scrap metal, energy, insurance and supply prices; unexpected equipment failures; competition from other materials or from competitors that have a lower cost structure or access to greater financial resources; losses or limited potential gains due to hedging transactions; litigation claims and settlements, court decisions, regulatory rulings and legal compliance risks; risk of injury or death to employees, customers or other visitors to our operations; and increased costs related to health care reform legislation.




(CMC Year End 2017 - Page 5)



COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
OPERATING STATISTICS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
Three Months Ended
(short tons in thousands)
 
8/31/2017
 
8/31/2016
 
8/31/2017
 
8/31/2016
 
5/31/2017
 
2/28/2017
 
11/30/2016
Americas Recycling
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ferrous tons shipped
 
583

 
423

 
1,999

 
1,614

 
590

 
421

 
405

Non-ferrous tons shipped
 
70

 
52

 
233

 
201

 
61

 
53

 
49

Americas Recycling tons shipped
 
653

 
475

 
2,232

 
1,815

 
651

 
474

 
454

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Steel Mills
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rebar shipments
 
448

 
411

 
1,703

 
1,631

 
445

 
406

 
404

Merchant and other shipments
 
262

 
247

 
1,022

 
999

 
277

 
252

 
231

Total Americas Steel Mills tons shipped
 
710

 
658

 
2,725

 
2,630

 
722

 
658

 
635

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average FOB selling price (total sales)
 
$
537

 
$
531

 
$
526

 
$
524

 
$
540

 
$
524

 
$
499

Average cost ferrous scrap utilized
 
$
257

 
$
234

 
$
243

 
$
207

 
$
266

 
$
245

 
$
201

Americas Steel Mills metal margin
 
$
280

 
$
297

 
$
283

 
$
317

 
$
274

 
$
279

 
$
298

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Mill
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tons shipped
 
396

 
341

 
1,379

 
1,254

 
354

 
313

 
316

Average FOB selling price (total sales)
 
$
476

 
$
409

 
$
432

 
$
391

 
$
443

 
$
402

 
$
397

Average cost ferrous scrap utilized
 
$
269

 
$
211

 
$
240

 
$
195

 
$
253

 
$
229

 
$
202

International Mill metal margin
 
$
207

 
$
198

 
$
192

 
$
196

 
$
190

 
$
173

 
$
195

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Fabrication
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rebar shipments
 
260

 
284

 
1,009

 
1,028

 
275

 
226

 
248

Structural and post shipments
 
26

 
30

 
113

 
127

 
35

 
27

 
25

Total Americas Fabrication tons shipped
 
286

 
314

 
1,122

 
1,155

 
310

 
253

 
273

Americas Fabrication average selling price (excluding stock and buyout sales)
 
$
773

 
$
805

 
$
772

 
$
841

 
$
775

 
$
756

 
$
782







(CMC Year End 2017 - Page 6)


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
BUSINESS SEGMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
Three Months Ended
Net sales
 
8/31/2017
 
8/31/2016
 
8/31/2017
 
8/31/2016
 
5/31/2017
 
2/28/2017
 
11/30/2016
Americas Recycling
 
$
317,298

 
$
195,724

 
$
1,011,500

 
$
705,754

 
$
294,166

 
$
223,328

 
$
176,708

Americas Mills
 
414,420

 
381,406

 
1,565,454

 
1,498,848

 
427,276

 
376,593

 
347,165

Americas Fabrication
 
353,726

 
385,917

 
1,375,928

 
1,489,455

 
379,976

 
303,826

 
338,400

International Mill
 
200,227

 
147,842

 
636,562

 
517,186

 
167,629

 
134,305

 
134,401

International Marketing and Distribution
 
185,337

 
203,773

 
781,364

 
754,958

 
223,134

 
206,056

 
166,837

Corporate
 
2,124

 
2,973

 
9,625

 
7,082

 
1,909

 
3,842

 
1,750

Eliminations
 
(212,151
)
 
(214,989
)
 
(810,758
)
 
(795,765
)
 
(233,391
)
 
(194,046
)
 
(171,170
)
Total net sales
 
$
1,260,981

 
$
1,102,646

 
$
4,569,675

 
$
4,177,518

 
$
1,260,699

 
$
1,053,904

 
$
994,091

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Recycling
 
$
2,868

 
$
(45,113
)
 
$
14,822

 
$
(61,284
)
 
$
9,286

 
$
7,766

 
$
(5,098
)
Americas Mills
 
29,803

 
45,012

 
168,805

 
209,751

 
50,734

 
51,319

 
36,949

Americas Fabrication
 
(4,928
)
 
9,638

 
4,097

 
68,602

 
1,808

 
506

 
6,711

International Mill
 
14,621

 
18,703

 
46,977

 
28,892

 
12,953

 
9,430

 
9,973

International Marketing and Distribution
 
(26,640
)
 
(6,123
)
 
(24,324
)
 
(23,690
)
 
5,723

 
351

 
(3,758
)
Corporate
 
(52,419
)
 
(25,670
)
 
(119,629
)
 
(95,085
)
 
(20,880
)
 
(22,317
)
 
(24,013
)
Eliminations
 
(822
)
 
3,086

 
(834
)
 
5,333

 
771

 
(574
)
 
(209
)
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
(37,517
)
 
$
(467
)
 
$
89,914

 
$
132,519

 
$
60,395

 
$
46,481

 
$
20,555







(CMC Year End 2017 - Page 7)


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Fiscal Year Ended
(in thousands, except share data)
8/31/2017
 
8/31/2016
 
8/31/2017
 
8/31/2016
Net sales
$
1,260,981

 
$
1,102,646

 
$
4,569,675

 
$
4,177,518

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold
1,149,396

 
944,242

 
4,023,265

 
3,580,618

Selling, general and administrative expenses
119,021

 
119,408

 
426,523

 
414,561

Loss on debt extinguishment
22,672

 

 
22,672

 
11,480

Impairment of assets
7,615

 
39,952

 
8,164

 
40,028

Interest expense
5,939

 
12,563

 
44,047

 
62,121

 
1,304,643

 
1,116,165

 
4,524,671

 
4,108,808

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
(43,662
)
 
(13,519
)
 
45,004

 
68,710

Income taxes (benefit)
(10,989
)
 
(11,447
)
 
12,454

 
10,810

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
(32,673
)
 
(2,072
)
 
32,550

 
57,900

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
(1,890
)
 
1,458

 
10,607

 
(1,469
)
Income taxes (benefit)
(5,023
)
 
(483
)
 
(3,175
)
 
1,669

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
3,133

 
1,941

 
13,782

 
(3,138
)
 
 
 
 
 


 


Net earnings (loss)
(29,540
)
 
(131
)
 
46,332

 
54,762

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
$
(0.28
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.28

 
$
0.50

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
0.03

 
0.02

 
0.12

 
(0.02
)
Net earnings (loss)
$
(0.25
)
 
$

 
$
0.40

 
$
0.48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
$
(0.28
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.27

 
$
0.50

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
0.03

 
0.02

 
0.12

 
(0.03
)
Net earnings (loss)
$
(0.25
)
 
$

 
$
0.39

 
$
0.47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends per share
$
0.12

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.48

 
$
0.48

Average basic shares outstanding
115,892,403

 
114,728,278

 
115,654,466

 
115,211,490

Average diluted shares outstanding
115,892,403

 
114,728,278

 
117,364,408

 
116,623,826







(CMC Year End 2017 - Page 8)



COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
August 31,
2017
 
August 31,
2016
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
252,595

 
$
517,544

Accounts receivable, net
706,595

 
689,382

Inventories
614,459

 
540,014

Other current assets
140,251

 
110,464

Current assets of businesses held for sale

 
190,721

Total current assets
1,713,900

 
2,048,125

Net property, plant and equipment
1,061,283

 
895,045

Goodwill
64,915

 
66,373

Other assets
135,033

 
121,326

Total assets
$
2,975,131

 
$
3,130,869

Liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
282,127

 
$
207,875

Accrued expenses and other payables
307,129

 
263,086

Current maturities of long-term debt
19,182

 
313,469

Current liabilities of businesses held for sale

 
36,688

Total current liabilities
608,438

 
821,118

Deferred income taxes
49,197

 
63,021

Other long-term liabilities
110,986

 
121,351

Long-term debt
805,580

 
757,948

Total liabilities
1,574,201

 
1,763,438

Stockholders' equity
1,400,757

 
1,367,272

Stockholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interests
173

 
159

Total equity
1,400,930

 
1,367,431

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
2,975,131

 
$
3,130,869






(CMC Year End 2017 - Page 9)


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Year Ended August 31,
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
 
$
46,332

 
$
54,762

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
125,071

 
126,940

Share-based compensation
 
30,311

 
26,335

Loss on debt extinguishment
 
22,672

 
11,480

Write-down of inventory
 
21,529

 
15,555

Deferred income taxes
 
(14,184
)
 
(3,889
)
Amortization of interest rate swaps termination gain
 
(11,657
)
 
(7,597
)
Asset impairments
 
8,238

 
55,793

Net loss (gain) on sales of a subsidiary, assets and other
 
6,049

 
(2,591
)
Provision for losses on receivables, net
 
6,049

 
6,878

Tax expense from stock plans
 

 
1,697

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(78,527
)
 
142,510

Proceeds (payments) on sale of accounts receivable programs, net
 
81,731

 
(19,472
)
Inventories
 
(98,835
)
 
209,555

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other payables
 
93,478

 
(43,577
)
Other operating assets and liabilities
 
(63,785
)
 
12,486

Net cash flows from operating activities
 
174,472

 
586,865

 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(213,120
)
 
(163,332
)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries
 
163,449

 
4,349

Acquisitions
 
(56,080
)
 

Increase in restricted cash, net
 
(11,128
)
 
(21,777
)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment
 
3,164

 
5,113

Net cash flows used by investing activities
 
(113,715
)
 
(175,647
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Repayments of long-term debt
 
(711,850
)
 
(211,394
)
Proceeds from long-term debt transactions
 
475,454

 

Cash dividends
 
(55,514
)
 
(55,342
)
Debt extinguishment costs
 
(22,672
)
 
(11,127
)
Stock issued under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures
 
(5,498
)
 
(6,034
)
Debt issuance costs
 
(4,449
)
 

Increase (decrease) in documentary letters of credit, net
 
22

 
(41,468
)
Contribution from noncontrolling interests
 
14

 
29

Treasury stock acquired
 

 
(30,595
)
Short-term borrowings, net change
 

 
(20,090
)
Tax expense from stock plans
 

 
(1,697
)
Decrease in restricted cash
 

 
1

Net cash flows used by financing activities
 
(324,493
)
 
(377,717
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(1,213
)
 
(1,280
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(264,949
)
 
32,221

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
517,544

 
485,323

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
252,595

 
$
517,544





(CMC Year End 2017 - Page 10)


COMMERCIAL METALS COMPANY
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED)

This press release contains financial measures not derived in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures are provided below.
Adjusted Operating Profit (Loss) from Continuing Operations is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations is the sum of our earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest expense, income taxes (benefit) and discounts on sales of accounts receivable. Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations should not be considered as an alternative to earnings (loss) from continuing operations or net earnings (loss), as determined by GAAP. Management uses adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations to evaluate the financial performance of CMC. For added flexibility, we may sell certain trade accounts receivable both in the U.S. and internationally. We consider sales of accounts receivable as an alternative source of liquidity to finance our operations, and we believe that removing these costs provides a clearer perspective of CMC's operating performance. Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations may be inconsistent with similar measures presented by other companies.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)
8/31/2017
 
8/31/2016
 
8/31/2017
 
8/31/2016
 
5/31/2017
 
2/28/2017
 
11/30/2016
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
$
(32,673
)
 
$
(2,072
)
 
$
32,550

 
$
57,900

 
$
34,978

 
$
25,310

 
$
4,936

Interest expense
5,939

 
12,563

 
44,047

 
62,121

 
12,368

 
12,447

 
13,292

Income taxes (benefit)
(10,989
)
 
(11,447
)
 
12,454

 
10,810

 
12,819

 
8,524

 
2,100

Discounts on sales of accounts receivable
206

 
489

 
863

 
1,688

 
230

 
200

 
227

Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations
$
(37,517
)
 
$
(467
)
 
$
89,914

 
$
132,519

 
$
60,395


$
46,481

 
$
20,555


Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is the sum of earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest expense and income taxes (benefit). It also excludes CMC's largest recurring non-cash charge, depreciation and amortization, as well as impairment charges, which are also non-cash. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations should not be considered an alternative to earnings (loss) from continuing operations or net earnings (loss), or as a better measure of liquidity than net cash flows from operating activities, as determined by GAAP. However, we believe that adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations provides relevant and useful information, which is often used by analysts, creditors and other interested parties in our industry as it allows: (i) comparison of our earnings to those of our competitors; (ii) a supplemental measure of our ongoing core performance; and (iii) the assessment of period-to-period performance trends. Additionally, adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is the target benchmark for our annual and long-term cash incentive performance plans for management. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations may be inconsistent with similar measures presented by other companies.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)
8/31/2017
 
8/31/2016
 
8/31/2017
 
8/31/2016
 
5/31/2017
 
2/28/2017
 
11/30/2016
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
$
(32,673
)
 
$
(2,072
)
 
$
32,550

 
$
57,900

 
$
34,978

 
$
25,310

 
$
4,936

Interest expense
5,939

 
12,563

 
44,047

 
62,121

 
12,368

 
12,447

 
13,292

Income taxes (benefit)
(10,989
)
 
(11,447
)
 
12,454

 
10,810

 
12,819

 
8,524

 
2,100

Depreciation and amortization
32,020

 
31,512

 
125,053

 
126,918

 
32,256

 
30,496

 
30,282

Impairment charges
7,615

 
39,953

 
8,164

 
40,028

 
70

 
91

 
388

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations
$
1,912

 
$
70,509

 
$
222,268

 
$
297,777

 
$
92,491


$
76,868

 
$
50,998


Media Contact:
Susan Gerber
214.689.4300