STLD News & Events

Friedman Industries (FRD) announced plans to expand its facility located on Steel Dynamics' (STLD) campus in Sinton, Texas. The expansion includes an increase in building size and new fabrication capabilities aimed at supporting customers' evolving processing needs. Current expected completion timeline for the project is in the fourth calendar quarter of 2026. As part of this expansion, the Company is adding laser cutting equipment to provide first-stage processing for cut-to-length sheet. This enhancement is intended to serve customers seeking initial processing directly from a service center co-located at a mill source. The investment strengthens Friedman's ability to deliver flexible, value-added solutions while enhancing overall service performance.

First quarter 2026 profitability from the company's steel operations is expected to be meaningfully higher compared to sequential fourth quarter results, driven by increased shipments and metal margin expansion across the platform, as average realized selling values increased more than scrap raw material costs. Demand remains strong across several key end markets, with the non-residential construction, energy, automotive, and industrial sectors continuing to lead. First quarter 2026 earnings from the company's metals recycling operations are expected to be higher than sequential fourth quarter results, based on significantly expanded metal margin driven by higher ferrous and nonferrous average selling values. Shipments are expected to be somewhat lower in the quarter, as scrap flows were negatively impacted by winter weather conditions in portions of January and February, but have since normalized.